Help, I can't cast a spinning rod anymore!

[Ballpark Frank]

This afternoon I decided to go out back and fish the little lake behind my subdivision. I haven't been there in awhile and wanted to see if the dinks had gained some weight. I also haven't used my Symetres in awhile and decided to take my Symetre and Convergence out. Well I can't cast spinning gear anymore. I used to be deadly accurate with a spinning rod, but now all I do is chunk the worm about 40 feet straight up and in lands about 10 feet in front of me. I know I am releasing to early, but I couldn't fix the problem. Maybe 2 out of 15 casts were decent, straight and long. I can still cast sidearm, but can't get any distance that way. I did get a few decent overhand casts later on, but this was one armed. One armed wears me out after awhile.  Although I rarely use spinning gear anymore, I do like to throw mini cranks and the occasional dropshot. Can anyone help me figure this out or offer any advice. I love my Symetres and the need to get fished.

[Chad.]

Practice makes perfect.  :-?

[Wayne P.]

Try a different and better line release method. Instead of hooking the line over your finger to make a cast, after opening the bail, place your index finger tip against the spool lip and just make a cast by moving your finger slightly away from the spool edge, when you need to stop the cast or feather the cast for soft entry, just move you finger close to or on the spool edge. It is the same function as using the push button on a closed face reel to cast and control the cast.

If you have old line on the reel, tie the end to some solid object, open the bail, walk 50' or so away, close the bail. Pull the line with the rod as hard a your line/rod will allow. Lay the rod down, go untie the end, walk back to the rod and while holding the line between your thumb and forefinger for tension, reel the line back in without moving from your position. Your line won't look like a slinky toy and will be more manageable.

Adjust the cast effort ,whether with one hand or both, to match the distance required.

[vicdotcom]

Was the line different than what you were using before?  I notice that when I go back to a spinner reel, the line impacts my accuracy a lot.  Some line has a lot more stretch to it and (for me) is harder to control.  I got used to using braid on my spinning reels and was very accrate with that.

Vic

[Sam]

Practice, practice and practice.

You will get the hang of it again.

[Ballpark Frank]

Thanks guys, I worked out most of the problem this afternoon at the little lake. I am down to 3 bad out of 10, and the bad aren't really bad, just a little high in the air. I have always used my finger against the spool for release and feathering. I think the line had something to do with the problem. I had changed spools from the 20# Power Pro spool, to the 8# Trilene XL. The XL was a little elastic and popped off the spool. Actually stung the inside of my finger a few times. I figure it has been around 1 1/2 to 2 months since I have used my spinning reels. I used to get problems with my baitcasters when I concentrated on fly-fishing for awhile. Tomorrow(between launch and weigh-in at Wheeler) my daughter and I are going for some bluegill/bream action. I'll only have spinning gear, so I should get plenty of practice. I got a new bluegill rig tonight also.

[islandbass]

There is a difference between mindless practice and focused practice. The former won't do jack for you.

The release time with a spinning rig is ever so slightly later than it is with a casting rig. Every time you make a cast that goes sky high rainbow and lands 15' in front of you that tell you that you let go too early.

Go through the motions of the cast and feel the weight of the lure load the rod but do not let your forefinger release the line. Just feel the rod load a few times. You will then be able to sense when to let go.

Now go young padawan, and continue your training.  ;D