How to go about shore fishing!

[ROBZILLA]

How To Begin

Anyone who wants to fish can learn how. Shorefishing is an enjoyable sport for the whole family. It provides quality time with the added excitement of feeling a bite on your line.
Please remember to keep an eye on your children, as they should never be unsupervised around the water.
If you have to walk, ride or drive to the water, it doesn't matter. Just get there.
Start at your local tackle dealer. Ask the salesperson about shore fishing spots they recommend. If they want your business, they will do whatever it takes to help get you hooked on shore fishing. DO NOT BUY THE MOST EXPENSIVE GEAR AVAILABLE. You can literally catch fish on a hook and line tied to a stick. So buy a moderately priced rod and reel. You can buy the more expensive gear as you get more involved with shorefishing. And remember, some of the real flashy baits are sometimes designed to catch the fisherman's eye, not the fishes.
Ask other fishermen for advice, or maybe to let you go along on their next shorefishing outing. In general, fishermen are a friendly bunch that enjoys helping out. If you have a relative or friend that likes to fish, even better. They will have the added pleasure of your company.

Now let's look at the types of rods and reels available. We will only concentrate on 2 types for now: Spin casting and Spinning. (Bait casting reels require extra instruction that we will not get into right now. Also, fly fishing is a whole different set of instructions and techniques.)
A spin casting reel is probably the easiest to master (works great for children). It is mounted on the top of the rod, and is kept in this position for casting and retrieving. The spin casting rod will probably have a "pistol" style grip handle. The "eyes" or line guides are small, and do not increase very drastically as they go from the tip of the rod to the handle. A medium action rod is great for beginners.
To cast the line, press the release button (at the back of the reel) with your thumb. Make sure your lure is hanging loose from the tip of the rod by a few inches. Facing where you want to cast, keep the elbow of your casting arm at your side. Now bring the rod tip up over your shoulder (avoid bringing it up from the side for now). Stop when the rod is at about a 45-degree angle behind you (2:00 position). With a quick and smooth motion, snap your hand forward to about 45-degrees in front of you (11:00 position). Release your thumb from the button, but let your arm continue to follow through till the rod is parallel to the ground (9:00 position). With practice, you'll learn when to release the button to get your lure to the right spot.
A spinning reel is probably the easiest to learn to cast accurately. It is mounted on the bottom of the rod, and is kept in this position for casting and retrieving. The spinning rod will probably have a long straight handle. The "eyes" or line guides are larger then a spin casting rod, and they do increase very drastically as they go from the tip of the rod to the handle. A medium action rod is great for beginners.
To cast the line, flip the bail (the curved metal piece at the front of the reel) and hook the line with your index finger. Make sure your lure is hanging loose from the tip of the rod by a few inches. Facing where you want to cast, keep the elbow of your casting arm at your side. Now bring the rod tip up over your shoulder (avoid bringing it up from the side for now). Stop when the rod is at about a 45-degree angle behind you (2:00 position). With a quick and smooth motion, snap your hand forward to about 45-degrees in front of you (11:00 position). Release your index finger from the rod, but let your arm continue to follow through till the rod is parallel to the ground (9:00 position). With practice, you'll learn when to straighten your finger to get your lure to that specific spot.
The main difference between the two styles, is how the line is released.
Want to cast further?
Practice in a field with a weight or bolt tied to your line. Practice not only improves your aim, it also helps increase the distance. Practice both over hand, and when you master it, try the side arm method. The same basic principles apply, just picture the clock for the casting locations as being sideways.
A 7'-0" rod will cast further then a 6'-6" rod, which will cast further then a 6'-0" rod, which will cast further then a 5'-0" rod (I think you get the picture).
When you move your hand forward to cast, try to "snap" your wrist at the same time. The trick to great casting really is all in the wrist.