Casting pack, a wise choice

Modern fishing has seen the development of many new techniques in recent years, particularly casting. Casting offers a different approach to stalking predators and often complements spinning.

To help anglers discover these new techniques, brands are offering casting kits. Composed of a reel and a rod, they will give you a coherent package. It's also often cheaper than buying the two separately.

To choose the right combo, you need to pay attention to a number of aspects:

Crank position
Reel ratio
Brake power
Nylon or braid capacity
The quality of the rings
Choice and quality of bearing

It is very important to choose your line according to the power of your set. A line that is too strong will be one of the main reasons for equipment breakage. The retrieve speed will also be a point to study carefully depending on your technique. You don't use the same line if you're fishing with a spinnerbait or a jerkminnow for trout.

Other points of detail can ensure that they are even more suited to you. Equipment can be added such as handles or protective covers. The smooth running and ride should do the rest and allow you to quickly get to grips with your new combo.

It won't be long before you're fighting your first battles and catching your first fish.

The different elements of a casting kit

For your combo to be complete, it will need to be made up of at least two elements. This will enable you to get fishing for your favourite fish as quickly as possible.

The rod is one of these two essential items. It generally consists of several components. You'll need a handle, which you can find in foam or cork. You'll also have a reel seat to suit your technique.

The blank is the carbon rod on which a number of rings are positioned. You will then need to check the gloss of the varnish and whether or not a lure hook is integrated under the varnish.

The second element is of course the reels. These too are made up of several components. They may be casting or spinning, but in all cases they will have a crank.

The spool, the frame, the drag, the line guide, the pick-up and the worm are just some of the equipment available on the different models.

Some brands will also offer you a line already installed, or one ready to fish, so you don't have to waste a second before joining the big family of specialists.

How do you make the right choice?

There are several options available to you to make the right choice. Often these are just questions you need to be able to answer. If not, we're here to help by phone every day from 9am to 7pm.

Casting or spinning, you need to know which to choose. Casting is for novice anglers who want to discover this technique. It will be well suited to big bait or vertical fishing for the more experienced.

The second tends to be more comfortable with long-distance casts or stalking with small lures. Longer lengths will often be on offer.

Length is the first thing to watch out for. If you're fishing from a boat or in canals, you'll tend to choose models between 1m80 and 2m10. To get the maximum amount of braid out on each cast, you'll need to opt for models that are longer than 3m.

Power is the second point to consider. It's important to sort through your tackle boxes and see what lures and sinkers you have. Take the lightest and the heaviest, and if the difference is not too great, you should be able to find a set that covers your needs.

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