How to Cast a Spinning Reel

Spinning reels are pretty accurate and undoubtedly the most widely used type of fishing reel in the world. They are pretty versatile and feature a variety of casting and line retrieval techniques. Besides, you cannot doubt the efficiency and convenience of a spinning reel. But you cannot achieve acceptable levels of accuracy, versatility, and convenience if you are not proficient with how to cast a spinning wheel.

One of the challenges that beginner anglers face towards making their first catch using a standard is knowing how to set up and cast the fishing gear. Even more, your success with a spinning reel starts and ends with the right choice of a spinning reel. So, you will first need to choose the best spinning reel based on your needs and preferences.

Ideally, using a spinning reel is pretty straightforward. And any beginner will most likely get proficient with spinning reels in a couple of hours. However, it will probably take you longer to master more specialist casting styles with your spinning reel.

We will look into the essentials of making a cast with a spinning wheel. Hopefully, this step-by-step guide will help you familiarize yourself with what you need to know about casting a spinning reel. But before that, let us look into the design and features of a spinning reel.

 

Spinning Reels: Design and Features

You cannot master the process of casting a spinning reel before you understand the design and features. Of course, the mechanics of a spinning reel is very different from any other type of fishing reels’ mechanics. So, before we get into the casting process, we will briefly discuss a spinning reel’s features.

Spinning reels feature open-faced designs and attach to fishing rods from below. The lure’s weight conveniently pulls the fishing line off the spool because these reels use fixed spools.

The attaching mechanism makes make these reels perfectly comfortable and natural to hold. Besides, it provides angling enthusiasts with an unbeatable balance. It is these features that make this kind of fishing reel a favorite for many beginners.

The drag systems for most modern spinning reels are either at the top or on the front of the gear. Besides, we need to note that many of them use wet or dry drag systems. Wet drag systems are more common, less expensive, and easier to maintain. On the other hand, dry drags are more consistent but more costly. Besides, dry drags are rarely affected by long sustained runs.

Step by Step Guide On How to Cast a Spinning Reel

Interestingly, your angling skill level remains the key determinant of your casting accuracy and distance. You need to nurture your skills if you want to be a good angler. However, it is impossible to downplay various other factors such as line quality, lure weight, and the power of the cast.

The following steps are pretty essential;

 

Step 1- Hold the reel appropriately.

You are not going to achieve much with casting if you cannot abide by the basics. And one of those things you have to look out for is how to hold a spinning reel properly. So, using your dominant hand, grip the rod and keep it in a horizontal position. Positioning it this way implies that it will be below the rod, with its face towards the ground.

 

Step 2- Set The Grip Appropriately

Naturally, the stem of your reel foot should automatically be between your middle finger and ring. It is only this way that your index finger will reach over the line roller and the bail. Also, doing so will enable your thumb to wrap around the rod.

Therefore, if your hands are too small, you may need to adjust the grip by playing around with the reel grip until you have the reel’s stem between your pinky and the ring. Notably, this positioning will also depend on the size of your reel.

 

Step 3- Reel in Your Line

You will need to reel in your line gently but confidently. Ensure that you do this until you have slightly between 6 to 12 inches of the line off your rod’s tip. Moreover, you will need to ensure proper alignment between your line roller and your rod.

 

Step 4- Set Your Lure

Confirm the shape and position of your lure at the end of the line. Firstly, ensure that you properly secure your bait at the end of the line. Also, ensure that your lure does not touch the tip of the rod. If it does, your cast will lack the desired accuracy and distance.

Position your lure far away from the rod tip is also detrimental to your casting accuracy and distance. So, put it between 6 to 12 inches.

 

Step 5- Set the Spool

Firstly, ensure that your reel is spooled correctly. If you are not sure, you can learn how to spool a fishing reel. With your index finger holding the line, slip open the bail to put the spool into free mode. Once you do this, letting go of your line automatically allows the line to leave the spool freely.

 

Step 6- Make The Cast

It’s time to make your inaugural cast.  And just like you positioned your gear, the next thing will be to position you’re your body for the casting.

Let your shoulders face your target, and go through the normal process of casting a rod. Draw the rod back slowly and swing it back forward.

Simultaneously, use your index finger to release the line. Your lure will conveniently carry your line off the spool to the point where you intended to cast your bait. If you are a baseball player and know how to release the ball, then the phenomenal is the same. Instead of releasing the ball, let off the line.

Your release point determines your lure’s trajectory. Releasing too early necessitates a high-flying bait with a relatively short distance. Releasing too late will also land your lure directly in front of you.

Achieving the optimal distance demands proper control of your release point. You can achieve optimal distance by releasing the line when the rod tip is halfway off the starting point.

 

Final Words

A spinning reel is pretty versatile and practical if you want to bring some fish back home. While you can use it in any water body, including lakes, oceans, seas, and streams, the key to successful fishing lies in acquiring the best spinning reel. Also, your success is dependent on your skill level.

We advise that you take some time to learn how to clean a fishing reel and how to store a fishing reel appropriately. You can hone your skills by practicing in the backyard. The essence of this is to ensure that you can get your distances and trajectories right before you venture into the waters. While you may still end up with fish on your first day in the waters with the spinning reel, practicing on the waters is unnecessary.

We hope that this article will help you to focus on catching fish.