Baitcasting problems

[RichU]

I just recently bought my first bait caster and I'm having some problems with backlashes. I have always used spinning reels and am quite  fond of them.  For whatever reason I decided to venture out to broaden my repertoire. I am not having the success i would  like.  Are there any tricks of the trade you guys would suggest? 

[iabass8]

Practice, a lot. 

[Jrob78]

Turn the brakes and spool tension up to where you can cast without backlashing.  Your distance will suffer but you will get used to casting.  Once you get that down, slowly start backing things up until you get the distance you want.   Practice, a lot.

[LunkerFisher]

18 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

Turn the brakes and spool tension up to where you can cast without backlashing.  Your distance will suffer but you will get used to casting.  Once you get that down, slowly start backing things up until you get the distance you want.   Practice, a lot.

^ this.

Tie on a 3/4oz weight, and go out in the yard and practice. Within an hour you should be starting to get the hang of it.

Also keep in mind that backlashes are inevitable. Even pros backlash. The important thing is just to develop the muscle memory in your thumb so you don't worry about backlashing on every cast.

[Bankbeater]

Remember to use your thumb on the spool.

[Fishin' Fool]

Casting in a smooth fluid motion is important too. Herky jerky casts tend to backlash. The wind is your friend too. Easier to cast with your back to the wind. But as the others said the spool tension knob is something your going to want to adjust.

[0119]

Never take your thumb completely off the spool. Don't try long casts at first, just simple one handed casts until you get the feel better then slowly progress.  Use cheap 12# mono, no need to trash a lot of $$$ line until your ready.  Pull out the amount of line you expect your longest cast to be, then using electrical tape wrap the spool and reel in the line. That way you will avoid a real fluff monster.  Don't use too stiff a rod, use a medium action and use the flex of the tip to help you cast. Most of all don't give up. Spinning is great and you should still use it as a tool to get the right jobs done. But there are certain types of techniques that will become a real joy using a baitcaster. 

[Sam]

OK, here we go again on the Forum. Glad to offer my two-cents with the other guys input.

I will type, cut and paste my input. Here it is:

1.      Read rod’s specifications stamped on the rod to make sure you have the correct line test and bait weight for our rod.

2.      Decide which baitcaster gear ratio you are using. 5:0 up to 7:0 or higher. The higher ratio the faster you will reel in your bait.

3.      Put the baitcaster on a spooling station or on the rod, making sure it is fitted snug so not to move.

4.      Tighten the drag and spool.

5.      If on a spooling machine you spool the line onto the reel. If on the rod then run the line through the line guides to the reel, through the line guide and tie it onto the spool.

6.      Make sure you spool the line to about 1/8 inch from the top of the reel’s spool. Look for a channel in the upper right side of your spool and that can mark the maximum line you can put on the reel for the test you are throwing. Remember, you found the line test parameters stamped on the rod so stay within them.

7.      When spooling the line make sure it goes tight onto the spool.

8.      You can consider running the line through a “wet spot” soaked wash cloth with a line conditioning agent as you spool the line onto the reel.

9.      When selecting your line you have a number of selections from mono to Copoly to flouro to braid. May I suggest a fluorocarbon line in a suitable test for your rod’s and bait’s best action?

10.   After spooling the line through the line guides onto the reel or on the spooling machine, have or put the reel on your rod and add your crankbait, spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Texas rig, etc. just like you are getting ready to make that first cast.

11.   Open the side of the reel and set the magnets into an X position by pulling out the plastic protectors. If the reel has the settings on its side go with a middle number.

12.   Now point the rod tip to the 11 o’clock position and drop the bait to the floor. Make it a hardwood or in the yard. Do not do this on carpet.

13.   Your goal is to have the spool stop when the bait hits the ground by adjusting the spool tension and if you want, the magnets. But I suggest you not fool with the magnets other than to set them in an X position or going with a middle number on the reel.

14.   By trial and error, keep adjusting the spooling tension and drag until your spool stops when the bait hits the ground.

15.   Go outside and in a field or in the street cast the bait as far as you can.

16.   Then remove two arm lengths of line off the spool.

17.   Then take electrical tape (Scotch tape can work, too) and cover the remaining line on the spool from left to right. Use one or two strips of tape. This stops any backlashes from going deeper into your line.

18.   Now reel in the line and smile. You are ready to rock and roll.

19.   What to do if  you do get a backlash? Don’t pull on the line. Take your time and with the spool released dig out the backlash as softly as you can by pulling the line out of the back of the reel and towards you.

20.   Always be careful not to cut or kink the line while getting a backlash out.

21.   For your first few times fishing try to bring a second baitcaster just in case you do get a bad backlash and you have to switch out reels.

Good luck and have fun.

[Fishin' Fool]

2 hours ago, RichU said:

I just recently bought my first bait caster and I'm having some problems with backlashes. I have always used spinning reels and am quite  fond of them.  For whatever reason I decided to venture out to broaden my repertoire. I am not having the success i would  like.  Are there any tricks of the trade you guys would suggest? 

What kind of baitcast reel did you buy? Alot of times the less expensive ones can be more difficult to use. Not saying that is your problem.

[Bruce424]

What I did and you can do it at home is to sit or stand with the rod and reel in hand push the button release. Ever so slightly release the spool, still have contact with the spool with very very light pressure. Let the line out and before the lure hits the floor stop the spool with your thumb. Reel up and repeat. This "exercise" helps with thumb memory. You cast the same way.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Rich!

I'll not add too much other than I agree with most
everything said so far in terms of tutelage. I practiced
a ton before hitting the water. 

Important body part here: THUMB!!

I will also say that Fishin' Fool is spot on. I bought an
inexpensive baitcast combo at Bass Pro when starting
out. Awful experience. Just awful. Even so, remember
to thumb the reel gently enough to let it spool, but be
quick to stop it when the lure lands.

[RichU]

1 hour ago, Fishin' Fool said:

What kind of baitcast reel did you buy? Alot of times the less expensive ones can be more difficult to use. Not saying that is your problem.

Lews  tournament pro speed spool and put it on a st croix triumph  rod with 15lb pline cxx copolymer line

[Fisher-O-men]

That electrical tape tip above is invaluable.  Will keep a backlash from becoming backlashageddon!

[new2BC4bass]

46 minutes ago, RichU said:

Lews  tournament pro speed spool and put it on a st croix triumph  rod with 15lb pline cxx copolymer line

Wrong line to start with.  You want a soft line.  CXX is a very good line.  Quite abrasive resistant.  Abrasive resistant lines are harder.  Harder lines have more memory.  Try Trilene XL, Sufix Elite or Sunline Super Natural.  Also heavier line will be stiffer than a lighter line.  Suggest dropping down to 12# test.

Good suggestions from others.  Thumb is critical, but so is being smooth on the cast.  Know that accuracy will suffer at first.  A roll cast will smooth out the cast.  I feel two hands gives me better control.

 

EDIT:  As you might guess, there are plenty of threads on this subject.   Try a search.  Also welcome to the forum.

[DaleGribble]

I agree that line choice was wrong here. CXX is fairly stiff. Go with regular mono to start. 

[EllisJuan]

I am not going to waste your time and repeat the good information that is already in this thread.  I will tell you that it is well worth the effort and time to become proficient with a baitcaster.  I was strictly a spinning setup guy for a long time...I did not know what I was missing.  A well balanced, well tuned, and well kept baitcaster is an absolute bass slaying machine.

[Glenn]

 

[spease1]

All good advice. One other thing I would add is don't fill your spool up when learning. Fill it 1/2 to 3/4 full, easier to cast with less backlash.