Baitcasting For The First Time

[Adrik314]

I bought a baitcasting reel a week ago for a bit of a challenge, and after taking it out for the first time today i can say its like driving stick vs. automatic. the first cast i was so excited to cast that i forgot to set the brakes and tension nob and i ended up having to rip all my line off and start over. after a bunch of lame casts i kinda got the hang of it but i couldnt seem to get great distance. what lb line works best i was using 10lb and i think it was to lite.

[Long Mike]

Do a "learning how to use a baitcaster search" on these forums. There are some excellent posts, not the least of which is how to apply some tape on your spool to reduce catastrophic backlashes. I fish with braid on all my reels. One of its great advantages is that a severe backlash does not damage the line. I have never had to cut the line off, although I have spent over two hours (at home, under a magnifier) removing the worst of the worst. I'm a patient guy, and cheap when it comes to replacing line, especially braid.

One other suggestion. I would strongly advise that you spray copious amounts of KVD Line and Lure Conditioner on the new line as you are spooling it on.

[new2BC4bass]

Try 14-17 lb mono or 40-55 lb braid. Absolutely don't try for distance at first. There are many threads on here regarding learning to cast. It isn't even necessary to use the 'search' function. Read through the first 3-4 pages. I just replied to one a couple days ago. Here are a few things to consider. It is pretty much what I said in the other thread.

Don't use line too light. Don't use line too heavy...especially if trying fluorocarbon. Use a line conditioner if using mono or fluorocarbon. Use a weight on the high end of the rod's rating For most people it is easiest to learn by starting with a side arm cast. Don't overfill the spool. Leave 1/8-1/4 below the rim. Having said that, I make this suggestion for people just learning to cast because it is suppose to help with backlashing. My personal opinion is to fill the spool once you are doing good with your casting. I think it will help gain some distance. Again this is just my personal opinion, so take it for what it is worth.

Load the rod on the back part of the cast, and do not be jerky on the reversal or you will backlash before the lure has a chance to travel anywhere. Smooth is the key word. No doubt you noticed that the lure travels much further to the left on your side arm casts (If casting with the right arm) then what you are use to with a spinning reel. Timing is different, and can only be learned through using the reel. So practice!

The lure should slowly drop until it hits the water (or ground) with no more than one rotation of the spool after the lure hits. The spool tension knob is used for this setting. Some reels require you to do this with the brakes off. Don't forget to put the brakes back on! This is the advice that every one gives, but it was too loose for me. I had to adjust the tension so that the rod had to be slightly shook to make the lure drop. This tight will affect casting distance. Apparently I was a slow learner. I now set all my reels up with the spool tension just snug enough to remove side-to-side play. I do NOT suggest you start this way unless removing backlashes is what floats your boat!

Another useful suggestion is to pull off about 5-10 yards more line that you think your longest cast will be, and put some tape on the spool here. It will keep your backlashes from going any deeper.

I'm sure there is more I could/should say, but I am falling asleep in my chair.

EDIT: Here is the link to a thread currently on page 2.

[Adrik314]

thanks alot guys i havent been on a forum for awhile so i kinda forgot about what makes new posters so annoying with repeat topics and asking a question instead of just using google when thats a better option i appreciate the replys though thanks alot ill be in my backyard tomorow practicing =)

[DON1937]

Asking questions, answering and having a discussion are what makes any forum interesting. The search functions are often worth just what you pay for them. I've never understood just what it is that turns people off when someone asks a question that's been answered numerous times. If have extensive knowledge about a subject I am glad to answer the questions of persons new to a forum. If we could all find the answers we needed using the search the forum would slow down and the number of posts dwindle. The people on this forum have been very helpful to me and I'm thankful you're here!!

[smr913]

Turn all the centrifugal brakes on and tune the spool tension so the bait falls about 1 ft per second. Pay attention to thumbing the spool as your bait is about to hit the water. Don't get too concerned with distance, just take it slow. As you get more comfortable you can back off the brakes and get more distance. I started throwing a BC when I was about 10 in my back yard and I started driving a stick when I was 15. Just like knowing when to change gears is a feel you will become that way with a BC is you just practice. Good Luck!

[jwhowells]

I think a big part of learning a baitcaster is making sure you have the reel handle up when casting with your right hand and only use your wrist to load the rod. Here is a great video

[Adrik314]

thanks alot guys im getting a lot better at casting after about a week of practice. i go to the casting ponds near my house and am getting a good mount of distance and control with little to no back lash on a consistant basis. it sure is alot of fun aswell

[Sam]

Rig your baitcaster setup based on the rod's specifications, including the bait you are going to throw.

Loosen spool and point rod tip to 11 o'clock. Adjust drag. Drop bait. Adjust spool tension so bait drops to floor (not carpet)slowly and the spool stops when the bait hits the floor. This may take five or six tries until it is correct.

If you want, you can set your breaks into an X pattern.

Go outside. Cast the rig as far as you can.

Remove two arm lengths of line from spool.

Place Scotch Tape or electrical tape across remaining line on spool. You may have to use two or three sections of tape to cover line on spool.

Reel in line.

You have now balanced your setup so the spool will stop when the bait hits the water and if you do get a backlash it will go only as deepas the tape will allow making it easier to correct.

TIP 1: Always keep thumb on line when casting just in case you have to stop line in mid-cast.

TIP 2: Never overfill spool. Allow for at least an eighth of an inch from the top of the spool.

TIP 3: Bring a second baitcaster ready to replace the one on your rod in case you do get a bad backlash or run out of line. Be sure to run line over thumb nail to check for knicks and cuts. Remove damaged line adn retie. Retie baitcaster line after every two or three fish.

TIP 4: Do not pull on backlashed line. You can cut and damage the line and when you cast again you will watch your bait sail into the wild blue younder.

Have fun!

[K_Mac]

 

Glenn's above video will show you how to set your reel properly. Once you get that right, it is just a matter of practice. If a guy with my lack of athletic skills can learn to be good with a baitcaster, then most anyone can!

Line choice is a personal thing, but I would go with something cheap and soft like 12 # Trilene XL to learn on. As Sam said, making sure the lure weight is correct for the rod is important. For most medium or medium heavy rods something in the 3/8-1/2 oz range is about right. Focus on smooth. Distance and accuracy will come once you master the fundamentals. Good luck.

[cfout4050]

Once you get good there is no tree to high that you cant send a Lucky Craft Sammy fying into the top of. While your buddy laughs so hard and says you have a better chance of catching more fish if you keep it in the water. This is what you get trying to throw to shad jumping halfway across the lake. Those Shimano Core 50s will sail a sammy like no other. Good Luck and it gets better with time and quality reel helps more than you think.