How Often...

[siiilent]

When you first got your baitcaster when started to learn how to use it, how often did you have to change lines due to birds nest being unable to remove

[thatoneguy]

When i very first started i would only get a little backlash here and there but i cant but ive only had to change line 3 times. the first time i got stuck in a tree on my backswing but unknowingly i still casted as if it didnt. the second time i was casting over the street in my front yard and a car was driving by and i didnt see it so the weight hit the car in mid flight (lucky i was using a rubber casting weight ). the third time my friend tried to use it while i wasnt watching.

[siiilent]

I've already changed about 3 times! and its only my second time using it.

[njbasser]

i just put it on the highest control setting and kept lowering it and lowering it until i got the hang of it. Didnt change the line once while learning, but it took me a while to be able to cast far, now i have no problems  8-)

[adclem]

Same here kept the control knob pretty snug at first.  I just keep loosening it a little bit at a time.  So far only one really bad nest.

Later,

[mdmaynard]

I was not as fortunate or knowledgeable as the others.  I cannot remember how many times I had to change lines but it was more than 3 or 4 times.

I had heck learning to cast without bird nest.  I had no one to show me and I did not find this group until recently so I had no idea what knobs did what on the reel and I guess I had the reel free spinning totaly open and man was it a mess.

Now I have learned after much aggravation but it was worth it and having found this forum and site has been a God send... I have learned alot in a short period of time.

Best advice.... just keep practicing but do not let it steal your joy... when it gets aggravating take a break and try another reel (spinning or spin cast).

[skillet]

Mostly fishing from the bank like I do, when first learning, I would hook something behind me and have to cut my hand out before I could think about the reel ;D! STILL do it every now and then, just trained my thumb to clamp down immediately! Really helps...

                       As Ever,

                        skillet

[S I G M A]

i've lost 2 spools of line total to birds nests... but one was fireline so it really didn't matter

[.RM.]

siiilent,

You might try reading this little piece... Basic Baitcast Reel Setup 101

Plus keep practicing!

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!

[siiilent]

^read that plus alot of other posts on this forum.

I just have to keep practicing. I know all the basics

[Volman482]

siiilent,

You might try reading this little piece... Basic Baitcast Reel Setup 101

Plus keep practicing!

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!

Great advise!!!!

Use KVD Line & Lure conditioner too. It'll make a major difference in how the line handles.

[siiilent]

Went out in the front of my house tonight to pratice a little. Put a light drop shot weight onto the end of my line about 1/4 ounce then began doing short casts. I think out of 20 casts I had 18 birds nest  =(.  Set all my brakes and tension knobs okay as per the tutorial.  Trying to convince myself to keep trying instead of breaking it lol

[shorefisher]

follow the setting advice in reelmechanic's link. clamp your thumb down on the spool and when you cast it forward very slightly let your thumb off until the lure barely goes 10 feet. stop the spool again completely when the lure touches the water. then keep practicing until you can use less pressure and get greater distance. train your thumb

[LAO162]

I've changed the spool several times in the last couple years, so I've been using less expensive mono.  

A couple possible opportunities for you:

- Try at least 3/8 to 1/2 oz.  1/4 oz pretty light for a baitcaster, especially a newby (I speak from recent experience )

- Try tightening your brakes a bit more and don't use brute force.  Be happy with 30 ft casts until you are casting consistently without backlashes. (I can still cast further with my spinning setup - but not as accurately)

- Follow Reel Mech's steup instructions... I've found that my spool tension knob is very sensitive.  Stay conservative.  If you get too ambitious too fast...you already know the consequences  

Have Fun!

Leon

[fishinfiend]

You may want to get a line pick so that it will be easier to pick out the birdsnests without changing the line. Try not to be discouraged. This is something we have all encountered at one time or another.

[fishfordollars]

I respool every evening before the next day. I have nine rods in my garage that I have to respool before this saturday's tournament. They were all respooled last Saturday.

Plenty to answer your question.

[Raul]

When you first got your baitcaster when started to learn how to use it, how often did you have to change lines due to birds nest being unable to remove

About every two or three casts.  

[snapper G]

About 3