How To Cast In Tight Spaces Without Getting Snagged On Trees

It is an incredibly useful skill knowing how to cast in tight spaces without getting snagged on anything especially when it comes to inshore saltwater fishing.

Often we’re casting into mangroves or looking for small cut-outs in broken branches that provide excellent cover for big fish.

But at the same time, you don’t want to get snagged and miss out on fish.

Here’s how to cast in tight spaces!

How To Cast In Tight Spaces [VIDEO]

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Gear Used:

• Slot Machine Custom Rod
• Shimano Stradic FL 2500
• Slam Shady Mulligan Paddletail
• 3/0 Hoss Helix Hook 1/8 oz.

If you’re fishing in a tight creek where you don’t have room for a sidearm cast or trees are above you, there are a few tricks you can use to get your lure out to where you want it to be.

The first method is called a Dart Cast.

This is best if you don’t have trees hanging overhead and have the space to do so.

The Dart Cast is simply raising your fishing rod straight over your shoulder and quickly snapping forward while releasing the line.

Another thing to take note of is keeping your rod tip down when retrieving in tight quarters.

This keeps your line down below the brush line so if you do hook into a fish, the line won’t get caught up in the trees.

If you keep your rod tip up in these situations and hook into a fish, your line could get wrapped around the overhanging limbs.

Additional Methods

On the other hand, if there are trees overhead, I recommend moving as close to one side of the bank as possible.

Preferably, move to the opposite side you are comfortable casting on.

I cast from my right side so what I’ll do is move my vessel as far left as I can to give myself a bit of room for a sidearm cast.

If there is not much room behind you for a cast, you can also do a little flip of the lure and release.

You aren’t moving the rod back but using the momentum of the flip to load the lure and launch it forward.

This does take a bit of practice.

Casting is super important especially if you are trying to get your lure in the strike zone.

Another method is to flip or pitch your lure to an area.

This isn’t so much for distance as it is for accuracy.

Bring your lure down to about the length of where your lure is and open the bail.

Then, let the lure swing back and let go of the line as it moves forward.

A last resort technique that I don’t recommend you regularly make use of is the slingshot method.

For this method, hold the lure below the hook point with one hand and pull to bring the rod tip back.

You do not want to create a sharp bend in the rod.

Open your bail and snap the line out.

It will launch forward but not too far.

Again, I really do not recommend this technique.

You will get more distance with the pitch method.

Something else to keep in mind is the wind.

Although there may not be noticeable wind on the surface of the water, there is wind above you.

Be sure to factor in that wind on your casts to avoid landing in the trees.

Become A Better Angler While Saving Time & Money

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform