Got a new nice baitcaster. I hate it.

[thedilettantedad]

I pretty much learned watching a couple fluke master videos on YouTube, then spending a morning just practicing. I am not great or accurate, but I am down to two bird nests a trip and it doesn't take me more thank 5 minutes to pick out and get going again.  

 

Good luck!

[burrows]

Bird nest are part of the gig

[islandbass]

21 hours ago, BobP said:

My buddy was raised on spinning, me on baitcasting.  When he started using a baitcaster, I noticed one or two big differences he had a hard time  adjusting. Baitcasting wants a more compact and controlled casting stroke. Flailing away with abandon and accelerating the rod too hard is a recipe for disaster.  You need to feel the rod flex and let it do its work.  Once you have the basic stroke down, add more power as long as you keep it in control.  Side arm casting is easier to control if space permits.  Using a reel that is adjusted properly solves a lot of problems.  Don’t think you are fixing a backlash problem by cranking down the cast control and brakes to max, that only results in frustration and 10 ft casts, not fewer backlashes.

This is golden and the key for all spinners to keep in mind.  The first thing spinners getting into using casting gear is that whipped kind of casting you're accustomed to in which the rod is not properly loaded by the rod is a disaster waiting to happen on casting gear, for which, with spinning gear, one can do without ill effect or penalty.

 

The sooner spinners realize that, the faster they'll learn.  Speaking from experience.

 

Now, whipping a casting rod is generally NOT an issue if the lure's weight properly loads the rod AND the reel is set correctly.  The only two show stoppers are, if all of else is correct, is a super-strong wind or the lure hits something unexpectedly and the angler's thumb didn't stop the spool from spinning before the hit occurred.

[greentrout]

 

[Tackett1980]

Thanks for all the responses everyone.

 

I actually finally sold it.  I’ll never touch another one of those nasty things again.  I’m not sure why anyone would choose these over a spinning reel.  I understand people have different preferences, but the frustration was just too much for me.  

 

I practiced quite a bit with it, I took it out a few times and could throw a few here and there, but eventually it would backlash so bad that I would just cut the line and throw  it in the back of the yak.  I literally can only see negatives to these reels and I have no idea why anyone goes near them.  Fishing is supposed to be fun and relaxing, and there’s nothing fun or relaxing to me about these types of reels, nothing.  Anything this reel can do I can do with a spinner with less headache.

 

I appreciate all the enthusiasm and postitivity I received with this post, and to everyone that loves these things more power to you, and I wish you happy fishing.     

 

 

[new2BC4bass]

I feel bad that you had so much trouble with the reel.  It takes some time to learn.  More for some than others.  I was in the "more" camp.    Although I grew up using spinning reels, I enjoy using a baitcast reel much more than a spinning reel.  I was 61 before learning how to use one.

 

I still think if you could try a couple of my reels, you would do alright with a baitcast reel.  However, I realize they aren't for everyone....even if I wish they were.  My oldest grandson has no desire to try one.  A brother-in-law that I fish with feels the same way.  My daughter's ex-fiance only likes to use spincast reels.  I offered to let him try one of my spinning combos, but he wasn't interested.  On the other hand, my daughter started with spinning reels.  She hasn't touched them since I bought her a baitcast outfit. 

 

To each his own.  We like what we like.  If using a baitcast reel takes the fun out of fishing, then I say forget about it.  We are all out there to enjoy ourselves.  I have a nine-to-five if I want to work. 

 

 

[Hulkster]

15 hours ago, Burrows said:

Bird nest are part of the gig

but only during the learning curve. after you get good with it you never backlash anymore.

 

its a shame the OP had so much trouble, sounds like the reel was difficult to adjust and not consistent.

[JustJames]

13 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I feel bad that you had so much trouble with the reel.  It takes some time to learn.  More for some than others.  I was in the "more" camp.    Although I grew up using spinning reels, I enjoy using a baitcast reel much more than a spinning reel.  I was 61 before learning how to use one.

 

I still think if you could try a couple of my reels, you would do alright with a baitcast reel.  However, I realize they aren't for everyone....even if I wish they were.  My oldest grandson has no desire to try one.  A brother-in-law that I fish with feels the same way.  My daughter's ex-fiance only likes to use spincast reels.  I offered to let him try one of my spinning combos, but he wasn't interested.  On the other hand, my daughter started with spinning reels.  She hasn't touched them since I bought her a baitcast outfit. 

 

To each his own.  We like what we like.  If using a baitcast reel takes the fun out of fishing, then I say forget about it.  We are all out there to enjoy ourselves.  I have a nine-to-five if I want to work. 

 

 

I would love to try yours especially those pixy/Alphas. Pls send to my address below ? 

[new2BC4bass]

1 minute ago, JustJames said:

I would love to try yours especially those pixy/Alphas. Pls send to my address below ? 

Musikfest starts the 2nd week of August every year.  Take a vacation and fly here for it.  I will gladly let you try a few.  However, be aware there will be a security guard near so that none leave with you. 

[Harold Scoggins]

You can't beat hands on instruction. I remember when I was trying to learn I eventually just walked up to a guy fishing the bank and in 30 minutes he had me roll casting and skipping. Today I'm flipping and pitching from a seated position in a kayak...keep at it and don't be afraid to ask for help. Your first cast without issues is the cast you will remember the rest of your life.

[Tackett1980]

Well the dude that was supposed to buy this thing backed out, so I guess it’s fate.  

 

I just wont take it out with me until I get it down a little better.

 

at least practicing will help some with the fishing itch this winter if nothing else.

 

Looks like I’m headed to wal mart to buy some more cheap mono and some plugs.

 

ill keep this thread updated and maybe I can post some videos for everyone to critique my form?

[Fishingmickey]

4 minutes ago, Tackett1980 said:

Well the dude that was supposed to buy this thing backed out, so I guess it’s fate.  

 

I just wont take it out with me until I get it down a little better.

 

at least practicing will help some with the fishing itch this winter if nothing else.

 

Looks like I’m headed to wal mart to buy some more cheap mono and some plugs.

 

ill keep this thread updated and maybe I can post some videos for everyone to critique my form?

When you refill your spool, only fill it to 3/4's of the spool. Good luck.

FM

[Tackett1980]

31 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

When you refill your spool, only fill it to 3/4's of the spool. Good luck.

FM

 

Sounds good will do.

 

i also like the taping trick idea I’m also going to do that.

[fishnkamp]

You never mentioned where you are located. If there is a member on here that is located near you it would be easy to hook up for a short lesson and maybe a trip to a local pond.  Watch and learn how they setup theri rig nd even try it. The problem is often just how the reel is properly adjusted. I know this from experience since I have met with and helped dozens if anglers from several boards. Best of all I have taken many out fishing on my boat later.  i enjoy fishing with different anglers. I get to enjoy their company and most times we both learn a few new tricks. 

[NHBull]

Like others have said, use way you like...who cares.

If you want training wheels, get a Shimano DC.   

Taught my daughter in one this summer and now uses a Met MGL with ease 

[islandbass]

On 10/26/2018 at 10:38 AM, Tackett1980 said:

Well the dude that was supposed to buy this thing backed out, so I guess it’s fate.  

 

I just wont take it out with me until I get it down a little better.

 

at least practicing will help some with the fishing itch this winter if nothing else.

 

Looks like I’m headed to wal mart to buy some more cheap mono and some plugs.

 

ill keep this thread updated and maybe I can post some videos for everyone to critique my form?

That is excellent. I’m also from a 100% spinning background and I learned a lot of things the harrrrrrd way because no one I knew personally used one. 

I learned via trial and error and fortunately for you and others here, you have the advice of your thread. 

 

I too learned over a winter break. So here’s the deal:

 

mono - 10 to 15# test. Buy a larger spool of trilene big game because it’s very economical. 

 

1/2 weight - buy a few half oz bass casting weights.  Stay away from lures. No need to sacrifice a good lure for your learning. They will also have something to tie the line like a casting plug. Do use you anything less than 1/2 oz. 

 

amount of line - this is very important. Make sure the line is optimally filled. Half or overfilled might slow your learning. Typically it’s about 1/8 - 1/16 under the lip of the spool but check with reel maker’s recommendation. 

 

Casting mechanics- THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING for someone coming from a spinning background. We need to learn how use the weight of our lure (bass casting weight in your case) to properly load the rod. You have years of spinning behind you where you don’t have to this although you should because too would improve your casting efficiency. 

 

I’ll write more later. 

[Maggiesmaster]

Don’t buy cheap mono. It’ll only backlash worse. Pick up at least 5/8 oz. practice plugs also. If you can at all, take up one of the offers for ‘hands on’ instruction. The fellows (and gals!) on this board are great!

[islandbass]

With everything set up properly and the bass casting tied on, go through the motions of a cast (a soft, light cast) but do not let your thumb off of the spool. Instead. Allow yourself to feel the weight pull back the rod and then feel the rod shoot the weight forward. Remember, don’t let your thumb off the spool. The only goal is to feel the rod get loaded (bend back) by the weight and spring the weight forward (spring forward).  

 

Do this enough times to get familiar with this sensation. 

 

You’re ready to let it go now. You choose if you want to cast side arm or overhand. 

 

I will I’ll give you the scoop on the overhand cast. Picture 12 o’clock above you and 9 directly in front and 6 behind. 

 

The time to release your thumb off the spool is between 1 and 2:00. If you let go at 12:00, the lure will slam into the ground in front of you. This is going to feel awkward because you have years of having your release time with a spinning reel with you. If you release at the time I recommend, the cast will be successful if everything is properly set. 

 

Sidearm is very similar. If the weight flies to you’re left, (assuming casting right handed) you’re letting go too late. To the other right, too early. Directly in front of you, perfect timing. 

 

So over the the winter and fall, practice as much as you can in your yard. I have no doubt you’ll get this down well before the spring. 

 

Now get r done. 

[Koz]

On 10/23/2018 at 8:44 PM, WRB said:

...trying to whip the rod like a spinning rod.

 

 I STILL do that once in a while and pay the price!

[CrankFate]

My advice on casting a baitcaster is to get a rod capable of throwing 1oz at the sweet spot, with a relatively fast, but not very fast tip.  Any decent, inexpensive baitcaster on such a rod will cast far with ease. The reason I say to throw 1oz is exactly the reason you said it doesn’t work—because you have to tighten everything down. If you start at 1oz, you can tighten everything down, but you’ll still be able to get good distance all tightened down. You can also use 15-20lb braid no problem. Once you can cast a reasonable distance, practice backing off the settings until you can throw full strength without everything buttoned down. IMO, learning a baitcaster is the opposite of a spinner. A spinner casts light easy. But try throwing 12oz on a spinner. It’s harder than a baitcaster. A baitcaster does heavier easier, so start around 1 to 1.5oz and work your way down in weight. Then you’ll be able to throw a lighter rod and faster reel no problem. It is very hard to throw very light for everyone, and even if you can do it without tangles, you’ll still find yourself cursing distance.