How to Cast a Fishing Rod: Spinning, Spincast and Baitcaster
How to cast a fishing rod? Reel the lure up to about 6 to 12 inches below the rod tip, free the line (open the bail, press the button or set the baitcaster to free spool), bring the rod back to about the 2 o'clock position, then swing it forward in one smooth motion and let the line go as the rod passes about 10 o'clock. Stop the line when the lure lands and close the reel before you retrieve.
Below we cover the three main reel types step by step, how to cast more accurately and the fixes for the most common casting problems. Gearing up for the water? See our USA flag fishing shirts.
How to cast a fishing rod: the basic motion
Every cast uses the same clock-face idea. Picture yourself standing beside a clock, with 12 o'clock straight up.
- Set the drop. Leave about 6 to 12 inches of line between the rod tip and the lure.
- Look at your target. Face it and point the rod at it.
- Load the rod. Bring the rod back smoothly to about 2 o'clock. The weight of the lure bends the tip.
- Cast forward. Swing the rod forward with your forearm and wrist, not your whole body.
- Release. Let the line go as the rod passes about 10 o'clock, then follow through toward the target.
- Stop and close. Stop the line when the lure lands, close the reel and take up the slack.
Always look behind you before you cast, and keep hooks well away from people nearby.
How to cast a spinning reel
Spinning reels hang under the rod and are the most common choice for beginners.
- Hold the rod with the reel stem between your middle fingers.
- Turn the handle until the line roller is near your index finger.
- Pick up the line with your index finger and hold it against the rod handle.
- Open the bail (the wire arm) with your other hand.
- Cast back to 2 o'clock and forward, and lift your finger off the line near 10 o'clock.
- Touch the spool lip with your finger to stop the lure, then close the bail by hand or by turning the handle.
How to cast a spincast (push-button) reel
Spincast reels are the closed reels found on many kids' and starter rods. Wikipedia's fishing reel article describes how they work: a button "on the rear of the reel disengages the line pickup, and the button is then released during the forward cast to allow the line to fly off the spool. The button is pressed again to stop the lure at the position desired" (Wikipedia, Fishing reel).
- Press and hold the button.
- Cast back and forward.
- Release the button as the rod comes forward.
- Press it again to stop the line, then turn the handle to lock the line in.
How to cast a baitcasting reel
Baitcasters sit on top of the rod and give more control, but they take practice. Per Wikipedia: "the reel is turned on its side, the 'free spool' feature engaged, and the thumb placed on the spool to hold the lure in position. The cast is performed by snapping the rod backward to the 2 o'clock position, then casting it forward in a smooth motion, allowing the lure to pull the line from the reel."
The thumb does the braking. Press lightly on the spool as the lure flies and firmly when it lands. If the spool spins faster than the line leaves, you get a tangle called a backlash or "bird's nest." Start with a heavier lure, set the brake and spool tension higher, and lower them as you improve.
How to cast more accurately
- Use short casts first. Aim at a target 20 to 30 feet away, such as a hoop on the lawn, before going for distance.
- Keep the rod in one plane. A rod that swings off to the side sends the lure off to the side.
- Feather the line. Slow the line with your finger or thumb as the lure gets close to the target.
- Try a sidearm cast. Under trees or docks, keep the rod low and cast side to side.
Why can't I cast my fishing rod? Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lure slams into the water close by | Released the line too late | Let go earlier, near 10 o'clock |
| Lure flies straight up | Released the line too early | Hold the line a moment longer |
| Short casts | Lure too light, too much drop, or line overfilled or underfilled | Use a heavier lure, 6 to 12 inch drop, fill spool to just below the lip |
| Bird's nest on a baitcaster | Spool overrun | Thumb the spool, raise the brake and tension |
| Line loops off a spinning reel | Line twist or loose line on the spool | Close the bail by hand and keep tension on the line as you reel |
What to wear while you practice
Long days of casting mean hours in the sun. Read how to avoid sunburn while fishing and our guide on what to wear fishing. Our USA flag fishing shirts can be personalized with your name and come in styles such as Long Sleeve UPF, Hooded Long Sleeve UPF and T-Shirt UPF, from $19.99. Styles and sizes vary by design, so check each product page; for example the US fishing hook American flag shirt.
FAQ
What is the proper way to cast a fishing rod?
Leave 6 to 12 inches of line below the tip, free the line, bring the rod back to 2 o'clock, swing forward smoothly and release near 10 o'clock.
What is the easiest reel for beginners to cast?
A spincast (push-button) reel is the simplest, and a spinning reel is the next step. Baitcasters take the most practice.
Why can't I cast my fishing rod far?
Common causes are a lure that is too light, releasing at the wrong time, or a spool with too little line. Fix one thing at a time.
How do you reel in after casting?
Close the bail or engage the reel, take up the slack until the line is tight, then turn the handle at a steady speed.
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