Baitcasting

[KidBlast]

Hey Everybody.  

I dont have a boat and def. cant afford one, so i always fish from the shore.  I have never used a baitcasting reel before but the more i read about them the more i want one.  Im starting to think it would be a better idea because i would beable to cast further.  I was wondering if you guys prefer the round or flat models.  I prefer how the round ones look but i know thats not a good reason to buy one.  Any advice you guys could give about what to buy would be great.

Tony

[Jeffthefisherman]

Well, first, u will need to get a good quality reel to be able to cast light stuff like a spinning. But, if u want a good model that fits almost all anglers budget, is a Rapala Tx2 with a Shimano Citica 200E. For like 230$ combo, its a pretty good deal. Thumbs up on bait casting!! ;D 8-) : :)

[FishDontLikeMe1301600221]

I got into it with both a hand me down round and bought a lowprofile.Round ones are built like takes and ment for pulling in any and everything you catch but can be hard to handle and uncomfy after hours of fishing.Lowprofiles are more user friendly more comfy and palmable.For a first I'd go lowprofile but try to get a respectful brand.Go to your tackle shop and ask them otherwise.

[.RM.]

KidBlast,

How bout some info on how long you have been fishing? What are you fishing with now? Where are you fishing now?  

[KidBlast]

I can do that. I used to fish all the time when i was a kid, but that was pretty much just bobber fishin. I started fishing again about a year and a half ago. Right now im fishin spinning gear. When i fish the river i use a medium action rod and when i fish the canal i use a light action rod. So i was thinking that the baitcast would be good for the river, where there are lots of big fish, and i would be able to use bigger and heavier lures. The canal probably not so much. I hope that helps Reel mechanic, im no expert here so try to bear with me. Thanks for the posts guys!

[firefightn15]

Hey KidBlast, one thing to think about is how willing you are to stick with a baitcster once you start.  There are some that will dive in head first, get a couple of backlashes, and then give up never to return.  I don't say this to discourage you, only to give you a heads up.  Your going to get a lot of different suggestions as to what brands and models of baitcasters to buy and unless you already have an idea of what your looking for it can get a little overwhelming.

Here is a read that Reel Mechanic has and I am sure someone is going to suggest it sooner or later.  It's a good read:

http://www.***/education/baitcaster-setup-101.html

[Sam]

Kid, here are some suggestions to consider when purchasing your baitcaster.

1.  Always look at the reel's speed.  6:1 is middle of the road and probably the ratio that you will use the most.  7:1 is fast and 5:1 is slow for crankbaits and winching power in structure and cover.

2.  View the reel's specifics. This means to read the line weight and yardage for each line test.  Be sure to balance the reel's specs with your rod's specs (line test and bait weight).

3.  It is imperative that you always "balance" the baitcaster before using it.  Rig the bait on the line and point the rod tip to 11 AM and release the spool.  Adjust the tension spool knob and the drag so that when the bait hits the floor (not carpet) the spool stops.

This will help prevent, but not totally stop, backlashes.

Adjust by fine tuning the spool tension and drag once you start fishing so that the spool stops when the bait hits the water after casting. You can do this at home before going fishing to fine tune your setup.

5.  Always use a conditioner on the baitcaster's line. First, when spooling the reel by running the line through a wet area on a wash cloth and then by spraying the line on the reel during the spooling process and when you finish spooling.

KVD's Lure and Line Conditioner is expensive but worth the money.

When spooling, do not put line on too tight. Just snug enough to have a good fit on the spool.

6. After setting up your rig, go out side and practice casting it to get a feel of how far it can go and if you have set up the reel properly.  After casting, walk to the lure as you reel the line back on the spool and do it again.

Always make sure there is tension on the line when spooling and reeling.

Use your thumb to stop the reel at anytime during your cast, should you be headed towards a tree or the shore, etc.  Just stop the reel with your thumb and be ready to do the same when the bait hits the water.

As soon as the bait hits the water, either the reel stops on its own or you stop the spool with your thumb.

7.  When you cast into the wind, or otherwise get a backlash, take you time removing it. You can tear and damage the line if you pull too hard.

I read a suggestion to take your thumbnail and place it on the knot and then pull the line.  I have no idea if it works but you may want to give it a shot.

You will get backlashes so be ready to remove them.

8.  After you get the hang of baitcasters, go out and purchase a backup baitcaster and bring it with you so when you get that backlash that you can't get out, you can switch out the reels.

9.  As for the magnets in the side panel, ask us which way to turn them on and off, depending on the reel you purchase.  I use an "X" setup on my Shimano's but a "Y" setup on my one Abu Garcia President.

10.  Change line after two or three trips to make sure you have proper line on the baitcaster.  ALWAYS CHECK YOUR BAITCASTER KNOTS when fishing. Use a Palamor Knot all the time on all baitcaster baits, although I am sure the guys will give you other suggestions.

Regarding your baitcaster rod, at least a 6'6" medium heavy.  A 7' would probably give you more casting distance.

And don't "outcast" your line.  I have lost fish when they have taken the bait too far from me and I did not get a good hookset and they threw the bait.

As for low profile reels, please give them a try. Easier to use and to hold.  The round ones are great for deep water casting and fishing for catfish.

Have fun and keep asking us about baitcasters.  

[Sam]

And #11...always double check your drag on a baitcaster, just as you do on your spinning outfit.

Make sure it is not too loose nor too tight.  

[Hammer 4]

And practice, pratice, and practice...your thumb is key. I set my bc pretty loose, meaning it could backlash dang easy, but I get longer cast's fishin from shore. Good Luck, and have fun.

[burleytog]

2. View the reel's specifics. This means to read the line weight and yardage for each line test. Be sure to balance the reel's specs with your rod's specs (line test and bait weight).

The line capacities listed for a reel do not limit said reel to only those line sizes.

3.  It is imperative that you always "balance" the baitcaster before using it.  Rig the bait on the line and point the rod tip to 11 AM and release the spool.  Adjust the tension spool knob and the drag so that when the bait hits the floor (not carpet) the spool stops.

This will help prevent, but not totally stop, backlashes.

Adjust by fine tuning the spool tension and drag once you start fishing so that the spool stops when the bait hits the water after casting. You can do this at home before going fishing to fine tune your setup.

The drag has absolutely nothing to do with spool rotation.

[FishDontLikeMe1301600221]

Yea,what Sam said.

[Flippin & Pitchin]

If you buy a baitcaster.....stay at it and practice hard with it.

I bought my first probably 5 years ago for a catfish pole. I was "decent" with it, but I was able to make better casts with my spinning outfits.

Last year I bought my first bass setup with a baitcaster on it. I went to the bag yard one afternoon with a 1/2 oz weight on it and started fixing backlash after backlash.

I now head out on the water and my baitcaster setup is my favorite. As I have mentioned in another thread, my next bass rod and reel is going to have a baitcaster on it.

Best of luck to you.

[Sam]

Oh Great Burley One,

In my post I mean the following....and remember, we are discussing an individual who has never fished a baitcaster before:

Best to have same line size that reel suggests and have it match line size on rod. - You can put any line on any reel, but as a beginner, it is best to do what Master Reel Builder suggests.

Drag has nothing to do with spool - Yes, but it you set your drag to where you want it and then adjust spool tension your setup will be ready to roll.

Of course,you do not have to do any of this with an Abu Garcia reel as it is going to backlash on you, anyway.

Shimano.  No backlashes. Ever!!!!      

P.S.  Great input.  Newbie to baitcasting needs to know as much as he can.

[burleytog]

Best to have same line size that reel suggests and have it match line size on rod. - You can put any line on any reel, but as a beginner, it is best to do what Master Reel Builder suggests.

 

But those line capacities listed on the box are just that, line capacity for a given line diameter.  Nothing more, nothing less.  

Yes, one should play attention to the line rating on the rod, but the reel should never enter the equation.

[Bull Hurley]

Drag has nothing to do with spool - Yes, but it you set your drag to where you want it and then adjust spool tension your setup will be ready to roll.

You can set the drag anytime and depending on the situation you will most likely adjust it throughout the day.  If you catch a 6lb'er you would want a little less drag than if you were pulling 1-2's all day.   I think you meant to tell him to adjust the brakes and the spool tension when doing the lure drop to the floor.    

[JL Zingg]

I switched over a year ago, and before I took my baicast set-up to the water, I read as much as I could find and also watched several videos  http://www.truveo.com/tag/baitcaster on technique.  When I gave it a go I actually had it down pretty decent.  Practice is a must, and don't give up, stick with the baitcaster.