Finding Your Way Around Spinning and Baitcasting Reels

You are all excited about getting your fishing game on. All your equipment is ready but you have one major drawback, you are a beginner. Being a beginner means that you’ve been having much difficulty hitting accurate casts. But it’s okay, really!

Being a beginner angler is perfectly normal, it only means that you need more practice. You can start by mastering your spinning and baitcasting reels. You will need to direct your line towards your targeted spot to ensure that you catch a lot of fish. 

And, if you cast your line too close or so far you can reduce your chances of catching any fish. This can cause a high level of frustration because you fail to get results from your exercise. Beyond that, what more should you know?

What Is The Difference Between Spinning And Baitcasting Reels? 

These types of reels are the most popular ones you would come across and they have distinct features that make them suitable for different uses. But they can be confusing – fortunately, we have simplified the two reels for you below:

If you love to go for the big fishes, then you need a baitcasting reel. This reel is suited for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. With this reel, you require a high level of practice to excel better at your fishing exercise.

On the other hand, spinning reels are meant for catching fish of smaller sizes. This equipment is an ideal choice for beginners because it is easy to use, control. Plus, it is affordable. If you want to get a better handle on the spinning reel, it is best to go for the open spinning reel. And, though this spinning reel cannot be considered a strong reel, you can still get decently sized fish by using it.

How To Cast A Spinning Reel

Before you start casting, prepare your rod and attach your chosen bait to it. Settle for a lighter bait when using a spinning reel as a beginner to ensure that you can manoeuvre it appropriately. Then do these:

• Set the rod well. Make sure you hold the rod in your most functional hand and let it sit in between your middle and ring fingers. Your loose hand should be placed on the butt of the fishing rod. Ensure that the reel is under the rod and held in a level position on your waist. 
• Place the bait within a distance of approximately 8-16 inches under the tip of the rod. 
• Pinch the line with your forefinger and then, open the bail. With a swift movement, move the rod to the front of your shoulder. Aim your line in the direction of your target. As you begin swinging your rod, remove your finger from the fishing line. This would cause the fishing bait to pull off the reel by the bait. 
• Turn the handle of the reel to close the bail at the moment that the line gets into the water. 
• Patiently wait for the fish to bite the bait. Then, take your fish.

Suggested spinning reel: Shimano Sedona Fl Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel

How To Cast A Baitcasting Reel 

This reel handles bigger fishes so it requires a higher level of focus and practises until you can cast like a boss. That said, here is how to cast baitcaster:

• Position the reel to be above the rod while the handle of the reel is pointing up. Use your most functional hand to hold the rod and place your second hand on the butt of the fishing rod. 
• Make sure the bait is within an approximated distance of 10-12 inches as you reel in the fishing line. 
• Set the spool tension accurately, you can always use a free spool. 
• Gain more control over the line as you cast your reel by placing your thumb on the reel spool. 
• Place your thumb on the spool to make sure that the line doesn’t unwind, then push the release button on the spool. 
• Pull the rod until the rod’s tip is over your shoulder 
• Bring the rod forward in a quick motion till it reaches your eye level. Aim the tip of the rod at the casting site for your target. Let the fishing line move off the reel as you take your thumb off the spool. 
• As the bait hits your targeted spot in the water, place your thumb back on the spool to ensure it goes no further. If you fail to do this, it would cause the line to spool and tangle while in the water. 
• Wait patiently for the fish to bite the bait.

Suggested baitcaster: Kastking Spartacus Baitcasting Reel

How To Cast Your Reels Further

Casting your reels further could open you to more impressive outputs. When you cast too close, you lower your chances of catching any fish because, the fish would see the reflection of your shadow. Also, when you decide to cast further, the bait sinks better into the water.

Here are the steps to cast your reels further:

• Get the appropriate fishing rod and reel. Settle for one that is comfortable for you to cast and hold. As a beginner, it is best to get a rod that uses a spinning reel at least for a start. 
• Use light and small baits to lure fishes because they would cast further and increase your chances of catching fish. 
• Choose a good direction to cast from when the wind is blowing. Make sure to keep the wind only at your back or side. 
• Get a fishing line with enough length for you to cast. There is no point in trying to cast further when you don’t even have the fishing line for the job. 
• Choose a high-quality fishing line for the job. Settling for a braided line would take you far. 

Conclusion

Fishing is a relaxing exercise that helps you calm your nerves while enjoying peace. It gets even more interesting when you can get into some healthy competition with friends on who catches the most fish and how quickly. However, you would never win at such a game if you don’t cast your reels properly. That point is where the tips in this post can help!