How to Cast Like a Pro: Mastering Your Fishing Reel

Every fisherman can learn to make accurate and smooth casts, which will significantly improve the results of fishing. We, professional anglers from Fishmak Store, are ready to share essential tips — from choosing the right reel to setting it up properly. These universal recommendations will help you, no matter what fish you’re after.

Choosing the right reel

Setting up your gear correctly won’t help if you’ve chosen the wrong reel for the particular conditions. What you need to pay attention to first:

• The type of fishing. For example, angling from shore or boat, bottom or float fishing, winter angling, and so on. The basic necessary characteristics of your equipment will depend on this, such as durability, spool capacity, power, and so on. So in one case, you will need the most powerful and large baitcasting reel, and in another – resistant to cold ice fishing models;
• Type of fish. For small and skittish prey like Green Sunfish or Creek Chub, you will need the lightest and most sensitive model, while for large tuna or sailfish – powerful and durable, able to withstand loads. For example, in our store you will find many durable catfish reels for sale, which are specially designed for these tough fish;
• The type of water body. Take into account whether you are fishing in the open sea or in a confined area with lots of algae and snags. Depth, strength of currents, water salinity and so on also play an important role.

Key characteristics of the reel are: type, power, brake system, spool capacity, size, gear ratio, and so on. Before buying it is recommended to consult with specialists in a fishing store – they will also help you choose a model that will complement your equipment set and provide maximum balance.

Friction setting and line tension adjustment

Casting range and accuracy directly depend on the correct setting of the friction system. With proper adjustment, the angler will be able to control the release of the fishing line and prevent it from breaking during prey jerks and the formation of knots. This is especially important when reeling in the fish. How to adjust the friction:

• The friction should be tightened so that at the maximum tension the line moves with little resistance. If you overtighten it, you increase the likelihood of breaks.
• Do a tension check. If you pull the line by hand, it should move smoothly, jerking is a bad sign;
• When fishing for aggressive and active predators, it is recommended to loosen the drag.

Some models also have a tension adjuster. Its correct setting ensures smooth casting and full control over the bait. To check this parameter, hook the bait and raise the rod to a vertical position. Then release the spool and watch as the line unravels and the lure drops. There are three possible outcomes:

• If the fall is too slow/the bait is not moving, then the tension needs to be reduced;
• If the fall is smooth and steady, the setting is correct;
• If the lure is falling too fast and the line is tangling, you need to increase the tension.

Proper casting technique

Much of this depends on the fishing technique used. But there are general recommendations that will increase the chances of successful casting:

• Correct and comfortable grip. The hand should be slightly relaxed, this will ensure smooth movements. Hold the fishing line with your finger. This will help to control the tension (make smooth operations);
• Proper fishing rod positioning. The optimal angle for a successful throw is 45 degrees. First, make a smooth backswing to build up speed. The grip should be firm, but not overly tight;
• Test different casting techniques depending on the conditions. For example, sometimes a side cast is the best solution, while in  other situation, an overhead/flip/roll cast may be more effective;
• Smoothly release the fishing line as you cast. Do not make sudden movements and control the process;
• Check the reel bail before casting;
• When the bait is in the water, you need to loosen the line tension. This will help to avoid snagging/ hooking.

However, the most important thing is regular practice and gaining experience. Both improvement in one technique and testing several styles in different types of water bodies, taking into account their specifics, will help.