How to Cast a Lever Drag Reel

Saltwater fishermen use lever drag reels when they are targeting fish like marlin, mackerel and tuna. The lures serve a variety of functions, and anglers can cast with them, troll with them or fish baits below the boat. Lever drag reels generally can hold much more line than traditional reels. Some can hold more than 500 yards of 30-pound test, for example, which is necessary when trying to reel in fish that can easily strip 100 yards or more of line off the spool in a single run. If anglers want to cast with lever drag reels, they should plan to practice before going fishing. Otherwise, they risk backlashes that could rob them of fishing time.

Things You'll Need

  • Lure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the lever drag reel to a rod. The rod should have a trigger that hangs beneath the handle.

    • 2

      Grip the butt of the fishing rod with your noncasting hand. Hold the rod and the reel with your other hand.

    • 3

      Push down on the spool with your thumb.

    • 4

      Locate the lever on the side of the reel that can be pushed forward and backward. Push it all the way forward. On many lever drags, this is the "free" setting.

    • 5

      Hold the rod and reel at a 90-degree angle to your body, bring it to the back of your body and then cast it forward in a sweeping motion. When the rod and the reel move past the side of your body to the front, lift your thumb off the spool.

    • 6

      Push down on the spool with your thumb to stop it from spinning when the lure is about to hit the water.

    • 7

      Crank the lure back to the boat by turning the reel handle clockwise.