How to Cast a Spinning Reel and Rod in 8 Simple Steps

Beginner anglers are usually struggling to master the art of casting a spinning reel. If you have just bought a spinning rod with reel and you don’t know how to use it, have a look over this article and practice what you read about here as much as you can. However, don’t do it on pavement or asphalt. Choose a grassy surface if you want to avoid tearing up your line.

Casting a Spinning Rod and Reel

Here’s what you need to do:

Assemble your gear

You should start with assembling your outfit. Decide to use a practice plug to avoid damaging your best equipment.

Hold the rod properly

The rod needs to be held with your dominant hand, while the reel has to be just under the hand. Your middle and ring finger should hold the reel in between them, but if you’re not comfortable with this position, try placing the reel between other two of your fingers.

Set the line

Reel or pull out line until there’s 6 inches or 15 cm of it hanging from the tip. After, turn the handle so that the line roller is just under your index finger.

Hold the line

With your index finger, hold your braided line against your rod.

Open the bail

Use your free hand to open the bail.

Target

When you target, just point the rod in the direction in which you want to send it.

Bring the rod into the vertical position

With a smooth movement, put the rod into a vertical position. Your rod should flex while doing this. When its tip is bent backwards, it means that you’re loading the rod. Without stopping it from flexing, push the rod forward, from your elbow and wrist, not from your shoulder

As soon as the rod has done half of its trip to the target, release the line from under your index finger and let your lure fly in the direction you’re aiming at. This movement is about the right timing.

In case your plug went into air, you haven’t released the line when it was time to do it, but too early. Next time wait a little longer to release it. If the plug ended up at your feet, the line was released too late.

Close the bail

After you have sent the lure where you wanted, close the bail.

Practice by targeting different things on the ground. Keep in mind that more exercise now will save your lures from remaining stuck in trees and bushes later.

What Spinning Reel Should I Choose?

In case you are a beginner angler, spinning reels are the best for you because they’re more flexible and not at all difficult to use. More than this, they can be used with all kinds of lines. Here are 5 of the best spinning reels available on the market: