Baitcast Reels

[VTFisher]

I bought a baitcast reel last summer, and spent most of the summer trying to understand it. After about 25 birds nests, and lots of frustration, I figured out how to basically use the reel. However, most of the lures I use don't seem to cast too far. So my question is this...

What types of lures do fishermen use with baitcast reels, and if they use a light lure, how the heck do they cast it so far? Thanks a lot. :]

[Tooth Dr]

To cast a light lure, I usually put down the bait casting rod/reel and use my spinning rod/reel. If I did not have a spinning combo, I would use a 4-6 lb test line on my bait casting reel on a 7' light to medium action rod.

Dr T

[retiredbosn]

I bought a baitcast reel last summer, and spent most of the summer trying to understand it. After about 25 birds nests, and lots of frustration, I figured out how to basically use the reel. However, most of the lures I use don't seem to cast too far. So my question is this...

What types of lures do fishermen use with baitcast reels, and if they use a light lure, how the heck do they cast it so far? Thanks a lot. :]

My first baitcaster experience was horrible, I took the reel back after reading the manual and found out it was defective.  I still wasn't to smart and purchased a Shakespeare Axiom, it took a while to set the mag brake and the spool tensioner, but after I figured out how to cast it was good.  Now I have several baitcasters and from experience I wish I would have started with a decent reel and saved myself a lot of headaches.  What kind of reel do you own?  From my limited experience bearing counts matter when casting light weight lures.

[Calcutta]

To cast a light lure, I usually put down the bait casting rod/reel and use my spinning rod/reel. If I did not have a spinning combo, I would use a 4-6 lb test line on my bait casting reel on a 7' light to medium action rod.

Dr T

I agree 100%. I always use my spinning reel for lighter stuff and unweighted soft plastics. Ther will be alot of defiance towards spinning gear on this forum from the die hard baitcasters but,Alot of us use  spinning gear.

[NBR]

I cast below 1/8 ounce with a baitcaster then go to a spnning outfit.

[NBR]

My post above was pretty stupid. Should have said I cast down to 1/8 ounce with a bait caster then go to a spining outfit.

[J Francho]

Tie a 5/8 oz. or bigger bait on.  Pull out 50 feet or so of line, and run a ring of tape around the spool.  Reel the line back in.  Tighten the spool tension knob (cast control) so that the bait barely drops with a little wiggle of the tip of the rod.  Put your brakes at 50%.  Have away with it.  Any backlash will be limited to that 50 feet or so of line before the tape.  Once you feel confident and have your thumb trained to "feather" the touchdown of the bait, remove the tape.

Remember this: the spool tension is adjusted for the weight of your lure.  The brakes are for the type of cast and conditions you're casting in.  Heavy wind = more brakes.  Lighter lure = less spool tension.

[VTFisher]

The reel I have is an Abu Garcia, Black Max.

what types of lures do people use with baitcast reels? swimbaits, crankbaits, spinners, etc? I know nothing. haha

[J Francho]

Pretty much everything but very light finesse rigs. My basic criteria is if I want to use 8# line and up, I use a baitcaster. For 8# and less, I go to a spinning reel.  A baitcaster is really more suited toward heavier lines.  Ever try throwing a Zara Spook on 17# mono with a spinning reel?  Not fun!  This is where a baitcaster really shines.  With practice, you'll be able to cast farther, and more importantly, have MORE CONTROL and BETTER ACCURACY with a baitcaster.   That means less time "fishing for squirrels, " if you know what I mean.

[rfrazier]

To cast light plastics, pitching is the way to go.

[cart7t]

The reel I have is an Abu Garcia, Black Max.

what types of lures do people use with baitcast reels? swimbaits, crankbaits, spinners, etc? I know nothing. haha

I used a few Garcia Silver max reels, the one above the Black Max.  They are very free spooling reels that cast fairly easily but the braking system isn't the best, especially for a newbie trying to learn.

You'll need a softer tip rod to throw baits down to 1/8oz in order for the lure to even begin to load up the rod for casting.  I'd definitely suggest using a heavier bait, 3/8 - 1/2oz and practice with that till you get the feel down right.  As stated, set the spool tension knob so you have to jiggle the rod tip to get the lure going.  Crank the mag brake control to max.

As you start to get the feel of the reel as you cast you can slowly back off the mag control.  About 50% is as low as I'd go on that reel.  You can also back off the spool tension so the bait slowly falls when you hit the thumbar spool release and then stops when it hits the ground.

Remember when casting a baitcaster, the reel handle should be pointed upwards when casting.  This allows for the maximum amount of wrist action which is where a lot of your casting success and distance come from.

[rynobass]

I use baitcasting reels for everything you have more control of your cast and of your line with baitcasting reel you just have to match your line size with the size bait you are trying to use. The spool tenision knob on the side of your reel is there for a reason and that is to control speed of the spool if you are not cast as far as you want to lossen the knob. It all comes down to practice with a baitcasting reel the more practice the better you will cast and the farther you will cast.

[ChiCityBasser]

I agree you should start with the best baitcaster you can afford and my first one was the Shakesphere Axiom as well and it frustrated me so much I put it back in the box and still have it there. Next up was a BPS lefty reel I got a deal on from the local tackle shop. The owner even took a good 30-40 minutes to teach me to cast it in the parking lot and that helped along with the practice plugs. Didn't like having to open the side panel to adjust the brakes though. Now I have a Daiwa Megaforce and a Cabelas Prodigy(Daiwa makes them for Cabelas) and took lots of thumb practice to work them. I still get a backlash every now n then but that's my fault for a lazy thumb at times. Next up is a Daiwa Advantage 153HSTLA which after reading is pretty good at lighter lure casting but again I will practice with it. Check out http://tackletour.com and read some of the baitcasting reviews to see which ones might be better at lighter lure casting also

[burleytog]

Casting light stuff is more about the rod than the reel.  The reel helps a lot, but the rod makes a big big difference.

[Ern]

I had the silver max. Nice reel until it got moisture in it from the line on the spool. Made a nice growl at that point. Then it ran into a 21" smallmouth. Killed it.

I went back to my Abu round reel. 5500 with a 6.3:1. They cant kill it.

If you are looking at a Abu. Get a Revo (or Pluger). the STX can be set up to just about backlash proof. I tried.

Just got a Shimano Curado 200E7. Waited all summer for this one and l LOVE IT!!.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

anything less than 3/16 I would use a spinning set-up....maybe even 1/4 if your having trouble....My advice with your reel would be to apply alot of brake and slowly work your cast control down until you feel comfortable throwing baits.