If you are looking for a model that is easy to learn and suitable for long fishing trips, this is your choice. Learning to fish with Spinning reels is easy, the risk of line tangling is minimal, and there are fewer adjustments than in more professional equipment. At the same time, such models will allow you to make long & accurate throws, as well as easily get even large prey out of the water. Below we will tell you in detail how to cast with Spinning reel.
Hold the Rod Properly comfortably
Open the Bail
Your next steps:
- Find the small expelled bail. It is made of metal (aluminum/stainless steel), so you can easily distinguish it from other reel elements. It should be on the top of the spool.
- It will default to the raised position. You just need to turn it in one easy motion. It shouldn't be too difficult. If there are difficulties, you should check your gear. There may be damage due to improper care.
- You will hear a distinctive click. The mechanism for holding the line is unlocked.
Hold the Line with Finger
Tension plays a key role. Otherwise there is a high risk of tangling. It is also unlikely that you will be able to cast accurately & long.
Now that you have removed the lock, use your finger to control. Without applying too much force, use it to press the line against the spool. Which arm to use depends on your preference/chosen model. But it is most convenient to do that with your index finger.
Identify where you want to throw your line
Look around the body of water and decide where exactly you want to cast your bait. It should be a place where fish are likely to be hiding/swimming. The distance will determine the force of your throw. Take into account the weight of your lures (it all depends on whether you are using heavy crankbaits or light soft plastics, for example). Check that there are no obstacles behind or to the side of you (e.g. branches) that will prevent you from casting freely.
If there are no problems, then focus on the point in the water where you want to throw the bait. Accuracy is of utmost importance here (especially if you are fishing in a body of water with difficult terrain, for example, in a muddy lake overgrown with grass).
Cast Forward with a Smooth Motion
If your rod is at an incline + the line is secured with your finger, you are ready to cast. Make a smooth and even forward motion with the rod. Avoid jerking. Allow your wrist to move forward by inertia to enhance your cast. The weight of your baits/lures will also pull the line out behind it.
If you have calculated the force correctly, then your cast will be maximized points. You should take into account the distance and the weight of your line/baits.
Close the Bail Manually
As your lure falls into the water, you will begin to feel the tension in the line. It is important to close the bail at this stage. This will secure the line and prevent it from tangling.
Some Spinning Reels models do this automatically. But more often you have to do it manually. If you have done it correctly and on time, the fishing line will not sag. Also, at this stage, check whether it passes freely through rod guides and whether there are no snags.
Hold your handle firmly and wait for a fish to bite
Your fishing trip has begun. You now need to wait for your prey. Hold the fishing rod in a comfortable position. Control the reel handle (it should be stable and not start moving due to line tension). Be patient, as the fish may not react immediately to your bait. Therefore, the comfort of your position is especially important. A few general recommendations:
- To fully control the lure/bait, you need to maintain proper tension on the line;
- Make sure the line runs smoothly through the rod guides;
- Keep the rod relaxed, but do not lose control. There is no need to overstretch the wrist;
- If any snags occur, just react in time and correct them.
Also, note that a fish's bite may be very faint and barely noticeable. Especially if you are hunting cautious prey. For example, skittish bass. However, spinning models have high sensitivity, so you can feel it. Do not make sudden movements and do not lose concentration.
Start Retrieving the Line
When you feel a nibble, you need to start pulling the fish out of the water. Do not rush to pull up the line immediately, you need to make sure that the fish is hooked on the bait. Check the tension. Leave your prey some freedom, but keep control of the process.
Start turning the reel handle smoothly. Avoid jerks and sudden movements. This way you reduce the risk of tangling. You need a balance so that the line is not too taut, but also not sagging. Hold the rod at an angle. It may flex a little.
Keep in mind that the fish will resist. During spurts, you should change the speed of the reel. How fast you should pull the fish out of the water depends on many factors, there is no universal advice.
But during strong jerks, sometimes you need to slow down, giving the prey some freedom.
How to cast farther with a Spinning reel
One of the reasons why anglers choose this particular type of fishing reels is the ability to do long-distance casting. This is especially true when fishing in wide rivers, large lakes or in the sea/ocean. The very model of equipment you choose (reel/rod specifications) plays a key role. But proper casting techniques can also improve your results. Basic tips on how to cast far with a Spinning reel:
- The optimal initial throwing position is a 45-degree angle;
- The swing should be done from the back. It should be powerful & smooth;
- Smoothly release your index finger at the moment of casting;
- At the end of the throw, extend your arm. The movement can be more abrupt;
- Set up the brake system in advance;
- Pay special attention to the angle of casting. Both too low and too high will make your throw less far;
- Choose your lures carefully. They should match the characteristics of your equipment + not be too light. It is better to choose heavier baits. As an option: heavy crankbaits. But it all depends on the type of your water body + prey.
How to cast a Spinning reel for Beginners: main tips
These models are recommended to beginners for a reason. They are quite easy to master, as they do not require the mandatory application of complex techniques and regulation of a lot of settings. But to increase the chances of a successful catch, we can recommend following these tips:
- Choose your model carefully. The material is important (this determines the weight & strength of the equipment, and the ability to use it in salt water), along with gear ratio, size and capacity of the spool, the number of bearings and so on. In order not to make a mistake, answer the following questions: Where and who am I going to catch? Is it a powerful and aggressive ocean fish or a small and skittish river prey? This way you can narrow down the list of suitable models;
- Choose a reel that matches your rod. Proper balance is the key to success;
- Pay special attention to the choice of bait. Spinning models perform well with lighter-weight lures, but in some conditions, heavier accessories will work better. Take into account the depth you want to fish at. Some fish hide on the bottom, so you'll need weighted lures (e.g. deep-diving crankbaits), while for other prey that feed near the surface, light poppers are ideal;
- If you are a beginner, it is better to choose the lightest and simplest models to start with. Tightness will be a plus. Only after a while switch to more powerful variants;
- The optimal choice for beginners is the most universal models. That is, average gear ratio, average spool capacity and so on. In this way, you will be able to experiment with different techniques/lures.
We hope our tips on casting with Spinning reels will help you to make your angling experience as comfortable as possible. But if you still have questions about your gear or want to choose the right lures and other accessories, you are always welcome at our fishing gear shop.