The object of the game is always to get that bait or lure where the fish are. Perfecting your cast can perfect your fishing game. Practice is the best way to improve technique. The method of casting varies, depending on location, distance and weather conditions, but the object of the game never changes. Code Red Fishing Charters has a few simple techniques to help you achieve a better cast.
Overhead Cast
When you need to cast some distance, the overhead cast provides a powerful and accurate cast. The overhead cast is commonly used on our fishing charters, especially when we want to get our bait out there where the fish are and we aren’t. This is one of the most accurate methods of casting.
While holding down the button on your casting reel, lift the rod back over your head.
Sling the rod forward and release the button at the same time.
Allow the bait to drag out your line.
If you want to slow your spool, push the button back down and it will do the trick. Be careful not to end up with line tangle from a back lash!
Shooting Cast
If you are fishing from a boat or dock, you might prefer shooting. We use this technique on our fishing charters when we need to shoot the bait or lure straight out in front of us and up under a dock or other object.
Using the opposite hand from the one that is holding the rod, pull the lure or bait back towards you along the rod about half the distance between the rod tip and the reel. Make sure that you grip the back of the hook to avoid hooking yourself.
Using the index finger on the hand that is holding the rod, pull the line and hold it in place to keep it tight and prevent it from slipping, like you would pull a trigger back.
If you’re using a spinning reel, flip the bail open. The bail is the thin wire on the reel that flips from one side to the other.
While your dominant hand grips the rod, grasp the lure behind the hook with the opposite hand, and pull the lure back towards you. This should bow your rod down.
Aim down the rod like you are using a sight on a gun, and then simultaneously release the lure and your index finger that was holding your line. The line will shoot off the spool in the direction of your rod. The lure should land directly in line of your aim.
Pitching
If you want to cast less than 10 yards out, you might want to try pitching. We frequently use the pitching cast on our fishing charters out on Mosquito Lagoon.
Hold the rod in your dominant hand and the lure in your opposite hand.
Bring the lure down to the reel and keep the line tight.
Hold down the button on your reel and drop the tip of your rod down.
Bring back the lure while keeping the line tight with tension, and in a swooping movement sling your rod outward in the direction you want to cast.
Allow the momentum to pull the lure out of your other hand. Watch out for the hook! The lure will drop where the tip of your rod is pointing.
Distance can be controlled by using your thumb to slow the line.
Flipping
We use this technique on our fishing charters when we want our lure or bait to drop into the water quietly. This method is ideal for a very short cast of just a few feet. It allows the lure to drop into heavy cover. You will need a stiff rod and heavy braided line.
Pull out some slack in the line while estimating target distance.
Keep the reel engaged with your dominant hand.
Using your opposite hand, grip the slack in the line.
The rod will be used to sling the lure and put momentum behind it while the other hand manually grips and controls the line by allowing it to cast out and tug it back in. Wherever you sling the lure, it will drop in the direction you tip your rod.
You can pull your slacked line in and out like a yo-yo with this manual method that avoids using the reel. The rod swings the lure like a pendulum over the water.
Side Cast
We use side casting on our fishing charters when it is windy. It keeps the lure or bait low. You can project your hook across the water without being thrown off course by windy conditions.
Bring the rod to your side.
Snap your wrist forward and release the line at the same time.
Casting is an art that must be developed with practice. Even the most experienced of anglers regularly practice their cast technique. Come practice your casting and learn technique with Code Red Fishing Charters! Captain Matt Lee will take you out on Mosquito Lagoon and teach you the tricks to a perfect cast. Call Captain Matt Lee to book your fishing charter at (386) 214-3530!
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