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Overhand Casting Of A Baitcaster

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Is there a secret or a trick to this? If I try its instant backlash.  Just looking for pointers.

 

Edit to add the reel is a Shimano Chronarch Ci4+

Slow down, same as a standard roll cast, if you over power it you'll backlash. And its easier to over power when casting overhand in my opinion

  • Super User

Doesn't take much of a hitch in your swing to foul things.  Once you've got it adjusted you still need to be smooth, smooth, smooth

  • Super User

Roll your wrist as you cast so at the end your handle is pointing up.

Roll your wrist as you cast so at the end your handle is pointing up.

Or down ^^

  • Author

 

Awesome thanks,  I have watched a couple I think but not positive.  Ill check them out.  

It takes some practice. I was in the same boat as you. I'm allot better now, but still get a BL here and there. There is a sweet spot though, and once you find it you'll know it.

Also hold your rod to the side, or where your reel is leaning to the left or right making your spool sit vertical our almost vertical once you launch your line. I kind of have a feel for it now where I know where to adjust my brake and spool tension knob after the first couple of casts.

You need a better instructional video. Send me the CI 4 and I'll use it for a few years sending you occasional videos of me overhand casting it.

  • Super User

I rarely overhead cast. Since I bank fish around obstacles the majority of the time, I avoid overhead cast to protect my equipment, and avoid really bad backlashes!!

  • Super User

Coming from a surf casting background, overhead casting comes more naturally. Heavier lures lend themselves to overhead casting. The reason most backlash is they either snap too hard for the weight of the lure, or fail to follow through (assuming the rod/line/lure thing is right of course). I find I hardly ever overhead when fishing for bass. 3/4 or sidearm work best for me most of the time. Overhead will get you the longest cast, but lure will usually land too harsh. We used to make $ betting on casting distance, with unsuspecting fresh water guys. I saw a guy dump a 6500 with 20 lb mono once, very impressive.

  • Author

You need a better instructional video. Send me the CI 4 and I'll use it for a few years sending you occasional videos of me overhand casting it.

Sounds good! PM me your address

First make sure your reel is set to what you're throwing then give it a little more brake. Start off with a short backswing and get to know your release point. It might feel a little early but with a short backswing any backlash won't be so bad that you can get it out if you do. Do not whip your rod until you start to get the hang of it!

Once you have your release point down it's just a matter of increasing your backswing as your release point will always stay the same.

Don't even worry about distance. That'll come naturally. As you get the feel you can ease off your brakes or spool tension and you're good to go.

I like the advice that Roadwarrior gave about rolling your wrist and having your handle pointing down at the end. I believe that level wind reels work better when the spool is perpendicular to the ground.

  • Super User

My stepdad helped me a lot with this. I still only cast overhead when I have to, but I can manage. He told me not to cast toward my target, but to aim in the sky above it. It has worked for me. I used to slam some lures 15ft in front of me, I at least get some air under them now.

  • Super User

Yup.  Making it a roll cast will help a lot in smoothing out your stroke.  Straight back and reversing straight forward gives you too much of an opportunity to jerk on the reversal causing an instant backlash.  A roll cast will keep a constant load on the rod...always a good thing when casting.  :teeth:

  • Super User

When I was learning bait casting, it helped me to think in terms of throwing in an arc rather than throwing in a straight line, like I frequently did with spinning gear.  Other than that it is just a matter of practice.  Until you get it down, buy cheap line.

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