Shimano Expride ML Problems Casting

[bunz559]

Hello folks of Bassresources. I've always Googled and read threads but have just joined the community. I have an issue some may be able to help to solve for me. 

 

I recently purchased a 7'2 Shimano Expride medium light rated up to 5/8. I paired it with a Shimano Aldebaran 51 spooled with 8lb flouro. While both products are really nice, I just can't seem to get this thing to cast anything decently. I purposely purchased this setup for finesse applications such as small plastic swim baits like the 4in Keitechs, weightless Senkos, and 1/4 texas rig worms. I've messed with all settings on the reel and cannot seem to cast anything more than 15-20 yards. Too little braking and I get birds nests. Too much and bait casts 10 yards. I feel like everything is either too light or too heavy for this rod combo. My Dobyns 733 seems to be better at this.

 

Anyone think my line maybe too light? Any suggestions on brake settings? It's a beautiful setup but it's a useless setup on the waters if I can't get it dialed in.  

[bunz559]

26 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Is this a red brake block Alde?  I hear those are difficult to dial in.  Are you sure it is the rod and not the reel causing problems?

It's the 51HG with white brakes. You could be right about the reel being the issue. But there aren't any odd sounds, feeling, or play in any of the parts. 

 

I may re-spool it with heavier line and slip it onto another rod and test it out that way. 

[LCG]

You should have no problems casting those baits with that rod. My guess is it's the reel settings, maybe the spool tension is too tight.

 

Could also try a light braid 20-30lb, but 8lb fluorocarbon shouldn't be a problem. 

 

A weightless senko is 3/8 oz. A 1/4 oz weighted Texas rig with a zoom trick worm is about 3/8 oz as well. What is the lure rating of the rod? Is it possible its overloading the rod? Probably not likely but putting it out there. 

[Riazuli]

When casting lighter lures with a baitcaster, I would go up on internal brakes from what I would normally use for say a 1/2 oz lure.. So from 1 internal to 2.  Of course would check the spool tension knob, but my cast would be a quick, swift cast - more of a swing like a bat or golf club than my standard cast.  If I were to use that cast with a heavier bait I'd probably send my lure flying into oblivion after the line snaps.  I had considered that exact rod as I love my m/m expride, but I don't really want a dedicated light lure setup (might change my mind when winter hits again next year though with smaller seeming to be better in some cases where I winter fish) 

[new2BC4bass]

Can't help diagnose your problem, but can tell you your line is not too light.  You should be getting double that distance.  I just can't tell you why you aren't.  You are a bit far away for me to swing by to help out. 

[Riazuli]

I'd also suggest trying literally every brake setting combination (1 internal, 1 external; 1 internal 2 external; until you try the 24 settings)  I'm guessing it's somehwere in the middle so maybe you can try to start there at 2i/3e and go up or down based on the results - try 2 internal 3 external, then adjust externals only until you've tried all 6.  Then go up or down on internal settings and repeat.  Took me a while to dial in my Curado K the other day - it's not as forgiving as my metanium, but once I got the settings right it casted beautifully. 

[Tywithay]

On my lighter setups, I usually run the spool tension a little looser than normal, with a little bit more braking than I would typically use. I also do quick, snappy, casts. You have to make sure the rod gets loaded, which isn't as easy with a lighter bait. A lob cast with 1/16oz jighead isn't going to exert as much force as a 1/2oz jighead would on a heavier setup. Your line should be fine for the rod and application. Another thing to check on is that you don't have the spool overfilled at all. Fluoro is very dense and the more you have, the heavier that spool is going to be; ie. more difficult for it to start up.

[dsqui]

3 hours ago, Riazuli said:

I'd also suggest trying literally every brake setting combination (1 internal, 1 external; 1 internal 2 external; until you try the 24 settings)  I'm guessing it's somehwere in the middle so maybe you can try to start there at 2i/3e and go up or down based on the results - try 2 internal 3 external, then adjust externals only until you've tried all 6.  Then go up or down on internal settings and repeat.  Took me a while to dial in my Curado K the other day - it's not as forgiving as my metanium, but once I got the settings right it casted beautifully. 

Just curious what settings you were at on your curado k. I have two of them. And one gives me fits every once in awhile. I think I've settled on 2int 2-3 external. For casting 3/8 oz jerkbaits

[puddlepuncher]

4 hours ago, Tywithay said:

 Another thing to check on is that you don't have the spool overfilled at all. Fluoro is very dense and the more you have, the heavier that spool is going to be; ie. more difficult for it to start up.

I'd agree with this.  Floro is the least forgiving line IMO in many regards, especially this.  The Aldabaren holds a lot less line than most are accustomed to.  That is a very nice set up is should be handling the lures you listed like a champ, heck any baitcaster should be.

[Riazuli]

6 hours ago, dsqui said:

Just curious what settings you were at on your curado k. I have two of them. And one gives me fits every once in awhile. I think I've settled on 2int 2-3 external. For casting 3/8 oz jerkbaits

Using a buzz bait I'm at 2 internal with 3+ external.  If I were to throw on a lipless I'd go to 1 internal and 6 external and move down the external to find my sweet spot. 

 

Alternate between 2i/1-3e and 1i/3-6e for jerkbait would be my guess and see what works best.  Jerkbaits I'd say have a little more wind drag than a lipless but less drag than a buzz bait. 

[bunz559]

Thanks to all. I'll give it a try. I actually bumped up the line size to 12 flouro and it seemed to cast much easier with a 3/8 drop shot weight. I also bumped up the internal braking as well to help with the backlashing. For a few minutes I fan casted and pitched in my backyard and it's seems to be much better. Didn't really get to launch anything in my neighborhood but do plan to hit the waters this weekend so hopefully it performs better. 

[newyorktoiowa57]

On 4/26/2018 at 11:31 AM, bunz559 said:

Thanks to all. I'll give it a try. I actually bumped up the line size to 12 flouro and it seemed to cast much easier with a 3/8 drop shot weight. I also bumped up the internal braking as well to help with the backlashing. For a few minutes I fan casted and pitched in my backyard and it's seems to be much better. Didn't really get to launch anything in my neighborhood but do plan to hit the waters this weekend so hopefully it performs better. 

Are you still using the rod? 

[waymont]

I'm interested in that exact rod. I can't really imagine the rod is the issue. Seems like you got it sorted out.