Old baitcaster, Need help

[bassrogue]

I have a Abu Garcia 5500c(I think pre '79 model?) It was my grandpa's so I have no manual. I set the spool control for the practice plug I'm using. But my overhead cast goes straight to the ground.

Is the brake system/setup doing this?(does this reel have a brake) Or am I doing this with my BC noobness?

My sidearm cast isn't too bad, accuracy is getting better. My back yard isn't very long so I haven't worked on my distance yet.

[HPBB]

I am not familiar with that reel, but I have an old Shimano. Bought it back in 83 when I was 10. First BC I ever had. It had no magnets, like today's reels. And the break set up was harsh, just a knob on the side that put pressure on the spool. Over head cast are hard. I get lots of backlash. Keep using the side arm.

If you can master that reel you can throw any of today's BC with ease.

I still have that old Shimano. And use it regularly. Works great. After I throw it I realize how easy today's reels are

[cart7t]

It's your noobness. There are spool brakes inside the reel on that model but unless they're worn down it's probably not a problem.

With the practice plug at the tip, click the spool release, if necessary jiggle the rod tip a bit to get the plug falling. When the plug hits the ground the spool should stop.  That's a correctly setup spool tension adjustment.

As for the cast, first you need to turn your wrist sideways so the reel handles are pointed up.  A proper cast with a baitcaster involves more wrist and forearm action than whole arm action.  It also sounds like you're thumbing the spool a tad too long.  Keep practicing.  If your lure heads straight to the ground you've held down on the spool too long, if it shoots way up into the air you let up too fast.  Practice, practice.

BTW, that's a great reel to learn to Baitcast on.  If you can master that reel the other new reels out there now will be a snap.

[jdw174]

Repeat after me....."There is no substitute for an educated thumb....there is no substitute for an educated thumb......there is no..."

[Guest DavidGreen]

bassrogue,

Time for a little reading scan the sticky thread above <<Baitcaster Casting Problems>>

Tight Lines!!

[NBR]

What Reelmechanic said and you might be releasing your thumb to late.

[bassrogue]

Thanks,

I don't fish with anyone that uses a BC so there is no one to slap my thumb went it does the wrong thing.

Its all trial and error for me. I'll try not holding my thumb on the spool so long I think that might get me in the right direction.

I'll get that thumb whiped into shape before spring. ;D

BR