Do you have to thumb a baitcaster?

[Fisher0517]

When using flouro carbon do you have to put your thumb down to stop it.

[TnRiver46]

1 minute ago, Fisher0517 said:

When using flouro carbon do you have to put your thumb down to stop it.

Yes sir sure do . There are times when you can dial in a bait caster with any line and you might not have to thumb it to stop but it’s rare. I always use some amount of thumb control 

[E-rude dude]

No wind if it is set correctly, no

 

Wind, you better

[AmmoGuy]

Of course. I'd never throw a reel so choked off that it requires no input from me. 

Loosen the reel up, learn how to throw it, and you won't have to rock the boat every time you want to cast further than 10'. 

[Tennessee Boy]

Set up the reel for maximum casting performance not to reduce backlash.  Learn to use your thumb.  You’ll enjoy the benefits of an educated thumb for the rest of your life.

[Deleted account]

[Feeling sad for the state of affairs emoji]

[islandbass]

1 hour ago, Fisher0517 said:

When using flouro carbon do you have to put your thumb down to stop it.

You need to have your thumb stop the spool for any line at the end of the cast.
 

whether your thumb feathers the spool to a stop or stops it cold turkey, the thumb has to stop the spool. 
 

In the words of this generation, “PERIOD,” lol. 

[WRB]

Your thumb is used to stop the spool after you release it to make a cast and to finish the cast. Your thumb really never leaves the spool and should just slightly above the spooled line during the cast to feel if any loose line is starting to prevent a backlash not to slow down the spool unless needed.

Tom

[Jig Man]

Maybe not if you have a DC reel.

[Michigander]

I don't know if you always have to... But I know that I always do.

[JustJames]

No if you don’t need efficiently distance and accuracy, yes for any other reasons. All of the baitcaster reels can be set with no thumb used but you are also in mercy of mechanism instead of you to control it.

[WRB]

You can tighten the casting reel spool tension knob so the lure doesn’t drop when the spool is disengaged.

 The result of excessively spool tension is reduced casting distance. 

Braking like centrifugal, magnetic, digital is to slow down the spool as line speed changes, not to completely stop the spool when the lure stops. 

If you want fool proof casting use a spinning reel, the spool is stationary.

Tom

[Bird]

Your thumb just needs to float. 

I even use my Index finger for spinning reels.....fingers are multi task tools.

[J Francho]

Doesn't really matter what line you use, what fancy breaking systems are out there, you need to learn how to use your thumb to control the spool. 

[new2BC4bass]

3 hours ago, E-rude dude said:

No wind if it is set correctly, no

I disagree.  You better use your thumb on any Daiwa Magforce (regardless of which type) if the reel is set up properly.  Magforce 3D can be set for no thumb, but if looking for distance, then you still need to thumb the spool.  I am not sure about a reel with an SV spool.  Haven't tried it yet.

 

[MN Fisher]

I've used my Patriarch (dual braking system) without thumbing. BUT I always have my thumb ready - just in case.

 

Learn to use the thumb...the next back-lash you might prevent may be your own.

[gunsinger]

You can tighten it up to where the thumb isn’t needed but you’ll sacrifice distance and, perhaps, accuracy.  Nor will you have much chance of controlling the entry. 
 

And, after all that, depending on wind and mechanics, you’ll still backlash when you least expect it. 
 

 

[GreenPig]

What is this "BACKLASH " y'all keep mentioning?  I've never  ........     ..........    ........?

[Deephaven]

Your thumb is your distance control mechanism.  Why wouldn't you want to use it?  

[Darth-Baiter]

You have the thumb there to release the spool anyways.  Feathering down the speed is just gravy. Backlash is the lumps in the gravy, when things go wrong

[AmmoGuy]

7 hours ago, Jig Man said:

Maybe not if you have a DC reel.

Good luck! 

[Catt]

Depends on how big a backlash I want!

 

With my Calcutta 100A I can on occasion cast without thumb input as long as there's little to no wind.  

[CrankFate]

You should be able to use your thumb only to stop the spool when you hit water. If you match the rod, reel and weight properly, that’s all you should need your thumb for when casting open water. Under trees, into trees and around any obstacles, yes, you need to use your thumb.

[Deephaven]

Casting speed and action should always be the same for each type of cast.  Your thumb then controls the distance.  You CANNOT cast effectively without it

[TnRiver46]

13 hours ago, GreenPig said:

What is this "BACKLASH " y'all keep mentioning?  I've never  ........     ..........    ........?

“I’ve had zero issues”