How To Cast A Spinning Reel

Casting a spinning reel isn't rocket science, but doing it smoothly takes a little finesse. Whether you’re hitting the lake for the first time or just need a quick refresher, here’s how to get your line in the water the right way.

1. Face Your Target

Turn your body in the direction you want to cast. Your shoulders, hips, and feet should all be aiming where you want your lure to land.

2. Set Your Stance

Hold your rod out in front of you, parallel to the ground. Make sure you're gripping it with your dominant hand, right where the reel connects to the rod.

3. Grab The Line

With your pointer finger, hook the line and pull it snug against the rod. This keeps the line from unspooling too early.

4. Open The Bail

With your other hand, flip open the bail on your spinning reel (that’s the little metal arm that lets the line fly free during the cast).

5. Load Up

Pull the rod back beside you, like you’re winding up for a pitch. Keep it smooth and controlled, not wild.

6. Make Your Cast

In one fluid motion, whip the rod forward and release the line from your finger right as the rod tip passes in front of you. That release point is key, since it’s what sends your bait soaring toward the fish.

7. Reel In The Slack

Once your lure hits the water, close the bail back down and give the reel a couple of turns to tighten up the slack.

8. What Comes Next?

After that, it's going to depend on the kind of fishing you're doing to determine what to do next.

Using a bobber? Just let it sit there for a while until a fish bites or you want to try a new spot.

If you're using a type of lure that requires a constant retrieval, let it get to the proper depth in the water column and start working it back to you.