More of this Feature • Part 1:Getting ready to cast a bait casting reel • Part 2:Learning to Cast a bait casting reel
Join the Discussion "Do you have any other tips on casting a bait casting outfit?" Ronnie
Related Resources • Bait Casting Reels
Past Articles One Year Ago -4/15/02 - Attitude and Fishing Two Years Ago - 4/9/01 - Catching Crappie Three Years Ago - 4/03/00 - Access to Public Lands Four Years Ago -04/12/99 - Fishing Memories Part 4 Five Years Ago - 04/13/98 - One More Boat Tale Six Years Ago - 04/14/97 - Bream Are Bedding

When you are ready to learn to cast, tie on a practice plug or sinker - half ounce is about right. Tighten the freespool control until the weight stops when it hits the floor and the reel stops spinning. This will be too tight for normal casting but helps you learn.

Take your outfit out and make a short lob type cast. Swing your whole arm, don't try to snap the rod tip with your wrist. The reason for casting like this to start is you want the spool to start spinning slowly and evenly. A lob cast will do this. A snap cast will make the spool start spinning fast from the beginning, almost guaranteeing a http://fishing.about.com/od/fishingglossary/g/Backlash.htm.

Keep casting like this, making longer and longer cast. Gradually loosen up the freespool control until you have to stop the spool with your thumb, just like you practiced. Once you get confident in using a heavy weight, try lighter weights and learn different ways to cast.

A tip from Mac who visits the forum: "The reel should be standing on end when each cast is ending. That is to say, that your arm and wrist should rotate a quarter turn so that the back of your thumb faces across your chest at the end. Seems to help in preventing backlashes, but I'll be darned if I know why."

That is a good tip. Rotating the reel as you cast will help it spin more smoothly. The reel should be vertical, with the handle facing up, at the end of the cast. This, like other tips here, takes some practice.

Everyone will get backlashes at times. Don't let them discourage you. Keep practicing and you will find out why the bait casting reel is so popular.

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