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:
1. Cadence CS5 Ultralight Carbon Fiber Spinning Reel Review
This carbon fiber spinning reel features 8 stainless-steel ball bearings and another one that’s anti-reverse. It’s designed for comfort, durability and increased performance. More than this, it’s lightweight and built from high-quality materials.
2. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel Review
The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel offers great performance at an affordable price. It can turn any beginner angler into a professional. Built to offer more power, this reel has a frame made from lightweight graphite and is very powerful. It casts far and holds more line than other reels in the same category.
3. Penn Pursuit II & III Spinning Reel Review
The Pursuit II & III Spinning Reel from Penn is also ideal for those who are looking for great value and high-quality at an affordable price. It has an advanced drag system and is built on a durable yet lightweight frame. Besides, it features an anti-reverse bearing and cranks smoothly so that the handle back play is reduced and kept to a minimum.
4. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel Review
While much more expensive than other spinning reels, the Daiwa BG series reel offers increased performance and many features like a dynamic aluminum spool, a 6+1 bearing system that’s very smooth and a carbon ATD drag. Besides, Daiwa is a market leader and very innovative when it comes to making their fishing equipment. There’s nothing wrong with paying more for the brand name and the best performance you could find.
5. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel Review
The Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel has the most exquisite design and is built from lightweight graphite. It features a 9 +1 bearing system for smoother performance. More than this, it has triple drag washers and a drive gear made from anti-corrosive zinc. The price is very low for the great features and the high-quality materials that this spinning reel offers.