How do you cast an overhead reel
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Newbies Corner
Forum Description: If you're new to fishing this is the place to ask any questions about getting started ...
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=65238
Printed Date: 10 Jun 2026 at 3:24am
Topic: How do you cast an overhead reel
Posted By: Gerrystackle
Subject: How do you cast an overhead reel
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 2:23pm
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Hey all,
I'm a bit embarrassed about asking this...but wonder how do you cast with an overhead reel? I see these guys on TV flick out their baits while straylining etc with overheads, but I dont know how you could do it without creating havoc. Is it an art, or am O missing something????
And does it matter if your reel has a level wind...as mine does...
Cheers
Greg ------------- Greg |
Replies:
Posted By: family affair
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 7:27pm
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i cast with my penn 320gt i losen the lil knob off the titns the spool so that i can move the spoll slitly fom side to side then give it a flick i keep my thumb just on top of the spool so that it dosent over run and create havoc ------------- mv maui |
Posted By: NZFisher
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 7:32pm
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Hey Greg,
Overheads are notoriously difficult to cast, but here are some tips.
The easiest way to cast overheads is buy setting the cast control knob correctly (see further down) and using your thumb to furhter control the speed of the spool.
Also, don't try & cast too fast - the whipping action of casting can be devistating on the spool if you try too hard.
The cast control knob, generally on either side of the reel, is a small knob that you can use to tighten the mecahnism that holds the spool inn place. To get it just about right, try this tip.
Wind your bait or lure to your rod tip. Put the reel in freel-spool, take your thumb off the spool and let the bait drop. A well set cast control should let the bait drop, but stop the spool as soon as it hits the floor. You may need to trial your reel to get this right, but it will really help.
Also, try Tony Bishop's site - he's much better at describing things! http://www.bishfish.co.nz/articles/salt/beatbacklash.htm - http://www.bishfish.co.nz/articles/salt/beatbacklash.htm
Good luck!
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Posted By: skidoggg
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 7:42pm
| as above but biggest thing to watch is just b4 the bait hits the water jam down hard with your thumb or it will over run ! |
Posted By: Kiwicaster
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 7:57pm
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There are a few types of freespools and you have to understand the different types of braking involved with them . Unbraked types . Tld stars tlds penn gti etc These rely on either winding up the tension on the sideplate knob or lubing the bearings with a heavy oil to control the spool . An educated thumb is also needed to just lightly feather the spools edge as well. Braked types Two types of braking mechanisms are found on true casting reels . Either the magnetic braking types like the penn 525mag range and many small baitcasters or the centrifugal brakes found on reels like the daiwas sl20/30/40/50sh range. The magnetic brakes work on a process known as lenz law where the spinning alloy spool reacts aganist the magnetic field from rare earth magnets inside the reels sideplate. Centrifugal reels have two or more brake blocks attched to the axle of the spool that fly out and engage the brake ring when accelerated to casting speed . Once you have it sorted out you can do stuff like this . |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2011 at 10:58pm
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Greg
Dont be embarrassed I've asked way worse questions, some of them even fishing related
 .I too struggled with casting an overhead and learnt the basics from this site. It's still amusing to many that I fish with the number of birdsnests I get but oh well...
One thing I have learnt is that slowing down the spool either by tightening the thumbscrew or use of a casting control makes life way easier for those like myself that don't care much for finesse. Thumbing the side of the spool is better than thumbing the line as it is a nice even surface. While you are learning, keeping the weight as close to the rod tip helps a lot and so does learning using a gentle even lob before you start getting too adventurous.
Great question!
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Posted By: Gerrystackle
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2011 at 8:24am
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Thanks guys. Much appreciated. If I'm ever aloud out to fish again I'll give it a nudge using your advice.
Cheers ------------- Greg |