Spool Tension

[cody_kowalski]

When dialing in your reel (specifically Shimano Slx) and I have 1 of 6 brakes on, can the lure go farther if I increase spool tension or will less spool tension always result in a further cast?

[FishingGeekTX]

Probably some good threads on this already.

 

 Spool tension slows the spool, which reduces casting distance.  It can also long-term, damage your reel if tight and you use it a lot, so they say.

 

Brakes are for helping control backlash on a cast (often at the end of a cast), and they too reduce your casting distance the higher they are set.

 

Typically you turn your brakes to lowest possible, and you set your tension based on lure weight.  For new people they say let lure drop so it doesn't backlash held out from you at 45 degrees/2 o'clock in front of you, and the line has no overrun when it hit the ground.  That's MAXIMUM tension.  I walk that back to the point I get some loops when it drops personally.

 

Then you set your brakes at maybe half.  Cast a few times, see if you backlash.

If backlash, up brakes a click try again.

If no backlash, down brakes a click and try again.

Repeat until you find the min brake required to control your casting, of that lure, with that rod/reel.

 

Then after this, if you change lures, you usually only have to adjust spool tension based on lure weight.  If you dramatically change lure weight, you may have to also tweak your brakes, don't forget that both affect casting distance.  I had tension almost off and started to feel my reel was crappy...but I adjusted the brakes and magically I could cast that light lure a mile...and I felt silly forgetting to adjust both if things aren't working out.

[Deleted account]

16 hours ago, cody_kowalski said:

When dialing in your reel (specifically Shimano Slx) and I have 1 of 6 brakes on, can the lure go farther if I increase spool tension or will less spool tension always result in a further cast?

The spool tension knob increases friction on the spool shaft, so loosening it will allow for a further cast. However, if setting only 1 cent. brake causes too little friction, and thus backlashes, increasing spool tension may have the effect of resulting in longer casts without backlash, and thus appear to do what you describing. A better approach might be more cent. brake, and less or no spool tension.

[Shimano_1]

As stated above turn at least 2 of ur brakes on and do 2 directly across from each other. Tighten ur spool tension til bait slowly falls. I own several slx reels and have set them all up this way. Once I start casting I'll usually end up backing the spool tension off a little more for maximum casting distance.  Sweet little reels and super easy to dial in. Seems like the one I use for light jerkbaits 8 may have 3 brakes on. Good luck