Baitcast Problems.

[dillon82]

i currently have two bait casters that i just can't get the hang of using but i was wondering is there really a big advantage of using a bait caster over a spinning setup because it really comes down to whats in the water to catch the fish not the rod? i keep trying and just can't get used to a  bait caster and have 4 spinning setups i use for bass so i think i can get away with just using them and save the headaches.

[BrianinMD]

Different tools for different purposes. Maybe if you let us know what baitcasters you have an the issue you are having we can help

[Glenn]

Most problems people have with baitcasters can be attributed to two things:

 

1. Setting them up properly

2. Casting techniques

 

Here are two videos that explain both:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/cast-adjust-baitcast.html

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/accuracy-baitcast.html

 

Hope that helps!

[F14A-B]

Seems most things in life Have to be learned, I would not recommend giving up. We have a saying around here."No Hill to High for a Climber"

[dillon82]

i have a daiwa aird baitcast combo with 30 pound braid on and an abugarcia blackmail combo igot when my buddy told me to try them and i follow videos online and maybe its me but i just can't get the hang of it i think its more me then the reels. i find trouble in not knowing how much tension to keep on the spool during the cast and that may be why i get inconsistent casts

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Another stumbling block is trying to do too much too fast. Don't try to bomb casts. Concentrate on smoothness and accuracy. Also, if you can, tell something about the rod and weight you are trying to cast. If the rod doesn't load properly you instinctively try to force or muscle the cast and that can contribute to backlashes. You can certainly catch fish with all casting or all spinning tackle, but there is a sense of satisfaction and fun in mastering different types of tackle and I'd expand the idea to include fly, center-pin and even trolling tackle. 

[dillon82]

the daiwia is a 7'0 heavy action rod while the abu garcia black max is a 7'0 medium heavy with 10 fluorocarbon. and like you said i also have expanded and fly fish for trout and panfish and some bass but never caught much

[deep]

So what's the problem? Are you getting backlashes, or just not casting as far as you'd like? Please elaborate on the "inconsistent" part.

[BrianinMD]

With those two rods you need to be casting at least 1/2oz baits while learning, what are you attempting to cast?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

With those two rods you need to be casting at least 1/2oz baits while learning, what are you attempting to cast?

Yup, this is where I was going. I'd even go as far as 3/4 oz lob casts to get the feel 

[a1712]

I sent you a PM. Brian.

[new2BC4bass]

3/8 oz. is definitely too light for both rods.  Abu rods tend to be under-rated.  I have a 7'6" MH Villain with a 3/8 oz. low rating.  I can barely cast 1/2 oz. lures a decent fishing distance.  I wouldn't use less than 5/8 oz. on either rod to learn with, and 3/4 on the Heavy would be even better.  Also 30# braid isn't the best to learn on.  Too much chance of it digging in and causing backlashes if you aren't careful.  I would use a minimum of 40# braid while learning.

 

Personally I think the 3/8 oz. is far too light for your rods.  Maybe okay once you get decent with a b/c reel, but not to learn on.

 

Smooth casting strokes are critical while learning (and to be desired no matter how good you are).  Trying to power a light lure is not conducive to smoothness.

[lectricbassman]

I was in the same boat last summer. I gave up on baitcasters after a few frustrating fishing trips. I thought i had put it up for good but got a hankering to give it another shot this winter.il Im really glad i got back on that horse. It just takes time, patience, and practice. Dont give up. Take the time to practice at home so it doesnt ruin your fishing trips and eventually youll get comfortable enough to bring them with you. Id take both spinning and baitcasting just in case though.

[deep]

Ok, that helps. Are both reels inconsistent? Between the two, I'd pick the Daiwa to learn casting. Does it have mag-V or mag-Z brakes? Are you doing anything special- like putting a little extra oomph- on the errant casts? As has been mentioned, try some heavier and aerodynamic baits, like a rattle trap or just a plain weight. I'd also try some heavier line on that Daiwa; 30# braid is sort of thin for baitcasters.

 

As for the original question, baitcasters are indispensable for me- even for conventional bass fishing. I don't even have a spinning combo (other than an ultralight I bought to help a friend out, one that I'm trying to sell actually). I don't fish anything lighter than 1/4 oz though, or techniques like dropshot.

[lmbfisherman]

3/8 oz. is definitely too light for both rods.  Abu rods tend to be under-rated.  I have a 7'6" MH Villain with a 3/8 oz. low rating.  I can barely cast 1/2 oz. lures a decent fishing distance.  I wouldn't use less than 5/8 oz. on either rod to learn with, and 3/4 on the Heavy would be even better.  Also 30# braid isn't the best to learn on.  Too much chance of it digging in and causing backlashes if you aren't careful.  I would use a minimum of 40# braid while learning.

 

Personally I think the 3/8 oz. is far too light for your rods.  Maybe okay once you get decent with a b/c reel, but not to learn on.

 

Smooth casting strokes are critical while learning (and to be desired no matter how good you are).  Trying to power a light lure is not conducive to smoothness.

Great advice!

[Senko lover]

Here's what I've learned the hard way from getting a baitcaster over the holidays.

1. Heavier baits are better to learn on. I can now cast finesse jigs and smaller baits no prob, but I'd recommend (like the other guys on here) starting with 1/2 or heavier. That peels line off the spool better.
2. Keep your brakes reasonably high. Until you master "thumbing" the spool, keep your braking system at about halfway and your spool tension to the point where once you hit the button your bait can drop to the ground without a backlash.
3. Focus on smooth casts & accuracy, not distance. Don't try to zing your baits 30 yards, just focus on a smooth cast. If you're having trouble with side arm, try overhead, just be careful to release at the right time so that your bait doesn't slam the ground in front of you.
4. It's all in the wrist, not the arm. Don't make a muscle every time you cast, just flick your wrist.
5. Casting two-handed will help, I find it much easier to cast two-handed than one-handed.
6. Once you've learned how to make a smooth cast and thumb the spool, ease back on your brakes and you'll be able to cast much farther.

Hope that helps! Baitcasters are great tools .

Kyle

[lmbfisherman]

Baitcasters for me make my time on the water enjoyable.  I find it more comfortable to fish as it seems more natural to me to palm/hold a reel. I also find it ergonomically easier to drag baits and present types of lures.

[dillon82]

at the moment i don't have any plain 3/4oz weights to practice but could i just tie to football head onto the line and practice like that or would that cause more issue tangling or twisting the line?

[F14A-B]

at the moment i don't have any plain 3/4oz weights to practice but could i just tie to football head onto the line and practice like that or would that cause more issue tangling or twisting the line?

Sure, you can cut the hook out, or, if you have some heavier fasteners ( nuts & bolts ) etc.. You can use that, double or Tripple up on lighter weights as well. Point is start out heavier, then, you will begin to understand the basics of casting with baitcasters, practice!

[dillon82]

okay thanks ill  do that