ar from me the idea to replace the numberous periodicals or even videos which regularly covers the subject in its least details, but I would wish to point out certain guidelines here.

Is it necessary to cast far ?
No, not always. In fact, that does not depend on you: it is the fish which decides. But if you can launch far, you can launch close, while the reverse is not inevitably true.
Thus, put aside the pleasure of knowing how to launch far (beyond the 100m with baits), it is sometimes useful to reach long casts to touch some sea-bream bank who refuses to pass to usual range of casting (because of the undertow, the current, or any other unknown reason.).

How to cast far ?
Without listing the various alternatives and names (sometimes local ones), You will find some types of different casting methods below:

The "Belgian" cast

The arms open to 45° above your head, tip backwards, short banner, lead does not touch the ground, cast right in front of you. There is no swinging of the lead. Anglers generally use 3 section rods = 4.00 to 4.50m, rather flexible, which work like a whip and they use this "spring" effect to "charge" the rod with a quick movement which is restored more slowly. Simple at the first approach, this cast has the merit to preserve the direction of lead, which is secure when we are several on a pier; or if you want to guaranty the direction of your cast at night.

 The side cast

Same principle as the precedent but you start with the arms on the side and you finish exactly like "the Belgian" (over the head) and right in front of you. With the same types of rods. If you gain a bit in power by a little larger amplitude, however you loose in precision of the direction of casting.

 Off the ground cast

To make simple, I can say this one is an "extension" of the previous one. Lead is posed on the ground. The banner of approximately 2.50m is tended (even if lead slips a little) and it forms an angle of 15° to 45° with the rod which is held on the side, the tip points towards the ground. The rod forms an angle with the casting direction which can vary from 90° (easiest) to // (so called "south African"). The starting position implies that the forearm which holds the rod heel shall be in the prolongation of this one : therefore the elbow at the level of the shoulder. Can be practised with relatively long rods, some go until 4.50m; for my part I limit myself to 4.20m that I find already quite long for my small gauge. To practise only when there is nobody around.

 The pendulum cast

This type of cast is a development of the "off the ground" cast : you "load" the rod by positioning lead "in the air" which, by its inertia and the trajectory that you impose to it, tape more strongly the rod and thus, increases the distances. If you never practised this type of cast, start with the lead on the ground: it is what I did, and it goes ! Do not try to burn the stages, you would be likely to take bad habits. A correct gesture is not acquired in 2 months ! Therefore : improve, polish your "on the ground" technique; when you have a perfect command of it, then test you with the pendular cast. Better than an incomprehensible description than I could make about it, you should find good videos explaining in detail this technique on the market : get some, for those which want to have an outline of it (imperfect one), I placed 2 examples on the last page of this site. For this type of casting, 2 section rods with spigot joint are strongly recommended. Stay within lengths of 12 / 13 feet (3.65m to 3.90m) which are "well known dimensions" and which proved reliable. To practise only when there is nobody around.

 The backcast

Not usual, it is a particular cast : back to the sea. This implies that the usual "push" phase will be replaced by a "drawn"; immediate consequence : you remove the risks inherent in the "ground" or "pendular" casts, namely, little rotation of the bust, thus, less back pain ! Technique : back to the sea, reel at the foot of rod, rod at 45°/horizon, heel of rod blocked in the groin, you make a right/left sweeping using the high hand. Just before lead passes by again in front of you, the rod being almost horizontal, you draw upwards and you stop the movement (without being turned over towards the sea) only when the hand in high position with pass the shoulders line. You can undoubtedly gain in precision while training yourself but it should be regarded as a not very precise cast, which has however the merit to be able to be used with large baits and long rods : it is a very soft cast. To practise only when there is nobody around.

finish this review (nonexhaustive) by pointing out some basic rules to you :

• Ask a fishing friend to correct your gesture.
  
• No need to take dash (we still see on the beaches some driven out steps of dancer-fishermen) : until proof of the contrary, it is not usefull except to lose your starting position and to destabilize your gesture.
  
• Remind, when you were child : To cast further than the others, it was necessary (it is always necessary !) to cast a little towards the sky. Eh well, to cast a leaded line, it is exactly the same procedure : Stop your casting gesture well above the horizon so that your lead leaves with an angle 35/40° above the horizontal; therefore stop your tip before the 45° forwards anticipating the inertia which will bring you lower on the horizon. You will see the difference immediately.
  
• No precipitation, never force your gesture, if you need force for the contest launchers, you shall know that at the beginning stage you does not have sufficient technique to control the force you'll develop.
  
• Check your shock leader before each cast. (25kg of resistance minimum!)
  
• Before being able to practise pendular at night: it is necessary to train at daylight.
  
• I commit you to attend a casting contest on grass, without copying these champions styles, you will always find a good source of inspiration there.

The Belgian Cast

The Side Cast

"Off the ground" cast

The Pendulum Cast

The Backcast

basic rules

You need room for the pendulum cast.

The Belgian Cast

The Side Cast

"Off the ground" cast

The Pendulum Cast

The Backcast

basic rules

No room for the pendulum there..









The Belgian Cast

The Side Cast

"Off the ground" cast

The Pendulum Cast

The Backcast

basic rules










On a pier, the "belgian" cast is the more secure.