Mastering the Cast: Techniques for Casting Distance and Accuracy
One of the quickest ways to become a better angler is by improving your casting distance and accuracy. Mastering the cast not only enhances your ability to cast a bait a greater distance, but improving your accuracy will enabling you to present your lure exactly where the fish are positioned. By improving both you will undoubtedly put more fish in the boat. In this article we will explore different techniques to improve your casting distance and accuracy.
Before we dive into the different styles of casting we need to cover some factors you have to consider when improving your casting ability. Lure weight, rod length, line, and weather are a number of different variables that influence your casting distance and accuracy. In order to achieve the perfect cast you have to take these into consideration. A good example of this is lure weight. Heavier lures typically cast farther due to increased momentum from their weight, while lighter lures will require lighter line to reach greater distances. As an angler it’s crucial you use the appropriate rod, reel, line, and lure combination for the job at hand.
Overhead Casting
The overhead cast is the most common way anglers cast a lure. Overhead casting allows the angler to reach the maximum distance, but it comes at the cost of some accuracy. Overhand casting is best used when you are trying to cover water and don’t necessarily need to be super accurate. 
Sidearm Casting
The sidearm cast is best used when distance isn’t the main concern and accuracy is more important. It’s similar to the overhead cast but involves bringing the rod to the side rather than over the head. Sidearm casting allows for a more accurate placement of the lure. It should also be used when you are fishing near and around cover. A sidearm cast also best when trying to skip lures under tree branches or docks.
Pitching and Flipping
Pitching and flipping is a casting technique that allows the angler to make short, extremely accurate casts. Pitching and flipping is a common technique when targeting largemouth bass in heavy cover. The advantages to pitching and flipping is that the angler is able to really dissect a piece of structure. With the short cast you’ll also have the leverage to pull bass out of the heavy weed cover. This casting method ideal for targeting specific spots at short distances and a must know if you are a largemouth bass angler.
Casting In Windy Conditions
The wind can either increase or decrease your casting distance and accuracy. If you have your back to the wind, your bait will often carry further and you can reach greater distances using the wind to your advantage. Casting into the wind can be difficult. Increasing your lure weight can help improve your casting when conditions are less than ideal. A lower trajectory cast will also help your casting distance and accuracy when casting into the wind. When it’s possible you should always try to cast with your back to the wind.
Practicing Your Casting Technique
When it comes to improving casting distance and accrcury nothing can replace the benefits of consistent practice. The more you practice the more accurate you will become it’s plain and simple. When practicing it is important to use a target. A five-gallon bucket or hula hoop are two good options. As you continue to improve your accuracy, decrease the size of the target and increase the distance of the cast. Time spent practicing off of the water will greatly improve your casting accuracy out on the water.
3 Fishing Lines to Help Maximize Your Casting Distance
Having the proper fishing line is a critical aspect of maximizing your casting distance and accuracy. If the fishing line is old or too thick it will affect the accuracy and distance. You also need to ensure you have a full spool of line. Not enough line will reduce the distance you can get in a cast. While there are a lot of different fishing lines out there the following are the three best lines for maximizing your casting distance and accuracy.
Sufix Advance 832 Braid
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline is the strongest, most universal small diameter braid on the market. It features R8 Precision braiding and fiber technology that provides superior strength, roundness and line consistency. These factors allow anglers to make long, accurate cast in any scenario. Sufix 832 Advanced Superline has 8 fibers and 32 weaves per inch making it a very small diameter braided line. These performance fibers improve abrasion resistance, while also reducing line vibration. HMPE fibers this line features provide high strength & sensitivity, and hydrophobic water-repellent protection. Sufix 832 Braid is available in line pound test up to 130-pounds and comes in a variety of colors including high visibility options.
Sufix Nano Braid
When it comes to casting ultra finesse presentations, Sufix NanoBraid is the best of the best. There isn’t a better braided fishing line for casting light presentations a far distance. Sufix NanoBraid is built with a wide angle braiding technology that creates higher tension on the braiding process resulting in a tight weave and super strong, smooth line that can cast a mile. Sufix Nanobraid is available in line pound test between 2-pound to 14-pound and is perfect for panfish, walleye, and finesse bass presentations.
Castable Invisiline Fluorocarbon
Sufix Castable Invisiline Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible and is the best casting fluorocarbon on the market. There is a very low-stretch index for optimal hook setting power, almost no memory, and sinks 4 times faster than traditional nylon lines for getting your presentation to the strike zone faster. Sufix Castable Invisiline fluorocarbon has exceptional handling for both spinning and casting reels. It’s available in line strengths from four to twenty pound test.
FAQ’s
How do I cast further without backlash?
A combination of thumb pressure and using the proper a rod, reel, line combination.
What is the best way to cast a lure under a dock?
A sidearm cast is the best way to skip a bait under a dock. The low trajectory will allow the bait to skip across the surface of the water and land underneath the dock.
How do I improve my casting accuracy?
Practice. Take time to practice in your yard or at a park. Use targets and increase the casting distance as you become more accurate.
Conclusion
One of the quickest ways to become a better angler is by improving your casting distance and accuracy. Spend time off of the water practicing various types of overhand and sidearm casts. By practicing and utilizing the right equipment you’ll greatly improve your casting distance and accuracy, and in return put more fish in the boat.
