How to Cast Farther with a Spinning Reel

The spinning reel is one of the most versatile types of fishing reels. But why people usually fail to come up with a bigger fish, or what is the distinguishing factor between catching smaller fish and catching bigger fish with spinning reels? Well, most people never learn the proper technique, and they keep wondering how to cast farther with a spinning reel or what is the correct way to cast in the first place.

When you cast farther away, the chances of scaring away the fish are lessened substantially. So, let us quickly go over the few things that will help you get more distance while casting. Once you finish reading this post, you will be on your way to becoming an expert at casting in no time!

How to Improve Your Casting Distance

The following list includes several tips that will help you master the technique:

1. Learn to hold the spinning reel properly

Most beginner anglers make the mistake of holding the spinning reel incorrectly, which interferes with the casting style and casting distance. When you don’t hold the reel correctly, you won’t be able to make the bait reach the desired spot.

Holding the spinning reel in right way to cast it farther
Holding spinning reel

Achieving a casting distance of 25-30 yards is not at all challenging. Just before you are about to cast, the reel should be facing towards the ground. But when you rear the rod, the reel should be facing the sky. This position is also how you should be holding your reel when you are retrieving the line.

A tip: Reels with an aluminum spool could help you cast farther.

2. Rod Choice

Ideally, you should always use the spinning rod with spinning reels. Using a casting rod with spinning reels significantly decreases the casting distance. And a graphite rod is often a better choice for distance-casting.

3. Make sure you have the correct rod length

Does a longer rod do the trick? First, assess your fishing style and then choose your fishing rod. But in general, the best fishing rod for casting distance maximization should be capable of casting 1-8 oz. and have a length of 10-12 feet. The weight mentioned includes that of the sinker and the bait.

2. Buy a lighter Fishing line

The line you are using should be lighter. The logic is quite simple. When your test line is 20 pounds, your cast is bound to be shorter than a person using a test line of only 12 pounds. But the line should not be too light as well; otherwise, you will be at risk of break-offs. The dive curves will also improve and become steeper with a lighter line.

4. Use a shock leader

When you are casting the line, there are several forces at play resulting in abrasion, but a shock leader can help you withstand that. A rule of thumb followed in fishing is that for every ounce of weight you cast, use a 10 lbs. test of shock leader.  

5. Select your sinker correctly

Yes, sinker selection does play a role in your casting distance, even if you want to achieve the average casting distance. Your sinker should have the right characteristics to maximize your casting distance. For example, it should be able to withstand even the strongest of currents, and it should be aerodynamic. Some designs that work well are storm, pyramid, flat bank, bank, and so on.

6. Choose fishing lures that weigh more

A heavier lure helps when increasing your casting distance, and with a simple change in lure weight, you’d be surprised as to how much distance you can gain.  

7. Don’t forget about the wind direction

If you have followed every piece of advice and yet not managed to maximize your casting direction, you are probably not considering the wind direction. If you are casting against the wind, it will not help your case. For the casting distance to be maximum, the wind has to be at your side.

How Far Should a Spinning Reel Cast

The reel and fishing rod combination is one of the significant factors determining how far you can cast with your spinning reel. For beginners, casting at 15 years is pretty easy, and with a little bit of practice, you should be able to cast up to 60 yards as well. But the casting distance is affected by certain factors such as: 

  • Rod action  Think of a slingshot; the more you pull back, the farther will be your short. It is the same with a fishing rod.
  • The material of Line – You already know that a heavier line will not go far, but this increase in weight is sometimes because of the line’s material. But if you choose a braided line with a greater diameter, it will throw a lot farther than a standard line. 
  • Lure profile – If the lure’s shape is not appropriate, it will face resistance in the air. Moreover, if the lure is bulky and not aerodynamic, it will not work in your favor. So, choose carefully. 

Does a Spinning Reel Cast Farther Than a Baitcasting Reel

Both spinning reels and casting reels come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to achieving distance, baitcasting reels outsmart the spinning reels. Besides this, baitcasters provide more accuracy for a long-distance cast. But that doesn’t mean spinning reels are bad for casting far because of several reasons – 

  • Firstly, the spinning gear is very easy to handle and is fuss-free. If you choose the right lure, all you have to do is flip the bail, place your finger on the line, and cast. Even a newbie can do it, and the only limit on your casting distance is how hard you are casting.
  • There is no drag restriction, which is why lighter lures achieve maximum casting distance. On the contrary, baitcasters have drag resistance, and if you cannot figure out the sweet spot to thumb the spool, you won’t be able to achieve the maximum distance.
  • You don’t have to worry about any backlash in a spinning reel, but in a baitcaster, you will need to manage the backlash.

If you follow the distance casting tips mentioned in this post and use a spinning reel, you should be able to maximize your casting distance with a little bit of practice. Go fishing every weekend or whenever you can. Honing your skills is essential if you want to cast farther and catch bigger fish. 

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