How to Cast a Spinning Reel Like a Pro - You've Been Doing it Wrong!

Skip to about the 6 minute mark to see the tip that separates the pros from the weekend warriors.
In this video I discuss both the basics and some of the finer points of casting a spinning rod and reel.

[@livenhfree]

I like the hand brake method. Never used it or thought of it. Thank you!

[@erniemathews5085]

Fishing since 1945, you showed me new things. Thanks- I'm gonna have fun with stripers this year.

[@JerryLynch-yt5fg]

I guess I learned it the trial method in the 60s I use my release finger to feather the line. I’ve transitioned to more of a sidearm cast if I have clearance to get a lower trajectory flight, helps when it’s windy or to get under cover. But I’ve never seen anyone describe it more “layman” to help beginners and to get more out of their spinners. Good info

[@andermeine]

Yup! Those of us that do it just learned to do it instinctively! But it's funny to me how many guys have been fishing for 50 years and just never figured out to do it! 😄

[@razor_clem]

Thanks for the tutorial! Don’t let the other experts get you down….

[@kennydunlevy9644]

Thanks for the information and demonstration I’m going to give it a try

[@dcgravity7822]

Thanks for the refresher. I transitioned to all baitcasters about 12 years ago and recently picked up a spinning combo to throw and was dumbfounded at how much I'd forgotten.😢

[@frankblack8451]

Another tip ... If your index finger or your pointer finger is inli ne with the spool lip when you release the cast, use the same index finger to lightly feather the line or stop the line for accuracy rather than cupping the spool... and it keeps the other hand free.

[@andermeine]

I've had a few clients that use that method and it seems to work reasonably well for them, but yes, it is a similar principle. If it works for you, and you are happy with your accuracy, go for it. There are a couple of advantages to using your whole palm though: 1) it won't ever catch on your finger. Occasionally I've seen clients that use the method you're mentioning have the line catch on their finger. 2) By using your whole palm, your hand is then already in position to close the bail by hand. Pretty much every reel manufacturer will tell you that you always want to close the bail by hand and don't just start reeling to close it. As with all advice thrown around on the internet though, either use it or don't. Ha! 😄 Tight lines!

[@livenhfree]

I guess you'd need to ensure that the line is not unspooling in a direction that is coming into the tip of your finger. Maybe that's never an issue, I've just never looked into it.

[@michaelhartman6513]

Great advice!

[@thegutterpunk00]

I find myself being nervous about snagging my back with a hook when the rod goes over my shoulder. Probably just due to lack of experience/practice. Maybe also too much line hanging when I go to cast. Either way, thanks for the tips. I'm looking forward to trying them on the water soon. Definitely going to experiment some.

[@richardgutierrez4621]

Trick to keep loops out of spool, after you flip bail over jerk rod tip back before you start reeling it will take slack line out. Started fishing 60 years ago with a Garcia Mitchell 300 never had to flip the bail by hand it never got stuck like newer reels. 3rd way to cast a spinning reel, hold line in other hand like a fly rod . My boyhood friend used to do it but I have never seen anyone else do it that way.

[@andermeine]

I do get clients on occasion that like to hold the line in their other hand when they cast! Haven't really ever observed anything negative about doing it that way either. 👍 Seems to work OK for them. You'll certainly never see any top pros do it that way though. 😄

[@andermeine]

I do like your trick you mentioned about jerking the rod to get the slack out. I do the same thing and have just never realized I'm doing it!

[@johnlewis9649]

I love the 300s. I have about 7 of them.

[@VAFSH4LIF]

Personally I hold the reel the same as you do but I use the same finger to cast to slow the line. You can take your index finger that you hold the line with and as the line is going out gently apply it to the side of the spool and it will slow the flow.

[@dougwebster8868]

My thought exactly, I got my first open faced spinning reels in 1970. I have always feathered the line with my index finger. Doing that saves a therblig or two. Also a therblig is saved by just using the reel handle to close the bail. Older reels required that anyway. I guess I will just keep on doing it wrong.

[@andermeine]

@@dougwebster8868 I've had a few clients that use that method and it seems to work reasonably well for them, but yes, it is a similar principle. If it works for you, and you are happy with your accuracy, go for it. There are a couple of advantages to using your whole palm though: 1) it won't ever catch on your finger. Occasionally I've seen clients that use the method you're mentioning have the line catch on their finger. 2) By using your whole palm, your hand is then already in position to close the bail by hand. Every reel manufacturer will tell you that you always want to close the bail by hand and don't just start reeling to close it. I also had to look up the definition of a "therblig" 😂 ... and I still don't know what it is. HA! As with all advice thrown around on the internet though, either use it or don't. Ha! Tight lines!

[@orionsgaming73]

The trick is not to bend your finger when feathering. Bend it and the risk of catching is real. Straight fingers almost never will. I say almost never cuz we all screw up sometimes.

[@huudang3419]

excellent instruction!

[@jwm2588]

You wouldn't believe how many people I see using a spinning reel holding it on top of the rod like it is a baitcaster.

[@andermeine]

For real

[@divad435]

Thank you! Great tips. What about setting the drag though? I've always wondered if it should be tight or loose, or just enough drag to be able to reel the bait back in.

[@andermeine]

Drag will vary and knowing where to set it at kind of only comes with experience and having lost/caught so many fish. A few factors that can determine how to set your drag include line size and type, rod action, hook size/type, the cover/structure you may be fishing around, etc... all of it can play in to how you set your drag.

[@kevinhelms477]

My boys and I went fishing for the first time with a friend. All his reels were spinners. This is extremely helpful!

[@Bingbangboompowwham]

I’ve been doing this since I started fishing. Mainly it was to cast right up to the edge of vegetation without going right in it. At this point I can get with 3-6 inches of where I’m aiming at.

[@andermeine]

Funny how those of us that do it just did it on autopilot and other dudes have been fishing 50 years and have never figured out to do anything but close their bail really fast lol

[@rocksandoil2241]

your hand hold should adjust according to the size of the reel and the cast of the arm so your finger is in correct alignment with the reel.

[@andermeine]

Good point!

[@bounderguy-1089]

Well thanks for this. Have always hooked the line in my finger joint. Definitely suffer lousy casts from bad release timing. Also will learn to feather instead of flipping bail shut. Will need some practice….

[@andermeine]

Random question... but how did you come across this video? I posted it like 9 months ago and now all of the sudden in the last few days, the number of views has doubled. Just wondering why it's blowing up now all of the sudden lol

[@bounderguy-1089]

@@andermeine not sure. Guess KZbin placed it in front of me. But I do watch a lot of fishing videos for techniques. lol I should be a great fisherman!

[@charlesrowe2149]

An open water it makes no difference if you’re trying to throw underneath the dock or underneath the limb of the hanging tree, depending on which angle you throw it, just bring your rod tip back, and it will slow the line

[@andermeine]

Good point. That's part of it as well!

[@Lrdhawkeye47]

How far from the tip of your rod should your lure be when you cast. Thank you Excellent video

[@andermeine]

Anywhere from a couple of inches to a foot.

[@frankmertz8366]

I actually just grabbed my rod to see how i hold it i never had a clue i held it between my pinky😅😅

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Your advice is great for freshwater spinning reel fishing but not so great for casting a 12’ to 15’ surf rod. I did like what you said about closing the bail by hand. Honestly I prefer saltwater fishing with a PUM spinning reel. Enjoyed your video though!

[@andermeine]

I don't see why it couldn't work for surf fishing. Of course, when you're surf fishing, aren't you usually just bombing it out there as far as you can anyway? Isn't that the point of the super long rods? I can't imagine a time when surf fishing when you would want to feather the spool in order to slow it down anyway. I would think you pretty much just always let 'er rip! 😂 Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@outdareoutdoors6638]

God damn I love fishing. Watched this to see if I could learn something. Turns out I cast like a pro already. Multiple ways to cast with a spinning reel depending on weight, bait and distance though.

[@andermeine]

Well done! Funny how those of us who know these tricks just started doing them instinctively! Lots of folks don't though! I am considering doing a video teaching how to pitch with a spinning reel some time. Not sure there are many videos showing that. I would imagine lots of videos talking about pitching with a baitcaster and not many (if any) show how to do it with a spinning reel.

[@SWFlowseeker]

Could you explain line twist? Why does it happen and wouldn’t untwist when u cast again? Sorry…new to fishing…

[@andermeine]

Think of a long extension cord getting twisted as you are trying to bundle it up... or a telephone cord of ye olde times 😆... Basically anything with a cord. The same thing can happen with fishing line.

[@RandallSuttle]

Could you tell me what type of lines you use on spinning and how you add fluorocarbon to your spinning reels? Thanks

[@andermeine]

I use P-Line SpinX braid and P-Line XTCB 8 braid. I only use braided line on my spinning reels now. I only use fluorocarbon as the leader on spinning rods. #1 reason being line twist. You'll have zero issues with line twist with braid. Can't say the same for fluoro.

[@RandallSuttle]

@@andermeine thank you for getting back so quick. You’re using braid with a leader. I’ve tried so many times to tie them together and can’t do it. I’m fishing with braid and using a moss green marker to color the line about 6’ or so. Have you tried this approach? Wondering if I’m missing bass with this setup? Do you have another way I could ?

[@andermeine]

@@RandallSuttle Line visibility isn't why you use a leader. You use a leader because your line size and type can greatly affect the action of your bait. So yes, going straight braid you are missing out on getting bites with certain lures/ techniques, but not because the fish can see the line.

[@RandallSuttle]

@@andermeine I’m using 10lb braid suffix. If braid isn’t something I can tie a leader to ? Do you recommend just going straight mono or maybe the copolymer? Thanks.

[@andermeine]

@@RandallSuttleMaybe not the advice you're looking for, but learn to tie the fluoro leader to your braid. Spool up with braid. I believe in you 😆👍

[@charlesross1682]

by the way ive got a 10fishlimit of hybrids and stripers in my cooler i have to go clean

[@bankfishingislife5484]

idk i dont slow down the line too often. and when you get good with overhand spinning wherever you are looking you will be able to cast to. but with cover around areas you want to cast to you need to learn to pitch, flip and also skip.

[@andermeine]

All true things

[@Walter-gi9bz]

This is how I teach children how to fish. I thought I’ll learn how to cast like a pro?

[@andermeine]

Congrats. Sounds like you're already there... or you didn't actually watch the whole thing. 😂

[@gadlupmancing3425]

👍🤝🙏♥️🇮🇩

[@ryeckley7267]

A bit oversplained, but worth the watch.

[@andermeine]

You're not wrong 😄

[@repairking1990]

This guy should do a demonstration of how we should be brushing our teeth too

[@andermeine]

Is that something you need help with? Because I'm sure there are plenty of good KZbin videos out there already for that. 😄

[@meanmr.mustard]

Nope, ..I got big hands with long fingers and can put my index finger without any problem on the spool of any spinning reel when the reel arm is between my middle and ring finger. Even big pit carp reels are no problem casting this way... The position of the hand must simply feel okay to the person handling rod and reel. Furthermore I can easely finger the spool rim to slow down the line while casting. Just as I use the hand on spool method - that last method is especially good when a reel bail arm stops doing what it's supposed to do during a fishing session and doesnt close every time with a turn of the reel handle (as I have sometimes with a small 2000 model shimano reel that just doesn't want to be fixed 🤦‍♂️, ..and I've tried). But what I really don't get - because it's an undesired additional action! - is watching quite some Americans on you tube having the reel handle on the right side and switching arms after every cast. Casting right, drilling fish on the left... If you're right handed, that's your strong arm. Why reel with that strong arm and not drill the fish and every cast switch hands? Looks stupid... Because it is 😁.

[@andermeine]

You answered your own question, bud. It "must feel ok to the person handling [the] rod and reel." There is no right or wrong as far as which side the handle is on and which hand you use to hold the rod. It is whatever feels best to you. But then the question becomes why do we do it this way to begin with? It is simply because of how reels traditionally come when they are sold here in the U.S. For whatever reason, they sell spinning reels with the handle on the left and baitcasters on the right. So that is just how we learn to use them and grow comfortable doing it that way. The only people that like spinning reel handles on the right here are people who had someone very early on in their learning either tell them the handle can easily be switched to the right or just handed it to them on the right. The majority of us don't ever learn you can switch it to the right until we are already comfortable with it on the left. At that point, it just feels wrong to switch it to the right.

[@andermeine]

As for reel arm positioning between your fingers, just like anything on the internet, it's all just opinions. 😄 If you feel like that works for you and you don't feel up to trying something new to see if it improves your abilities, just keep on doing it, dude! 😆👍

[@codystudliness4864]

I've learned to become ambidextrous with a rod and reel. I used to use my left hand for the rod and my right hand for the reel. The reason why I did this was because I used a spincast reel (also known as a closed face or push button reel) for most of my childhood. So, naturally, it just carried over to when I would use a spinning reel. But tough times create tough men. About 5 years ago one of my baitcasters was stolen. Luckily for me I had a left handed baitcaster on deck. It was time to become a more versatile fisherman and that's exactly what I did. I learned how to use my left hand for reeling and my right hand for holding the rod. This has expanded my versatility and it has been an exceptional tool to add to my fishing repertoire for situations that require it. My question to you is this: In order to be more versatile as a fisherman, why haven't YOU learned to use either hand? I mean, versatility and adapting is what we all strive for in order to be better fishermen, correct? Doesn't exactly sound so stupid now doesn't it... That's because it's not.

[@rohlfing63]

Spot on Mr Mustard, same here

[@meanmr.mustard]

@@codystudliness4864 Why should I learn a harder way of handeling a rod and reel when it can also be done easy. Learning the hard way is not being versitile, that's... 😁👍

[@joewoodchuck3824]

So the "correct" way will catch more fish? Asking for a friend.

[@andermeine]

🤣 It's all about efficiency. The biggest gap between professional anglers and your average dude lies in efficiency. Most of the time they are using the same baits and fishing in the same areas as everyone else, they are just way more efficient at it. But if you're happy with however you're doing things, no need to mess with it. 😄

[@chrisbusch1970]

I lift the rod

[@andermeine]

That likewise helps to slow it down, and I think I do that a bit as well! Good point!

[@messiahhope1509]

How I been doing it wrong if I don’t have a spinning rod lol😂

[@andermeine]

Then that's what you're doing wrong! Ha! 🤣

[@messiahhope1509]

@@andermeine ok you want to laugh I’m inscribing ha LOL

[@messiahhope1509]

I meant unscribeing

[@andermeine]

@@messiahhope1509 Sounds good, bud! Good luck! 😄

[@xMrBlack]

As it turns out, I have not been doing it wrong.

[@charlesross1682]

by the way i have a 10fish limit of hybrids and stripers in my 120

[@lars4050]

No. I have not been doing it wrong. Clickbait title.

[@andermeine]

Welcome to the internet! You must be new here. 😃

[@rohlfing63]

​@@andermeineyou're a dick, just because others on the Internet behave that way doesn't mean you have to join the party. Show some integrity.

[@HumboldtDitchSkater]

It did what it was supposed to do and for that sir we thank you and hopefully you find the time to like this video maybe consider watching other content on this channel and if maybe just may you'll find it in your time to subscribe. Cause this here sir teaches people who don't have a dad or a grandad around how to properly utilize a spinning reel and the best part is it's on KZbin so it'll be available for generations to come 💯🎣 Tight lines to everyone 🤙🏼

[@redeyestones3738]

​@@andermeinehe made a valid point. You're a nincompoop

[@redeyestones3738]

@HumboldtDitchSkater I agree with Lars. These titles are a dime a dozen. It's generic and lame. Yes he is teaching people who might not be able to access their own powers of common sense. But the title is just an unnecessary tool to get idiots to click the video. So this guy must only want idiots to watch his video. Defending trendyness is just as gross as being trendy

[@garyholtfreter5076]

It only is common sense to use a spinning reel this way. It only took me a few casts when I was a kid to use use a spinning reel this way. If you don’t have any common sense to do it then you should not be fishing with it and use a string tide to a tree branch!

[@leshenderson5746]

K.🤣

[@yollon2550]

Americans need a tutorial on how to use a spinning real, while Europeans need one on how to use a baitcaster.😂

[@andermeine]

Trust me, Americans need one on using a baitcaster as well. That video is coming! Ha!

[@davidrobertson5881]

Thumbs down….you TALK way too much during the intro. Get to the point.

[@andermeine]

Welcome to KZbin! You must be new here. 🙂 There is this great little function with KZbin videos where you can just click ahead to get past parts you may not be interested in. You may even be able to find another KZbin video that explains how to use it if you need help figuring it out. 😁 Thanks for watching though!

[@mwiltfang4618]

You apparently spend a lot more time fishing than yardwork or fence maintenence. 😅

[@andermeine]

100%!

[@upsrg]

You should make a fishing video in your backyard so we can judge it. 🙄

[@mwiltfang4618]

Too many people today have HDD---humor deficit disorder...get some help cupcake. I'm trying to imagine what a hoot it would be to spend a day fishing in the same boat with you. The fellow who made the video obviously got it and thought it was funny. He doesn't need you to be offended on his behalf.

[@slimmdogg420]

You are doing it wrong!

[@andermeine]

🤣

[@pallasxo8222]

my technique is way better than Ander's technique. He is a low born know-it-all.

[@andermeine]

I can't figure out what a "low born know-it-all" is supposed to be or mean. 🤔😅

[@michaelmullen8153]

Condescending guide thinks everyone is dumber then him..fished with a few know it all types by the end of the day some of them actually learned something

[@andermeine]

@@michaelmullen8153 Speaking of "know it all types" 🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@BigDrawls79]

Ahh spinning reels… When accuracy and presentation doesn’t matter.

[@upsrg]

How so?

[@pammakowski1173]

I already knew all of this...been fishing since I was 3. I am a female and enjoyed your video. However you should address women as well or use the word anglers. Guys, guys, guys didn't cut it for me😢

[@andermeine]

FYI... if I'm talking to a group of women, I would still say "you guys." 100% support female anglers, but I also don't buy into PC culture. "Guys" includes female anglers, too. 😉 Just like "dude" or "bro." Where I'm from everyone is a dude, bro, or a guy regardless of gender. 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video though!

[@pammakowski1173]

@@andermeine Well Missy, I disagree...and won't be subscribing...

[@andermeine]

@@pammakowski1173 Ha! Funny retort, but not very applicable. 🤣 I guess I shouldn't assume that English is your first language. In English, the word "man" is often used to refer to any human being. If you look up the definition, one of the definitions is "a human being of either sex; a person." Just for good measure, I just showed my wife your comment. She gave me an incredulous look and said "I say 'you guys' to other women all the time."

[@pammakowski1173]

@@andermeine Too bad you weren't this articulate during the video. Please try to remember this is 2024 not 1960..You're ignorance is overwhelming but understandable. The video was not inclusive as in "you guys" or "hey guys' It was very obvious you were addressing a specific audience 😉 Carry on!

[@pammakowski1173]

@@andermeine It wasn't really meant to be funny. It was meant to show you how ridiculous you sound

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Excellent tutelage But let me give you a tip A textbook gets people killed Your textbook tutelage is excellent But it is textbook none the less By example I guarantee I can turn that handle to rotate that spool as slow as you can without that handle ! I will defy the textbook every time .

[@andermeine]

I... I don't know... I've got nothing. No words. I'm flummoxed lol

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

@@andermeine even mathematical certainties in scientific quantities can be hazardous if quantities are not determined to be what they are meant to be by example , no circumstance , can be predetermined by textbook tutelage guaranteeing no variable within or without error human and or otherwise

[@andermeine]

@@andrewlinesjah4538 🤯

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

@@andermeine just keep reeling