First Time Using Baitcaster Experience

[ABW]

I just went out and used my first baitcaster today and caught 7. A regular Lew's Speed Spool ($99) with a Powell Max 683 CEF. 50 lb power pro with a 15 lb Seaguar Red Label leader. I'm surprised I only backlashed twice.

 

I used a 1/4 oz bullet weight with a zoom trick worm, and a texas rigged pit boss. It casted the trick worm very well, despite it being light.

 

I can't upload the pictures of the fish I caught because the files are too big.

 

Although casting and setting the hook was very awkward at first because I used to use a left handed spinning reel, I have gotten used to it now. Can't wait to catch more in the future!

 

Edit: I resized one of the pictures

[Catch and Grease]

Nice setup! Hope you catch plenty more fish on it

[papajoe222]

Fantastic.  For some, the adjustment to casting gear is difficult and a bad experience when starting out can lead to rejection of, not only the equipment, the idea of adding something to make you a better angler.  I've recommended a Lew's to a number of beginners as I like the dual casting controls.  I taught my grandson on a ProLite and it took quite a while for him to get the hang of it.  I'm surprised that you didn't go with a left handed reel. I would think the transition would be easier.  That statement is coming from a guy that can't use a left handed baitcaster or a right handed spinning reel.  Guess that's just the way it is for some of us. 

Give yourself some time and you'll be casting with greater accuracy that you ever thought you could and somewhere down the road, you can work on pitching and skipping with a baitcaster.   Good luck and enjoy the visits from the bait monkey you'll be getting as soon as he gets wind of your new found ability, he will become a permanent fixture around your place.

[ABW]

Fantastic.  For some, the adjustment to casting gear is difficult and a bad experience when starting out can lead to rejection of, not only the equipment, the idea of adding something to make you a better angler.  I've recommended a Lew's to a number of beginners as I like the dual casting controls.  I taught my grandson on a ProLite and it took quite a while for him to get the hang of it.  I'm surprised that you didn't go with a left handed reel. I would think the transition would be easier.  That statement is coming from a guy that can't use a left handed baitcaster or a right handed spinning reel.  Guess that's just the way it is for some of us. 

Give yourself some time and you'll be casting with greater accuracy that you ever thought you could and somewhere down the road, you can work on pitching and skipping with a baitcaster.   Good luck and enjoy the visits from the bait monkey you'll be getting as soon as he gets wind of your new found ability, he will become a permanent fixture around your place.

 

I only went with a right handed reel because when I was younger I used right handed spincast reels. The first couple casts were pretty bad but I got better pretty fast. I hope the bait monkey doesn't visit too soon lol! On one of the backlashes I forgot to turn on any magnetic brakes haha.

[STPC]

That's great that you were able to pick it up so quickly; I guess you've got a smart thumb.  If you like the Speed Spool and want another setup I just saw them a few minutes ago for $90 at big box store; plus Lews is offering a $20 rebate.

[ABW]

That's great that you were able to pick it up so quickly; I guess you've got a smart thumb.  If you like the Speed Spool and want another setup I just saw them a few minutes ago for $90 at big box store; plus Lews is offering a $20 rebate.

 

I already sent my rebate form in for that reel . I had to wait 3 weeks for the rod to get here but it was WELL worth the wait

[Gary0155]

I'm glad you picked it up fast. I remember my first season of using a bait aster when I was 16. That was a long summer! On the bright side, I got really good at untangling line

[Mccallister25]

Awesome job!

[hooah212002]

I'm surprised I only backlashed twice.

 

 

This is the importance of learning on a quality reel. You could have easily had the exact opposite experience if you cheaped out and you would be cursing baitcast gear right now instead of singing it's praises.

 

Nice fish,  too.

[Fish_Whisperer]

This is the importance of learning on a quality reel. You could have easily had the exact opposite experience if you cheaped out and you would be cursing baitcast gear right now instead of singing it's praises.

 

Nice fish,  too.

The baitcaster of today is much more forgiving than its' predecessors.  I learned as a kid chucking catfish rigs on an old ambassadeur.

[Sam]

Alee, to help you enjoy your current and future baitcasting setups I am going to give you the following suggestion that I learned at a Bassmasters University class many years ago.  One of the pros (I forgo which one) told us to "balance" the baitcaster as follows:

 

1.  Note the line test and bait weight stamped on the rod and stay within those parameters.

2.  Rig the rod with your line and lure - ready to cast.

3.  Adjust drag as you wish.

4.  Tighten the cast control cap so the bait does not fall.

5.  Point rod tip to 11 o'clock.

6.  Release the thumb/clutch bar to drop the bait and using the cast control cap to adjust the spool tension as the bait drops.

7.  Your goal is to have each bait drop slowly to the floor and have the spool stop when the bait hits the floor.

8.  Drop bait on a hardwood floor or outside. Do not do this on carpet as the hooks will get into the carpet fibers. Drop the bait in the boat or at home a number of times until you have it where you want it.

9.  Perform this routine every time you change your baitcaster baits.

 

You will have to make "minor" adjustments to the cast control cap's tension to have the expected performance.

 

If your rod and reel are "balanced" the spool will stop without backlashing when the bait hits the water.

 

For buzzbaits, Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits you can start the retrieve right before or at the exact moment the  bait hits the water without any fear of a backlash.

 

As for a right or left hand handle, it is personal preference.  I like a left handed handle on spinning rig set up as I keep a finger on the line at all times.  I use a right handed handle on a baitcaster and have no problems switching after I set the hook. I can also keep a finger on the baitcaster line when throwing Senkos, jigs and other bottom baits. I palm the entire reel in my right hand or hold the rod and reel with my left hand and keep my right index finger on the line when throwing plastics and jigs.

 

Please remember that the Lew's speed spool is a fast baitcaster and you may have to set the tension drag magnets to a high number, such as 7 or 8, to help the spool slow down. For reels with individual magnets always remember to balance the magnets by having the opposite magnets open. This means you will have an "X" pattern when setting individual magnets on your Shimano's and other reels that do not have a dial system.

 

I also suggest having your baitcaster cleaned by a professional each year. Fresh grease can work wonders and you will be surprised at all the dirt and grit that can get into the baitcaster without your knowledge.  Just remember that you put grease inside the reel and oil on the outside. You can use special reel oil or 3-in-1 oil. Not much, just a coating.

 

Always keep the baitcaster covered when traveling. If you don't have a reel cover then take a plastic grocery store bag and slide the end of the rod into the bag and then the bag goes over the reel and you tie the plastic bag's top into a knot. This helps keep the dirt and grit out of the reel when traveling.

 

If your line starts to pile up on one side of the spool when you are spooling your line it means that your worm shaft system is going bad and you need to have them checked out and replaced. Have a professional do this for you.

 

Use a Berkley or BPS line spooling system when spooling line on your reel or removing it. Makes spooling line easy. A very good investment.

 

You can also spool some braid onto the baitcaster first and then tie your mono or flouro to the braid and finish spooling the line on your baitcaster. This does two things: First, you don't have to use so much expensive line on the reel and second this method is supposed to allow you to cast further.  Just a suggestion. You will have to decide how much braid to use, such as a 50/50 or 25/75 set up of braid to your regular line.

 

One more note about your Lews and some other reels:  There is a lube port cap and screw on your Lews.  See if you can find it.  You unscrew the screw; remove the cap; and you can put grease into the port.  Not oil, but grease and only grease. Check it out.

 

Just remember two things about baitcasters:  1) there are over 100 different parts so don't take it apart unless you know what you are doing and 2) have it professionally cleaned and oiled before each season by a professional. It is worth the money.

 

Good luck and I hope some of this information helps you and other guys on the Forum.

 

I look forward to reading future posts on the care and set up of a baitcaster so come on guys, lets add to this thread.

[ABW]

Alee, to help you enjoy your current and future baitcasting setups I am going to give you the following suggestion that I learned at a Bassmasters University class many years ago.  One of the pros (I forgo which one) told us to "balance" the baitcaster as follows:

 

1.  Note the line test and bait weight stamped on the rod and stay within those parameters.

2.  Rig the rod with your line and lure - ready to cast.

3.  Adjust drag as you wish.

4.  Tighten the cast control cap so the bait does not fall.

5.  Point rod tip to 11 o'clock.

6.  Release the thumb/clutch bar to drop the bait and using the cast control cap to adjust the spool tension as the bait drops.

7.  Your goal is to have each bait drop slowly to the floor and have the spool stop when the bait hits the floor.

8.  Drop bait on a hardwood floor or outside. Do not do this on carpet as the hooks will get into the carpet fibers. Drop the bait in the boat or at home a number of times until you have it where you want it.

9.  Perform this routine every time you change your baitcaster baits.

 

You will have to make "minor" adjustments to the cast control cap's tension to have the expected performance.

 

If your rod and reel are "balanced" the spool will stop without backlashing when the bait hits the water.

 

For buzzbaits, Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits you can start the retrieve right before or at the exact moment the  bait hits the water without any fear of a backlash.

 

As for a right or left hand handle, it is personal preference.  I like a left handed handle on spinning rig set up as I keep a finger on the line at all times.  I use a right handed handle on a baitcaster and have no problems switching after I set the hook. I can also keep a finger on the baitcaster line when throwing Senkos, jigs and other bottom baits. I palm the entire reel in my right hand or hold the rod and reel with my left hand and keep my right index finger on the line when throwing plastics and jigs.

 

Please remember that the Lew's speed spool is a fast baitcaster and you may have to set the tension drag magnets to a high number, such as 7 or 8, to help the spool slow down. For reels with individual magnets always remember to balance the magnets by having the opposite magnets open. This means you will have an "X" pattern when setting individual magnets on your Shimano's and other reels that do not have a dial system.

 

I also suggest having your baitcaster cleaned by a professional each year. Fresh grease can work wonders and you will be surprised at all the dirt and grit that can get into the baitcaster without your knowledge.  Just remember that you put grease inside the reel and oil on the outside. You can use special reel oil or 3-in-1 oil. Not much, just a coating.

 

Always keep the baitcaster covered when traveling. If you don't have a reel cover then take a plastic grocery store bag and slide the end of the rod into the bag and then the bag goes over the reel and you tie the plastic bag's top into a knot. This helps keep the dirt and grit out of the reel when traveling.

 

If your line starts to pile up on one side of the spool when you are spooling your line it means that your worm shaft system is going bad and you need to have them checked out and replaced. Have a professional do this for you.

 

Use a Berkley or BPS line spooling system when spooling line on your reel or removing it. Makes spooling line easy. A very good investment.

 

You can also spool some braid onto the baitcaster first and then tie your mono or flouro to the braid and finish spooling the line on your baitcaster. This does two things: First, you don't have to use so much expensive line on the reel and second this method is supposed to allow you to cast further.  Just a suggestion. You will have to decide how much braid to use, such as a 50/50 or 25/75 set up of braid to your regular line.

 

One more note about your Lews and some other reels:  There is a lube port cap and screw on your Lews.  See if you can find it.  You unscrew the screw; remove the cap; and you can put grease into the port.  Not oil, but grease and only grease. Check it out.

 

Just remember two things about baitcasters:  1) there are over 100 different parts so don't take it apart unless you know what you are doing and 2) have it professionally cleaned and oiled before each season by a professional. It is worth the money.

 

Good luck and I hope some of this information helps you and other guys on the Forum.

 

I look forward to reading future posts on the care and set up of a baitcaster so come on guys, lets add to this thread.

Great post Sam!

[NathanW]

OMG.

 

Nice job. My first baitcasting experience went horribly wrong. Like you I was a lefty trying to fish a righty. I had no clue and was trying to cast these 1/6 ounce trout spinners and crappie jigs.

 

I gave that up until about a year later I picked up a lefty BPS pro qualifier. Now I dred using spinning gear, I mean, I still do every outing but casting gear's  efficiency when covering water is unmatched.

 

Its good that you were able to covert to a righty, something I have never been able to do. The options are not as many for a lefthanded reel.

[ABW]

Update: After about a week of using this rod, it has held up to 40+ fish, and still going strong. No durability problems. Still extremely sensitive. Maybe in the future I'll upgrade from this to a Lew's Tourney Pro and an Powell Endurance. So far, I'm a big fan of these two brand names!!