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Casting (fishing)

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Casting is the active process of throwing fishing tackle into the water.

00 0335 Angling in the Netherlands
00 0335 Angling in the Netherlands

In recreational fishing, an angler uses a long, elastic rod to launch gear. This gear often includes a baited hook or a lure. It may also include terminal tackle, which are items like floats or sinkers. Casting allows an angler to deploy these items far over the water. The term also applies to scattering groundbaits or chums. In artisanal fishing, casting can describe the act of setting out a net.

Kerala fisherman
Kerala fisherman

The physics of casting relies on the movement of the rod and the weight of the tackle. An angler quickly swings the rod forward toward the water. The lagging inertia of the tackle causes the rod to bend backward. This specific stage of the process is called "loading" the rod. The angler then uses the elastic rebound, or "springing," of the rod to hurl the line forward. To increase distance, an angler might shift their body weight toward their front foot. This movement should occur in kinematic synchrony with the forward swing of the rod.

Deepsea
Deepsea

Anglers use several distinct techniques depending on their goals. A single-hand sidearm cast involves a swing similar to a tennis stroke. This creates a cast with a relatively flat trajectory. For more distance, an angler might use a double-handed overhead cast. This technique uses a large, overhead swing similar to a kendo strike. Another method is drop-casting, which focuses on fast sinking. In this style, the angler brings the rod high before releasing the line with full force.

Casting Fly (Sports)
Casting Fly (Sports)

Different environments require specialized equipment and styles. Freshwater anglers often use lightweight, faster-action rods. These are used for panfishing or finesse fishing for fish like black bass or trout. If the water is small or filled with weeds, anglers may use flipping or pitching. They might also use a roll cast to make the lure skim the water. Saltwater anglers typically use heavier rods and lines for larger baits. In surfcasting, specialized two-handed techniques are used to reach past the waves. These casts can travel many hundreds of meters or feet.

Fly-fishing-the-Soca-river-Slovenia
Fly-fishing-the-Soca-river-Slovenia

Fly fishing is a unique method that uses ultralight artificial flies. Because the flies are so light, the angler must cast a heavy line instead. The angler swings the line in circles to build up momentum. When the line is released, it creates a loop that propagates like a wave. This wave carries the fly to the target with great accuracy. Once the fly is in the water, it can mimic aquatic insects. This attracts insectivorous fish such as salmon or trout.

Durham Ranger salmon fly
Durham Ranger salmon fly

Casting has also evolved into a formal competitive activity called Casting Sport. This is a sport adjunct to fishing, much like shooting is to hunting. The International Casting Sport Federation (ICSF) supervises this sport. The ICSF was founded in 1955. As of April 2014, it had member associations in 31 countries. The federation sponsors tournaments and recognizes world records for both accuracy and distance. Competitors use plastic weights or hookless flies during these events.

Casting Fly (Sports)
Casting Fly (Sports)

Competitive casting can take place on the water or on athletic fields. There are many different competitive divisions available to participants. These include categories for fly, fixed spool, and revolving spool tackle. The sport has gained significant recognition globally. It has been included in the World Games. It has even been considered for inclusion in the Olympics. The American Casting Association is another major organization in this field. They held their 100th Annual Casting Championships in 2008.

Casting Fly (Sports)
Casting Fly (Sports)
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Global thinking.svg
Global thinking.svg
File:00 0335 Angling in the Netherlands.jpg
00 0335 Angling in the Netherlands.jpg
File:Durham Ranger salmon fly.jpg
Durham Ranger salmon fly.jpg
File:Fly dresser's workbench.JPG
Fly dresser's workbench.JPG
File:Fly-fishing-the-Soca-river-Slovenia.jpg
Fly-fishing-the-Soca-river-Slovenia.jpg
File:President Barack Obama casts his line while fishing for trout on the East Gallatin River near Belgrade, Mont., on Aug. 14, 2009.jpg
President Barack Obama casts his line...
File:Deepsea.JPG
Deepsea.JPG
File:Trawer Hauling Nets.jpg
Trawer Hauling Nets.jpg
File:Kerala fisherman.jpg
Kerala fisherman.jpg
File:Casting Fly (Sports).jpg
Casting Fly (Sports).jpg
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