What is Casting (fishing)?
[[File:Instructor fly fishing shows a woman fly casting.jpg|thumb|right|250px|{{Center|An instructor showing a woman how to cast a fly}}]] In [[fishing]], '''casting''' is the act of throwing [[bait]] or a [[fishing lure|lure]] using a [[fishing rod]], [[Fishing reel|reel]], and [[Fishing line|line]]. Several types of rod and reels are designed just for casting. The method of casting can vary but in each case the object of casting is to get the bait or lure to where the fish are. == Basic methods == The most accurate type of cast is the 'overhead cast'. The angler raises the rod (and reel) back behind the [[head]], then quickly flicks the rod forward, releasing the line as the cast is completed.<ref>James A. Cruikshank, 'Bait Casting for Black Bass', ''Field and Stream'', Ninth Year, Number one (May 1901), p. 160</ref> The 'side cast' is less forceful but easier to [[learn]]. The rod is swung back in a [[horizontal]] motion then quickly moved forward releasing the line.<ref>A. J. McClane, ''McClane's Secrets of Successful Fishing'' (New York: H. Holt, 1979), p. 13</ref> Both basic methods have variations. But both are popular when using spinning and casting rods. Fly fishing uses similar movements, but the line release is different. All types of rods and reels need to match the weight rating of the rod, reel, line and lure for best performance. === Spinning rods & reels === Anyone can learn to cast a lure with a spinning rod and reel in just a few minutes.<ref>'Spinning: An Easy Way to Fish', ''Boys Life'', Special Fishing Issue (June 1981), p. 39</ref> Two types of spinning reels, open faced and close faced.<ref name=Deitrich6>Jeff Deitrich, ''Spinner Fishing for Trout: A Proven System of Tackle, Techniques, and Strategies for Catching Trout'' (Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2003), p. 6</ref> They work differently. With a closed face reel a [[push-button]] is held down and released at the end of the cast.<ref name=Deitrich6/> Open face reels require the angler to first open the bail, then hold and rele