When people first started discussing the topic of “properly” casting baits to avoid injury I didn’t think anything of it. Even when the requests started coming in to get my opinion on the topic I really wasn’t interested. That is, until I woke up one day with a shoulder injury.
No, don’t worry about me. I’ve since recovered and am catching more than my fair share of fish but the whole incident got me thinking. I started looking at how I throw big baits, how other people throw them, and how much of a difference it makes by the end of the day. Just like there is a science to catching big bass, there is a science to keeping your joints functioning year after year.
There may be people who watch this video and think its ridiculous (I would have) and that’s okay. But for those of you with open minds who want to start taking care of yourself, pay attention. HOW you cast is as important as the bait you choose to throw. Feel free to chime in on this one, I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts.
3. December 2011 at 7:31 PM
Matt, how are you mounting your camera on your boat in this video? On your fish finder? And what video camera are you using or what’s a good video camera to use?
29. November 2011 at 2:44 PM
Ergonomics in fishing is definitely a must. Great video Matt.
28. November 2011 at 9:58 PM
Ryan, there are still a few tournaments that maintain the 8 foot rod rule but for the most part its been done away with. The large majority of circuits have no such rule. You’re going to love the rod when it arrives.
27. November 2011 at 9:28 PM
*arm above my shoulder*
27. November 2011 at 9:26 PM
this is a good video. i had that problem the other day. threw swimbaits all day and the next day couldnt lift my shoulder above my head
25. November 2011 at 1:53 AM
Fishing from a bass boat where the deck is a bit above the water, Matt’s style of cast is the way to go for sure… @ Mario… Sometimes I throw a Lunker punker from the shore and I opt for an overhead, pendulum-style cast like how saltwater guys throw surface iron. A 8 and a half foot Dobyns sounds awesome…would it be allowed in a tournament situation Matt?
23. November 2011 at 5:39 PM
Ellery,
If you’d like a cost effective rod you need the Dobyns 807 Mag. I say cost effective because if you call Dobyns Rods directly they are closing out the last of the 1st generation 807′s.
Primus,
That is a huddleston. In the past I’ve always used the Dobyns 807 MAG. That is still the best rod on the market for the huddleston in my opinion. However, Gary and I have been working on some new models that will launch some time next year. Those are the long rods I reference in the video. The rod you see me casting is an 8 1/2 foot model designed specifically for baits of this style.
23. November 2011 at 1:37 PM
Matt,
Are you throwing a Hudd in this video ? Regarding Hudds what rod ( specific brand & model ) do you use ? Thanks
23. November 2011 at 1:22 PM
Of course…sometimes for newb’s, we are not aways using the best rods that are proper for that bait…I bought an okuma xt heavy 7’11″ to throw an 8 inch floating bbz1, (and other 8 inch + baits to come), and that thing just does not load up easy at all, and its hard to let the rod do the work…this had led me to a couple times where I stressed my shoulder a bit too much trying to really throw the bait with my arms/shoulders….so good technique + proper balanced gear = comfort and safety I suppose…
Any suggestions on cost effective rod to replace my okuma for this application…ill keep that heavy rod though for my big topwaters though…I still like it for that.
22. November 2011 at 8:43 PM
Thanks guys, I’m glad you enjoyed the topic. I appreciate all the comments and I hope this discussion continues.
Adam, leading with your legs definitely helps.
Mario, the key to all those scenarios is to not force the bait. If you let the rod load up and launch the bait rather than aggressively casting it will make a HUGE difference.
22. November 2011 at 8:11 PM
Great topic Matt! Impingement is no good. Glad you’re doing better and back at it. Some people won’t realize how important this is until they can’t fish for 6-12 weeks.
22. November 2011 at 5:45 PM
From someone with way too much shoulder pain, I feel this is a real important topic. My only issue is for situations when your not fishing from a deck of a boat. Kind of difficult to cast that way when sitting in a Kayak, float tube or around some tricky brush when bank beating. I’d love to find a better way to cast in those situations as well since I do them all from time to time. Great topic though and thanks for bringing it up Matt!
21. November 2011 at 8:53 PM
Awesome topic Matt. Glad to hear and see the proper way to cast. Any thoughts on your lower body/legs? Looks like you plant your right leg firm for beginning and pass energy to your left leg for ending.
21. November 2011 at 8:03 PM
First off, one of the most thought provoking fishing videos in a while. I can’t wait to try this out. Secondly, where did you learn this from?