Spinning Rod Casting Question ?

[Robert11]

Hello,

I guess the best answer is probably experimentation, but I have yet to really figure out what's optimum (for me).

For a 7 foot Ultralight Spinning rod, how much line should be out past the rod tip when starting your cast ?

Is it in some way (also) a function of how heavy a lure is on the end ?

Would it be different for a 6'6" rod, or something "a bit" heavier than an Ultralight rod ?

BTW: do you folks cast mainly sidearm, or more pronounced overhead ?

Thoughts on would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

[Redfish]

I dont know if there is a proper answer to your question...experimenting as you said will probably get you better results than what I or anyone else says. I normally have about 18" of line hanging when using a spinning reel...somehow it "feels" right. With spinning I normally will use a more sideways cast...but that depends also. Fool around in the yard with a bullet weight or a plug with the hooks removed. You will find what is best for YOU!

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Hello,

I guess the best answer is probably experimentation, but I have yet to really figure out what's optimum (for me).

For a 7 foot Ultralight Spinning rod, how much line should be out past the rod tip when starting your cast ?

Is it in some way (also) a function of how heavy a lure is on the end ?

Would it be different for a 6'6" rod, or something "a bit" heavier than an Ultralight rod ?

BTW: do you folks cast mainly sidearm, or more pronounced overhead ?

Thoughts on would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

First thing that comes to my mind with UL & pronounced overhead cast is HOOK IN ME. From your other posts you want distance and so an UL will be loading quite much with overhead cast then add the amount of line past rod tip its quite likely you're going to catch yourself.

[Ed13]

I like to bank fish and wade small streams and rivers. This requires casting from all angles. I often only have a foot of line out past the rod tip when casting. I am most interested in accuracy and will let the weight of the lure determine the length of line.

I like to practise cast new combos in the back yard or a nearby park to get a feel for it before taking it out on the water.

[basskeeter1]

I like to bank fish and wade small streams and rivers. This requires casting from all angles. I often only have a foot of line out past the rod tip when casting. I am most interested in accuracy and will let the weight of the lure determine the length of line.

I like to practise cast new combos in the back yard or a nearby park to get a feel for it before taking it out on the water.

Great Response. I just want to add that, I don't suggest overhead casting with when your working around low tree branches over your head.

[basskeeter1]

I like to bank fish and wade small streams and rivers. This requires casting from all angles. I often only have a foot of line out past the rod tip when casting. I am most interested in accuracy and will let the weight of the lure determine the length of line.

I like to practise cast new combos in the back yard or a nearby park to get a feel for it before taking it out on the water.

Grat response!

I want to add that it also depends on tree overhangs and surroundings when rod length selection is to be determined. If you fishing tight areas with tree limbs overhead you wouldn’t want a 7 or 8 foot rod. Situations like this calls for either 6 feet or 6 ‘6 rods. Trust me I have done my fair share of bushwhacking in the past. Tight lines.

[slipperybob]

My lure can be anywhere from 6-18" from rod tip.

Everyone needs a variety of casting techniques. Personally I use the overhead cast whenever possible. Simply because I'm more accurate that way. I don't cross another fisherman's line ever, unless I did it intentionally.

If I'm side arm casting I'm probably trying to avoid overhead tangles or trying to sling under overhead cover. Sometimes I'm merely pitching a jig so that's that.

[BigAl23]

I usually put out about 12" -16"

[TFOUR]

8-12 inches is what i do, however you'll find a lot of it relates to how good the guide train is and what size spinning reel you have on much more so than bait casting equipment. This one area where a good custom rod usually shines.