Easiest BC reel setup to learn that is readily available retail?

[jimmyjoe]

32 minutes ago, Marc Hufnagel said:

 I'm seeing some suggestions that are out there that maybe the reel is dodgy. 

 

   Before you go down that road, take a good 1/2 ounce lure and cast it out a few times. If it goes a good distance, the line feed consistently and there's no backlash at the end, then I'd say that's a good reference point and we can go from there. OTOH, if you can't get a half-ounce lure to cast right or cast consistently, then I'd say you may have a problem.

   If you think you need to call Shimano, their number is 1-877-577-0600. Discuss this with them. Simply tell them that this is your first casting reel, that you're having problems, and that you have no idea whether it's the reel or not. They're good to talk to.

   Glenn has a slew of videos on-site here about casting (very top of the page), and there are more on the 'Tube. The thing that stymies me is that you're using a DC reel. I can't relate to that, but fortunately other people can.  ?   jj

 

   p.s. - Oooops! I should read the post before me, shouldn't I!   ??

[Jaderose]

You should be able to LAUNCH a frog with what you have now.  No offense but you either have a bad reel or no clue what you are doing.

[Marc Hufnagel]

3 minutes ago, Jaderose said:

You should be able to LAUNCH a frog with what you have now.  No offense but you either have a bad reel or no clue what you are doing.

Well, I'm not sure but I know you all possess a lot more knowledge than I - that's why I'm asking you all!

[Jaderose]

Just now, Marc Hufnagel said:

Well, I'm not sure but I know you all possess a lot more knowledge than I - that's why I'm asking you all!

I know.....My reply most likely sounded waaaaay worse than I meant it.  Sorry

 

Seriously like others before on this thread, it sounds like the reel is wonky or you need some hands on setup by a veteran.  No shame in it, you got good gear and want to enjoy it.  I remember the winter I learned to use a BC.  I HAAAATED it, until one day, I didn't

[NOC 1]

3 hours ago, Marc Hufnagel said:

It was in a display case, not one out where everyone could play with it like the floor demos.

I'm trying not to just give up and go back to my spinning setup only.

Well because I don't have real experience I'm at a disadvantage to picking through the issues of course.     I'm trying the suggestions - setting it so it just drops very slowly, and trying both the setting 2,3 and 4.  I can try more weight on the t-rig, I have plenty of stick worms also.   I'm seeing some suggestions that are out there that maybe the reel is dodgy.    If they had another one I would do an exchange.   Unfortunately stock is shot right now.

It just occurred to me that if you are getting a nasty backlash, then clearly the reel was willing and able to deliver more distance.

 

You know I'm thinking that maybe you are simply trying to cast it too hard? Or possibly releasing the button a little late on an overhead cast which will cause a line drive into the water. With a bait caster you should start out pretty gently. Is the lure going up into the air a bit or is it making a straight shot into the water? If you cast hard and then the bait doesn't go very far before it hits water stopping the lure dead, on a BC the spool will keep on turning and you can have the nuclear backlash result.

 

Try setting it up like the Curado DC owners suggest and put a 1/2 oz practice plug, lead weight or nut on it and practice. Start with very gentle side casts or roll casts and to start with, make sure the lure is leaving at about a 45 degree angle upwards. Practice using your thumb to stop the spool at the same moment that the weight touches down.

 

I don't have that reel, but one of my sons does and I've used his a few times and my experience is that that reel will cast very well and for good distance and is easy to cast with. I've watched my son who is very good at casting whip a 1/2 or 5/8 oz crank bait 50-60 yards with the same reel. 

[scbassin]

Marc I have made a mistake & am sorry about that. I have many MH/F rods of which most are custom built on Shikari blanks. The line weight is 12 to 20. I have just switched the Scorpions to Dobyns Champion XP DC 734 FH which has the recommended line weight of 10 to 20. The difference in the 2 rods is the rod weight. I will tell you that the change to the new set up has been a good one.

Marc I have made a mistake & am sorry about that. I have many MH/F rods of which most are custom built on Shikari blanks. The line weight is 12 to 20. I have just switched the Scorpions to Dobyns Champion XP DC 734 FH which has the recommended line weight of 10 to 20. The difference in the 2 rods is the rod weight. I will tell you that the change to the new set up has been a good one.

 

[Hammer 4]

4 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Socal gave you the best advice. Start with a heavier, aerodynamic lure and develop your casting mechanics. Settings on the reel are not going to save you, regardless of the reel. Advice about smooth casting and no whip casts are simply abstractions until you learn to "feel" what you're doing. That advice will make sense eventually, but in the meantime you need to develop your feel. Baitcasters aren't automatic like spinning reels, not a Tat SV or a DC reel. You need to learn to feel your rod load and unload and develop thumb control and timing. It takes some time and effort. Everyone's learning curve is different. Stick with it and it'll make sense. Watch some vids of pros simply fishing. Just observe the details. Do everything yourself at a lower velocity. It'll all click eventually

^^^^ This is great advice. Practice, practice and more practice. Once you find the sweet spot, you likely won't forget it.

[new2BC4bass]

9 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Socal gave you the best advice. Start with a heavier, aerodynamic lure and develop your casting mechanics. Settings on the reel are not going to save you, regardless of the reel. Advice about smooth casting and no whip casts are simply abstractions until you learn to "feel" what you're doing. That advice will make sense eventually, but in the meantime you need to develop your feel. Baitcasters aren't automatic like spinning reels, not a Tat SV or a DC reel. You need to learn to feel your rod load and unload and develop thumb control and timing. It takes some time and effort. Everyone's learning curve is different. Stick with it and it'll make sense. Watch some vids of pros simply fishing. Just observe the details. Do everything yourself at a lower velocity. It'll all click eventually

It took me quite a bit longer than Average Joe to learn.  My advanced age when I first started didn't help.  (I'm younger now.  )  I persevered because I loved baitcast reels.  Now I own 10 brands of reels with all different types of braking.  I can be fishing with one type of braking, pick up another style and keep on trucking without a hiccup.

 

OP, don't give up.  You will eventually get it.  Do you know anyone that fishes with a baitcast reel?  They should be able to determine if the reel is set up right.  Also determine if there is a problem with the reel.  Maybe even give you a few casting pointers.  Good luck.

[ShawnCorreia]

On 8/27/2020 at 9:44 PM, PhishLI said:

Socal gave you the best advice. Start with a heavier, aerodynamic lure and develop your casting mechanics. Settings on the reel are not going to save you, regardless of the reel. Advice about smooth casting and no whip casts are simply abstractions until you learn to "feel" what you're doing. That advice will make sense eventually, but in the meantime you need to develop your feel. Baitcasters aren't automatic like spinning reels, not a Tat SV or a DC reel. You need to learn to feel your rod load and unload and develop thumb control and timing. It takes some time and effort. Everyone's learning curve is different. Stick with it and it'll make sense. Watch some vids of pros simply fishing. Just observe the details. Do everything yourself at a lower velocity. It'll all click eventually

Best advise from these two men. Being poor, I run 6bc and 6 spin setups with no more than 2 of the same reels. My light/soft bait finesse rods are nearly free spooling revo st-x reels. Imho practice and experience with your thumb is the biggest key. It helps starting out if you keep your reel at 9oclock(right handed) throughout the cast. You'll get it. But like they told you, dial in with a heavy bait or even a big nut until your thumb gets used to feeling it. You seem to be trying to run a marathon before you can walk. It took me almost 15 years before trying a baitcaster for light baits and another 5 or so before I could skip a 4in seiko under a dock. Trust the process.

Edited November 17, 2020 by ShawnCorreia
Spelling

[Fishes in trees]

In my opinion - ALL bait casting reels are relatively easy to set up.  Given the internet and a modest amount of time, nearly all bait casting reels are available.   Nearly all bait casting reels are easy to back lash if your thumb is uneducated.  The finest magnetic/ computer/ whatever controlled reel will back lash if your thumb is uneducated.  MY advice to you is to educate your thumb.  Prior posts have given good advice on how to do that.

 

My only issue with articles & film that teach casting techniques is that they try to teach overhead or side arm casting first.   My advice, especially if you're fishing from a boat, would be to learn how to pitch first, then gradually adjust to side arm & overhead casts to get more distance.

 

Of course, that's not how I did it.  I learned over head & side arm casting first and then when I found out about pitching, it took me over a year to start to gain proficiency at it because I had to unlearn some stuff.  Other little piece of advice - don't try to go too light too quick.  Trying to get distance from baits that are a little too light for your set up is just asking for back lash action.

 Bait casters that are truly capable of throwing light baits ain't cheap and neither are the rods that are necessary to throw light baits.

I'd advise to get good on the gear you got before you drop 5 bills on a bait caster & rod that will let you cast baits less than a quarter ounce easily & reliably.

 

A very last word of advice - if you absolutely got to throw baits that weigh less than a quarter ounce - well, that is why god made spinning gear.   Spinning gear works good - comes in all sorts of price ranges and is very reliable for throwing lighter weights.

[Ben77]

On 8/27/2020 at 3:28 PM, dodgeguy said:

Lews tournament pro.   Nothing is readily available these days.

This ?%

On 8/27/2020 at 3:28 PM, dodgeguy said:

Lews tournament pro.   Nothing is readily available these days.

This ?%

On 8/27/2020 at 3:28 PM, dodgeguy said:

Lews tournament pro.   Nothing is readily available these days.

This ?%

[CrankFate]

The OP is a massively loaded question. There are a lot of great answers here. But no one will make you better at this than going out and casting. And casting. And casting. It takes forever to get better at casting. And even longer if you want to cast small, light baits. The problem is to go light, it’s all a matter of either rod selection or reel speed and startup, plus the affect the line has on everything. You just have to get the feel of it from time. A long time. If you love fishing, it won’t matter because you’re always going to want to throw just one mare cast.