First Time Baitcasting Questions

[Dypsis]

So I received my first baitcaster yesterday and it was raining so I spooled it up and tied on a Spro Frog.  I set it up per Gene's video (great videos) and tried getting my thumb used to stopping the lure before it hits the ground.  I started kind of pitching it and didn't do to bad.  Fast forward to today and I took her outside for casting practice for about 45min.  Few questions (sorry they are so novice but I really don't know anyone that fishes to ask - help me BR you're my only hope):

 

1) So in Glenn's video he sets the spool tension so that the lure slowly falls - in time, maybe years, is that always the case or will it be set to fall quickly as I get better?

 

2) When I was reeling in if the frog got hung up on a stick or something and I gave it a tug to free it, I always got a small birdsnest (line loose on the spool) do I need to feather the line when I am reeling in or since it was on grass and not in water would that effect it.  Am I not set up correctly? What about when I am fishing like jerk bait and I am reeling in slack?

 

3) When the lure hits the water (I stop it with my thumb) in order to get it to the proper depth I assume I back my thumb off and feather the line out till I am at the depth I want to fish at?

 

I had a few more but can't think of them currently.  My setup in case it matter is an IMX844 and a Chronarch 150 CI4+.

 

PS - the noise it makes during casting - that almost light hum is awesome. 

 

Thanks!

Matt

 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

So I received my first baitcaster yesterday and it was raining so I spooled it up and tied on a Spro Frog.  I set it up per Gene's video (great videos) and tried getting my thumb used to stopping the lure before it hits the ground.  I started kind of pitching it and didn't do to bad.  Fast forward to today and I took her outside for casting practice for about 45min.  Few questions (sorry they are so novice but I really don't know anyone that fishes to ask - help me BR you're my only hope):

 

1) So in Genes video he sets the spool tension so that the lure slowly falls - in time, maybe years, is that always the case or will it be set to fall quickly as I get better?

Thats what I would strive for. The least amount of braking the better is my thinking. Casting same distance is made easier and turning the handle is less effort with less spool tension.

 

2) When I was reeling in if the frog got hung up on a stick or something and I gave it a tug to free it, I always got a small birdsnest (line loose on the spool) do I need to feather the line when I am reeling in or since it was on grass and not in water would that effect it.  Am I not set up correctly? What about when I am fishing like jerk bait and I am reeling in slack?

Check drag setting it could be too loose. Located just behind the handle and clicks when turned, tighten it some.

 

3) When the lure hits the water (I stop it with my thumb) in order to get it to the proper depth I assume I back my thumb off and feather the line out till I am at the depth I want to fish at?

Yes that will do to let it drop straight if not and line tightens it will ark down to bottom

 

I had a few more but can't think of them currently.  My setup in case it matter is an IMX844 and a Chronarch 150 CI4+.

Great reel I have one in no time you will have it set one brake internal on and one set on the dial and the cow jumping over the moon with have to dodge a 1/2oz lipless crank 

 

PS - the noise it makes during casting - that almost light hum is awesome. 

 

Thanks!

Matt

[EvanT123]

Hey Matt. That is a real nice first bc setup you have there.

1. As you get better and learn to adjust the brakes and for lure weight you should be able to back off spool tension.

2. I don't think you need to feather the spool. Maybe put more tension on you line when you spool up. Though something I have my thumb on the spool when burning the bait back so 50/50.

3. You could do that or engage the reel and let the lure fall. I think that's up to you.

I'm not a big bait cast user but hopefully that helps and someone will come along with additional advice. Good luck and happy fishing.

[Dypsis]

Thanks for the responses.  I'll try to work my way up to lesser brakes with time.  Setting the drag tighter sounds like it could work I'll try today after work.  

[fishballer06]

That's one hell of a first baitcasting setup!

 

From the sounds of it, your line might not be on the spool tight enough. You shouldn't be getting a small birdsnest while pulling the lure though/over a rock/tree. 

[Dypsis]

That's one hell of a first baitcasting setup!

 

From the sounds of it, your line might not be on the spool tight enough. You shouldn't be getting a small birdsnest while pulling the lure though/over a rock/tree. 

 

I've been fishing with a Inshore Ugly Stick and a Pflueger Reel for about a year and a half.  The rod is ok (not very sensitive) but I like the reel a lot.  The rod is about 4 years old, I bought it at a great price from a member on here.  I honestly have had it for about 3 months trying to figure out what reel to get and of course save up some money.  Everyday it cries out to be fished and now I can finally take care of her.  

 

I only spooled about 30-40 yards of some 10lb mono I had laying around just to practice with, I figured less to un-nest.  I'll try respooling it tighter.  

 

Thanks!

[fishballer06]

Having that little of line on there could very well be your problem. 

[bass1980]

Dypsis if you want to try to cast even further with less brakes and are afraid of a giant birds nest try this.

Keep your setting the same. Cast as far as you can. By hand manually pull off about 10 yards of line. Then use tape and tape over your remaining spool/line. I use blue painters tape. Reel back your lines. Now set your brakes less and let it rip.....with caution of course.

The tape will make sure you won't birds nest too far into the spool of lines. Good luck.

[BassSlayer71]

Baitcasters will be the death of me.  I'll do good for a while but end up screwing up.  Nor can I get that "perfect cast" I need sometimes lol.  These are good tips though and I'm glad you asked.  I might go through and loosen the brakes up some more and maybe that will help.

[dwong]

I've found that when casting with a baitcaster it's much better to cast smoothly rather than powerfully. When I get careless and try to whip it like I do a spinning setup is when I get the nastiest birds nests.

[gulfcaptain]

If you're casting on the grass, keep tension on the line as you reel in to keep it from getting sloppy and loose on the spool.  When fishing this won't be such an issue but practicing in the yard it can be.  Learn to feather your thumb on the spool as you cast.  I don't think I even use the brakes and have my tension knobs loosened as much as possible without the spool being sloppy (too loose causing side to side play which can result in line getting between the spool and the frame.  When casting, your rod is just as important as the reel.  If you keep your lure tight to the tip you will end up with more backlashes then if you give yourself 2ft or more and use the rod and lure's weight to get it out there.  This comes with time on when to release in your casting swing.  I'm going to end up teaching my son how to cast and this is how I'm going to start out with him

 

#1 Set the brakes about the half way mark.

 

#2 Tension knob set to wear it slowly falls (yes slowly).  This way if he casts too hard the spool will not explode into a nice beginners knot.

 

#3 As he progresses slowly ease the tension knob as so the breaks are the main controller.  The better he gets the looser the knob.  Then work on backing of the breaks if you like to where you won't need them.  

 

This isn't going to happen right away, be patient and I would look into buying some 1/4 lb spools of 12lb to keep yourself spooled up with fresh line.  If you start feeling bad spots from the occasional backlash, respool half or two thirds.  And lastly, don't give up. 

[KDW96]

Having that little of line on there could very well be your problem. 

 

Agreed. Your reel needs to be filled,even if with some old line to practice with. You will get better distance,and your thumb will be higher on the spool,not down in the middle of it. As far as thumb breaking goes-practice alot-you will get it,then it will come natural. Good luck.

[Dypsis]

 

 

This isn't going to happen right away, be patient and I would look into buying some 1/4 lb spools of 12lb to keep yourself spooled up with fresh line.

 

Is this what you mean - http://www.amazon.com/Berkley-Trilene-Spool-Yards-Green/dp/B00GRUMP4Q

 

It's nice and cheap!  Great to practice with.  

[gulfcaptain]

yes, that would work and Big Game isn't bad mono either. Caught A LOT of fish on that line both in fresh and salt.

[John G]

Matt, you started out with a super nice first combo!!!

You need to remember that you are using a heavy powered rod. I think that while you are learning to cast, you need to be using lures that are at least 3/8oz and it wouldn't hurt if they were a 1/2oz or more. That 844 is not a broomstick at all but a heavier weight will make casting easier.

[Fisher-O-men]

Some guys have mentioned keeping tension on the line when not in the water.  That is done by pinching the line between your pointer finger and thumb on your non-cranking hand.  When using the reel in the water you will be palming the reel with this hand.