Roll Casting a Bass Lure

Roll cast, also called an underhand cast, or a sidearm roll cast, is a cast where you roll the lure in a loop movement close to the water to create upward/outward momentum such that the lure will be tossed to the targeted spot and have minimum splash. It is also the cast that is the foundation of skipping. Roll cast is considered one of the more accurate casting techniques.

Why are Roll Casts Important?

Roll casting is important for:

Minimize Splash: Common casting technique to minimize splash that would spook bass.
Cast Accuracy: Shorter casts to precise locations.

Roll Cast Options

Technique Considerations:
1. Initial Rod Position: With the rod close to water, and with enough distance such the lure isn’t touching the water.
  - 2 to 3 feet of Line from Tip to Lure: Some suggest 2 or 3 feet of line out and some suggest 4 to 6 inches. The amount of line can affect the cast distance with more line the further the cast (and the louder the splash). Some suggest 6 inches for skipping (a version of the roll cast).
2. Rod Motion: Using the rod make a loop action with your wrist to compel the lure up and out to the target spot.
  - Use Rod Tip: Rod tip is creating the momentum for the cast and as such Action(Taper) = Fast or Extra Fast provides the most momentum to the cast.
  - Low Cast: A low cast that isn’t too fast to help minimize the lure entry speed.
  - Distance Control: When required and during the cast not at the end feather the spool to control the distance.
  - Focus on Spot: Concentrate on the location and look at the spot when casting.
    Wrist: Use your wrist to cast not your arms or body.
  - Arm Locked: Keep the arm of the casting rod locked and against your body to ensure accurate cast.
3. End of Rod Movement
  - To Minimize Splash: To minimize the splash and avoid spooking the bass is a two step process:
    - First -Slowly Raise the Rod: The raising of the rod at the end of the cast will slow the lure down which reduces the lure entry speed like a bird landing on water.
    - Second – Gently Feather the Spool: To slow down the lure to gently hit the water at the target spot gently feather the spool at the end of the cast.
  - Follow Through: Ensure the lure isn’t flicked like a spinning rod but ensuring the follow through by ending with the rod pointing to the desired spot.
4. Next Cast Lure Momentum: Use the momentum of the lure coming out of the water to swing the lure toward yourself then start the loop necessary for the cast especially if skipping.

Additional Considerations

Casting Arm Tight to Body: Keeping your casting arm tight to the body will provide maximum and consistent accuracy as there are less items moving in your body and if focuses the casting to be mostly using wrist.
Get Closer: Move the boat closer to the targeted spot to minimize the cast distance and thus the splash.
Shallow and/or Calm Water: Common cast technique in shallow/calm water to minimize splash.
Medium Distance: When it isn’t possible to cast past the targeted spot to get the lure into the strike zone.
Shorter Rod: Shorter rods can be easier to manage the roll cast.