Abu Garcia Max STX

[VTFan]

I have a Abu Garcia Max STX baitcaster spooled with 40 lb Power Pro braid, that is actually my newest reel, about a year and a half old. I had been noticing that it would backlash slightly...or so I thought from time to time. I know all of us do that occasionally so I didn't think anything of it until yesterday when it was doing it on average 2 out of 3 cast and I also noticed that it was doing it at the same point in the cast which was roughly 15 yards out. I thought it was something I was doing wrong so my brother tried it a few times and the same thing happened with him. Once you pick the little backlash out there seems to be nothing catching from within the reel, the thumb knob has remained pressed while picking out loops. I'm going to pull all the line off today and take the side cover off just to see if I see anything obvious. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions.  Thanks in advance.

[bulldog1935]

Mid cast backlash is caused by gravity slowing the lure before it crosses the hump.  

  It's also called wind backlash.  

You need either a heavier lure, or a higher setting on mag brake.  

[WRB]

As described above most backlashes start  as the spool over runs the line coming off it. Every lure weight and shape has a different aerodynamic resistance slowing down in mid cast. Your rod rod also contributes to how fast the spool starts up if the spool spins faster then the line coming off it ends up in a backlash.

The one break you have that works for all casting reels is your thumb. Slight thumb contact to keep the spool line smooth and spinning correctly solves the backlash problem. 
Today reel mfr’s claim smart breaking can be built into the reel using centrifugal, magnetic and DC breaks. All these devices work but you can help to do this using a trained thumb.

Tom

[VTFan]

Problem solved. Too much line on the spool. How I made that bonehead mistake I do not know. Cast like a dream now...and I knew better!!!