First cast bad, now real good!

[Mike-in-WV]

Well I got my free Abu Garcia 1003LP reel about noon today and I placed it on the Browning rod I bought at the garage sale the other day. It has what looks like #17-#20 test Cajun Red on it. Whatever it is it's red and thick!. After playing with the magnetic and friction brake I could see that it wasn't working right and the drag would not tighten up as it should. It's been sitting on a garage shelf for a few years. I oiled everything I could without taking it all the way apart and went out and tried it.

The first cast was a disaster with a terrible birds nest. Then I did a few more side armed and easy and that was fine. As I gained a little more confidence and the brakes started working I got everything adjusted and was casting 35 yards with no problems at all!! Been casting for the past two hours and no other birds nest. I'm also getting the rod tip just about over my shoulder and it's still smooth. Had a few loops doing that at first but nothing drastic. Going back out after coffee and going to work on snaps and more accuracy.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions guys. As I stated in other threads on here it's been a long time and it feels good to have a casting rod in my hands again. Need allot more practice but I think I will get it down pat by spring.....if I don't freeze to death first Mike

[Grey Wolf]

Practice makes perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sam]

Don't forget the pros tip.

Cast as far as you can then take about 30 more feet off reel and place some Scotch Tape over the line on the spool.

Limits how far the backlash can go into the line.

[.dsaavedra.]

feels great to finally get baitcasters under your belt, doesn't it?

congrats. keep at it and get better and better!

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks guys and good tip about the tape. It's been years sense I used a baitcaster but it feels like I'm going to be alright. They are easier now then they were back when I learned from my dear old Dad. Thats back when the reels were made out of wood, .

It seems the heavy spoon I was practicing with ( Guessing it's about 1 oz) was much easier then the light lure I had on later this evening. Going to have to really practice with the light weight stuff. Thanks again, Mike

[skillet]

 IMHO it's like riding a bike. You never really forget. You're right the newer baitcasters are SO much more forgiving. The rod has a lot to do with casting lighter baits. Glad you're getting the hang of it again...

                                         As Ever,

                                          skillet

                                   

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks Skillet! Wish the weather was warmer around here. Cold fingers are not good for casting! :'( Mike

[Sam]

Mike, one other consideration when setting up your baitcaster.

Set it up as you are going to use it when fishing, but....

Point the rod tip into the air to an 11 o'clock position and let the bait fall to the ground or a floor (not carpet).

When the bait hits the ground or floor the reel should stop spinning.

If the reel continues to spin then you have the setup too loose so tighten it up.

By doing this you will prevent backlashes.

And another trick.  Get some Clam Shot weights and use the smallest size you can on your spinnerbait to give it some added weight when throwing into the wind.

The added weight will help you stop wind-caused backlashes.

You clamp the weight onto the middle of the spinnerbait's hook.

Give it a try but don't tell the guys on this site as it is a secret.

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks for the advice Sam and I promise I wont tell anyone about the spit shot trick  : I already had the real adjust with the magnetic brake and the friction brake just the way you described. I want to adjust it different ways because of switching lure weight when I'm fishing. That part is fairly easy to setup.

This was a used real and a gift from someone. It belonged to my wifes friends husband and he died a short time ago. The drag is not working right so I have to play with that. It will not get tight enough. I tried to get that side off but after I removed the screws on the side plate and the handle and drag star I still couldn't get the side plate off. Did not want to force it, afraid of breaking something. Thanks again, Mike

[Sam]

Mike,

Send it to the Reel Mechanic and he will get it working.

[Micro]

Before you attempt to disassemble your 1003LP, you need the schematic.  Here it is.  It's the last one on the list.  Click download.  Its in PDF format.  

http://www.abugarcia.com/product_schematic.php?id=226.228.931#

If you've removed all the sideplace screws (looks like 3 of them) and the handle and dragstar, and the side plate still will not come off.  Check on the inside of the frame to see if there is a screw on the otherside holding the sideplate on.  Abu Garcia Revos have this and if you don't notice it you won't be able to get the side plate off.  I don't know if your reel has such a screw - I don't see one on the schematic.  But check anyway.  It may look something like this...

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks Micro!! That really helps. I don't see another screw on there anyplace and the schematic doesn't seem to show anything holding it back either. Think I'll play with it a little more and see what happens.

Everything else is working perfectly and I really like the feel of this reel . Casting great with it today too.   Feels good!, Mike