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Part 3
There are many things you can’t do much about as you prepare for your next fishing trip. Developing the ability to handle your gear so you can place your lure on target time after time isn’t one of them.
Actually, accurate casting is one of the few variables associated with fishing that we can control. Sadly, and as I’ve endeavored to point out in my last two columns, not all that many anglers do exercise the control that’s available to them.
Let’s suppose that you’re one of those rare newcomers to angling who does recognize and accept the need for practice. What’s the best way to go about it? I’m assuming, of course, that you’ve been successful in finding quality equipment to work with.
The first step is to get yourself a selection of practice casting weights. Be certain that you have weights of 1/4th-ounce, 3/8th-ounce and 5/8th-ounce.
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These practice casting weights are among the most important "plugs" an angler can purchase. Use them to learn how to put your real lures right where you want them. |
You’ll also want different size targets. They needn’t be fancy. You don’t have to have water for your practice sessions. That’s one of the easy things about it. Just get your gear and head for the backyard or the front lawn. Either spot will work just fine.
Hula Hoops work well as targets if you’re doing your practice in your back yard or a neighborhood park. Different sized cardboard boxes also work well.
I like to use a small kiddies’ plastic wading pool as a primary target. You can fill it with water if you choose. Your casting weight won’t bounce out of the plastic pool if it is filled with water. You can get the same result by placing something like a blanket in an empty pool.
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You'll find it a good idea to slide a skirt over your practice casting weight. Skirts like those that come on a spinnerbait work well for this purpose. The skirts make it easier to watch the flight of the casting weight as you practice.
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Whatever targets you select---and this so important in the beginning---don’t set them way out there somewhere. Forget all about distance as you begin your practice. I’ll make you a promise: Concentrate on learning to hit your targets consistently close in. Once you do you’ll find that it’s no sweat to reach out farther when it’s necessary.
I stress this because it’s so darned important in developing good casting techniques. Unfortunately, distance is often what beginning casters are prone to give the most attention. Don’t make that mistake. Again, learn to hit the targets you’ve positioned fairly close in the beginning. If you do it the other way around you’ll be in trouble from day one.
So what’s a good distance to work with in the beginning? I recommend setting your primary target 25 to 30-feet away. There’s little physical effort involved in casting that far if you’ve got good quality balanced equipment to work with.
If it’s a level wind reel and casting rod that you’re working with, tie on a 5/8th-ounce practice weight in the beginning. You’ll find the heavier weight handles with less effort. A practice plug that size also brings out the action of the rod and help give you the “feel” for what good casting requires.
You’ll eventually want to switch to lighter weights for some of your casting practice with a level wind reel but hold off doing so until you’ve got a good sense of what’s required.
Someone is sure to ask what test lines should they choose for their practice sessions. I favor12 to 14-pound test on the level winds where monofilaments are concerned. With braids like Power Pro, my choice is 20-pound test.
With the open faced spinning reel my choice is usually 6-pound test with monofilament and 10-pound with braid. Incidentally, if you’ve not used Power Pro on your open faced reels, don’t hesitate to do so. It spools beautifully. You won’t quite get distance as easily as you do with monofilament, but as aforesaid, distance is overrated where accurate casting is concerned.
Closed face spinning reels come already loaded. If you’re teaching a youngster how to use one, and those reels are a great choice for kids, pick one that’s small enough for them to easily handle. I like the Zebco Pro Cast 20/10. It’s a great little reel for kids.
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The closed face spinning reel is a great choice for a youngster, provided they practice to learn how to attain accuracy with it.
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If your wife, like mine, doesn’t want to get into fishing up to her ears but wants to be able to enjoy herself when she does choose to go, a closed face is also a good choice. I got my wife a Daiwa Goldcast closed face. It’s one of the best closed face reels you can find. I taught her how to use it early on and she’s pretty darn good with it.
There’s a lot more to be said about the importance of casting practice and how to go about it. But one thing is sure---mastering the gear you’ll be using for actual fishing will have just one result and that’s more fish in the boat. If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what would!
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