Skipping With Your Baitcaster! Tension?

[iceintheveins]

So where do you guys set your spool tension when skipping with a baitcaster. So far I've found I get less backlashes set the way Denny Brauer does but I don't get as much distance.

 

Do you set your brakes light or heavy as well?

[Ozark_Basser]

I set them light. I make sure my thumb is feathering the spool on the whole cast.

[iceintheveins]

I've found setting the tension as tight as he recommends is good for small docks or slight overhangs where you don't need to skip a long ways. But in serious skipping water distance means a lot more.

[gobig]

I set all the magnetic brakes in the on position. I loosen the spool tensioner until you can move the spool side to side slightly. I use a roll cast or a side arm cast with the bait almost at water level. As the bait starts to skip lift the rod tip in an upwards direction.

[Ozark_Basser]

I've found setting the tension as tight as he recommends is good for small docks or slight overhangs where you don't need to skip a long ways. But in serious skipping water distance means a lot more.

I have an xheavy rod that I have to set the brakes tight or it WILL backlash when trying to skip. I don't use it for skipping very often though. I like a rod with a much softer tip, and the brakes set loose, so all I have to do is roll my wrists to skip.

[iceintheveins]

Yeah setting the tension too tight can cause a backlash too, lots of people forget that.

[kcdinkerz]

Tried it once failed then gave up lol. One of these days I'll spool on some cheap mono and go practice

[deep]

I've almost given up on skipping with casting gear. I pitch-skip these days, so much easier with my skill level.

 

To answer the original question, I change nothing. Just keep a closer eye on the thumb.

[thehooligan]

I set them light. I make sure my thumb is feathering the spool on the whole cast.

 

I do the same, its all about that thumb.

[the reel ess]

I simply cannot bring myself to do this. I have enough pro overruns casting it normally. I've been using a BC since I was 13. I never skipped a bait until I bought a spinning combo for bass. But I do have braid on that so I can horse out most bass.

[FryDog62]

Good suggestions above...  I'm going to try feathering the spool with my thumb the whole cast.  There's something about releasing the spool and bringing your thumb back down to feather it that I struggle with.  Its like lift up your thumb - no, then clamp it down right away that my brain can't quite get me to do very well.  Lightening up the spool tension and keeping thumb on while roll casting might work.  

[Senko lover]

Skipping with a baitcaster is a bit intimidating, but it's pretty simply once you get it down.

I took my baitcasting combo to the creek by my house for several trips until I finally learned.

Once you have your brakes set correctly-I usually put the brakes up a little and the spool tension

like I normally would for casting-tie on a lure that skips well, like a jig. The secret is, you must skip fast.

You have to whip your rod and shoot the lure. You can't pause, hesitate, or skip slowly. Dean Rojas

describes it like swinging a baseball bat.

As the lure skips across the water, keep your thumb on the spool and stop it once it's where it needs to go.

 

The only way to learn is to practice! It's been a valuable technique for me ever since I learned how.

You will get some backlashes, but it's worth it.

Hope that helps.

[ABW]

Do yourself a favor and skip baits that are very easy to skip.. I have found that a pegged pit boss with a 1/8 oz sinker can go a long ways...

 

This is a good video on skipping.

 

[Ozark_Basser]

I've almost given up on skipping with casting gear. I pitch-skip these days, so much easier with my skill level.

 

To answer the original question, I change nothing. Just keep a closer eye on the thumb.

I've yet to master the pitch skip or the backhand skip. I can do each one okay, just not very confident with either.

[hatrix]

Skipping backhand was the first way Iearned. The way I pitch backhand a lot of times it's almost a skip as its just above the water as it swing around for most the cast. I just do the same thing but lower. For me it's all about hitting the water at a shallow angle. Like you would want to skip a rock.

[iabass8]

So where do you guys set your spool tension when skipping with a baitcaster. So far I've found I get less backlashes set the way Denny Brauer does but I don't get as much distance.

 

http://www.***/outdoors/***/story/1481080-video-how-to-skip-lures-with-baitcasters

 

Is he right on this? Do you set your brakes light or heavy as well?

so you're questioning if one of the best pitching/flipping/dock fisherman to have ever lived is right about how he sets his reel to skip...? 

[iceintheveins]

so you're questioning if one of the best pitching/flipping/dock fisherman to have ever lived is right about how he sets his reel to skip...? 

 

Oh not at all I trust Denny, I'd love to develop skipping and dock skills even half as good as his one day, but that's a tall order. I've just heard some other pros who are good at it say otherwise. So far Denny's advice has been the best.