What is an “off the ground cast”?

An off the ground cast is also known as an off the beach cast.  It is one of the easiest casts you can use, particularly when surf fishing, and should be the cast you use most often.  It is completely dependant on skill, never on strength, so it works well even for children who are learning to fish.

There is no need for special equipment.  It can be used when using bait or bucktails, heavy jigs, or plugs, but if you are using twenty pound test or smaller, you will need to use a shock leader that is at least three times the test strength of your line.  If you are left handed, you will simply reverse the following instructions.

·         Stand facing the water, left foot forward, then lean back and put your weight on your right foot.

·         Twist at the hip, torso sideways, looking at the 12:00 mark behind you.

·         Swing your pole out so your sinker is at about 3:00.  Let it rest on the ground.

·         Keep the tip of your rod angled downward, keeping your left arm higher up than your right arm.  This will just naturally put your right arm lower and keep it straight.

·         Keep the slack out of your line, and begin to cast by rotating your hips.  Your arms should move smoothly upward as they come around, into an arc.

·         Shift your weight forward onto your left foot when your body straightens toward the water, pulling your left arm down and inward to your chest.  Use your right arm to push up, as you release the line.

·         Keep the tip of your rod high, and look at your target for a good follow through.

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