Tips on practicing casting during these winter months

One of the most underrated aspects of fishing is being able to accurately cast your fishing line. Being able to place a lure in a precise spot could lead to more strikes and more catches.

With winter gripping much of the nation, now would be a great time to practice casting and improve your skills before the spring spawn. After all, the old saying of practice makes perfect still applies. In order to become great at something, you need to practice constantly.

The best time to practice casting is when you are on dry land. Trying to perfect your craft while on the water could waste a day and cause you not to enjoy the time on the water as much. Put aside a few minutes each day to practice casting in your yard or at a nearby park.

When you start to practice casting, be sure to set out targets. Using bowls or plates is a good option for targets. Place the bowls and plates at different ranges around the yard and work on getting lures into each target. Wired 2 Fish recommends using ceramic or glass plates because you have to gently place the bait on to the plate without much disturbance.

This technique is similar to how you’ll want to cast when out on the water. You’ll want to slip in the bait as gently as possible to avoid disturbing or disrupting the fish.

Next, you’ll want to simulate some of the obstacles you’re bound to face on the water. You’ll need to cast through low hanging bushes and over logs so it’s a good idea to practice how to cast around those objects. Using household items, such as board and some concrete blocks, can help further hone your casting skills.

It is also a great time to work on different casting techniques to get under objects. Underhanded pitches and side armed roll casts are good tools to have in the toolbox when you hit the water.

To properly do a sidearm cast, you’ll need to face the object squarely. Hold the rod parallel to the ground and move the rod at waist level, whip it forward, and release. Underhand casting is more difficult and versatile. First, you’ll need to hold the rod at waist level, lower the lure 6 to 8 inches, draw a half-circle with the rod tip, and release the lure as the rod reaches the bottom of the circle.

Remember, casting is all in the wrist. Do not try to cast with the arm and shoulder.

Practicing these techniques will lead to more big catches and ensure you have a great time out on the water. Let us know some of your favorite casting techniques in the comments below.