This is an outdoor or gymnasium activity.
Materials: Fishing rod, casting weight, markers (golf ball markers or tees), hula hoop, stake, or other target.
Parts of a Fishing Rod and Reel
- Line, guides, and tip
- Rod handle and reel handle
- Bail, spool, line roller, and drag knob
- Casting weight and knot
How to cast a fishing rod
-Stand facing your target.
-Leave about a foot of line between the casting weight and the tip of the rod.
-Push and hold the button on the spincast reel, or open the bail and hold the line with your index finger (spinning reel).
-Holding the rod with both hands, raise the rod over your dominant (throwing) shoulder.
-Bring the rod forward, aiming at your target, and release the button or line before the rod tip points at the target. Finish the cast with the rod tip pointed at the target.
-Releasing the button or line takes some practice. Release too soon and the casting weight will loop high in the air. Release too late and the weight will hit the ground well short of the target.
Take turns trying to get closest to the target. Kids will practice casting in a field with a casting weight (a piece of plastic attached to the end of the line).
Younger kids may want to use a pushbutton (spincast) reel, while older kids may want to try a spinning rod.
Target Game
Once kids have had enough practice, they can play a “closest to the stake or hoop” target game. Kids can take three turns, with one kid or adult marking each cast with a golf ball marker. The closest cast wins the round or game, depending on how long you want the game to last.