How to choose a casting rod?

The casting rod is not suitable for all fishing methods. You need the right equipment to have a successful casting experience.

The casting rod isrecognisable by its flexibility compared to a spinning rod. It also has more rings than a spinning rod. Note that the casting rod has the reel and the rings on top. This type of equipment is sometimes called a baitcasting rod. It is mainly used with a casting reel.

General information on the casting rod

A casting rod is one of the easiest types of rods to use. This rod has a relatively simple line delivery that can be easily released, allowing you to target a particular spot.

These rods can handle heavier lines and manoeuvre easily in dense areas with weeds and rocks. This makes them ideal for a beginner. On the other hand, it is best to use casting rods in a rod holder, as this will allow a steady and controlled release of line to free the lure. They can also be used to target a specific area where you want the lure to land.

A casting rod is used to fish for smaller species – such as yellow perch and sunfish – but some experienced anglers are happy to use the tool to tackle larger fish species – such as bass, salmon, lake trout, walleye and northern pike.

Choosing your casting rod

The casting rod allows you to cast far and accurately. You can make incredible casts into weeds or rocks without having to worry about the line ending up somewhere you didn’t expect. Its eyes are stronger. With a casting rod, breaking the eyes under the force of the line is no longer a problem. Note that this is not the case with all types of rods.

Casting rods have the ability to handle heavier lines. And they are more effective with lines that have materials that promote a better grip. The tool is suitable for freshwater fishing. However, sea anglers may have no choice but to use a spinning rod because the fish are bigger and heavier.

When it comes to casting, casting rods are the most versatile. You can cast with live bait, lures and everything else. Especially if the lures or baits are heavier than what is attached to the other end.

Casting rods also perform well in terms of durability. If you want something strong enough to hold up, there’s no denying what a casting rod can do. These rods are really hard to break. If you want to fight a heavier fish, this type of rod is recommended for experienced anglers.

When to bait carp?

Baiting is a method of catching several fish as quickly as possible. But while baiting carp but while baiting can be as effective, the technique is not so easy to set up. To bait carp effectively, you will need to adapt the bait to the situation you are facing. The choice of bait and equipment used must be optimised, but the best time to bait must also be determined.

Baiting strategy adapted to the bait used

Different techniques can be used forcarp baiting, but first it should be stressed that this depends on several parameters. The first factor to consider is the type of bait you are going to use. Baiting is mainly a strategy to attract carp to your spot by using a maximum of baits. It is therefore advisable to bait a specific area in order to have more efficiency.

There can be three types of baiting and they are determined at specific periods.

  • Long-term baiting (over several days or weeks). This strategy involves getting the fish used to the bait before starting a session.
  • Initial baiting: this is what should be done at the beginning of a session.
  • Recall baiting: this is done when you have made a successful catch or when you have changed your line.

It is therefore according to these stages that the type of baits adapted should be chosen.

Carp baiting tools

To successfullybait carp, you need special tools to make the job easier. One of these is the slingshot, which propels the bait by means of a rubber band attached to the handle. You can put different types of baits in it, such as seed, pellets or groundbait balls. Later on, you can also use PVAs. Here it should be noted that there can be several models of PVC; either in bags, sticks or double strands. They are mainly used for locating a small amount of bait near your bait.

After that, you can also use the baiting shovel, the dart launcher, the bait ratchet or the bucket. These tools should be used according to the situation.

The right time to bait carp

As you have understood, there are several techniques forbaiting carp. This means that they can be carried out at different times. The most important thing is to understand that before and during carp fishing, baiting can always be done. This gives you the maximum chance of attracting fish without going back empty-handed. Before fishing, they should be attracted to the area you have determined. And just at the beginning of the fishing, baiting allows you to make the least effort to get them close to you. And during the fishing, it is also necessary to do it regularly.

As for the season, you will have to refer to the behaviour of the carp during each period of the year to understand their activities. What is certain is that it is always wise to wait until the end of the breeding season.

What is the best reel to use for fishing?

Lobster fishing is practiced using live natural bait. The only function of the spinning reel is to serve as a line reserve.

Experienced anglers consider jigging to be a classic method of fishing. As the name suggests, anglers using this technique feel the touch in the hand holding the line with a jig. It is both instructive and exciting, in that the method allows one to understand the behaviour of trout or other fish in their environment. Despite this, the process manages to maintain a very playful aspect. It is quite simple to use and there is no need to invest in expensive and technical equipment. A spinning reel does not need to be sophisticated. The technique is an excellent way to combine learning and passion for fishing without too much expense.

Characteristics of a spinning reel

A spinning reel is only used for reeling in the line. It is not really necessary to equip yourself with a very technical device. When it comes to fishing reels, the choice is usually between a fixed spool model and a spinning spool model. Whichever option you choose, make sure the device is lightweight. The spool for spinning is filled with 14 to 20/100 nylon. On the leader side, this part should have a diameter of 2 to 4/100 less than the line body.

For this fishing technique, experienced anglers recommend a rod with an inside line. This type of equipment is suitable for fishing in crowded areas. It is possible to choose a rod with rings for this method. The size of the rod depends on the type of watercourse. A model with a length of between 3 and 3.5 metres is suitable for fishing in a stream. If you are planning to fish in large rivers, it is best to use a rod with a length of 4 metres. As for the type of rod, a telescopic model is recommended for beginners.

A small selection of reels suitable for spinning

The KastKing Sharky III is an inexpensive choice that offers good value for money. This spinning reel is quite durable and suitable for both fresh and salt water. Although it comes at a very affordable price, the Pflueger President PRESSP30X incorporates many great features. This model will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when fishing with a toc. Fishing enthusiasts should be familiar with the Shimano brand. The manufacturer is a reference in the fishing equipment market – and for good reason. The Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 is not the most affordable option in terms of price. However, this reel is certainly the best when it comes to trout fishing. The model impresses with its lightness and smoothness of movement.

Which popper lure for bass?

The advantages of fishing with a popper lure are well known. That is why many people choose it. It is the best method of fishing for bass. To be sure of good reliability, it is necessary to choose the right equipment. In order to help you, discover in this article the ideal popper for bass fishing.

Why choose a popper lure for bass fishing?

The use of the popper is a fishing technique that belongs to the large family of surface lures. The popper is a lure with a concave mouth. It is thanks to this fact that the equipment can emit sounds and sprays of water. This is what attracts many species of fish, including sea bass. Of course, sea bass is a species of fish that responds well to the popper fishing technique. The popper is mainly used during the summer months when the water temperature is on average 15°.

Criteria to consider when choosing a popper for bass fishing

To guarantee the success of a reliable bass fishing, it is very important to choose the right popper lure. Indeed, considering the numerous models on the market, it is important to take into account certain parameters.

First of all, you must consider the size of the popper. The popper comes in many different sizes. The size of the popper depends on the season and the fishing conditions. Large popper lures are recommended during the late season in deep water. These can be up to 16 cm long. They are mainly used to catch record fish. However, in the middle of the summer season, in a shallow area, the smaller 4 cm models can be used.

In addition to the size of the popper, you should also take into account its colour. This parameter is important to ensure that the bass is caught on the surface. It is important that it looks as natural as possible. The colour of the popper should be attractive to the fish and the weight of the equipment should be taken into consideration to ensure ease of use.

Finally, it is recommended to ensure the quality of the popper lure. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the brand. You should choose a reputable manufacturer.

The different types of poppers ideal for bass fishing

As you can see, there are many different types of poppers for sea bass. Among the recommended ones, you have :

  • The feedpopper, which is still the most effective solution for bass fishing. This type is characterised by its great realism and the quality of its coatings.
  • The 3D popper, which stands out for its realism and its ability to easily attract bass.
  • The pencil popper cordell which is a surface lure of the stick type. This is especially designed for bass and tropical fish.
  • The realis pencil popper which is very appreciated for its simplicity of use.

The different jigging techniques

Do you know jig fishing? It’s a fishing technique that comes to us straight from Japan. It is a more sophisticated version of jigging. To put it simply, it consists of going with the current and using the rod to animate the lures in order to attract predators. It is an effective technique for catching all types of fish such as amberjack, pike, meagre, etc.

The basic principle of jigging

Originally from Japan, jigging is a fishing method that consists of fishing vertically for beautiful bottom fish, and is known for its ability to explore difficult to access fishing areas. The aim of jigging is to place the lure where the fish are located, but in order to do this, it is necessary to manoeuvre the boat so that the jig is above the fish, and in order for this technique to be successful, it is essential to calculate the strength of the currents so that the jig can easily catch the fish.

To fish with a jig, the principle is very simple: a metal lure, the jig, must be lowered into the water. Then you have to animate it by making it rise to the surface. As you will have understood, jigging is a rather tiring fishing technique as it requires physical effort, but also the use of adapted equipment.

Different jigging techniques

It is worth pointing out that jigging can be practised in different ways: slow jigging, bottomjigging, cranckingjig and speed jigging.

On the one hand,slow jigging is known to be the most relaxing and practical technique, but it does require precision in the animations. The best time to fish with slow jigging is at night. The best time to fish with a slow jig is at night, when the fish will increase their lateral line, and in terms of animation, it’s best to set the rod butt down to remove the jig from the bottom while letting it flutter down.

Speed jigging is the preferred technique for deep fishing. However, it is also the least relaxing technique as it requires much more physical effort than slow jigging. Basically, it requires the jig to be brought up strongly. The aim of speed jigging is to leave the jig on the bottom before closing the pick-up, then shaking the line and bringing the line to the surface.

On the other hand, bottom jigging is another jigging technique that is recommended in calm waters without too much current. Its purpose is to allow the jig to stay on the bottom while making small jumps. Finally, the cranckingjig is a technique that is not well known to the general public except in certain Asian countries. This technique consists of placing the jig on the bottom of the water and then bringing it back quickly

Which equipment for surfcasting ?

More and more French fishermen are becoming attracted to surfcasting, which has attracted many fishing enthusiasts. This marine fishing is practiced from the sea shore. This is why fishing with surfcasting this is why surfcasting requires the use of specific equipment, which can cope with the forces of the marine environment. If you want to try this type of fishing, make sure you select the right fishing equipment.

What exactly is surfcasting?

As mentioned above, surfcasting is fishing in marine waters. The term “surfcasting” literally means “casting into the wave”. So, this type of fishing consists of casting the hook behind the waves to catch beautiful marine fish. The casting is done from the sea shore: on the beach, of course, but also on dikes or rocks.

The different categories of sea water spots are also suitable for surfcasting. However, estuaries, pools, and bays are the best places to practice this type of fishing.

Surfcasting allows you to catch a variety of fish species such as sparids (kingfish, sars, marbled fish) or predators (sea bass and tassergals).

For most surfcasters, surfcasting is a hobby, but some also practice it as a competition. In any case, the equipment used for surfcasting is not chosen at random. You need to select fishing tools that can meet the requirements of marine fishing.

The right equipment for surfcasting

Surfcasting cannot be done with just any fishing tackle, so follow the guidelines below to make sure you don’t make the wrong choice.

First of all, as far as the rod is concerned, opt for a rod with a length of at least 4m. This is the ideal rod to be able to hold the line above the waves. In addition, choose a rod that is powerful enough (100g-200g on average) to cope with wave action.

As far as the reel is concerned, make sure you choose a fairly large model (which can hold 200 to 300 m of line). The fishing lines recommended for surfcasting are nylon (monofilament) without memory or fluorocarbon (PVDF).

As far as weights are concerned, surfcasting requires the use of fairly heavy weights (between 40 g and 200 g). Ideally, you should use a grappling weight, which will hold the rig effectively to the bottom of the water regardless of the strength of the waves.

You should also get a rod holder which will keep your rod upright in the sea. Taking the form of a spike or tripod, the rod holder will also allow you to keep the tension of the line above the waves.

Which reel for the sea?

Depending on where you decide to fish, one type of tackle will be more suitable than another. For shore fishing, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. The reel is one of the items you need to choose very carefully.

The details of shore fishing

Sea fishing is not so much like fishing on the river banks and the like. Fish will not easily approach the shoreline, as they are wary of people on it. They will prefer to stay at a safe distance, which is not good for anglers.

It is still possible to fish for these fish using a surfcasting reel. This model has been developed especially for fishing for fish that are found at great distances in the water. More specifically, it is suitable for fishing for fish on the seashore, which require the lines to go over the waves.

A reel for long distance casting

As fish are found far out in the sea, your surfcasting reel needs to be better able to project a good distance. For this to be the case, you will need to use a model that is well suited to such use.

If you choose a reel for shore fishing, you can cast your line up to 200m. The further the line is cast into the water, the greater the chance of catching a large fish.

A reel for catching big fish

In addition to being able to cast the line a long way, the surfcasting reel must also be able to make the line come back. Fishing on the seashore is usually characterised by being in front of a large body of water that has no obstacles.

So you don’t need to get the line back quickly, but instead you need to take your time. This makes it necessary to look for a reel with a low ratio. When the ratio is low for a rod, it means that rewinding the line via the crank will be slow.

The most versatile reel

The conditions that are unique to sea fishing can vary greatly depending on the situation. So, for your surfcasting reel , you might prefer to opt for criteria that make your rod as versatile as possible. For a beginner or an inexperienced angler, this is the best choice.

Ideally, you should choose a reel with a medium ratio, preferably with a low profile. With this profile in particular, the rod will be easy to handle. Secondly, the length of the rod should be around 4m to 4.5m. With such a configuration, fishing will be done in good conditions.

How to fish with a soft lure?

When you start fishing, it is essential to have a good understanding of the different accessories to use. The soft lure is one of the recourses you can turn to when fishing for fish. To get the most out of this accessory, it is best to know the various details.

The specificities of the soft lure

This type of lure is made of a synthetic material, which gives it its flexibility. It is mainly used for fishing with soft lures, which means that the lure used is reusable. This is a lure design that is not ingested or unmanageable by the fish.

Instead of using a live lure, a synthetic lure is used that imitates a lure. This means that you can use the same lures over and over again, and their effectiveness will depend on the effort you put into sorting them out before you buy them.

Possible shapes for soft lures

When you are going to start fishing with soft lures, it is important to decide on the shape of the lures to use. These can vary depending on the needs you may have. Some baits will generate vibrations in the water when moving.

Other models will instead adopt a surface that allows for the smoothest possible movement. You can choose a soft lure that will simply take on the appearance of worms, flies or other insects.

Choosing the right size of soft lure

The size of the lure you use is one of the most important details in soft lure fishing. It is essential that the size of the lure you choose matches the size of the fish you intend to catch. If the lure is too big, the fish may not catch it.

A lure that is too small will have much the same effect on the fish, as it will not consider the effort worthwhile. Depending on the fish you want to catch, there are guidelines for the most suitable size of bait.

Choosing the right colour

In the case of soft lure fishing, colour is also one of the elements that must be taken into account. But also the clarity of the water you are going to fish in and the season.

If it’s a time of year when the fish are going to be hungry, it’s useful to favour baits that are as bright as possible. On the other hand, it is better to go for baits with discreet colours when the fish are more fussy about their food. This is a conscious decision.

Carp fishing

There are several techniques for carp fishing, one of which is carp fishing by jigging. The aim of this method is to catch fish in a well-defined area called the blow. For successful fishing, however, it is important to master the basic carp fishing strategies.

How to prepare bait for carp fishing

Carp fishing is practised on rivers, ponds and less agitated canals. To be successful, it is not only necessary to use a good quality carp rod , but also to prepare the bait well. There are two ways of baiting carp: with flour and with baiting.

If you decide to use a flour bait, it is wise to make a well-nourished preparation, and this, to seduce carps easily. Opt for fatty substances such as biscuits and maize components such as meal. As for the bait, you can mix vegetable baits such as lupin and wheat. And to entice the fish, consider combining the mixture with maggots.

The different techniques of carp fishing

There are three different methods of carp fishing: spinning, feeding and match fishing. They each have their specificities. But to fill your basket quickly, think of the technique of fishing with the English blow. It allows you to fish for fish that are on the bottom. Carp live mainly on the bottom of ponds or canals because these places are very rich in aquatic vegetation.

The fish get used to feeding there and only come up to the surface during the summer period. To catch a carp, the hook should be placed at the bottom of the water. To avoid your fish escaping, wait for the cork to sink completely before you strike. Not only that, it is also important to choose the right rod for carp fishing.

Equipment for carp fishing

For the pleasure of fishing, it is advisable to choose your equipment well, in this case your carp rod. It is the major element that allows you to catch fish. You can choose between telescopic and take-apart rods. If you plan to fish less than 7 m from the shore, consider a telescopic rod. It is practical and, above all, less cumbersome. The only drawback is that it is difficult to control when the wind is strong.

As far as the take-apart rod is concerned, it is necessary to fish more than 10 m from the shore. It is adjustable up to 18.5 m. As for the line of the carp cutting rod, it is advisable to use a nylon line of 0.16 mm to 0.22 mm. Make sure that it combines flexibility, regularity and knot strength. It should be noted that a minimum of 100 metres of line is required for carp fishing.

How do I fill my casting reel?

Casting rods are among the most popular rods for freshwater and saltwater fishing at the moment. Filling the casting reel is an important step that must be done with care. To do this properly, there is a method to follow that will give the best results.

Prepare your fishing tackle

Before you even begin the task of filling your reel, you must first get the right equipment. In particular, you need to decide on a casting rod model. There are several choices available to you, and the choices are to be made on parameters such as size and brand.

Depending on the type of fish you want to catch, specific dimensions will be needed for your casting reel, and the line should be long enough to allow you to catch fish from a distance. The tip of the line is an essential asset that you need to put in place to make your fishing stealthy.

Tie a strong knot at the base

You will very rarely use up an entire reel by casting the line. However, it is still important to tie the line properly. There are different kinds of knots you can use to hold your line in place. Marine knots are some of the strongest knots you can use.

The most important thing is that the line is held securely to the base of your casting reel. Without it, it may not be stable when you cast. Don’t hesitate to test the strength of the line knot properly after tying. Once this is done, you can consider refilling the reel.

The importance of moistening the line

Before you start reeling in the line, you should first take care to moisten the line. This will ensure that the line runs smoothly when you cast or reel it in. Without it, you increase the chances of creating a wig on your casting reel. Secondly, it should not be overly solid either.

Let it sit for a few minutes in a container of water. Ideally, this should be done the morning before you go fishing. If you do it too early, the moisture added to your line may be lost. Both the line and the leader should be placed in such a container.

Winding up properly

You should reel in your line methodically and check that it is even. You can do this by stopping once in a while to check the result. The line should be wound evenly. Also, the line should not be difficult to unwind.

You should continue to do this until you reach about 2 to 3 mm from the edge of the casting reel. Beyond this point, the whole thing may be too full, and the reel may struggle to function. Filling the casting reel is an action that requires experience. So the more you do it, the more likely you are to do it right.