Another Baitcasting Thread (Mag Brakes)

[BigJohnny]

Could someone explain to me how you're supposed to set the brake? I noticed that I am more prone to backlashes with higher spool tension when I lower the brake than I am with much lower spool tension at about 75% braking power.

[skno]

I don't know if this is correct but it works for me. First I set the mag break on all the way. Then I set the spool tension knob to where you can shake the rod tip and the lure you are using will fall to the ground. Then depending on wind direction, lure size or different rod flex. I can reduce the mag break for optimum distance. Sometimes I never take it off of the full break position.

[Marshfisher]

I generally set the brake(s) at half way to start. I set the spool tension so the lure or bait falls slow but steady and the spool roates no more than about a half turn once the lure touches ground. I'll cast and make break adjustments if needed. Some of my reels have pin and mag brakes so in this case I generally go with every other pin and as above for the magnetic.

This process works for. I get occasional backlashes but not many. Usually it's because i forget to thumb the spool.

[roadwarrior]

This thread is a sticky in the upper portion of this section:

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

8-)

[Pantera61]

per the revo manual, you set the mag brake to off/minimum then adjust the cast control knob.

For the life of me, I can't understand why people get their knickers in a bunch trying to set a brake.  You don't use the mag brake adjustment when you change lures of different weights, you use the cast control knob.

[Pantera61]

This thread is a sticky in the upper portion of this section:

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

8-)

Referring to the information contained in the above thread, one of the worst things that could have ever happened to beginning baitcasters was coining the phrase "thumb the spool". Most newcomers clamp their thumb down on the spool way too hard.

Disregard the term "thumb". Ignore the term "thumb". Apply light pressure to the side of the spool at various points through the cast and you will be forever happy.

[Marshfisher]

This thread is a sticky in the upper portion of this section:

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

8-)

Referring to the information contained in the above thread, one of the worst things that could have ever happened to beginning baitcasters was coining the phrase "thumb the spool". Most newcomers clamp their thumb down on the spool way too hard.

Disregard the term "thumb". Ignore the term "thumb". Apply light pressure to the side of the spool at various points through the cast and you will be forever happy.

Well, Excuse Me for saying "thumb"!

[Pantera61]

This thread is a sticky in the upper portion of this section:

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

8-)

Referring to the information contained in the above thread, one of the worst things that could have ever happened to beginning baitcasters was coining the phrase "thumb the spool". Most newcomers clamp their thumb down on the spool way too hard.

Disregard the term "thumb". Ignore the term "thumb". Apply light pressure to the side of the spool at various points through the cast and you will be forever happy.

Well, Excuse Me for saying "thumb"!

I was referring to the first individual who coined the phrase.  

[Marshfisher]

This thread is a sticky in the upper portion of this section:

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

8-)

Referring to the information contained in the above thread, one of the worst things that could have ever happened to beginning baitcasters was coining the phrase "thumb the spool". Most newcomers clamp their thumb down on the spool way too hard.

Disregard the term "thumb". Ignore the term "thumb". Apply light pressure to the side of the spool at various points through the cast and you will be forever happy.

Well, Excuse Me for saying "thumb"!

I was referring to the first individual who coined the phrase.

I apologize. I guess that was a bit out of line.

[BigJohnny]

Ok, so maybe the better question is when would you increase the braking power? What is the advantage?

[Pantera61]

Ok, so maybe the better question is when would you increase the braking power? What is the advantage?

The only time I adjust the mag brake is based upon the wind conditions.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

per the revo manual, you set the mag brake to off/minimum then adjust the cast control knob.

For the life of me, I can't understand why people get their knickers in a bunch trying to set a brake. You don't use the mag brake adjustment when you change lures of different weights, you use the cast control knob.

In actuality on a revo, you crank the mag to max and adjust the spool tension

[Pantera61]

per the revo manual, you set the mag brake to off/minimum then adjust the cast control knob.

For the life of me, I can't understand why people get their knickers in a bunch trying to set a brake. You don't use the mag brake adjustment when you change lures of different weights, you use the cast control knob.

In actuality on a revo, you crank the mag to max and adjust the spool tension

Page 3 of Revo owners manual:

"When making this adjust the magnetic brake must be set at zero"

You may want to go back and check.  I confirmed it before I posted it.

[LAO162]

Where's the Sheemano Posse  ;D

Buy a Shimano, set 2 or 3 brakes and forget them.  

Sorry, but I couldn't believe it hadn't been said yet  ;D ;D

Although I understand the logic, it always seems counter-intuitive to increase the braking when using lighter baits.  When I'm using a light bait, I always want to decrease the brakes to help get more distance.  However, it always results in a mess when I give into temptation...

[catchbig0bass]

I always set my brake according to wind / lure weight. Keep the other knob by the handle fairly loose. Train your thumb accordingly and you will be able to cast a mile. Its all in  the thumn. If you practice enough you can use no brakes and have the other knob really loose and use your thumb as the brakes which is what a lot of the pro's do themselves. Just practice practice practice. To start have your break on all the way with the other knob fairly loose. Back off on the break a little more and little more as you get accustomed to having your thumb do its job. Before you know it your lure will go further and further and thumb will gain memory of how much pressure to use on the spool and when. Hope this helps.

Mind you I just started using baitcasters this yr and I may get only a few backlashes minorly when I am fishing from time to time but not as bad as I useto. Also I found that whenever I get frustrated and want to fling my lure out as far as it can go, never a good idea instant backlash. However if I use a flick of the wrist and concentrate on my cast I get perfect results.