How do you hold and cast a spinning rod??

[The Rooster]

How do you hold and cast a spinning rod?? I personally like to put my pinky finger of my casting hand behind the reel stem and make the cast. Then most of the time (but not all) I will move my finger in front of the reel stem so that all 4 fingers and thumb grip only the foregrip of the rod as I retrieve or fish the bait back to the boat.

Therefore I constantly need a rod that has a foregrip. I'm sort of disturbed by the fact that I see a trend in doing away with this part of the rod, in favor of the smallest grip possible, some having nearly no grip at all.

That might be better for sensitivity reasons, probably a lot more so actually, but having worked in the construction business for a number of years and having my hands wrapped around a hammer handle has made my hands so they hurt after a while of having a very closed in grip on something. The cork handles are large enough usually that that's not a problem, but having to grip only a rod shaft or else fish with the reel constantly between my fingers (hand moved back because of lack of a foregrip) would induce pain in my hands after a bit.

They could do this to baitcast rods and I would be fine with it since I grip the reel as I fish so it provides a large enough grip for me. They could slap the reel straight to the shaft with duct tape (haha, kidding of course, I would want something a little better than that) and that would be OK. But spinning rods, it's a bad thing. I'm even hesitant to purchase my favorite brand of rods in a spinning model (Shimano) because of the trend they have of making what I feel are smaller than average cork foregrips, although I did notice the Crucial actually has a fairly bulky grip all things considered.

[SirSnookalot]

I do it the same way with spinning gear, I have small hands so a small foregrip poses no problem.  Over the years without thought my grip has moved upwards from the traditional, I feel have more leverage when handling a larger fish and I like the rod butt tucked under my armpit.

[Muddy]

Fore grips for me are nothing more than decoration: I have no idea why they are there, so either way it is no problem for me

Spinning: 2 fingers in front of the stem, 2 behind;DRUMMERS GRIP I SUSPECT : , I have wide and clunky hands and this works best for me

Casting: this is why I went all round reels; great on the cast even better on the retrieve, they fit perfectly n my hands.

[mrlitetackle]

2 on top,

2 on bottom....

ive tried the other ways, but it just feels awkward to me.

[nateobot]

2 on top,

2 on bottom....

ive tried the other ways, but it just feels awkward to me.

ditto

[Clark Stewart]

sorry for hijacking but you mentioned in your topic how to cast. I was just wondering that the other day. I hold it like everybody else on here does, but I have a tendency to try and cast overhead like I do with a baitcaster. Is a two-handed side cast the proper way. Some times I get the bait to go where I want other times it loses most of the distance overhead.

[SirSnookalot]

When I was 5 or so my dad taught me both casting with spinning and b/c overhead, now both overhead and sidearm or backhand are natural.

[Muddy]

I use overhand for distance, sidearm in close quarters or for accuracy ( I don't know why, but I have more control side armed) backhand: around docks and blow downs.

[Fishing Rhino]

Index and middle finger ahead of the reel stem, ring finger and pinky behind it.

I just like the feeling of security that I have control of the rod and reel, no matter what happens.

I've seen one person hold the rod behind the reel.  That scares me.  Seems too easy to have it yanked out of your grip by those heavy strikes which sometimes occur when you are distracted, and not paying attention.

I cast overhead, using sidearm for getting beneath branches or docks.  My directional aim is lousy with the sidearm.  On the other hand, my directional aim is good using sidearm with a baitcaster.  Go figure.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Two infront and two behind the reel...unless I'm working a shakey head and then, for some reason, I hold the rod with all fingers infront of the reel, I have no idea why though

[I.rar]

two in front , two in rear. casting reels is a different story.

i also find that i have no coordination when i cast overhead. sometimes it goes 10ft up and 15ft forward other times i can cast across the lake. sidearm is my casting method of choice though, im pretty accurate that way.

[lkn4life9209]

I use overhand for distance, sidearm in close quarters or for accuracy ( I don't know why, but I have more control side armed) backhand: around docks and blow downs.

I do the same exact thing.

[Wayne P.]

I have two fingers in front of the reel seat and two behind. I use my index finger against the spool lip to cast and control distance instead of hooking the line over my finger. I cast overhand, side arm, 3/4 side arm, 1/4 side arm, backcast, flip, pitch, wrist roll, slingshot, or just let the lure fall staight down ( like with dropshotting or spooning). I always close the bail by hand and never reel against a slipping drag. If I missed any method, I probably do that too. Whatever it takes to get the presentation to the location it needs to be.

[Hammer 4]

Ditto..

2 on top,

2 on bottom....

ive tried the other ways, but it just feels awkward to me.

[grimlin]

Am I the only person who does one finger in front and 3 behind?

Kinda reminds me of holding a gun....That's how i do it.

[The Rooster]

I must be the only one who does it one finger behind and 3 in front.

On casting I'm fairly accurate with overhead, side arm, and roll cast, but not at all on back hand. I need work there. Fortunately I have a HUGE back yard! Just wish there was a pond in it!! ;D I also only cast one handed. Baitcast or spinning, it's always one handed. I'm trying to make myself learn to use 2 hands at times, just so I can get more distance, though I really don't need it. 70 - 80 feet casts with ease are about all I have a need for.

Ever see anyone cast a spinning rod with the reel flipped upside down (on top like a baitcaster)?? My brother does this. Starts out casting in the normal way by drawing back (but he crosses his body with this motion i.e. rod in right hand but pointing left), and instead of coming forward normally, he'll swing the tip of the rod overhead and when it comes down in front, the reel and rod are upside down and casting that way.

And I know one more guy who REELS it that way!!! Cranking it backwards cause the reel is flipped over upside down!!! Weird.

[SirSnookalot]

I see people once in a great while using spinning gear upside, usually a woman who has no idea regarding the physics of the spine of spinning rod.   More difficult to cast properly and a nightmare to reel backwards and play a fish if the reel is on top.

Bulk of my freshwater pond casting is one handed like side and underarm flick, I'm casting to an area, not open water and distance is not my objective. Surf of pier it's 2 hands overhead, distance is needed and power to buck a hefty wind, also the equipment is a bit too heavy for one hand.

[newmanme]

Cool, this is a great topic and a possible chance for me to meet some other spinning reel masters!

 

I have a thread called "Freshwater Gear Nightmare" in the tackle section.  I am returning to freshwater fishing after more than 20 years away and I am having all kinds of gear issues.

 

I am also tired of having people tell me that real fisherman use baitcasters. I bought a Curado DC and put it on an Avid X 7' MF rod. I HATE IT! I would spend my money on Zebco's before I would ever waste my money again on a baitcasters. Why? I do not believe in spending the day prior setting up gear, and then constantly tweaking the real to prevent backlashes. I love to fish to relax, not work. And there is nothing you can do with a baitcaster that I cannot do with a decent spinning reel!

 

Yes I am a little ticked I the $500 away. But my intent here is to get some help finding a decent Heavy rod for a spinning reel. I spend more time bottom fishing than anything else. All the lightweight carbon, graphite freeking rods just feel like toys. I bought two Shimano Clarus CSS7' MHE rods and guys, these things just do not feel right in my hands. 

 

I have a 7' MF Shimano Talus Blue water rod that would be perfect if the handle was the typical salt style (too long). I cannot find a Spinning Rod (lots of heavy casting rods) with heavy Fast power of some quality anywhere? 

 

Can any of you help me with finding a good rod with somebackbone that doesn't weight 5 lbs ?

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, newmanme said:

I have a 7' MF Shimano Talus Blue water rod that would be perfect if the handle was the typical salt style (too long). I cannot find a Spinning Rod (lots of heavy casting rods) with heavy Fast power of some quality anywhere? 

 

Can any of you help me with finding a good rod with somebackbone that doesn't weight 5 lbs ?

Dobyns 705SF

Sierra series if you're 'tight' on money.

Champion series if you've got a bit more to spend.

Okuma Reflexions MH/F - same line/lure stats as the 705 - I have one, and it's a pretty good rod for the money

[TOXIC]

I’ve taught a lot of people how to cast when I was actively guiding.  It wasn’t rare for someone to hire me just to take them out, help set up their gear and teach them how to cast. While the easiest, spinning requires a little technique beyond the basics and it also heavily depends on what kind of bait you are throwing.  Arm position (sidearm, overhead and everything in between) is mainly situational to get your bait where you want it.  The main difference between baitcasters and spinning is you wrist action.  In spinning you snap your wrist and with a baitcaster you use more of your arm.  That’s where when starting out, 90% of your backlashes will come from.  

[king fisher]

I use two fingers in front, and two behind.  I always cast all rods except fly rods( unless I have a two handed fly rod) with two hands.  Over hand side arm, it doesn't matter.  It doesn't seem fair, that one hand has to work, while the other gets time off.  I use two hands to swing a baseball bat, or golf club, so why not cast with two hands?  Just seems natural to me.

[newmanme]

20 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

I’ve taught a lot of people how to cast when I was actively guiding.  It wasn’t rare for someone to hire me just to take them out, help set up their gear and teach them how to cast. While the easiest, spinning requires a little technique beyond the basics and it also heavily depends on what kind of bait you are throwing.  Arm position (sidearm, overhead and everything in between) is mainly situational to get your bait where you want it.  The main difference between baitcasters and spinning is you wrist action.  In spinning you snap your wrist and with a baitcaster you use more of your arm.  That’s where when starting out, 90% of your backlashes will come from.  

Thank you!! This is the first article I have found where someone has actually taken the time to explain an important difference in the casting techniques between Spinning and Baitcasters. 

 

I picked up a Shimano Curado DC late last year. To say the least I am not impressed with baitcasters. But, I try to be open minded especially when I dropped $500 for the reel and rod and it is sitting across the room looking real pretty  

 

I do not know if the wrist snapping is a part of my casting issue, distance not birds nests that is my nemesis. It always feels like there is a drag on the line even when I turn off the DC braking system. I can cast twice as far with my Vanford C3000XG on a 6'6" MF rod. I can't try it out until this Sunday, but I will make sure I am casting it right and not snapping my wrist. THANKS

[TOXIC]

The wrist action is how you “load the rod” with spinning and more with your arm on a baitcaster.   Just starting out, I always say to buy one of those casting plugs and make sure it is a heavy one.  Tighten your cast control down to the point you can’t throw it very far but you don’t backlash.  As you get the feel for it, slowly back that cast control off and you will gradually get the feel for using a baitcaster.  A normal setting when you get a little more confident is to depress the thumb bar and adjust your cast control so that your lure drops to the ground freely but does not backlash your spool when your lure hits the ground.  

[Linewinder]

3 up front and 3 in back.  Balances that way.

 

 

[FrnkNsteen]

I realize this is a really old thread that got resurrected, but since it's still open and getting recent replies,....

On spinning rods, I hold with three fingers in front of reel like the OP, so I too like a fore-grip and hate threads in front of the reel seat. I can then extend my forefinger on the blank for added torque, and when setting the hook I let my hand be the pivot point and lodge the butt of the rod under my forearm. I cast with the same grip either overhand, sidearm or back handed.

As for casting vs spinning, I agree that spinning can cast the same weight lure much farther than casting. My issue is with heavier lures on the spinning, the line coming off your finger on the cast starts to get tender. My spinning rigs handle lighter lures like weightless plastics, small jerkbaits, mepps, etc.

Baitcasting works much easier for heavier lures (3/8oz and up) though reels like Daiwa SV and Shimano MGL are making casting lighter setups much easier. 

Don't get yourself down due to Curado DC. I'm not a big fan of mine either. I have relegated it to bombing out heavy footballs jigs on deep flats. On non DC reels,... Once you get used to using your thumb to buffer spool speed, you can run spool tension more loosely and not have to adjust often. Just don't snap your wrist or run too heavy of a lure on too light of rod. Either will load the rod too much and over-run the spool and cause line to fluff. Try to center your lure choice in the middle sweet spot of the rod weight rating for best rod to reel performance.