Today’s a wonderful day to create a good “yesterday” for tomorrow. — (Unknown)
Recently, I received a request from a non-angling friend who lives in the neighborhood. He wanted some instruction on how to wind monofilament line on a spinning reel that he had just purchased for his grandson who was visiting him that week. The boy, never before an angler, had become a Scout and was now seeking a merit badge for fishing. I suggested that they come to my home and bring the new rod and reel; together we could put him on the right track with his new gear.
We sat in the kitchen and carefully went through the process of loading the line. When we finished, a casting lesson was in order. Tying on a hook-less lure we walked down to the lake and without too much difficulty the boy learned to cast; first side-arm and then overhead. By this time, other commitments of the day caught up with us and my friend and his grandson headed for home.
Later that day I received a text message with a photo attached of the lad wearing a big smile and holding up the very first catch of his life – it was a good moment. That text message brought to memory the time when my own father taught me to use the overhead cast on another memorable day about sixty years ago; the day when I became a baitcaster.
“Listen, son” he said, “face the spot you want to hit and line the rod up by using the biggest line guide as a peep sight. Keep your elbow close to your body, bring the rod straight up and back. When the tip passes vertical, it will start bending from the lure’s weight; you will feel it. While the tip is still bending, snap your wrist forward and bring the rod straight down through the same position it was in when you had the spot in sight. Get all movement you need with your wrist and forearm. Remember, no pause, the backward movement and the forward cast is a continuous motion”.
I memorized his process and practiced.
Who can tell how the new angler will develop? I taught five of my own grandchildren to baitcast very early on in their lives; one has developed into a very accomplished angler and another is well on the way.
Many novice anglers began with a spincasting reel, still fishing with worms and bobbers; some have faithfully remained with that equipment and technique throughout their days. In fortunate moments, they proudly and happily land what they believe is a nice fish; angling just made their day a little nicer. Angling practiced lawfully, honorably, and with enjoyment is true angling – it is all worthy of a merit badge.