Need Help With Baitcaster

[bassarmy7]

So i am new to using baitcasters and have watched so many youtube videos, on how to setup and cast a baitcaster. The issue is tho after doing the things stated in these videos i am still getting backlashes. Can anyone give me anymore tips or tricks?

[deep]

What rod, reel, line and bait?

[A-Jay]

You've read and watched enough videos to know what to do - now the fun part; doing it.

 

In the beginning stages of learning to use a casting reel, it is important to adopt the following philosophy:

 

The easier (or less force) you apply during the cast, the smaller the backlash you'll have to pick out.  

 

Start out really slow.  Learn to cast just 10-15 ft properly.  When you can do that repeatedly, then go for 20-25 ft and so on.   

 

 Trying to whip out a long cast while learning is a mistake and the same as going from your driveway to the drag strip the first time you get behind the wheel.

 

Pace yourself - you'll get it.  If the rest of us knuckleheads can do it ~  you can too.

Just takes a little time.

 

A-Jay

[BobP]

Assuming you are using a reel with an effective brake system that is in working order -  practice with heavier line, say 15 lb monofilament and a heavier lure, say a 1/2 or 3/4 oz jig.  It also helps to use a rod that is not so stiff that it will not "load up" to help you cast the lure.  The biggest mistake I see among my friends who are adding baitcasting to their fishing skills is that they try to whip baits around with abandon like they are still using a spinning rod. That's a recipe for backlash.  A baitcaster works best with a smooth, consistent casting stroke.  Develop that first, then gradually learn to control the spool with thumb pressure to make more forceful longer casts.  Sidearm casts are the easiest to control and easiest to learn because you can see what's going on with the rod throughout the cast.  But you can't cast sidearm in all situations.  If you fish from the back of a boat, chances are the guy in front will approach cover to the left of the boat (so HE can cast sidearm), preventing you from doing the same if you're right handed.  So overhead, backhand, and long underhand pitches become important.  But it all starts with a smooth consistent casting stroke.

[bassarmy7]

What rod, reel, line and bait?

my mistake should have included what i was using:

Im using a bps PQ on a johnny morris carbonlite MH-fast action 12 pound mono with a 3/4oz jig with berkly craw fatty trailer or a 3/8 weighted t-rigged finese worm

[kickerfish1]

Don't forget on the PQ reels there are 3 places to adjust the breaking force. First is on the circular tension knob. Second is with the magnetic dial in the side plate with the numbers on it. Last is internally using the centrifugal break pins.

I suspect you need to open your reel up and adjust the pins on the centrifugal break system. You have to press down on the BPS logo and sort of twist it to access it.

[bassarmy7]

Don't forget on the PQ reels there are 3 places to adjust the breaking force. First is on the circular tension knob. Second is with the magnetic dial in the side plate with the numbers on it. Last is internally using the centrifugal break pins.

I suspect you need to open your reel up and adjust the pins on the centrifugal break system. You have to press down on the BPS logo and sort of twist it to access it.

I have 4 centrigugal brakes on and mag is on 5

[kickerfish1]

Try adjusting your tension knob a bit more and upping your magnetic break. If this doesn't work I dont know what to tell ya. Could be a problem with the reel or user error. Just keep practicing and experimenting with the settings.

I would tell you what mine is set at but it was sold 2 years ago.

[bassarmy7]

Try adjusting your tension knob a bit more and upping your magnetic break. If this doesn't work I dont know what to tell ya. Could be a problem with the reel or user error. Just keep practicing and experimenting with the settings.

I would tell you what mine is set at but it was sold 2 years ago.

I know this isnt a super nice reel and i plan on getting a *** *** after awhile

[new2BC4bass]

my mistake should have included what i was using:

Im using a bps PQ on a johnny morris carbonlite MH-fast action 12 pound mono with a 3/4oz jig with berkly craw fatty trailer or a 3/8 weighted t-rigged finese worm

 

Well, you got the set up right for line and lure weight.  Seems your reel settings are pretty good for learning.  Where are the backlashes occurring?  Most happen at the beginning of the cast because we aren't smooth enough with the casting stroke.  If they are backlashing at the end, increase the magnetic brake.

 

Some (the lucky ones) say they learn in about a half hour.  It took me a hellava lot longer than that.   Everyone will tell you they still get an occasional backlash regardless of the number of years using a b/c reel.

 

You probably are trying to throw too hard.  Wish someone had told me to learn using a roll cast.  It keeps the rod tip loaded and smooths out the reverse part of the cast.  Both help eliminate backlashes.  I've gotten so I like to incorporate a little roll in my overhead casts for that very reason.

[bassarmy7]

Well, you got the set up right for line and lure weight. Seems your reel settings are pretty good for learning. Where are the backlashes occurring? Most happen at the beginning of the cast because we aren't smooth enough with the casting stroke. If they are backlashing at the end, increase the magnetic brake.

Some (the lucky ones) say they learn in about a half hour. It took me a hellava lot longer than that. Everyone will tell you they still get an occasional backlash regardless of the number of years using a b/c reel.

You probably are trying to throw too hard. Wish someone had told me to learn using a roll cast. It keeps the rod tip loaded and smooths out the reverse part of the cast. Both help eliminate backlashes. I've gotten so I like to incorporate a little roll in my overhead casts for that very reason.

Starts in the beginning then gets so bad in the middle the lure stops midair. Im used to throwing a 9ft rod off a pier saltwater fishing with a manual spinning real. I must admit this type of fishing is completely different

[deep]

Are you trying to cast too hard?

[hatrix]

It should be pretty hard to backlash actually with all the pins on. It has to be your form when you cast. Also a 3/4 jig is pretty heavy and should be able to keep pulling line out.

[bassbassontherange]

Well, you got the set up right for line and lure weight.  Seems your reel settings are pretty good for learning.  Where are the backlashes occurring?  Most happen at the beginning of the cast because we aren't smooth enough with the casting stroke.  If they are backlashing at the end, increase the magnetic brake.

 

Some (the lucky ones) say they learn in about a half hour.  It took me a hellava lot longer than that.   Everyone will tell you they still get an occasional backlash regardless of the number of years using a b/c reel.

 

You probably are trying to throw too hard.  Wish someone had told me to learn using a roll cast.  It keeps the rod tip loaded and smooths out the reverse part of the cast.  Both help eliminate backlashes.  I've gotten so I like to incorporate a little roll in my overhead casts for that very reason.

Best answer. 

One of the least understood pieces to remember is there are two reasons backlashes happen.

1-The spool spins faster than the line coming off of it. This happens at the beginning to middle of the cast and can be fixed by adjusting your casting control knob on the right of your reel. This can also be caused by trying to cast too hard.

2-The brakes/your thumb are not slowing the spool down as the lure enters the water. This causes an overrun at the end of the cast. Turn up your brakes and thumb earlier until you get the hang of it.

 

Oh, and don't hit a tree. That'll cause em too. I'm still trying to figure out why I have to try for a perfect cast every time. 

[Glenn]

Sounds like you're throwing too hard.  This video provides more detail than the others you've seen, including tips on what to do AFTER adjusting the reel:

 

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