Shimano tranx, swimbait combo help

[JustinJ]

I'm having trouble dialing this reel in. I am mainly throwing 2-3oz baits but am constantly backlashing.  The only time I am not is when I set spool tension really tight but I am not getting much distance. Ive set the spook tension most of the time to where the bait falls st a slow and steady controlled rate. I have had best luck so far with  4 out of the 6 brakes on. Ive tried the stock brake setting out of the box which was 3 on 3 off and I've also tried using all brakes while trying different spool tension settings. This is my first swimbait combo (fury 795, tranx 300). Im also thinking it may be my casting technique as im not used to fishing such a large rod and reel combo with a heavy bait. Ive watched some videos online and it seems like most people use more of a lob than a cast. Do these large swimbaits normally cast as far as a crankbait or spook. Thats what ive been comparing my distance too. Any tips or help? Fwiw, I have used casting reels my whole life, mainly 100 and 200 sized low profile reels with no issues 

[fishballer06]

It sounds like you're familiar with how to setup the brakes and how to adjust them. So I have to ask, is your spool overfilled?

[JustinJ]

11 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

It sounds like you're familiar with how to setup the brakes and how to adjust them. So I have to ask, is your spool overfilled?

About 1/8" from top. I am fishing 20lb big game as well. 

[Dwight Hottle]

With big baits more of a lob cast or sidearm cast is safer on the backlash front. Select an average weight bait & set the spool tension so the bait just drops on free spool. Then try all six weights on. Use a lob or sidearm cast. Then try five weights on & keep adjusting the number of weights down to none on. What ever works best is what you need to use. Once you have the brakes figured out you can just leave them alone. Then when you want more distance slightly adjust the tension knob to fall more freely until you encounter a problem. Always make slight adjustments until you get the hang of it. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

I was about to say exactly what Dwight did. A lob cast with more of a sweeping motion rather than a whipping one works great. 

[WRB]

It's not the reel or line, it's your casting technique. My guess is you are doing 2 things wrong; 1) you are not using your thumb to keep the line from springing off the spool during the cast, relying on the braking system 2) your back rod motion isn't allowing the rod to load up. The lob cast is a good start because you let the rod load up and use slower forward motion, both are key casting elements with heavy lures and longer rods.

You use a 2 handed casting technique and can cast well over 50 yards by excellerating the lob cast using overhead casting motion extending your arms. The swimbait tends to sale higher then crankbaits when casting for distance and the reel spool excellerates very quickly and as the swimbait reaches the apex you must control the line on the spool using very light pressure to keep the line smooth and not spring off.

Also use a line conditioner to reduce memory.

Tom

[islandbass]

What WRB said. Rod mechanics is most likely the culprit. 

[JustinJ]

Thanks guys I'll keep your tips in mind