What's the best source for learning about tackle?

[Creampuffwar]

I've got two bait casters, but I get frustrated by not being able to make long cast. I know my rods are 6.5ft tall and medium, so should I be using stronger than 15lb test line?

Maybe an educational video of proper technique for crankbaits? jigs?

I really love bass fishing, and I'm afraid I'm a bit of a noob. I'd love to expand my knowledge of the sport as I hope to have my own boat one day and I want to be ready when that day comes. I've been training on ponds with plastics, but I'm ready to take it all in. Thanks for any and all advice.

[D4u2s0t]

what are the weights of the baits that you're throwing on your baitcaster?  Do you have the brakes off, or low enough?  Personally I don't like to throw anything lighter than 3/8 on a baitcaster.

[Mr.Sheephead]

takes PRACTICE and alot of patience dont expect to be fishing since alot of backlash will occur while practicing longer harder cast plus number one rule is to train the thumb to control the spool in a cast to prevent backlash and remember to check your breaks are set right with the lures weight just takes time frustration and patience to get it I just recently learned to do an over head cast with mines and i have been using it for 2 years now im better at pitching and side arm cast

just remeber that a spinning reel is a cast that can be FLUNG hard with a snap motion but a baitcaster is more of a LOFT or using the lures weight to fly at the same speed as the line basicly all a baitcaster is is a sling style weapon were a rock is held in a pouch conected in the middle of 2 strings and using the momentum of the swing over the head plus the rocks weight to launch the rock or also like a sling style catapult also known as a trebuchet

 

[Steven Ladner]

You're already at the right place. Do a search in the fishing articles here on the site for in depth information on techniques for fishing jigs and crankbaits 

[David Russell]

Creampuffwar, I'm not saying I'm great with a baitcaster just yet. In fact, I only own one. But I like to think I've conquered the basics.

If you ever fish Lay, Mitchell or Jordan, let me know. I just got a boat (14' jon) and fish the Coosa River chain lakes. You are welcome along a trip or two with me if you'd like to have someone to work through the basics with. Not that I have much to teach, but we could probably learn together.

(P.S. Saw that 10 lber you posted. That's ridiculous man. Way to go.)

[Shamster]

I've only got a spinning rod and have been eyeing baitcasters, I'm just kinda scared to pick one up since I've only ever used spinners.

[David Russell]

Shamster I wouldn't want to fish now without my baitcaster. It's worth taking the plunge.

The only advice I'd give is to pick up a quality one. I spent $100 on a "last-year" model at BPS and was able to get the basics down fairly quickly. I've picked up friends' "cheap" ones and they just don't seem to work well. Perhaps I just got used to the quality of mine. But I also wonder if the low-end reels are frustrating to anglers trying out baitcasters.

[dmac14]

Best place to learn is the backyard. Take an old crankbait, take off the hooks and just cast all day, I did this at my job last summer and got a good two hours of casting in every day for a good 6 weeks. 

[David Russell]

dmac14 ++

I did exactly the same thing while learning. Come inside, watch some YouTube videos and read some articles, go out to the back yard and try what I learned.

[Josh Bassman]

Best place to learn is the backyard. Take an old crankbait, take off the hooks and just cast all day, I did this at my job last summer and got a good two hours of casting in every day for a good 6 weeks.

I'm still a backyard caster. I practice as much as I can. I put targets out in the yard and practice my aim with different weights, and try to hit different distances. I enjoy it like someone who likes to play darts or pool.

[Crestliner2008]

One of the problems a lot of people have, that are new to baitcasting, is "worrying" too much about the horrors of the backlash!

Set you reel the way it instructs in the booklet that came with it and just go out there and cast the darn thing. Once you forget about backlashes, they suddenly seem to disappear! Do not rely only on your reel. Educate your thumb as you go along. Millions do it every day. Trust me, you'll be an expert before you know it.

[Raul]

One of the problems a lot of people have, that are new to baitcasting, is "worrying" too much about the horrors of the backlash!

True, when you worry too much you cast like crap, you don 't let The Force flow through you like it should.

Free your mind .... your arse will follow.

[Creampuffwar]

I did find the links here with some great information. I guess I just need to study up some more and practice. I need to learn more about my reels settings and performance.

Thanks for the links advice.

David- I appreciate the invite. I don't fish those lakes, mostly just ponds around me and when I can get away. I'm forever trying to get down to my in-laws because I can take the family and get my fishing itch.

[Hammer 4]

Re: baitcasters..Try making easy 3/4 sidearm casts, imho, you have more control that way, as opossed to overhead casts..at least in my case it use to be that way..If the reel is set properly, wher the lure falls to the floor as a slow pace, and the spool stops when  the lure hits the floor, it's time to do some castin..make easy cast's, don't try to reach way out there, as you gain more control, via your thumb, and no overruns..loosen the brakes a tad..

Also you might loosen the spool tension..ultimately, it's your thumb that controls everything. Btw, if your backlashing at the begining, you need more brakes, if it's happening at ot toward the end of the cast, tighten the spool tension.

Practice, practice, practice...well, you get the idea.. ;D

Sham, don't worry about the baitcaster if your uncomfortable about it. Many a bass have been caught on spinning gear. There are guys here that use Only spinning gear. Yes, baitcasters do have some advantages, in certain cases, but for 90% of the fishing we do, you'll be fine with the spinning rig.

There are other more importatnt things to concentrate on re: bass fishing..

[burleytog]

Be smoooooooooooth, no jerky, Paul Bunyan type casts.  You're fishing, not chopping wood or warding off jumping snakes.

And if you ain't backlashin', you ain't fishin'.

[Creampuffwar]

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing the links and info. I got my gear out yesterday and was able to work my baitcasters like never before. I've still some learning left to do, but I appreciate the help in getting on the right track.

This forum rocks and it feels good to know that I'm not the only one hooked on bass fishing. There is a lot of good information on this site.