Dressing and Casting a Fishing Pole With a Bail Reel

Whether you simply want to find a leisurely activity while enjoying the outdoors or the zombie apocalypse has arrived, it is useful to learn how to string and cast a fishing line. Since there are many different types of fishing reels, bobbers, hooks, weights and lures, this set of instructions focuses on setting up a basic line with a bail reel, bobber, weights, and a worm hook. Bail reels are useful in casting light lures far distances because the design of the reel allows the fishing line to flow off the reel unimpeded by a nose cone or friction from a spool. This is particularly useful when you are trying to fish in a lake off a boat or from the shore because you need to get your hook in a position to catch fish. In the sections below you will find the materials you will need, easy to follow, step by step, instructions and safety information that will help you feel confident in casting out your first line. Remember to relax and have fun!

Materials:

● Fishing pole and bail reel with line already spooled on
● Worm hook and worm (or artificial worm)
● Bobber and split shot weight
● Scissors or knife
● Pliers

1. Consult Artemis, the Greek Goddess, if you need help with this. You can also try putting on a lot of fur, only eat jerky, and call yourself Daniel Boone.

Try flipping the bail (see image above) up; this will allow the line to move freely. Now, flip the bail back down with the line underneath it. You’ll notice that it locks the line, stopping it from pulling
out.

Flip the bail up so the fishing line is free. Pull out enough line to be about double the length of the fishing pole. Flip the bail back down to lock the line. Thread the line starting from the bottom metal ring, until you reach the top ring. Careful to not wrap the line around the pole as you thread the line upwards.

a. Put on the bobber. You will want to attach thebobber with 3-4 feet of excess line below it. There are hooks on the top and bottom of the bobber (the top is usually the side with a small cylinder sticking out. See image above). To expose the bottom hook, push down on the plastic cylinder. To expose the top hook, put your finger over the bottom hook and push down on the same plastic cylinder.Now, to attach the bobber to your line:

● Expose the top hook and wrap the line around
the hook

● Expose the bottom hook and wrap the line
around it

This allows you to cast farther and more accurately. To attach the weight, use pliers to open the “mouth” of the weight, then place the line in the weight’s mouth and use the pliers to clamp the weight onto the line.

Follow the steps on the image above to tie your fishing knot. Most other knots will come undone while fishing. When finished your knot should be tight and cinched close to the hook. To get to the first step in the image below, you thread the end of your line through the loop on the hook and bring it up about 3 inches making a U shape. Pinch your fingers holding the top of the U together, leaving enough excess to be able to complete the knot and then twist the hook. Now, finish the knot by following the picture.

Slide the worm on the hook head first so that its body covers most of the hook. Wrap the excess length of the worm around the hook and attach it however you can. You don’t want much, if any, of the worm dangling off of the hook, because that gives a smart fish a free meal. See figure above for different ways to attach worms.

You can cast standing up or sitting down. Either way, you can follow these instructions.

a. Check to make sure no one is behind you. Also make sure your line won’t snag on
nearby trees or bushes.

b. Place your pointer finger (of your dominant hand) on the line at the bail end, just above the reel to keep it tight to the pole. Flip the bail to release the line, still holding tight with your pointer finger to keep the line from unwinding. Hold the handle of the rod with your other hand.
(see figure above)

c. Angle the tip of the pole behind you (over your dominant shoulder) along your side, slightly upward. See figure below.

d. Move the pole along your side. DO NOT angle the pole in line with your body, the hook could hit you and get stuck. Be aware of where your hook is at all times.

e. Gently flick your arm forward, keeping the hook well off of the ground. Your wrist should flick forward in synchronization with your arm. Let go of the line right as your arm stops moving forward. Time your cast so the hook flies in the desired direction. This takes practice so keep trying until you get it.

f. When the line has gone as far as you like, flip the bail back down to lock the line. Reel in the line and try again. When you are done practicing or fishing, hook the line to one of the loops on your pole and reel in the line taut.

1. Fish hooks are sharp; handle with caution. Note: baits and lures often have fish hooks in them; these should also be handled with caution.

2. Be aware that you are swinging a sharp object on the end of a long, barely visible string. Be careful not to allow yourself or others (babies, pets, innocent bystanders, etc.) to become ensnared by thefishing line.

3. Yes, the fishing pole is a bendable rod. This makesit very fun to play with, however, it can also have a seriously painful recoil; steer clear of the people who are heavily bending their poles.

4. Don’t go fishing during, or when there is a chance of, a thunderstorm because you may be struck by lightening.

Congratulations! You have just strung and cast your first fishing line. Like any activity in life, practice makes perfect so keep practicing. Keep these instructions with you until you start to get it down. See you on the lake!