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Hey guys, asking for some info regarding one of my bass setups. I have a Shimano Curado K (200 size), and I purchased it back in 2018. Overall, the reel is frustrating me a bit. I am pretty experienced with baitcasters, but I just cant dial this thing in. It throws larger cranks good and far, but when I go to 3/8oz jerkbaits, I get birds nests left and right. I'm a little confused because based on reviews im seeing, this reel should be handling these lures fine. I have it paired with 15lb Seaguar Red label, could it possibly be the line? I have to dial it so tight when I cast these lighter lures, I barely get any distance out of it. Also, if there is the slightest bit of wind, forget using this reel at all. Any thoughts here?

So I finally set up my baitcaster to a point where I don't backlash very often(Thanks to bass resource forum for the tips). And now I want to focus on getting more distance. I have a pretty beginner setup so I know I won't be able to cast as far as a supertuned $300 reel, but I was wondering how far you can cast a wacky rig senko usually without any wind. I've been measuring my distance using google maps and I would say I can cast a senko around 25 yds, 70-80 feet usually. I tried an even lighter spinnerbait 3/16 oz and I could cast further, around 30 yds maybe approaching 100 feet(I literally casted to the ground on the other side of the pond). It was weird since this lure is in fact lighter than my previous lure. My rod is 7'1 medium extra fast and rated for 1/4 oz to 3/4 oz so a senko fits that range better than the spinnerbait even. My reel has dual brakes and I've turned the magnetics off completely since they seem useless and I keep 2 pins out of 6 on for the centrifugal brakes. I heard most people generally cast 30-40 yds on average but honestly I don't know if I could get a senko that far. The tension is as loose as it can be without the spool wobbling, and the only other thing I can do is turn all the brakes completely off, but then I would backlash more frequently. I feel like maybe I have unrealistic expectations...maybe a senko doesn't travel as well as a spinnerbait or such? I know I might be able to get 30-40 with other baits and lots of practice, but even getting 30 with a senko seems like a challenge. Is there something I need to change in my casting motion, because I've tried to cast such that the bait spends a longer time in the air but it doesn't really net me any more distance. Any thoughts?

Just curious guys... I'm still in the camp of just not being able to reel a baitcast reel with my left hand. It feels awkward, looks awkward, and just isn't fluid. I don't like the rod crossing my body from 5 to 11 o'clock either. Then of course there are people online who are like "Ohhh silly right handers it makes no sense to switch hands" yadi yada. I am right handed, so i cast from the right side, or overhead, then I'm able to switch hands before my bait hits the water. I hold my spinning rods in my right hand and reel with my left. So to the guys and gals that reel traditionally, and haven't gotten on the left retrieve train, do you guys notice any decrease in sensitivity or bite detection? Do you feel like you're as confident holding the rod with your less dominant hand? For me, and if I'm being honest, I don't think the confidence is as high as it is with a spinning set up, but its very close. Very rarely do I feel like I would have had a better shot if I got that bite on a spinning rod. However to me, the trade off just isn't worth it. And the confidence will increase with time I'm sure. I'd rather be able to reel smoothly in a circle and feel comfortable in my approach than feel like I'm missing an occasional soft bite. Am I wording this right? Make sense? What do you guys think? I'd rather build my last little bit of confidence reeling righty than try to learn to reel lefty.

Today I caught my first striper ever. It wasn't a huge fish, only about 2-3 lbs. But while unhooking him hooked my index finger with a treble hook (for the first time as well) from the lure past the barb. Pulled it out, and caught two more stripers. It was a good day.