| There are several types of casting methods, | | | | line to simulate a lure. Once you've got the hang |
| Overhand, Underhand, Sidearm, Pitching, Flipping, | | | | of it, then you're ready to try it out for real. |
| Slingshot and Tossing. However, there are only | | | | The sidearm method is the same as the |
| two that are mainly used in freshwater fishing; | | | | overhand, except that you swing the rod out to |
| the overhand and sidearm methods. Even though | | | | your side, perpendicular to the ground and a little |
| every angler has their own way of executing | | | | more upper arm may need to be used. |
| each one, there are main aspects that are the | | | | The underhand cast is a little more advanced |
| same. | | | | however, the mechanics are the same as the |
| Sort of like a fingerprint, casting is unique to each | | | | others, but in this cast you bring the rod across |
| person. It comes down to what feels comfortable | | | | the body pointing the rod down at a forty-five |
| and what works for you. If you ask four | | | | degree angle and swing the rod in an upward |
| different anglers how to cast, you will probably | | | | motion. |
| get four different answers. But one aspect that's | | | | Pitching and flipping are fairly simple, specialty |
| consistent is that it's all in the wrist. | | | | casts that may involve the use of the entire arm. |
| I say it's in the wrist and the forearm. The upper | | | | These cast are designed to accurately place your |
| arm should be held against the side of the body | | | | lure in the water with very little splash. They are |
| as if holding a news paper in your armpit. Some | | | | meant for close range casting where a standard |
| casts require more use of the upper arm, but for | | | | cast would be too much. |
| the most part, the upper arm should not be much | | | | With pitch casting you release a rod's length of |
| of a factor when casting. | | | | line pinching the line just above the lure with your |
| Always get to know your reel before casting. | | | | free hand and hold the button on the reel at the |
| You will need to know how to release the line | | | | same time. Put enough tension on the line to |
| correctly before you attempt to cast. Closed | | | | straighten it out then swing the rod out and up |
| faced and some bait-cast and spinning reels have | | | | letting go of the line and the releasing button at |
| a button that, when pressed, (or pulled on some | | | | the same time, "Pitching" the lure at your intended |
| spinners) releases a locking mechanism on the | | | | target. With this cast, you have to be careful not |
| spool inside the reel. When the button is released, | | | | to snag yourself on the lure. |
| the line moves freely from the reel. When you | | | | The flip cast is a bit more involved however, it's |
| turn the handle, the line will not move out freely, | | | | fairly simple to execute and when mastered can |
| but will retrieve. | | | | be very handy. Hold the rod up and out like The |
| Try to start out with a closed faced reel when | | | | Statue of Liberty pose and release the line until |
| first learning to cast. If you need help, ask | | | | your lure hits the ground. Bring the rod back down |
| someone at your local tackle shop or outdoor | | | | and grasp the line between the reel and the first |
| center to show you how to operate your | | | | rod guide with your free hand. |
| particular reel. Remember, the only dumb question | | | | Pull the line through the rod guides and out to the |
| is one not asked. | | | | side holding the rod out about waist high, raising |
| Once you've mastered your reel, you're ready to | | | | the lure off the ground. Holding the line, swing the |
| cast. The overhand cast is the most widely used | | | | lure like a pendulum and "Flip" it at your target. |
| of all casts. It's the standard when one thinks of | | | | You can hold the line while casting or let go when |
| casting. It is mostly used for distance casting and | | | | needed. As I always say, "Go with what works." |
| can be fairly accurate with some practice. Fly | | | | You can also use the flip type method for jig and |
| fishing has it's own specific cast and should only | | | | pigging and drop shot type fishing. Just don't 'Flip" |
| be tried when regular casting has been learned. | | | | the lure out, lower the lure into the water with |
| To execute the overhand cast, find a clear open | | | | the hand holding the line. Continue to hold the line |
| area to practice in, make sure there is at least six | | | | and pull back and forward making the lure move |
| inches of line between the rod tip and your lure. If | | | | up and down in the water. This is a very handy |
| you are using a leader, that could be all you need. | | | | method for Crappie and Blue-gill fishing. |
| Face the target area, a normal stance is really all | | | | The slingshot method is something I came across |
| that is needed. Try to keep your elbow at your | | | | just playing around and then used it for necessity. |
| side. On closed face reels, press and hold the | | | | I later saw it in a fishing magazine, so I can't clam |
| releasing button and lift the rod straight up and | | | | it as mine unfortunately. I'm not sure who thought |
| over the shoulder with the forearm using the | | | | of it first but I think it's nearly the most accurate |
| wrist to point the tip back. | | | | cast there is however, it's not very quiet. |
| At this point, the rod should be at a forty-five | | | | Slingshot casting is perfect for getting your lure |
| degree angle directly over the shoulder with the | | | | under docks and overhanging tree limbs. |
| tip pointing behind you. If you need to use your | | | | It is very similar to pitching except when you put |
| upper arm a bit, that's ok, just try not to put too | | | | tension on the line, use enough to bend the rod tip |
| much upper arm into the cast. Most of the | | | | and then slingshot the lure at you target by letting |
| casting motion should be done with the wrist and | | | | go and pushing the rod out and releasing the |
| forearm. | | | | button on the reel. There is a bit of timing |
| Now, with the wrist and forearm, whip the rod | | | | involved with this one and can be hazardous if not |
| forward releasing the button on the reel just | | | | practiced enough. |
| after the tip passes the top of the arch. Follow | | | | Toss casting is basically what is says. Push and |
| though with the rod stopping when the rod is at a | | | | release the button on your reel. Take the lure in |
| forty-five degree angle to the front. | | | | your free hand and literally toss it at your |
| Practice at home a few times or more from your | | | | intended target. Depending on how good your aim |
| porch or preferably a deck, cast into the yard | | | | is, this can be the most accurate cast of all |
| and retrieve. Attach a sinker to the end of your | | | | however, it's kind of limited on distance. |