Below are some tips, tricks and video tutorials on techniques for casting with a variety of reels. If you have any tips that would be helpful for other anglers, please send in your tips to tips@howtobass.com

    There are basically three types of casting:

Overhand - This involves throwing the bait/lure from over your shoulder. This is the cast generally used, and is recommended for beginners. This cast will get your lure the farthest. The biggest thing to watch with this cast is letting the cast go too early. You generally want to let go at the 11-1 o' clock position. Let go at 1 o' clock position to get your cast to go farther, and work your way up from 11 o' clock to 1 o' clock for beginners. You can also control your casts in the air by moving the rod tip. Be quick however; a cast only lasts a second or two.

Sidearm - This cast is many individuals favorite, as you can do so much with it. It doesn't get as far as the overhand, but it is a lot more accurate. Basically, you hold the rod and sweep it sideways. Make sure to flip your wrist to give the lure some umpf (like a rubber band jumping off your finger. Let go right as the rod passes your body. As soon as you get your zero (where your casts continually land in one spot) experiment different techniques from there.

Underhand - This cast is used for places where you don't have a lot of space to cast. Give yourself 6-10 inches of line between your rod tip and your lure. In a quick half moon shape sweep the tip up and flick the rod with your wrist. After releasing, lift your rod tip up for extra distance. It becomes very natural, and is one accurate cast after a little bit of practice.

BAITCAST REELS

    Baitcast reels are all over the market these days, and for good reason. They have longer casting distance, they're more lightwieght, and stronger. In many cases you get what you pay for but recommend a less expensive reel $40-$60 for beginners.

    The Basics
    - For baitcasters it would be keeping your thumb on the spool for the cast.
    - Add full pressure to the spool right before your lure/bait hits the water, then release and/or retreive.
    - Setting up your reel for each lure can be tricky. Here is a rule of thumb:
       * Reel the lure about 6 inches from the rod tip and push your button.
       * If your lure hits the ground and you have a bird nest, tighten the rate of fall.
       * If your lure doesn't hit the ground, loosen the rate of fall.
    - The bigger the line size used, the chance of backlashes/birdnests decreases.
    - Face the target with feet squared, shoulder width apart. (Just like a pitcher would in baseball by pointing
       his foot none throwing foot towards his target.)
    - Work on casting with your wrists and not your arms.
    - Every type of cast requires follow through after the lure is released.

OPEN FACE / SPINNING REELS

    The Basics
    - Releasing or letting go of the line is a big key factor. Always keep practicing.
    - Always close the bail by hand. Not doing so causes kinks, line twists and more wear on your reel.

CLOSED FACE / PUSH BUTTON REELS

    This is best for beginners and young anglers. It's a matter of pushing the button, and releasing the button when you want your lure to start going.

PITCHING

    Pitching is a technique used for longer distance casting and to allow a verticle drop. An example of this could be a dock, down trees or areas you can't get close enough to flip into. Below are a few tips and tricks to help you out along the way.

    - How to pitch a bait. (Great skipping video too!)
    - Flipping is commonly used in shallow water areas.
    - Let out the line about the same length of your rod being used.
    - Baitcast reels only.
    - Use longer rods from 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 in length.
    - Keep the lure close to the surface of the water for a quiet entry.
    - Either lower the rod tip upon entry into the water or let line out so the bait can drop vertically.
    - Control the cast by "thumbing or feathering" the spool.

FLIPPING

    Flipping is very easy with practice. The average angler uses a 7'- 7'6" rod. It's most commonly used in shallow water (1-6 feet deep) Pull around the same amount of line off the reel as long as your rod with your non-casting hand. Your lure should hang in front of your rod tip. Move your rod tip down and then quickly back up to get your lure in a swinging motion. Once the lure has came back at you and is about to go forward again, make sure the tip of your rod is pointed at your target and let the lure swing forward.

    - For a quiet entry into the water, work with the slack line in your non-casting hand to ease it into the water.
    - This is a great technique for sight fishing.

SKIPPING

    Skipping is a hard technique to learn and most bass fishermen do not have it mastered believe it or not. There are many ways to approach a skip, the easiest is with a spinning rod. To skip, keep your lure low to the water and you want to throw it parallel at a quick speed so the lure hits the water around halfway to your target. EX: Your target is under a dock 3 boat lengths long. You are 3 boat lengths away from the dock. You want the skip to start around the front of the dock give or take a boat length. Some of the best skippers can skip their lure up to 20 times before it stops.

    - The best bait to use with this technique is a Senko type bait.
    - Experiment with a variety of lures to find what you can skip with the best.
    - Practice, Practice, Practice!