Bass Enthusiast - How to Cast a Baitcasting Set-Up

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How to Cast a Baitcasting Set-Up

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How to Cast a Baitcasting Set-Up

This page talks about how to cast with a baitcasting set-up and some practice tips.

How to Cast a Spincasting Set-Up

A baitcasting rod set-up can have either a pistol-type grip or a straight handle. As in spincasting, the casting reel and line guides are mounted on top of the rod. Unlike the other two types of reels, the casting reel's line spool turns as you cast and can snarl the line if it is not controlled properly. Therefore these types of bass fishing set-ups are used by more advanced anglers. The reason for this is learning to control this spool makes casting tackle harder for most people to learn. However if you use the correct technique, and are prepared to spend a bit of time practicing to make it natural, a baitcaster will become a dream machine to use.

Casting With a Baitcasting Set-Up

Hold the rod and reel tilted so that the handles are higher than the spool of the reel. (Left handers should have the handles facing down). The reel should be cocked to one side of top dead centre.

The grip should be similar to holding a tennis racket. The "V" developed between the thumb and the index finger should be virtually at top dead centre. The grip should be relaxed.

You will find that in holding the rod as described in rules 1 & 2, the index finger is all that is required to stop the rod falling to the floor. The weight, or balance of the rod will cause the butt to push up into the palm of the hand. Actually it will be pushing up into the palm area beneath the thumb known as "the mount".

The area between the side of your thumb and the flat of your thumb should rest across the line on the spool. In other words, if you consider the rod to be pointing North, your thumb should be pointing more North North West than North.

There is one thing that you should ensure you do not get in the practice of doing, hold the rod and reel in the upright position. Too many anglers attempt to hold the reel in the upright position. This forces the thumb to lie straight north south, and this in turn cause a whole host of problems which are sure to result in over-runs (birdnests).

Before you attempt to practice you should make sure your spool contains enough line. The line should fill up to the bottom of the chamfer on the top edge of the spool. A full spool does not have to revolve so quickly as the line peels off on the cast. If the spool is only half full you are going to need more force to overcome greater rotational inertia in getting the spool going. This is sure to result in problems.

For your first few casts you should aim to lob your lure or practice plug to a given target. Make sure your reel is tilted to the side, your grip is relaxed, and your elbow is by your side. There is no need to bring your upper arm into the action during the cast. Your first casts should be gentle and high looping. Keep the movement fluid and gentle and glance at the target you wish to cast to, but watch the plug as it glides through the air. As it travels you should be feathering the line with your thumb, ever so gently. As it reaches the target zone, your thumb should stop the spool.

Once you practice for about 20 to 30 minutes baitcasting will become as easy a spincasting. In a matter of a few casts you will find your confidence soaring. Once that feeling is achieved a whole new world of fishing pleasure will open its door to you.