Reel Differences

[ryan21]

I'm new to baitcasters. i have the BPS Extreme in the Widespool 20HC model that was given to me. My dad has a couple year old less than stellar quantum combo that sells complete for like 50-60 bucks. His is not a wide spool.

I have cut a ton of line off my extreme, learning to throw it consistently.

I'm still learning to throw baitcasters in general. Why on earth is it infinitely easier for me to throw my dad's combo (w/o backlash) on virtually every setting combination of brakes/casting tension, than on my extreme.

could it have anything to do with the wider spool of the extreme? or does having low quantities of line on the spool make it harder to cast?

both are spooled with a 12lb fluoro. Thanks.

.....and i am OPEN to suggestions. :-[

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Quantum on the less expensive combo probably has less free spool and as such, easier to control. Once you cast effeciently, my guess is that the Extreme will cast further with less effort.

[B-Dozer]

I have three Extremes, I find it hard to make them birdnest, even into the wind. Not to be a smarta*+, but do you understand how to set spool tension and the mag. ? Also how low is low quantities of line?

[ryan21]

Delaware: thanks for the insight as to why I might be seeing a difference between the reels.

B-Dozer: not smart*** at all when i freely admitted im completely newb to baitcasting. I usually have the brake at 6 or 7, and the tension on the snug side of average, which is one reason im surprised by my struggles hearing that people work down to using free spool and minimal tension.

low quantities means, i don't know, 60-70 yrds left on it? figured id go through a couple spools before im ready to go get wet.

[BASSclary]

Delaware: thanks for the insight as to why I might be seeing a difference between the reels.

B-Dozer: not smart*** at all when i freely admitted im completely newb to baitcasting. I usually have the brake at 6 or 7, and the tension on the snug side of average, which is one reason im surprised by my struggles hearing that people work down to using free spool and minimal tension.

low quantities means, i don't know, 60-70 yrds left on it? figured id go through a couple spools before im ready to go get wet.

Do you mean the reel only has 60-70 yds on it?

In my experience under-filled and over-filled reels dont cast very well and get more backlash.

[J Francho]

or does having low quantities of line on the spool make it harder to cast? 

This.

[ryan21]

thanks guys. was wondering why one seemed to be in line with my learning curve, and the better setup (IMO) was causing me more headaches than it should.

had been told (and experienced in spinning gear) that over-spooled was a problem, but didn't pick up on under-spooled.

sounds like i know how to get back on track 8-)

[B-Dozer]

With the lure of your choice (try a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait),hold your rod about 2 o'clock. With the mag. on 0, set the tension so the lure falls slowly to the ground. The spool should not overrun. Then set your Mag. on 10. This should be a "safe" setting. This won't cast real far, but it won't birdnest either. When casting, don't "snap" the rod like you might with a spincaster, let the rod load and do the work. After you get confidence, you can lower the mag. 1 click at a time. As the lure hits the water, have your thumb ready to apply pressure. The more your thumb gets educated the more you can lower the mag. and spool tension. Stay away from wind resistant cranks, and real light baits for awhile. Buy some 12 lb. test Berkley Trilene, or Stren mono until you are comfortable with the casting, then spend money on more expensive line. Practice and don't get discouraged.   

[Hamby]

When i first started using baitcasters a few years ago, i spooled it up with 20lb power pro braid and used that same spool of line that whole year. Sometimes fluorocarbon can be tough to use even if you know how to use a baitcaster. For me, the braid worked well when i was learning. The knots came out with a simple pinch and pull.

[dodgeguy]

i would not try learning with flouro.

[Alpster]

i would not try learning with flouro.

I agree, this is part of your problem. Try some Berkley "Big Game" mono. It will behave better than floro. JMHE

Ronnie

[Raul]

Fluoro and copoly have the tendency to jump from the spool, in a spinning reel it means the line behaves like a friggin spring, in a baitcaster since it can 't go anywhere they backlash  so they are not the best lines when you are in the process of learning, add the freespooling and the speed at which the spool rotates plus the lackof experience and you 're in for some serious birdnests, nylon, specially low memory nylon like XL is less prone to jump so they are better for learning.

[BobP]

Some reels are just harder to control and maybe you got one.  Maybe it's why Dad gave it to you? :  Another reason for the difference is a wide reel has more spool mass and more line mass, so it's takes more force to get the spool spun up when casting, and it takes more breaking to slow the spool down at the end of the cast.  If you are throwing a heavy lure, like a 3/4oz carolina rig, that can be a good thing.  The spool can spin up and diesel along, giving you a very long cast.  But if you're throwing a worm on a 3/16th oz T-rig, it will take a very educated thumb to get that done without disaster.  The fluoro is also heavier than braid or regular co-polymer line, which is another minor factor that magnifies the spool mass.  If you're new to baitcasters, it makes sense to spool up with some less expensive line (yeah, Big Game is great for this).  Btw, when you cut line off your spool as you get backlashes, you are decreasing the diameter of the spool and that is the same as applying more cast control.  It will give you shorter distance on your cast.  That may not be bad for practicing in the back yard, but after you get things 'dialed in', you'll be more consistent if you keep the spool filled to the same full level.