Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Welcome! => Beginner's Board => Topic started by: Bill Karr on March 07, 2019, 12:11:03 AM

Title: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Bill Karr on March 07, 2019, 12:11:03 AM
There are a couple of mentions of using tennis balls for casting practice. Also a couple of mentions of putting weights inside them. Anyone have an idea on how to do this?
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on March 07, 2019, 09:52:08 AM
When I used to practice for beach casting (on a field) I would cut a small hole in a tennis ball - just big enough to squeeze in a 5 or 6oz lead. For me the purpose of the tennis ball was to stop the lead burying itself in the soft ground. It also simulated (kind of :-\) a bait and weight scenario, because the tennis ball provided quite a bit of air resistance.
The only beach fishing I do these days is spinning. My back and arms are not up to the job of chucking 6oz over 100yds  :( Growing old ain't for the faint hearted :D
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: 1badf350 on March 07, 2019, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: Bill Karr on March 07, 2019, 12:11:03 AM
There are a couple of mentions of using tennis balls for casting practice. Also a couple of mentions of putting weights inside them. Anyone have an idea on how to do this?

(https://media0.giphy.com/media/xt3LDDCI8xV0A/giphy.gif?cid=3640f6095c80f6e06e7573446342e146)

Seriously though, heres how I do it.
Cut a slit on one side large enough to push a sinker through.
Opposite of the slit, cut a small hole.
Push your line (with snap swivel) thru the small hole and out the slit.
Attach your sinker and pull back thru the slit.
The sinker should now be securely situated inside the ball with the snap swivel protruding from the top.
This keeps the tennis ball and sinker from separating on impact with the ground.
I learned after having to retrieve a few
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Gobi King on March 07, 2019, 02:02:47 PM
How about using some large bolts or nuts from the recycle bin.
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: CapeFish on March 07, 2019, 05:31:57 PM
You can also use a hockey ball. I think it weighs about 6oz. Driĺl a hole through and fit an eyed bolt
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Reel Newbie on March 07, 2019, 05:57:08 PM
Tie 6 spark plugs together? Each one weighs abou 1 1/2 ounces.
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: steelfish on March 07, 2019, 06:30:42 PM
I used to use the tennis ball for practice long cast for surf fishing

on my understanding and agree with "tiddlerbasher" tennis ball simulate a bit the air resistance of the bait, but most important it will help to avoid any injuries to yourself or any person at your side or surroundies like houses, cars, etc.
specially if you are trying to cast to the moon with 6-8 oz and 12-13ft long surf fishing rods and practicing those powerful cast of OTG (off the ground) or pendulum, at first you might cast the lead / ball to non desirable places or might have the line break at mid-cast and lead might cause serious injuries to someone or seriuos damage to a property, so its better to use the tennis ball as protection at least until you find the correct way to make them right.

if you are casting with 8-9ft rod and 3-4oz that represent no much of a problem.

Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Fishy247 on March 07, 2019, 07:14:43 PM
Not only does this make sense for casting practice, but it also seems like it might be a fun way to mess with your dog....
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on March 07, 2019, 10:00:31 PM
I don't think my dog can see that far ;D ;D
And he certainly wouldn't want to run that far LOL
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Fishy247 on March 07, 2019, 10:32:03 PM
QuoteI don't think my dog can see that far Grin Grin
And he certainly wouldn't want to run that far LOL

Sounds like it would be perfect then! :D
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Gobi King on March 08, 2019, 07:54:21 PM
ahh, not hit someone, good point, lol.
Ok the air resistance thing makes sense, then it will mimic a lure, how about those irons?

I need to practice 2 handed casts with a long rod, I get nervous and I try to rush it ending a splash few yards in front of me.

Any newbie to do for 2 handed long rod casting? thought I would cover it also while were on the topic  ;D
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Fishy247 on March 08, 2019, 10:56:29 PM
What are you going to be casting? For heavy irons, I like the weight in the tennis ball idea. For light irons, swimbaits, and plugs, use just the tennis ball. For casting bait, a comparable sized clothespin works great. If you can get it to pinch the line, even better, because you'll learn to not cast your bait off.
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: Bill Karr on March 09, 2019, 12:13:40 AM
Thanks Everyone. Great input. I don't know why I couldn't figure it out-really simple.
Title: Re: Tennis balls for casting practice
Post by: drumbum on March 12, 2019, 02:24:16 PM
Quote from: Gobi King on March 08, 2019, 07:54:21 PM
ahh, not hit someone, good point, lol.
Ok the air resistance thing makes sense, then it will mimic a lure, how about those irons?

I need to practice 2 handed casts with a long rod, I get nervous and I try to rush it ending a splash few yards in front of me.

Any newbie to do for 2 handed long rod casting? thought I would cover it also while were on the topic  ;D
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Practice the aerialized unitech or off the beach cast.  Straight overhead is safest on a crowded beach.