Baitcasting rods are usually designed to cast heavier and small fish species from freshwater and saltwater. It is not as difficult as you think. Casting the baitcasting rod will give you experience and make fishing easy.
This guide will have step-by-step information for casting a baitcasting rod easily and effectively.
How to cast a baitcasting rod?
Baitcasting rods work very well in casting both large and small fish species. They are available in different sizes, power, and action. They are used with a combination of a baitcasting reel.
Casting will be more effortless if the reel and line are prepared. Practice and consistent learning will make you an expert in casting your baitcasting rods. Casting a baitcasting rod requires some major steps.
These are:
- Selection of baitcasting rod and reel
- Maintains the distance
- Select the line for the baitcasting rod
- Hold the rod properly
- Handle the reel carefully
- Select the target
- Make a right angle with your dominant hand
- Release the reel spool
- Turn off the reel spool and enjoy casting
- An additional tip for casting a baitcasting rod.
1. Selection of baitcasting rod and reel
The first step will help you select a baitcasting rod with a baitcasting reel to learn how to cast a baitcasting rod. Make sure that each rod is measured accurately based on the reel.
For example, if you choose a 7 foot 5 inch rod, then pair it up with the right baitcasting reel.
2. Select the line for the baitcasting rod
The reel selection is based on the composite material and weight of the line. You should select a heavy line of about 14 to 16 pounds.
The monofilament fishing line will help you cast the baitcasting rod quickly. It also avoids backlashes or tangles while casting.
Related: Learn about the lightest baitcasting rod in this guide.
3. Maintains the distance
Once you select the reel and baitcasting rod for your casting, keep the distance from the ground. Keep a distance of about 20 to 30 centimeters or 12 to 14 inches from the rod’s tip.
Try to maintain the distance of the rod tip according to your height, where it is comfortable to cast the rod.
Related: What Length Baitcasting Rod Should I Get (3 Main Lengths)
4. Hold the rod properly
Casting will be successful when you hold the rod just behind the reel from the correct position. First of all, keep the rod in a horizontal position. Estimate where the line will fall on the ground.
Press the thumb to check the line and see if the lure goes smoothly. It will give you an idea of your line extension and accurate distance. Hold the rod in a comfortable position where you can cast the line easily.
5. Handle the reel carefully
When you hold the rod properly behind the reel, grip the thumb on the reel spool and set the drag and spool tension. The rod and reel are handled by the same hand. So hold the reel carefully by pointing the thumb on the reel spool.
As a result, the line can be retrieved immediately and stopped quickly. You can switch your hands after casting the baitcasting rod, and it will help you control the bar during the cast.
6. Select the target
It would help if you choose a target for your casting. Ensure the target is out of the crowded area and away from bushes and stones. The bushes and rocks tangle or mingle your fishing line. It might get stuck in them and increase the chances of breakage.
Once you select the targeted position free from these obstacles, you are just a few steps away from the perfect casting.
7. Make a right angle with your dominant hand
To cast the baitcasting rod, it is necessary to make a right angle by holding the rod with the dominant hand. Place your hand back over your shoulder or bend over the elbow horizontally.
Make the line in a vertical position with an accurate distance from the rod’s tip. After that, the rod becomes slightly at the right angle. As you reach the position of releasing the line for your cast, remove the line.
8. Release the reel spool
After making a right angle with the rod, take your thumb off the reel spool to release it. The weight of bait and lures will pull the line off the spool and pull it toward the target.
Generally, the longer baitcasting rods cast far, and the shorter ones cast short. So stop the line according to the cast.
Related: Can You Use A Baitcaster On A Spinning Rod (Fishing Rod Basics)
9. Turn off the reel spool and enjoy casting
Manage the rod and reel at the right angle and turn off the reel spool by pressing the thumb. When your lure or bait reaches the targeted area or strikes on the water, cut the fishing line.
You can retrieve the reel again for better casting, preventing the line from reversing. Hence by following these simple steps, you are now ready to cast the baitcasting rod on your own.
10. An additional tip for casting baitcasting rod
The additional tip for your best casting experience is to try to practice baitcasting at an isolated location. Where not too many people are behind and closer.
So cast the rod independently and maintaining a small or far distance from the water will help you make the right angle of your rod.
Ending Remarks
Baitcasting rods are not designed similarly to the other fishing rods style. Learning about the casting baitcasting rod is not a difficult task. Many of the steps of each casting rod are similar, but a few steps are different.
To help you become a professional baitcaster, we have outlined some of the most significant steps that will help you learn about baitcasting. If you follow all the steps above, you will be able to cast your baitcasting rod.
We hope this will make you an expert and help you in your difficult situation.