*%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

[dwco5051]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

[Dicslaimer: do NOT back off the spool tension if you are a beginner, or you will be hating life picking out backlashes...]

After 65 years of fishing conventional casting reels I no longer get backlashes. When I forget how loose I am adjusted and turn around and cast a light Rapala into the wind I now get what is known as "professional over run."

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

I'm left-handed, and I cast with my left hand, crank with my right. Did I learn how to do it wrong?

Nope... Thats how i do it. Weather it's a baitcaster, open face, or spin cast i've always done it like this. Way to much hand switching going on. Always switch the crank handles in the store to see how it feels.

 

[sschefer]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

For some... If the spool tension adjustment works for you that's cool. Ford/chevy, blonde/brunette, less filling/tastes great...

I've taken out several people and noticed they were doing the lure drop thing, eh to each their own. After an hour they were frustrated and asked how/why I was able to cast so far, they thought I had a better rod/reel/line. Casting distance is very important where I fish (casting into current breaks) and while I was able to cast into the breaks from the boat, the other guy was casting short and landing in the fast moving current. We swapped rods, I loosened up the spool tension on their reel, heaved back and cast their lure up into a current break. Then I asked them to cast my rod, but be aware that the spool tension is backed off, they too cast up into a current break. (Though I was puckering hoping they didn't backlash the carp out of my reel...)

I have converted several people who were convinced the spool tension/lure drop method was the best way to set their reel...

[Dicslaimer: do NOT back off the spool tension if you are a beginner, or you will be hating life picking out backlashes...]

Won't argue with you a bit. The question was how to avoid it and seemingly comming from a beginner so my advice was set to that level. I do it to get in the ball park and then I usually end up backing off after a couple of test casts. Line quality and type is probably the biggest mistake a beginner makes. Good line spooled correctly, a quality reel, a rod with good eyes and practice will make all the difference in the world.

 

[MaddysDaddy]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

one of the biggest probs i see with guys learning with baitcasters is, they wanna cast 100yds eveytime. All my buddys cast farther than I. I think its funny how much time/effort guys put in to casting a mile! the lure is moving farther faster, landing harder. The more line you have out, the less sensitivity you will feel. So before you launch you crankbait across the alantic, try to practice more, maybe use a taller rod to get the distance if you really need to. Or creep up alittle closer.

I have been using a baitcast for about 2 years and like i said most my friends can cast a little farther then me. I am still practicing. My accuracy is really good, and since we are talking about freshwater fishing i belive that is much more important.

I learned to cast with my Pro qualifier from BPS
This was the method that worked best for me....

On land.......
Set brakes to the max, tie on a heavy lure like a 1/2 jig, do the line drop thing. Always thumb the spool. Try casting overhead SLOWLY. back off the brakes alittle at a time till you can cast about 25. just befor the lure hits the grass stop it with you thumb. Try this a couple hundred more times. Slowy backing the brakes. You can aim at a cup or something to keep it fun. Try to stay slow and smooth, the backlash happens when the spool is moving faster then the lure is pulling the line, when you allow the lure to "pull" the line off the spool you will not get a backlash. if you stop the spool before the lure hits the target you will not get overrun. Do not "whip" the rod back after the cast.
once you feel good about the 1/2 jig start trying lighter lures, good luck!!

 

[MSGTRETIREDCSP]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

Lots of good info here from the experts. I've had the same problems with bait casting reels. That's probably why I usually use my spinning reels. You've all given me the incentive to get my a%& out in the pasture and start practicing more.

 

[hjones0922]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

I agree with the last post, I need to get out and practice more. Sorry to have abandoned this thread, for some reason even though I subscribe, I don't get email alerts. Need to look into that. Thanks for all the info.

-HJ

 

[411sponge]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

Yep. I recently purchased a new baitcaster and I have to tell you its been frustrating at times. However, I LOVE how smooth and fast the retrieve is on this reel. One quick question: When you cast, are you supposed to have your thumb always touching the spool or only when the lure is about to hit the water? Thanks!

 

[sschefer]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

Yep. I recently purchased a new baitcaster and I have to tell you its been frustrating at times. However, I LOVE how smooth and fast the retrieve is on this reel. One quick question: When you cast, are you supposed to have your thumb always touching the spool or only when the lure is about to hit the water? Thanks!

That all depends on how well you setup the spool tension. You can use your thumb if you learn how. Do it wrong and it's either a short cast or a backlash. That's been my experience anyway.

 

[mommicked]

Re: *%$^ Bait Casting Reels! LOL

I left out a step in my previous reply.I usually tighten the friction control and holding the rod horizontal about waist high, I release the spool as if to cast and I slowly loosen the knob until the bait starts to fall.I use my thumb to stop the backlash if the spool trys to keep spinning when the bait hits the deck, and tighten it slightly and repeat the drop until the spool stops w/o spinning enough to cause a backlash w/o my thumb, when the bait stops falling as it hits the deck.As you practice and get more comfortable w different lure weights you can back off slightly on the friction control.Also alot of baitcasters have adjustable braking systems w magnets.start of with the brakes set all the way and as you get better you can adjust and still control backlashes w experience and good casting techniques.practice is important and you will get a feel for what you can and cannot do w various weights and wind/rods etc.Heavy line and lighter lures are tough to cast far w/o a professional overrun