bait caster

[stl]

I just got a nice bait caster from Bass Pro Shop. Can any one give me any tips on how to use it with out back lashing. I have spent more time untangling than practicing. Seems I either use too much thumb, ot too little please help

 

[NathanY]

Re: bait caster

Well first off, the easiest way to fix a backlast is to NOT push the button. Infact reel it in until the button un-pops. Let the drag off a little, then pull the line. Works alot better than trying to free spool a backlash. Next set the knob under the reel handle to where it will not fall with about a 3/8 oz lure on it, then slowly adjust it until it will fall, but stops the spool when it hits the water. Once you get it there then you can use the fine adjustment on the other side of the reel to adjust for lure size.<br /><br /><br />Hope you are understanding what Im trying to say, Im not very eloquent.

 

[Barlow]

Re: bait caster

will add:<br /><br />( don't drink alcohol before hand.. yeeaaaah! )<br /><br />- start off with short GENTLE/RELAXED overhand casts at close targets @ 20' or so. no further. This is going to help you keep control of the spool which controls your cast.<br /><br />- when things start looking good .. don't get too cocky .. stick with it and keep going for accuracy. <br /><br />- now switch from over-hand to side-arm.. keep gentle and relaxed in mind here. <br /><br />as soon as yer comfy with that distance .. work a little more oomph into your cast and extend your distance.. it'll take time and patience but, it'll pay off if you gradually work yourself out!<br /><br />- invest in a good dental pick and small scissors .. seriously, they happen to everyone and this might save some time and frustration in the process..<br /><br />good luck with it

 

[stl]

Re: bait caster

Thanks, those are some pretty good tips. I did change the line to 25 pound test just for the sake of practice. This seems to tangle less. I will keep on practicing.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: bait caster

If this is a Bass size reel, 25# May be too heavy, especialy if it is a very stiff line.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: bait caster

stl, use 12 to 14lb test line for best results.<br />As stated above, put on a 3/8oz weight of some kind, I use spinnerbaits, and hold the rod at about 45* and push the button and let weight fall to floor.<br />If it stops before you get there, it's to tight.<br />If the spool keeps running after it hits, too loose.<br /><br />You should have, but not always, 2 adjustments on it.<br />One will be by the handle and that is for manual brakes. This is the one you set to get the weight adjusted right.<br /><br />On the other side of the reel should be but not always, another adjustment. This is the one that really helps when casting.<br /><br />It's a trial and error thing cause everyone throws them different.<br /><br />I prefer the sidearm cast. Just got use to doing it because of the wind and found out I like to do it all the time, plus it's good for getting under trees and docks that way.<br /><br />BTW, the rod will play a lot into all this also.<br /><br />Guess that's the reason my rod locker is full.<br /><br />Different rods for different things.<br /><br />Good luck and keep at it, you will get it right.

 

[cwilt]

Re: bait caster

hey stl<br /><br />the best way to cast is practice, practice, and practice some moore. try starting by using an old lure and take hooks off (in back yard). hold the rod up and let the lure hang. push the cast button and let the lure drop.use the friction controller by the handle to adjust. you want the lure to fall somewhat slow. when the lure hits the ground the spool should not spin around too much. maybe twice.for starters if you have the magnetic version start it at half way. if you have the weights version set half in, half out but they have to be symetrical or or the reel will vibrate when you cast. as you get better loosen the mag or weights for the lure to go further.your thumb pressure should be light at the end of the cast. when the lure hits the ground or water stop the spool. i've been using bait casters over 15 years and it's like second nature to me. hope this helps, good luck.

 

[cwilt]

Re: bait caster

sory sbn, you posted while i was typeing

 

[coby-5]

Re: bait caster

start practicing at close range with short casts,and work your way up.....and you must stop the spool with your thumb just before it hits the water !!! and to add to the replys about adjusting the auto backlash control...the fine tune is usuallt numbered 1-10, set it to 5,then adjust the spool tension knob(by the handle)like the others said...so lure stop by itself when it hits the floor.then the fine adjustment is all you need after that...lower number light lure....higher number heavier lure.....hope this helps

 

[coby-5]

Re: bait caster

edit: so the spool stops by itself when the lure touches the floor

 

[stl]

Re: bait caster

I practiced in the back yard today for about an hour. It is getting a little better,but basically I am getting better at undoing a backlash. I did not know what the friction control button was until now. I will adjust that as stated above. As far as stopping the spool with your thumb. I have been keeping my thumb on the spool very lightly through the entire cast. Sounds like this is wrong. Just stop it at the end? All of your posts have helped me a great deal, so any more info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: bait caster

stl, start by adjusting the knob under or by the handle to where when you push the button, nothing happens.<br /><br />Then with button pushed, slowly unscrew adjustment till lure/weight starts to fall and see how far it goes till it stops and go from there.<br /><br />Like said above, let it go to ground till it will hit and spool stops on it's own.<br /><br />If it overruns any, it will cause looseness in the whole spool and cause problems down the road.<br /><br />Just keep at it, you will get it.<br /><br />It took me forever and countless spools of line before I got it and now on some of my reels, I will take the brakes out of them all together.<br /><br />Good luck and keep us posted.<br /><br />P.S. cwilt, N/P.

 

[cwilt]

Re: bait caster

hey stl,<br /><br /><br />forgot one more thing, try to have the wind at your back when practicing, it makes it easier. also when casting lighter lures (bait) a light thumb pressure (feathering) is normal.

 

[stl]

Re: bait caster

I have been casting in the back yard. It is going much better,only back lashing just a little bit only once in a while. I need to work on my accuacy. Thaose adjustments that you guys told me about make all the difference in the world. I will need to make an adjustment every time I change lures, right? If the lures are a different weight.

 

[cwilt]

Re: bait caster

at first you might, but as you get better at casting, you'll find the reels sweet spot, now i dont bother touching them. unless casting real light lures like #3 and 5 rapalas into heavy wind. which is tough even for vets. good luck and have fun -chris