The Wife And The Baitcaster

[Sam]

P.S. You cast the original setup with the lure on the line. Sorry if I confused you.

[WRB]

I agree with the tape method, especially for learning to cast braid line. Using larger diameter mono may make it more difficult to cast, the higher memory springing the line off the spool creating a backlash.

Relying on brakes alone to cast a baitcasting reel doesn't teach the angler how to cast properly, the thumb is a essential component of casting a baitcasting reel, it starts the cast, controls the cast and stops the cast. You can learn to cast using any reel in good operating reel. Picking out a backlash is also part of the learning process, let the new angler learn by trail and error, set the reel, rod, lure weight up properly, show them the proper rod motion, then help only if they ask.

Tom

[bootytrain]

I taught a kid to cast a baitcaster in about 30 minutes, he was about 10. Started him off with the magnetic brakes on his baitcaster turned all the way up. Side arm cast and made sure the lure was heavy enough, side arm cast. Overheard is a different story. If she wants to learn a baitcaster for the experience start on centrifugal brakes, if she just wants to use a baitcaster because she thinks it will help her fishing get a Scorpion DC. That reel is impossible to backlash.

[hatrix]

I would say anything with the Daiwa magforce z braking. A tatula would be good but maybe to large for her hands. Turn the dial to 10 maybe 12 and you should be able to cast anything with out thumbing it. No tension of course. Or a centrifugal braking reel with probably all the pins on and the mag at like 2 or 3. Also no tension. She should be casting like a champ in 30 minutes or so. I recommend never using tension to learn. It makes you cast harder and greatly affects distance and defeats the purpose of a smooth reel that turns effortlessly.

[K_Mac]

My wife quickly learned to use a baitcaster mainly because she didn't like the the limitations of spincasters and doesn't care for spinning reels. She does very well, except close in. She is working on pitching, but has not mastered it yet.

Show her how to set up and adjust her reel, and how to cast. If she is committed to learning, she will be fine. Give her a budget and help her choose something you both like...