How to Cast With a Surf Rod on a Beach

Last Updated: July 9, 2022

Whether you’re new to fishing or have some experience, you’ve likely noticed that fish are often found far beyond the breakers. Anyone who can cast a long way then has the clear advantage—and with our help, that someone could be you! Keep reading to learn how to better cast a fishing lure or bait a long distance from a beach.

Steps

1
Begin by tying a 2 ounce sinker on the end of the line. Since this is just practice, don't bother with hooks or bait or any type of lure.
2
Reel in the line part way leaving about 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) of line from the end of the rod.^{[1]
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3
Hold the rod with both hands, with the right hand slightly above the reel and the left hand near the bottom of the rod.
4
Hold the line against the rod with your right index finger.^{[2]
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5
Flip the bail over using your left hand and then grab the rod again. The right index finger should hold the line in place so it doesn't come off the reel.^{[3]
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6
Stand sideways at the edge of the water with your left foot forward and closer to the water.
7
Hold the rod up vertically.
8
Dip the rod away from the water and swing the sinker up and away from the water.^{[4]
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9
Turn you body slightly to the right, away from the water, as you swing the sinker.^{[5]
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10
When the sinker and line swing close to horizontal, turn you body back towards the water.^{[6]
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11
Pull down with your left hand and push forward towards the water with your right hand.
12
Release the line from your right index finger as the rod swings forward towards the water.
13
Watch the sinker as it flies towards the water and keep the rod pointed in the same direction it was when you released the line.
14
When the sinker hits the water, flip the bail back down and reel it in. If the waters are deep and it is uncommon to get caught in weeds or rocks, after the sinker hits the water allow a premeditated period of time (depending on the depth) to let it sinker sink. This helps as many fish can be caught on the sink.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I throw a fishing rod?

Community Answer

Make sure no one is standing behind you, and throw the fishing rod in a turning motion. Never throw the rod over your head as you might hurt yourself with the hook and end your day off at the hospital. Lock the wire, turn, and when you feel the rotational force is the biggest, release the wire and wait for a fish to bite!

Warnings

Make sure that the line is not wrapped around the tip of the rod, before casting, in order to prevent it from breaking the tip.

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The sinker will travel at a very high speed and will go very far. Therefore, if the line should break, be sure that nobody is standing too close to you.

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