Sidearm Casting a Bass Lure

Sidearm cast (side arm cast), not to be mistaken for the sidearm roll cast, is a horizontal cast with no roll typically used for lures that can’t be easily skipped into tight spots for example under branches or a dock or to cast into the wind. Some compare it to a side arm pitch in baseball.

Why are Sidearm Casts Important?

Sidearm casting is important for:

Tight Spots – Can’t Skip: Cast a medium distance into tight spots for example under branches when not using a skipping lure or not wanting to skip the lure.
- Lure Low to Water: Casting technique that allows the lure to be the closest to the water during the cast.
Casting into Wind: As the lowest casting technique it is sometimes used when casting into the wind.
Minimize Angler Visibility: Some suggest the sidearm cast is most stealth to minimize the angler visibility to the bass.
Lower Splash: As the lure is close to the water if the lure enters the water at the end of the cast it can result in a small splash to avoid spooking the bass.

SideArm Cast Options

Technique Considerations:
1. Initial Rod Position: The rod remains parallel to the water throughout the cast, possibly raising at the end to reduce lure splash.
  - Two Hands: Similar to an overhand cast, two hands used to increase distance of this low cast.
2. Rod Movement: With your casting arm elbow tucked into your side while standing at a 45-degree angle to the target.
  - Hip Rotation: As it is purely a sideways cast some suggest using the hip to help increase force to the lure.
  - Whip the Rod: Whip the rod tip back releasing towards the target.
  - Lure Swing – Not Rolled: Lure moves parallel to the water (unlike a roll cast).
3. End of Rod Movement:
  - Spinning Rod: Snapping motion.
  - Baitcaster Rod: Smooth motion, some describe as “letting the rod do the work” with a full follow through with the rod tip pointing to the desired location.
Similar to Overhand Cast – but a Horizontal Cast. Some suggest the sidearm cast is technically similar to an overhead cast but with the rod parallel to the water – in other words the rod is horizontal.

Additional Considerations

Medium Distance Casts: When it isn’t possible to cast past the targeted spot to get the lure into the strike zone and casting further distances then a roll cast.
Fast or Extra Fast Action Rod: Faster action rods with the bend at the tip provides the most momentum to the cast.
Shorter Rod: Shorter rods can be easier to manage the roll cast.
Targeting Low Cover: Tree branches, pole docks, low bridges, etc.
Take a Knee: Some suggest getting lower in the boat to maximize the cast distance while being closer to the water.