A Few Baitcast Questions

[WhiteMike1018]

WEll today i am going to spool up my new shimano citica and had a feq questions

On the spool there are holes in it , what are they for?

When casting , do you guys make sidearm casts or overhead?...what should i practice?

I have 2 rods i can put it on for right now..a 6"6 mh and a 6"6 m ..what should i practice with?

what line is good for practicing, mono? fluro?

are theire any tutorials on how to use a baitcaster on this site, i am new new new to this thanks -wm

[Alpster]

WEll today i am going to spool up my new shimano citica and had a feq questions

On the spool there are holes in it , what are they for?

When casting , do you guys make sidearm casts or overhead?...what should i practice?

I have 2 rods i can put it on for right now..a 6"6 mh and a 6"6 m ..what should i practice with?

what line is good for practicing, mono? fluro?

are theire any tutorials on how to use a baitcaster on this site, i am new new new to this thanks -wm

Hey WM,

The holes in the spool are to make it lighter.

I get the best accuracy from side arm casts and the most distance from overhead casting. It's mostly a matter of what feels good to you and where you are casting. I side arm cast more than not, because I am alway trying to get under something, a dock, overhanging bushes, lay down, etc. I would start with short side arm casting with the heavier of the two rods, so you don't have to take the flex of the rod so much into consideration and 17 to 20 lb mono will work for starters (a heavier line wil behave a little better). Start with heavier plugs and short casts with more brakes until you build some confidence, then work your way to lighter and longer casts as you experiment with the cast controls and teach your thumb to cooperate.

Check out this thread from this site...

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1151590913

Congrats on the new reel and I hope my input is helpfull.

Ronnie

[Bassassasin12]

Alpster had some great input there...

I would also go with the heavier rod just because it can throw more lures. Start out with something 3/8-1/2 oz to practice. Make sure when you tie the lure on and release the spool, it should slowly fall to the ground when your rod is held at a 45 degree angle. Once you get  better you can let the lure fall without any brakes holding it back. Side arm or overhead are like alpster said for different applications. I go overhead in open water and sidearm when I need to make it hit a certain target. I have heard braid is good to practice with because it is easy to pick out backlashes but I started with mono and did fine. I would recommend mono personally to start out with and get something with a pretty big diameter. I would recommed 12-17 lb. Trilene XT.  

Practice Practice Practice before you first s tart fishing with it. A lot of nasty backlashes will ruin a fishing trip quick. And believe me when  I say this..... you WILL get backlashes and birdsnests, its all a part of learning it.

Also remember to take proper maintence of the reel. Good maintence will ensure better performance from the reel.

Can't think of anything else. Just have fun with your new reel.

[Fishin49er]

Another thing about the casts, in general you can make less splash with a side arm cast.  Just slow the spool and raise your rod tip right before your lure hits the water.  Maybe not your biggest concern right now, but something to think about.

[WhiteMike1018]

thanks for the advice guys

[nboucher]

Mike, I'm not sure a sidearm cast is a good thing to try right away. I'm still relatively new to baitcasters, and I find I get more birds nests on a sidearm cast (maybe it's just me?). I would start by casting at about a two o'clock position with your reel set as others have suggested. I would also suggest casting with two hands and with the reel handle facing up (if you're right-handed) or facing the ground (if you're left-handed). That will give you better control, consistency, and accuracy. Once your thumb is at least somewhat "educated," you can move to the sidearm stuff. Just my $.02.

[flechero]

ReelMech has a good tutorial for new BC users setting us a baitcaster for the first time, I believe it's in the "articles" section of his site.

[.ghoti.]

I'm gonna do something I don't think I've ever done, and that's disagree with Alpster. I don't know how many times I've read a question, started to formulate a reply, and then find that he has said almost exactly what I would. Anyway, I'd go with the lighter rod to start with. You'll have an easier time getting the rod to load up with a variety of baits. And, I would start with lighter line. It's easier to cast with. At least it is for me. Mono all the way for beginning baitcasters. Trilene XL, 10 or 12lb test, medium action rod, brakes on 3/4 full, and a sidearm cast. After that, just practice. The more you do it, the better you get.

Good luck,

GK