CASTING CALL

Learning basic techniques for a cast is essential for anyone looking to get into fishing. Brenden Leahy, president of the Penn State Bass Fishing Club, spent his summer as a fishing guide in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He shares tips on how to make a great cast, whether you’re using a spinner or a bait-casting reel. 

KEEP IT STRAIGHT

Using your elbow and a little bit of wrist, cast the rod in a straight-line path, which allows the energy from your arm to fully transfer into the rod, Leahy says. Release the line when it is at about 3 o’clock (right).

GO DEEP

Leahy typically looks to cast the line as far as possible: “The farther you are from the fish, the more likely they are to bite.” This requires a good windup and a swift motion of the elbow and wrist: “You’re really trying to whip it.” For shorter distances, a flick of the wrist suffices.

MIND THE BEND 

Fishing rods have a variety of flex points or “actions.” Bass fishing tends to favor fast-action rods, which flex quickly near the tip and are ideal for single-hook lures. “That rod bend is what gives that lure all the momentum to send it out when you release that line.”

BONUS TIP: “I like to catch bass on top water lures like a popper or spook, moving baits like a crank bait or jerkbait, and bottom baits such as a jig or Ned rig.”