Casting Overhead Reels

[stoli72]

Hi All

I'm into surf fishing and have been using spinning reels for as long as I can remember.

I've been reading a lot about the benefits of using an overhead reel, especially in the surf, but practiced about a million time with a mates combo last time we were out there - could not avoid the birds nests.

Is there a technique or somethign I should be doing differently? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Paul

[Hodgey]

Here you go mate. Click on the link below and all should be revealed

Casting tips

Cheers

Hodgey

[BTK]

Hey mate

Casting them at First can be hard and require practice but once you get the hang of it the benefits are great. When im out beach fishing i take my 12 Foot Spinning rod and a 5 Foot 6 Over head both with 25Lb Mono on them and the Overhead can easyily outcast the spin rod with little effort.

The main tip i can give you is to keep your finger on the spool even when casting because if you take it fully off your bound to get a birds nest, Although ive found when using 25Lb Mono on my Overhead i can take my finger off safely most of the time.

Cheers

Cory

[stylo]

the Overhead can easyily outcast the spin rod with little effort.

Cheers

Cory

Why is this the case ? I have an overhead (with line guide) and it casts about the same distance as a similar sized / same line rating spinning reel on a same length rod.

[outdoordan]

At first have a reasonable amount of thumb pressure on the spool throughout the cast, this will kill your casting distance but will avoid overruns. As you become more comfortable with casting you can slowly release the amount of pressure on the spool, but keep the thumb in contact at all times. Once you are proficiant with that, then you can start pushing the envolope for distance.

...Another really important tip is cast smoothly, don't whip the rod or you'll cause the spool to gain excessive momentum and an overrun will result

An overhead is not everyones cup 'O' tea, but if your keen and give it time you will master it.

Practice practice practice.

Dan

[shaune]

Why is this the case ? I have an overhead (with line guide) and it casts about the same distance as a similar sized / same line rating spinning reel on a same length rod.

Pretty sure that line guide thingy will be slowing your line down.

The reason overheads cast further is the that the spool is spinning at the same speed as the line is coming off.

Therefore there is nothing slowing the line down.

Thats the theory anyway.

On a normal threadline there is a small amount of friction on the lip of the spool that will slow the line down.

Having said all that there are some great threadlines (with "long cast" spools) that will give overheads a shake.

I've got a Diawa Emblem Pro (threadline) and I reckon I can cast further with it than my Abu Ambassaduer 9000 (overhead), although I haven't tested it.

The main reason being that with a threadline you can give it heaps without worrying about backlashes.

[Evets]

Hi Paul,

The first thing that you should do is make sure that the line tension is set correctly.

Once you have baited up and are ready to cast there is an adjustment that you need to make to the reel.

On one side of the reel there will be a knurled knob that sits exactly where the cente of the spoolis. This knob needs to be adjusted so that when you have the reel in free spool your bait doesnt fall straight to the ground. You should be able to jiggle the rod and the line then comes off.

Let your thumb juuuust touch the spool as you cast. Just before your bait hits the water put your thumb down on the spool and stop it spinning.

Dont try and cast it a mile. Start with gentle lobs until you get the hang of the above.

Soon you wont need to stop the spool spinning when your bait hits the water.

Good luck!

Evets