Fun Activities
Summer Series
Fishing - A guide to Take You From Beginner to Expert
Part 2: What Kind of Line to Use and How to Cast
Part 2 of this guide focus' on what line to use and how to cast. Now first off there are a lot of different gauges of string and even more Brand Names. I'm not going cover all of them but enough so that you'll know when to use what and where. After that is the How to Cast Section. Which should be pretty easy to do. Lets get to it.
Step 1: Like I said before. There are a LOT of string gauges. What your string gauge is, is the total amount of weight the string has been tested to handle before breaking. This is printed on the label of your string spool for example: 5 lb. test meaning that the total amount of weight is 5 lbs. after that... it breaks. So if your fishing for fish that weigh more you'll need higher gauged string. Also what string you use will also varie by what reel you use. Open-Faced Reels I would suggest using 5 to 10 lb. test line, Closed-Faced Reels 10-20 lb. test and spinning Reels 20+ lb. test. Although this is just my own suggestion. Alot of times now days you'll see recommended string gauges printed on the package of the reel.
Step 2: Now that you have your line picked out, its time to put the line on your reel. This is a very simple, very easy task. You take the line and thread through the eyes (circle things sticking up on your rod) on your rod and tie it around the spool of your reel, for closed faced reels you need to take off the plastic covering first, opened face, just flip the guard up, and for spinning reels, you just tie it on. It doesn't matter what kind of knot you tie, a double knot will do just fine. After that you just reel it in, just be sure hold the line (this rule applies to all reels) so as to keep it tight so it does not form loops.
Step 3: Now its time to start practice casting. All you need is a wide open area, a field for example, and tie a washer to the string. This gives the string some weight, like it would if you had a sinker, bobber and hook. Now there's three (3) methods in casting, they are (1) underhanded, (2) overhanded, and (3) side to side. They will all be covered here. But first, the rules of casting... every cast is divide into four (4) areas. We're gonna a clock as an example. 12 O'clock pole is sticking straight up, 1 O'clock pola is at a slight angle like the 1 o'clock position of a clock, 2 O'clock pole is at more of an angle and 3 O'clock being straight out in front of you. (see pictures) As for how you cast,
(1) underhanded cast: This cast is useful when there isn't a lot of space either above you or to the sides. Its hard to get alot of range.... but it works. To do this cast think about throwing a softball underhanded, and you get the idea.
(2) Over head or over handed cast: This is useful as long as there aren't any tree limbs above or behind you. Doing this cast is just like throwing a ball over-handed. You can also get some pretty decent with this one.
(3) Side to Side: OK to be honest I don't really remember the real name of this casting technique... but its good nonetheless. You can alot more range out of it than any other tech. It's one of those things that's mostly in your wrist. You gotta do like a flicking motion with the fulcrum-like movement of your arm. Don't worry, its easier than it sounds.

Well that's about it for this section. Stay tuned for next weeks article What Kind of Knots to Tie (And how to tie them) and When is the Best Time to Fish. Also, if you want, you can click the ads by Google. Please leave a comment, and let me know if there's anything you want to know or if you have suggestions on how I can better my blogs.

Fun Family Actvities

Fun Family Activities
Summer Series
Fishing - A guide to Take You From Beginner to Expert
Part 1



Ok, chances are you came here cause your wanting to learn how to fish. First good thing about fisshing is there are no age restrictions and , depending on local laws, no special training involved. This guide series, part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5 and part 6 lists things such as: Part 1. What Kind of Rod and Reel to use, Part 2 What Kind of Fishing Line to Use, How to Cast, Part 3, What Kind of Knots to Tie, When is the Best Time to go Fishing, Part 5 What Kind of Bait to Use, and last of all Part 6 First Aid and Things to Watch Out For and Avoid, however I go a little more in-depth than "just the basics". So anyway, lets cut the chase shall we?

Step 1: Ask yourself "Why do I want to learn how to fish?" Personally, I like it because, to me there's just nothing more relaxing than going to the Lake just before dawn, getting everything set up and watching the sunrise, and taking in the natural beauty of the world that God has so kindly given us. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that in there. Whatever your reason is, whether it's catching that Monster Bass or just having fun, make sure it's something you can look forward to each time you get ready to go doing this will keep you motivated.

Step 2: Once you get your reason in mind it's time to start looking for a Rod and Reel. So your at your at your local Sporting Goods you see hundreds of Rods and hundreds of Reels, now before you curl up in a fetal position let me explain something that will REALLY narrow things down. There are three (3) types of reels, I'm going to categorize them by name because some people say that each one has a certain "experience" level... thats a load BS trust me, they are:

(1) Closed Faced Reel: These are called closed face because the fishing line is not exposed and is contained inside the housing, which you can usually screw off to put the string on.(Thats in the next step) Most often used for children, which is why people say they're "beginner" reels, they mean for the lower age groups. They don't cast very far but they are very dependable and the fishing line won't get tangled up NEARLY as often as any other reel. These are charactarized by the push-button they have usually at the back for your thumb normally they're held with the reel facing up, but you can find some that are up-side down depending on your preference. Typically the upside-down closed face reels have a trigger that you use with your index finger to realease and hold the string(more on this in the casting section)

(2) Open-Face Reel: (My favorite) The opened reel is an "intermediate" reel, meant for those that can release the string without it getting wrapped around your finger... which will hurt and when you reel it in be sure to keep the line tight (this is also discussed in Part 2 How to cast). It has a much better casting range than a closed-faced reel and can be equipped with a higher gauged string (we'll get to string gauges in a second) This reel can be used for absolutely ANY kind of fishing (I'll get more into this in another blog seeing as how this is supposed to be a basic beginners guide). You release the line by flipping the gaurd open and hold the line with your index finger crooked around the line holding it in place. (see picture below)

(3)Free Spinning Reel: The Free Spinning Reel I personally have never used so there isn't much I can put here. First of all ther is no button or latch to catch the line, reason why it's called "free spinning", you have to stop it manually using your thumb, its best if you already have a Band-Aid or Latex glove on your hand so you don't mess up your fishing trip on the very first cast. I have only seen this kind of Reel used for "snag" fishing (this will be discussed in another blog).

Now as far as which one you choose to buy... its enitrely up to you and what kind of fishing you plan on doing. Just be sure to practice at home before you go out, that way, if your in public, you don't make a fool of yoruself.

God I'm glad I got that out of the way. Now on to Rods which is a lot simpler. Because these days they are all made out of fiber glass or most of them are. They all come in a variety of colors, lengths, and guages. What the "gauge" is is the height of the string from the Reel's spindle to the Rod, NOT the TIP of the Rod, just the rod itself. The higher the action is the more weight (bigger fish and bigger lead weights) it can take before it snaps, which, by the way, is pretty hard to do. I can't really tell you what action of Rod to use. But for length I would suggest about 6' for those everyday trips to the lake and 14' for "River" a.k.a. "snag" fishing. Color doesn't matter just pick one that suits you.

Thank you for reading this Blog. I hope you have found it helpful. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask, I'm more than happy to help. Next blog should be posted in about 1 week. If you want you can click the ads by Google.