Closing the bail when casting

[nmigliore]

This is going to sound stupid, but I've always wondered - when I do close my bail when casting with a spinning reel? When jigging I always wait until I hit bottom... but when casting a rig out far (from a pier), when should I be closing the bail? I generally wait 3-5 seconds or so, but should I be doing it earlier? Later? Does it even matter?

Thanks.

[blynch]

Doesn't matter too much really.  Just take an extra moment to reel up the slack you've created if too much line pours off. 

[ped579]

 

Just make sure you hand flip your bail.  The reason behind this simple procedure is, especially using braid, is that you can create a twist in the line as the bail comes down and puts the line onto the bail pulley.  With all the casts this twist can add up causing knots later. 

By doing the hand flip of the bail this should take only a second or two from the time your tackle hits the water to the time you flip the bail. 

Happy Catching

Paul

[bassnblues]

Depends on how accurate you need to be and how deep the water is.

If the water's say, 10 feet deep and you close your bail right away, your bait is going to swing in until it hits bottom. If you let it settle and then close the bail and take up the slack, it'll be closer to where you  casted it.

Maybe not a big deal but it can be important in some situations.

[nmigliore]

Thanks for the replies, I figured it wasn't all that important. I generally worry about my rig/bait coming closer to me when I close it too fast so I guess I'll stick to giving it a few seconds and taking up the slack.

Paul - yeah I was taught to close the bail with my hand, so its a natural thing for me, thankfully.

[ped579]