How to set up the Tatula CT reel?

[Nattyboh74]

This is my first baitcaster reel and I know nothing about them. I think I remember seeing someone saying that I need to adjust something to the spool moves side to side a little bit, but what was it? I cant remember. Also, what about drag, I know it varies but isnt is 2/3 your lines weight? Is there anything else you could tell me to help out someone new with baitcasters?

 

 

Thanks!

 

[GReb]

Id adjust knob on left plate to 12 and adjust knob on right to where the lure falls slowly and the spoil stops when it hits the ground.  Tighten drag until you can just barely pull it but that depends on line, depth, structure, etc. That’s a good starting point though

[Nattyboh74]

Thanks. Well what did I see about slight side to side play in the spool.? I can't remember what that was referring to

[new2BC4bass]

Check videos in this thread.

 

 

[Nattyboh74]

30 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Check videos in this thread.

 

 

Thanks! thats it.

 

Now I test casted a little bit and I did birds-nest twice. Once was because on a side arm cast the lure grabbed the grass and totally screwed up the process. The other one Im not sure if its a combination of the brakes are too high or low and or the tension knob isnt right. The lure drops slowly though. Ahh I guess the joys of baitcasting lol

.

 

 

Should I have my thumb over the spool at all, ever? Or is that not needed anymore on these newer reels?

[TylerT123]

8 minutes ago, Nattyboh74 said:

 

Should I have my thumb over the spool at all, ever? Or is that not needed anymore on these newer reels?

That’s your choice, some people thumb it to cast further, I don’t because I think my casting distance is adequate most of the time and if I want to cast further I play with the brakes and spool tension.

[Tywithay]

With Daiwa MagZ reels, I set my spool tension so that the spool has very little side-to-side play. It's okay if you can wiggle it a bit, but you don't want it so loose it's chattering during the cast. Then, set the mag-dial to 10 or so, and cast away. With most lures, and average wind, you shouldn't really have to touch the spool until it splashes with those settings. If you have a calm day or wind at your back, you can usually click the mag down a couple clicks. Using the right rod for the job will also help keep it from getting birdnests. If you try to cast a light lure on a rod that's too heavy, it won't load properly and can snap the lure too quickly.

[Nattyboh74]

42 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

With Daiwa MagZ reels, I set my spool tension so that the spool has very little side-to-side play. It's okay if you can wiggle it a bit, but you don't want it so loose it's chattering during the cast. Then, set the mag-dial to 10 or so, and cast away. With most lures, and average wind, you shouldn't really have to touch the spool until it splashes with those settings. If you have a calm day or wind at your back, you can usually click the mag down a couple clicks. Using the right rod for the job will also help keep it from getting birdnests. If you try to cast a light lure on a rod that's too heavy, it won't load properly and can snap the lure too quickly.

Thanks. Now let me ask you this. Ive birds-nested another two times. Could this be from the lure stopping so fast in the grass, pretty much abruptly? I have the spool set to minimal side play with the thumb bar clicked down and the z force at 10.

[Tywithay]

2 minutes ago, Nattyboh74 said:

Thanks. Now let me ask you this. Ive birds-nested another two times. Could this be from the lure stopping so fast in the grass, pretty much abruptly? I have the spool set to minimal side play with the thumb bar clicked down and the z force at 10.

Do you thumb it before it lands in the grass? The grass shouldn't stop the spool. You should.

[Nattyboh74]

Im learning as I go, so I have no idea on what Im doing.

 

So I have to thumb it on the water too? I thought I didnt have to.. If you watch this video, he doesnt thumb it when its in the water/hits the water.

 

Just hit play,I have it set at the right time when he does it.

 

 

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, Nattyboh74 said:

Thanks. Now let me ask you this. Ive birds-nested another two times. Could this be from the lure stopping so fast in the grass, pretty much abruptly? I have the spool set to minimal side play with the thumb bar clicked down and the z force at 10.

Make sure you look up proper mechanics of casting. Its not the same whippy action like a spinning rod. Nice smooth cast using the lure to load the rod on the back swing. Another tip would be to roll your wrist over when your making a cast. So that your reel handle ends up at 12 or 6 o'clock at the end of your cast. 

[Beetlebz]

These guys nailed it. If you're just gently casting or pitching you gotta become the brakes. They don't do much if the spool isn't spinning fast. Don't be afraid to give it a full send, as long as your brakes are up around 10. 

 

I gotta disagree with the guy who talks about turning the spool tension up. The magforce Z brakes do all the work, no need to have the spool tension sandbag your casting distance. All you need to do is make sure your casts are good form and not real whippy, and stop the spool when the bait touches down. Step 3... profit ?

[fishnkamp]

Take a minute and look at this video. It explains how the brake system works and if you understand that and follow Brent Ehrler's method of setting it up it will work well for you.  Remember the total weight of the bait you are throwing needs to fall within the weight range the particular rod you are casting is marked for.

I forget where you are located but if you ever make a trip down to Baltimore I would be happy to help you figure it out.

 

 

[Nattyboh74]

Thanks guys!