baitcasting issue

[fishingchef80]

On saturday i finally got a chance to use my brand new baitcasting set up not sure if i had something set up wrong or what but only a casting distance of 15 yards using either a 1/4 oz or 1/2 buzzbait i cant remember the weight but it was kinda heavy. Now this was my first time using this style of a reel but 15 yards thats it??  i bought this thinking i could cast it a mile. For the set up its a daiwa 100h and its on a 7'mh bionic blade.  Now im thinking i shouldve bought a good spinning set up which i still might.  its on 12lb test line as well. any advice would be great maybe im just being ridiculous but just curious to know what the average casting distances are considering im new to this style.  thanks guys

[dodgeguy]

do a search and read all the articles on setting up a baitcaster.it takes practice and time to get good.

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

[sowl323]

I just bought my first baitcaster and used it for the first times on saturday and sunday. Of course I got some backlashes; many minor ones and a few major ones (luckily i was in a kayak, so i could backup while letting out line to fix them). I found backlashes to be almost non-existent when I casted backhand, it was casting forehand where I had more problems. But overall I think I did pretty well and also got a lot of fishing in. The distance I got was somewhat decent and I figure it will only get better. However, the big thing for me was my accuracy was terrible; with my spinner I can hit a 2 foot circle just about anywhere, but not even close with the baitcaster. Is this generally the case that casters are less accurate? I hope not, I really hope the accuracy improves!!

[burleytog]

It is all about educating your thumb, properly adjusting the reel, and comprehending the nature of the reel.

[fishingchef80]

dont get me wrong i understand the fact that its going to take some time to get it and educate my thumb but when i was reading the baitcast setup i didnt understand this

Now you have re-adjusted your cast control. Set the plug at the 6" mark again and repeat the process. Do this until you have the plug falling to the ground or floor without the spool turning more than 1/2 turn. For a beginner I would set the cast control tighter so that when the plug hits the ground or floor without the spool turning more than 1/4 turn (that's pretty tight).

the spool has to turn like 10 times in order for it to reach the floor so a 1/4 of a turn is going to go like 1 inch am i reading this wrong i dunno???

[vicdotcom]

Hey

Ok heres the deal on the dropping to the floor thing. I was confused at first also but after doing it a few times and re-reading the articles I finally got it. First turn the knob as loose as you can (this is experiment only so you can see what your looking for). THen drop your plug free and let it drop to the floor. Now while your dropping, pay attention to your spool. Dont look at the plug. When the plug hits the floor, notice how your spool keeps spinning and causing a backlash? This is what you want to adjust. Now get rid of that backlash and adjust the knob tighter. Now you want it tight enough that when the plug hits the floor, that reel only slightly turns (thus not backlashing). The plug should fall slowly to the ground. This is the 1/4 turn your looking for.

As far as casting a mile, once its set right and you practice with a looser setting and training your thumb better, you will notice the increase in distance and accuracy. Some tips that were extremely helpful to me is to release the spool SOONER than you would a spinner gear. Otherwise you get a short cast that goes down at an angle like your spiking a football or something. Another thing is in the articles that shows you where your thumb position should be at the end of your followthrough.

Baitcasting gave my fishing a whole new meaning. But it took a little figuring out to get used to it. Good luck and enjoy

Victor

[vicdotcom]

Is this generally the case that casters are less accurate? I hope not, I really hope the accuracy improves!!

Im also pretty new to baitcasters myself but I find it to be a lot more accurate than a spin caster.  I find that I am able to toss at angles that I can never throw with my spinner.  The best way to compare it I think is with a baseball/softball analogy.  For me a spinning reel is like lobbing a softball.  A baitcaster is more like throwing a fastball down the pipe.  At least thats just my personal observations.

Vic

[fishingchef80]

hey man thanks for the advice now that you pointed that out i know what i was doing wrong thanks a lot

[vicdotcom]

hey man thanks for the advice now that you pointed that out i know what i was doing wrong thanks a lot

Anytime!  I am so glad I found these message boards and they helped me a lot.  Have fun!

Vic

[burleytog]

One other thing to remember (when casting for accuracy) is to finish the cast with your rod tip pointing where you want the bait to go.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

One other thing to remember (when casting for accuracy) is to finish the cast with your rod tip pointing where you want the bait to go.

YES this very important,Like when you shoot a handgun make that barrel a extension of your index finder the end of the rod becomes your finger and your pointing at that lone stick 50 yards away.It works its called instinctive shooting if your a hangunner  or bow hunter .... matter of fact it works for anything that your hand is holding Knives, Darts, Rocks ,Etc .Once you get over the actual "what tool is is in my hand part" it comes natural  The brain, eyes and muscles are extrodinary things  when working together .

[dollarbill]

I am new to using a baitcaster as well.  I am having the same problems as you are.  What I have realized is that you have to practice with these things.  Using a spinning reel is much easier.  What I have done is gone and bought practice plugs and sit in my yard practicing as much as I can when I have the time.  Try casting underhand also.  I seem to have better luck doing it that way now.  The better you get at it the more confidence you will have.  But until you get to that point it will be very annoying sometimes.  There is a member on this board, reel mech who has a link to his web site.  Print out the basic baitcaster set up 101(something like that).  It's great advice on how to practice.

[roadwarrior]

Guys, calm down...it's just something new that will take a little time and practice to get use to.

General use: Over time, casting a baitcaster will become second nature.

Distance: Baitcaster will cast as far as spinning tackle with the same diameter line and lure weight.

Accuracy & precision: As least equal to spinning tackle, maybe more so.

I use both types of equipment, but for different applications. I don't have a general preference, but I do prefer one over the other for specific techniques. I know lots of guys on this Forum that are "Spinning Tackle Only" or "Baitcasting Gear Only." That's not me and it doesn't have to be you, either.

When fishing light lures, most finesse techniques and always at night, I use a spinning reel.

For most medium and heavy weight lures, thicker lines and "fast retrieve" baits, I prefer baitcasting equipment. However, there is no type of fishing or technique that cannot be done with either style of reel.