How To Overhand Cast A Baitcaster?

Casting a baitcaster is one of the most challenging skills to learn when it comes to fishing. One way that you can improve your casting ability is by using an overhand cast.

To overhand cast with a baitcaster, you need to practice and find the best distance for you. This will depend on whether you’re fishing from shore or a boat, as well as the depth of the water. It’s important not to lead your arm out in front. But instead, aim at a spot ahead of where you want the lure pulled and then sweep back your arm at full speed.

Once this technique has been mastered, you can use it both onshore and off using baitcaster reel and rods. So, learn how to overhand cast a baitcaster today and get on with pro fishing!

Why Should You Learn How to Overhand a Baitcaster?

One great thing about learning how to overhand cast a baitcaster is that it’s one of the best techniques for bass fishing. Casting is essential when you’re fishing with live bait on any body of water.

The overhand technique will hook far more fish than just throwing your baits out into deep water. It also doesn’t leave as big of an impact on the environment as some other methods.

Another benefit to using an overhand cast with baitcasters is its usefulness. Some sportsmen are finding success at catching Sacramento perch on topwater lures during low-light periods. The overhand cast works excellent for those fishing conditions.

Practicing how to overhand cast a baitcaster is also an excellent way to improve your casting skills. It’s effortless to use and can be employed with any sort of angling gear that you might already have in your tackle box.

Steps To Overhand Cast a Baitcaster

Learning how to overhand a baitcaster can be a slightly challenging task. But not when you follow the right techniques and methods. Here’s a basic breakdown of the steps you need to follow to properly master the art.

Step-1: Hold The Rod In Your Right Hand And Reel With Your Left Hand

First, you should hold the rod in your right hand. The reel should be in your left hand. And the bail should be open so that it’s ready to catch the line when the fish strikes.

The fish hooks should be at a 45-degree angle. This way, when a fish bites, they’re more likely to get caught on the hook.

Step-2: Lay The Line Over Your Index Finger

You should also be able to position your hand to control the load on the spool. You may need to change the stance for this, but it is worth it. It will make casting more manageable and more accurate.

Lay your index finger under the line of the rod around one-third of the way up from the tip. This will be just below where you would place a reel on a conventional reel-type rod.

Step-3: Make A Throwing Motion With Your Arm

You should make the motion with your arm almost as if you were throwing a ball. The action should come from your shoulder and not your elbow or wrist.

Your index finger will also be the pivot point for the casting motion, which will serve as an anchor for the rod.

Step-4: Throw The Lure Forward In An Arc

Now, you want to bring your arm back to the starting position. Sweep it back out in front at full speed with your rod parallel to the ground.

As this motion happens, release the line on the reel by moving your thumb that’s still holding onto it backward. You can also flick your wrist back if you’re struggling.

If you are new to this technique, it may feel too fast. But don’t force yourself to do this quicker than necessary.

The key is letting the fish take its time biting on the lure before beginning the cast until you reach a comfortable speed for both of you. So don’t rush it!

It’s important not to lead your arm out in front while casting an overhand. You should also take care not to pull your arm back towards your head. Keep it moving in one fluid motion until you feel like you’re throwing the lure forward in an arc pattern.

Step-5: Let The Lure Hit The Water

Another critical step in overhand casting a baitcaster is the action of the lure hitting the water. The lure should hit the water with an even, constant force.

It’s best to pause for about one second after this has happened. This will create a better cast by allowing for fewer lines in your hand when you begin casting again.

Step-6: Retract The Line To Start Reeling In

Retracting the line to reel in can be a bit more complicated than throwing it out. But then again, there is a technique that will allow you to do this properly.

First of all, move your thumb from the reel. Use your index and middle fingers to reach over and grab on. You should not be able to do this with just one hand as you will lose control of the spool.

The key is to keep your thumb on top of the handle and your index and middle fingers just on one side of it. This way, you have the control necessary for holding onto the line while reeling in.

But you can still access it for casting or releasing any tension built up when casting. Keep your index finger just slightly bent to keep the pressure on.

Step-7: Bring Your Arm Back Up To Cast Again

This is another motion that should be done in one fluid motion.

Once you have finished reeling in, it should feel like your hand comes right out of the water and pulls up on the rod. As it does this, your shoulder will come up next to your ear, and you’ll turn to face the target once again.

Step-8: Don’t Let Go Of The Handle

There usually comes the point where you want to let go of the handle during overhand casting. But unless this is something you’re comfortable with, don’t let go of your grip.

Just try to rest it on the ground next to you. It’s also helpful to keep your thumb on top for most of this motion so that you can control the spool without letting go.

Final Note

Now that you know how to overhand cast a baitcaster, remember not to rush it. Practice often and keep working on it.  As you continue to do this, it will become easier and more natural.

Your lure or line will land where you want it each time. Your hand will naturally want to make the motion faster as you gain experience. But don’t give in. It’s essential to go at a good pace for you and the fish. Remember that as long as you can be accurate, speed isn’t everything!