Back To Basics (Casting) on Cedar Valley Saver Inc.

In the last issue I discussed tying the palomar knot, you have had two weeks to practice so I am sure everyone is proficient at this by now so lets put it to use. Casting is another basic skill that needs to be mastered. There are several types of reels with the most common ones being the spin-cast reel, spinning reel and the bait-cast reel. A spin-cast reel is the classic push button type like the Zebco 202, this is the style that about everybody started with and is the easiest to cast. These reels are great when you are bobber fishing but not so great when you are making multiple casts like you do when fishing with artificial baits, spin-cast reels also create line twist that weakens your line and they have slow line retrieve speeds which makes for a long day of chucking and winding lures. Spinning reels are the open- face (spool) type that are held under the rod and work great for light weight and light line fishing but are not very good for making accurate casts. The bait casting reel is the one that I use in probably 95% of my fishing simply because I can be very accurate with my casts. Even if you are not a tournament angler or a bass fisherman you will benefit from learning to make precise casts. The down fall of baitcast reels are that they are the most difficult to learn how to cast without getting the dreaded backlash (spool over run). Fortunately like a lot of things in today's world, technology has caught up with baitcasters and the backlash nightmares are all but over. Not saying that backlashes still don't happen but the big line cutting bird nests are definitely reduced with modern baitcasting reels. Get your rod and baitcast reel. Use your palomar knot and tie on a half ounce sinker. This is a good weight to practice with, you can start with a heaver weight but need to do the majority of your practicing with a half ounce. To set the proper reel tension hold the rod straight out, parallel with the ground, push the button and let the weight fall to the ground. When the weight hits the ground you should only get one or two loose loops of line on your spool. If you get more loops than this you need to tighten your spool tension, which is the knob on the same side if the reel as the handle (crank). If your baitcaster is one that also has a magnetic spool control then set the magnets in the middle position and only use them for fine tuning. The best tip that I can give some one learning to use a baitcaster is to never make a cast with the spool of the reel parallel to the surface of the water or ground if you practice in your back yard like I do. The proper way to hold the rod and reel is with the handles facing upward (down if you are left handed) and tipped slightly off center. Hold the rod at the ten o'clock position. In one motion, press the button down while holding your thumb against the spool. Bring the rod back by bending the elbow and wrist. In one motion, snap the rod forward with the wrist and extend your arm. While doing this, remove your thumb from the spool. Timing is everything! You should be releasing the spool just as you snap your wrist. Be sure to snap your wrist. Do not use your shoulder to bring the rod forward. If you do, you'll have a very sore shoulder after a long day of fishing. Lower the rod close to parallel and point it at your target. Slow the line from coming off of the spool as your lure reaches the target by applying pressure with your thumb on the spool. I have been using baitcasters for a lot of years, as I go back through and proof read this article, it all make sense to me and will to you also, after you spend some time practicing. I will take a couple of rods with me to the boat show at the UNI dome on march 13-14-15 and would be more than happy to show any one that stops by how to use a baitcast reel or just talk fishing, I will be at the Tracker boats (Waterloo Boats) display at the south end of the dome all three days. Hope to see you there. Until next time keep your lure wet!