Daiwa MAGFORCE -Z Braking System : Spool Tension Knob Relationship ?

[cheezledzul]

I know im a little late to this party but I just got a tatula ct in the mail and Im overall new to baitcasters.

 

Just to clarify, because it has not been touched on, even if the mag z brake system is set correctly you should still thumb the spool before the lure hits the water correct? Im assuming it hasnt been mentioned because its an obvious answer but for someone like me who is learning on his own its not.

 

I learned on a Lews reel and was told as long as I set the reel correctly with each lure I can cast and only have to thumb the spool right before the lure hits the water. This has worked for me so far as Ive only had 2 backlashes. Both because I wasnt paying attention and hit the water on my backswing.

 

So is this still the case? I have not tried the Tatula yet but its spooled and ready for warmer weather (10 degrees right now). Do I have to thumb the spool the entire time from start of cast to finish or just before touchdown or not at all if the brakes are set correctly?

 

I thought I saw someone mention they dont thumb their spool at all and maybe thats the case with everyone that uses daiwa's mag system? Which would explain the missing explanation.

 

I was also told that I should set the braking system for a 1/2oz lure and if done correctly I shouldnt have to change the brake settings for lure changes unless the weight drops below 1/4oz or there is heavy wind. The mag braking system allows me to basically set it and forget it. Whereas other reels you need to set it with every lure change.

 

Sorry for the rambling and long post. Just confused and want to make sure I get this correct. Thanks in advance!

[Dangerfield]

1 hour ago, cheezledzul said:

 

Same rules don't necessarily apply. You can still use the same process, but I can set my Tatula to require no thumbing but restricts casting distance.

 

Ideally, you want a small amount of side to side play, start your brakes at 15, move it down as you apply more thumb to the spool. I like to keep it around 4-7 depending on the technique.

[cheezledzul]

1 minute ago, Dangerfield said:

Same rules don't necessarily apply. You can still use the same process, but I can set my Tatula to require no thumbing but restricts casting distance.

 

Ideally, you want a small amount of side to side play, start your brakes at 15, move it down as you apply more thumb to the spool. I like to keep it around 4-7 depending on the technique.

 

So no matter what I need to stop the spool just before the lure hits the water. But theoretically if I want to cast without thumbing it throughout the cast I would have the breaks higher? If I want to lower the brakes then I do have to thumb it through out the cast?

[Dangerfield]

3 minutes ago, cheezledzul said:

 

So no matter what I need to stop the spool just before the lure hits the water. But theoretically if I want to cast without thumbing it throughout the cast I would have the breaks higher? If I want to lower the brakes then I do have to thumb it through out the cast?

More brakes = less to no thumbing

Less brakes = thumbing

 

I always thumb it before it hits the water, just force of habit.

[Fishingmickey]

You need to learn how to use your thumb through out the entire cast. Your thumb should very gently rest on the spool. You can feel the spool turning under your thumb but your not restricting it's momentum.  As you see your lure about to hit the water your applying more force and stopping the spool as your lure hits the water.  I feel that one of the best ways to learn how to use a bait caster is by taking it out into the back yard and set a series of targets up paper plate sized or maybe even platter. First one at five yards, next at ten, twenty then thirty. Have your spool tensioned enough to allow the lure to fall and maybe overspin just a touch. Work from the closest target to further out. Loosen the tension or brakes to allow the spool to turn as freely as you feel you can allow it. As you improve in accuracy and control, start aiming for the next distance out. Practice all different types of casts, sidearm, flipping, overhead, etc.

Good luck with your new baitcaster, I hope you don't get too frustrated with it because the control of the lure through out all phases of the cast is much better IMHO then a spinning reel.

FM