Casting a Bait Casting Reel

[daymere]

[#800000]Step 1

Casting with an overhead, whether a surf reel or a baitcaster begins the same way - first you lock the spool with your thumb, then disengage the gear train. Some baitcasters use a full width thumb bar. Others, like the one shown above, have a slide button on one side of the spool.[/#800000] [#800000]Step 2

With the gear train disengaged, the only thing preventing the spool revolving and feeding line out is that your thumb is holding it firmly. Make the casting stroke and at the release point, lift your thumb a little, maintaining a light, feathering contact with the revolving spool to prevent overruns.[/#800000]

[#800000]Step 3

The surf reel pictured above uses the flip type of lever to disengage the drive gears, so the spool is first locked with the left thumb while the gear lever is flipped back, then the right thumb takes over for the cast as before. Left handed casters will need to allow for that fact.[/#800000] [#800000]Step 4

Most surf reels are mounted on two-handed rods and so the non-reel hand once again is used as the pivot point for the cast.[/#800000]

[#800000]Step 5

The above shows just a minor overrun, on how line peels from the spool and begins to bunch up if not controlled. Do not be disheartened by initial problems mastering overhead reels. The skills involved will eventuate with time and practice, and overhead reels are definely great to use, when used with ease and confidence.[/#800000]
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