Fly and lure-bait fishermen use specific casts when going for salmon. Depending on your fishing preference, these casts are needed skills for the "salmon arsenal." There is a period of trail-and-error when learning these casts, but once mastered they are the go-to casts when heading out for the species.
Instructions
Fly Fishing Cast
1. Stand facing the direction you wish to cast; face this direction dead-on. Bring the tip of the rod up to the 11 o'clock position.
2. Begin the 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock overhead cast movement (moving the tip of the rod between 11 and 1, leading out the fly line as you go).
3. Swing the tip of the rod over to your non-dominant side shoulder (if you are right handed, swing the tip over the left and vice versa). Pivot with your hips as you do, keeping the feet facing dead-on to the cast direction, downriver current.
4. Swing the tip further over the left shoulder and cast out downriver. The purpose here is to keep the cast going downriver so the fly moves upstream, over the salmon. This salmon cast is known as the Spey cast.
Standard Reel
5. Stand at your dock, pier, beach, river or boat. Rig your salmon rod with a baitcasting reel. These are heavy duty open spooled reels designed to cast long distances and provide power in the fight. Let out three feet of line from the tip of the rod.
6. Swing the bait and hook (with any sinkers you choose to place on the line) and stand, feet facing your casting area. Swing the bait and hook toward your dominant side, dipping the tip of the rod just below your chest level.
7. Snap the rod up and over your dominant shoulder, keeping the cast bail open. As your arm and hand is at the 10 o'clock position in front of you, release the cast bail so it allows the hook and bait to soar.
8. Turn the handle as soon as the hook and bait hit the water. Retrieve slowly but consistently, snapping the rod upward when the salmon strikes.
Tags: bait hook, cast bail, casts when, clock position, feet facing, hook bait
