The Essence of Fishing

Many articles about surf casting techniques are usually focused on how to efficiently swing the rod in order to gain maximum casting distance with as less effort as possible. However, knowing and practicing the swing operation is only one part of the casting technique. The second part, and as equally important, is how to hold the line with your finer against the rod and, much more critical for your casting distance, when to release it. Many experienced surf anglers can tell you, and even show you, how many times they have their finger almost cut-off, literally.

The problem is quite simple. Lets say you are using 4.5 meter surf rod and you are trying to cast 100g weight. I am not going to describe any math calculations however,  it is easy to understand that the stress power on your holding finger while casting is so enormous that you have no choice but to release the line early otherwise your finger will be cut-off. Premature line releasing will cause the weight to fly high but with short distance.

So, how to do it right? Quite simple actually. First, close the reel clutch tightly. This will prevent the line from sliding under your finger when holding it and while casting. Second, use finger glove. this is special glove for the line holding finger made of leather and you may find it on many fishing tackle stores. This will give you the sensitivity required and the protection needed.

Should you have any comments or questions please feel free to comment.

Making your bass fishing trip a successful one begins with taking the right bass tackle with you. However, for beginners, choosing the right bass rod is not a simple task as it might look. The are dozens of manufacturers offering hundreds, and I dare say even thousands, bass rods models and each and every one of them looks delicious and overloaded with characteristics and buzzwords. So, what is the right bass rod? In this installment I will try to unveil the mystery.

Every expert bass angler will tell you that in bass fishing each type of lure requires different type of rod. Bass rods have few main parameters:  

• Sensitivity - helps you to sense and, with time, to know what is going on with bait.
• Tip Action - The tip softness help you controlling the casting accuracy. However, too soft will makes it difficult working with some lures.
• Power - heavy, medium or light. Depends on the size of the fish you are after. Big fish requires heavy rods with the right lures and the right technique to go with it.
• Length- between 6′ and 8′ and usually derived from the fishing technique which, in turn, depends on the type of lure you are using.

Bass lures are fascinating world and sometimes I cant even believe how much technology and innovation companies put into it. Most of the lures falls into very few categories and I will elaborate on what type of bass rod  required of each.

Worms
With worms you will need a rod with excellent sensitivity, soft tip for casting accuracy and medium-heavy power for hook-setting. The rod should have trigger handle with length between 6′8″ and 7′. The reel that come with it is a casting type reel. If you choose to go with the 7′ rod you may also use it for Flipping and Pitching techniques.

Spinnerbaits and Topwaters
Working with spinnerbaits requires continuously casting. So first, look for lightweight rod from IM6 or IM7 materials. The length should range between 6′ and 6′6″ with medium-soft tip and medium power. Remember, with the range, shorter rods will give you better casting accuracy whereas with longer rods you will have better casting distance. Pair this rod with at least 6 gear ration casting reel.

Crankbaits
Again, with these kind of lures continuously casting is needed. So lightweight rod is an important element. Sensitivity is important as well. Sensitive rod will help you feel what is going on with your lure while it swims. The length of the rod depends on the type of the crankbait. Consider a 6′6″ rod for deep-diving crankbait along with low gear ration reel. For lipless cracks use 7′ rod with high speed reel. Both rods should have light-medium power and medium tip.

What to buy
As a fan of Hookset Global tackle I would recommend you to look for their staff in online stores. They have quality bass tackle, especially bass rods, for most of the bass fishing type. Consider their MightyBass series which has the best value for money I know.
I will cover Hookset Global bass rods more closely with the next weeks. Until then, may you basket smell from fish.

Introduction

In my previous installment, Proficient your surf casting techniques - part 1, I have described the Straight Off The Ground technique which is good casting way to reach more then 100 meters both for beginners and intermediate anglers. In this installment I will describe the next step in surf casting technique, the Pendulum Cast.

The Pendulum Cast

When a surf fisherman becomes more comfortable and experienced with the Straight Off The Ground casting and desires more better casting distance, the Pendulum is should be considered as the next step in surf casting techniques. To an outside viewer the the two casts might looks very much the same. However, with practice, the Pendulum can take you beyond 200 meters.

The main difference is that the sinker held at eye lever rather then on the ground. From this point, the cast begins by swinging the sinker away from the body resembling a pendulum. Now, and this is the tricky part, you should feel the swinging motion of the sinker. When you “feel” the sinker is about to reach its maximum out swing distance, the head and shoulders begin turning to the target, pulling the body along with them. From this point, the Pendulum cast uses the same motion as the Straight Off the Ground cast with one twist. The actual casting should be coordinated with the sinker in order to use its outside swing energy. this energy is what makes this surf casting technique so efficient. With practice, reaching 200 meters casting distance is not exaggeration.

Experienced fishermen might use special fishing tackle for better results. Usually the fishing rod is 3 pieces and about 4.5 meters long with up to 300g casting weight. The fishing reel should have long casting spool with easy line out features.