Certainly, one of the most challenging aspects to master with casting reels is the art of casting. With technique and training, you will eventually tame the handling of your rod à pêche and your double handle to place your lures accurately to the nearest centimeter.
For this, you will need to understand the technology of your reel. You will need to understand how your brake works, what exactly happens under the frame when your line comes out. The rotation speed of the spool will become a real obsession to avoid tangles.
Once this technical concept is acquired, you will have to face the adjustment. The numerous knobs can be intimidating at first, but with a bit of practice in your yard or pool, any angler is able to improve their precision.
You will then need to master the practical aspect, and extend 20 to 30m of line on a single wrist impulse. You will need to learn how to position your finger, allow the axis to rotate and know how to slow down the rotation before touching the water. At this point, you will appreciate the quality of each bearing and the quality of the rings.
All that remains for you is to practice as often as possible to quickly gain comfort, worrying little about the size of your lures. Different fishing techniques are possible, for searching for fish such as trout in baitfinesse or pike with big bait.
How does it work?
This type of reel is called a spinning reel because it is the spool that will create a rotation phenomenon during the casting phase. These fishing techniques involve disengaging and giving an impulse with your Casting rod. Your fishing lure will then go more or less far.
It is indeed this rotation of the spinning spool that you will need to manage to reach the desired casting distance for any angler. For this, you can rely on a braking system that you will need to set yourself for each lure, or almost.
For that, you can intervene on a specific button. Usually, it is an adjustment that tightens and loosens. It will allow the spool to rotate more or less freely during casting. The tighter you tighten, the less free the spool is and vice versa.
Depending on the weight of your lure, you alternate tightening more or less. You will also find precision knobs on some casting reels which allow you to adjust more easily during fishing action. It also fine-tunes according to the wind conditions encountered or the fishing techniques used.
Two major friction braking systems exist to this day. You will often see written magnetic or centrifugal. The first is managed with an external selector, quite easy to understand, while the second requires adjusting inside the body by moving weights.
An impressive first grip.
It's not always easy to face your first casting combo. The reel is on top, so are the rings, you realize you don't need a second hand to cast. Indeed, it's odd… but it doesn't last long.
You've understood the system, the technologies of your first purchase, all that remains is to practice. You are of course afraid that your line will suddenly want to come out of the frame on the first cast, and you'll create the biggest tangle ever, with 135m of brand new braid.
So here are some tips and practices to not find yourself helpless on the first use and have a chance to adhere to this technique:
- Your first line body should be nylon and preferably of a fairly large diameter. This will avoid knots and make them easier to undo.
- Tighten the friction brake at the beginning, and only loosen it as you gain ease in your casting.
- Take the time to learn. Don't get discouraged. If you understand the mechanics, the line will eventually shoot out from the spool and assure you an extraordinary accuracy quickly.
Once you are calm, we invite you to make your first adjustment. For this, it's simple. You have to install a lure on your line (a large one to start). Tighten your spool knob all the way and hold your rod horizontally.
Then disengage the spool and let the lure descend to the ground. It should descend slowly and the spool should stop turning when the lure touches the ground. Once you have this setting, you are ready to cast!
The subtleties that can make the difference
The size of your line body is often a problem at the beginning of your practice. Thin diameters, especially if you opted for 8 strands, are difficult to master. Choose a larger diameter for your first few weeks and try to stick to 4 strands, it may be a bit noisier and less comfortable, but causes fewer problems.
Start with high weights. If you don't want your spool axle to speed up because you are forcing with a small lure, start with at least 10g or a bit more. You will more easily develop habits if you spend less time untangling knots. You will get used to the knobs, the double handle, or the disengagement.
Lastly, you will need to learn how to use your thumb. In fact, it will allow you to take over from a spool bearing that sometimes speeds up. You hence manage the rotation speed more easily from the beginning to the end of the cast.
Once you have formed good habits, you will quickly be able to find yourself by the water and catch your first fish in casting, and why not a nice pike with big baits.
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