FISHING HOW-TO: Casting a Spinning Rod

By Peter J. Park and Semi Park

Casting is the act of projecting a bait or lure (that is connected to fishing line) using a fishing rod.

Below are a series of instructional steps for beginners on casting a spinning rod (fishing rod with spinning reel). Learning how to cast is essential to fishing, but it is also very fun! 

Spinning Reel

Image adapted from: http://wired2fish.scout.com/story/1468580-a-guide-to-bass-fishing-reels

I. GET SET

Imagine that there is a giant clock parallel to your body: a) your arms would be the arms of the clock, b) your feet are positioned at 6 o'clock, c) the top of your head is positioned at 12 o'clock, and c) your face is looking to 3 o'clock. 

1.  Position the fishing rod at 9 o'clock.

2. Make sure the fishing line (located past the rod tip) is about 12-15" from the terminal tackle. This length will allow you to load the rod smoothly.

3. Open the bail arm (also called bail) of the fishing reel.

4. Grab hold of the line with your index finger (otherwise, the line on your spool will unravel).

II. LET GO

5. Swiftly swing the rod forward from 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock, along the plane parallel to the length of your body.

6. Allow the rod to load (bend) during the swing. This will automatically happen as a result of the weight of the terminal tackle. You can think of this bend as energy being stored, much in the same way that a catapult or a sling-shot stores energy before release.

7. At 12 o'clock, let go of the line on your index finger. This is done by straightening out your index finger. (DO NOT straighten all of your fingers - otherwise, the rod will fly right out of your hand!) Be sure to follow through on your casting motion to 3 o'clock (see below).

 

The "perfect cast" will propel the bait or lure at an angle of about 45 degrees. It will just feel right.

If the bait or lure flies sky high, you let go too early. If it dips immediately to the ground, you let go too late. Don't get discouraged - practice makes "perfect"!

 III. FOLLOW THROUGH

8. After casting, be sure to close the bail arm on the fishing reel. Only after this is done, should you turn the reel handle.

9. Reel in the slack (loose, left-over) line by turning the reel handle in the forward (clockwise, in our clock analogy) direction.
10. Be alert as you are now ready to catch a fish! Be prepared for a bite! Best of luck!