How to cast with a baitcasting reel

You can get some much more out of fishing by using a baitcasting reel and you can perform some tasks better too. However, it takes quite a lot of practive to get your method right and to improve your casting technique. Baitcasting reels frustrate many people when they come to use them but with a little time and effort you can avoid the usual pitfalls. Be warned though that you will, sooner or later, have to unravel a backlash (or "birds nest") which isnt fun at all.

Before practising your casting, there are a few things you might want to focus on though.

When spooling up your reel, consider using heavier line even if you plan on fishing with lighter line. It is easier to cast with heavier line so practice with this instead. Also, don't overfill the spool either since the spool will spin faster and for longer which causes backlashes.

Thumb control is an important part of casting. Your thumb should sit on the spool of line and its job is to control the flow of line. You can practise your thumb control in the garden or even while watching TV. Put a 1 ounce sinker on the end of the line and let the weight drop freely. You may need to loosen the spool control to do this. As the weight drops, use your thumb to stop it just before it hits the floor. Keep repeating this until you get the feel for it.

When you are ready to try casting attach a lure or weight onto the line. Adjust the line brake tension so that the lure will fall by itself to the floor again, but make sure that the line stops feeding once it has hit the ground. (NoteL If you switch weights, you will need to readjust this setting accordingly).

Hold the rod in your hand with the handles pointing downwards towards the floor. When you are ready to cast, put your now highly trained thumb onto the spool and click the line release button.

The tricky part now is to cast your lure, making sure you keep your thumb on the spool while backcasting (i.e rod behind you) but releasing it as you begin your forward cast. The power for the cast should come from your wrist and not your shoulder. When you release your thumn should sit lightly on the spool so that line can be feathered off the spool. As your lure or weight reaches its target, clamp down on the spool as you practised which will stop the forward motion of your line.

You can practice this in a field or large open area before going fishing until you perfect it. If it all sounds too difficult, check out this great how to cast with a baitcaster video.