Nebraskaland

MARCH 2015 • NEBRASKAland 29 the drag on a spincast reel is above the thumb button. On a spinning reel, the drag knob is located at the top of the spool. On a baitcaster, the drag star is located near the handle on the side. The drag is measured in pounds and set by the breaking point of your fishing line, not by the size of the fish. As a starting point, the drag should be set to 25 percent of your fishing line's breaking point. For example, if you have 8-pound test fishing line, set the drag to 2 pounds. Most people will learn to set the drag by feel, and you will too. How to Cast Before you begin fishing, learning how to cast properly will save you time (and embarrassment) on the water. To practice, attach a practice plug the same weight as you plan to fish with at the end of your line and practice casting in your backyard or other open area. To cast a spincast (closed face) reel, pull out or reel in line so that the lure or plug hangs 6 inches from the tip. While holding the fishing rod with your dominant hand with the reel facing up, push and hold down the thumb button with your thumb and then bring the rod tip back to the 11 o'clock position. Swing the rod forward towards your target with one smooth motion, and then release the thumb button when your rod tip reaches the 2 o'clock position to allow line to come out with the momentum of your swing and weight of your line and lure. To cast a spinning reel, pull out or reel in line so that 6 inches hangs from the tip. Hold the rod with your dominant hand so that the reel is below the rod. The reel foot should go between your ring and middle finger. Then turn the handle so that the line roller is directly below your index finger and then grab hold of the line against the rod with the crook of your index finger. Flip open up the bail with your other hand, a thick half-circle wire that secures the line when closed. Point the rod tip toward your target, then smoothly swing the rod back to vertical and allow the rod tip to flex behind you before propelling the rod forward again. Once the tip reaches halfway to your target, release your index finger to send the line and lure flying as you follow through to 3 o'clock. The motion should come from your elbow and wrist, not your shoulders. Allow a moment for your lure or bait to sink, and then close the bail to stop more line from coming out. To cast a baitcaster, it's important to first study any literature that came with your reel to understand its components. Also, modern baitcasters will look slightly different from each other and older models. Once you've set the drag correctly, as described previously, locate the spool release button (thumb bar), spool tension knob and brake. Turn the brake all the way off, then adjust the spool tension knob just enough so that your lure and line comes out smoothly and slowly when you push the spool release button. If your lure and line comes out too quickly, the tension is too loose and your line will backlash, causing a tangled mess called a bird's nest. If it's too tight and barely any line comes out, you obviously won't be able to cast far. Having your line too tight versus too loose, however, is an excellent place to start. Once you get the right adjustment on the tension knob, turn the brake up to 50 percent. Once properly adjusted, begin with a sidearm cast, which is easier for beginners. Push the spool release button to unlock the spool, while maintaining pressure with your thumb over the spool so that line doesn't come out until you're ready. Let out a few inches of line, then with a smooth back and forward cast (do not whip like a spinning rod), slightly ease up your thumb pressure on the spool to control or "feather" the line's speed as it comes out. Right before your lure hits the water, place your thumb back on the spool to control the line. Cast with a practice plug first – it will take a while to master the baitcaster. Sam Roskeland from Battle Creek fishes at Niobrara State Park's Father's Day Fishing Tournament. To see these casts in action, visit the Commission's YouTube page. T C

• Cover