• Fishermen use spinning rods to catch fish such as pike.pike image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
  
  Most spinning rods measure between 5 and 8.5 feet and require a different casting technique from their longer counterparts. Also the reel hangs below the rod as opposed to being fixed on its top side. This is designed to make it more comfortable to fish for extended periods of time. Fishermen choosing spinning rods are commonly trying to catch bass, trout, zander, pike, perch and eel. The first step is sending the lure out into the water -- a process known as casting.
  
  

Site

• Before setting up any equipment, carefully evaluate the surroundings. As you're likely to be fishing for hours at a time, it's best to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. Choose a site that has as few trees, bushes, people and general obstacles as possible. Overhanging branches are the enemy of efficient casting and lures caught in them are often unrecoverable.
  
  

Length of Line

• Determining the length of line that stretches from the end of the rod to the lure is a key consideration for successful casting. As a general guide, it should be between 8 and 18 inches.
  
  When using relatively heavy lures, the distance should be smaller than when using lighter lures.
  
  

Experience

• Beginners should always cast by starting with the rod behind the shoulder. It is then brought rapidly forward with a flick of the wrist so the rod is facing forward. More experienced fishermen can try casting with the rod parallel to the ground or across the chest -- very useful when there are overhanging branches. Casting underhand is a good technique to use when fishing from a steep incline. Don't assume any of these will be easy -- expect some early disasters and keep trying.