Reel settings for pitching with a baitcaster

[GoVikes]

I would like to learn how to pitch baits this summer. I have a 2009 Revo STX I want to use for that. It has the magnetic brakes on it. How do I set the brakes on it and how loose do you set your tension knob. I know when I tried it last time I got one of the worst backlashes I've had. Any help would be appreciated.

[Uncle Leo]

I always found that a trained thumb is the best for pitching. I keep my spool fairly loose, I do perfer a centrifugal brake ( half of the brakes set) but a magnetic should work fine. Your thumb should do most of the feathering and stopping of the spool. Keep in mind that distance will not be any where near as normal casting. With a loose spool and a trained thumb backlashes will improve and accuracy will be at an optimum.

Practice, you will get the hang of it, I hope this helps.

[B A S S E R]

i usually set it down to about min and then use the dial on my SX. But its all personal preference. Just experiment and figure out what works best.

[J Francho]

For pitching, I use my thumb.  I leave my brakes set fairly high on my Daiwas, 6 or 7.  The spool tension is wide open.  The key is practice.  The more you do it, the better you get.  Every spring is mess, the first few weeks, then it comes back to me.

[Senkoman12]

my brakes on my reels for pitching are around 5-6. the spool tension is the key. keep ikt nice and loose. just practice

[fishingkidPA]

is just started pitching too, i seemed to pic it up quickly. i set my breaks about in the middle with my tension knob fairly loose, i think its so cool how i can make my jig/plastic hit the water with no splash at all! 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I generally keep my spools all very loose no mater what.  Just tight enough to stop the spool from wobbling side to side when you loosen the cast control a bit too much.  As far as the brakes go, I usually set between two to four pins.  Like everybody else mentioned, you need to learn how to thumb the spool to get a good pitch.

[BassThumb]

I would start with zero spool tension and set the mag brakes at about 1/3, and try that.  I've found that when I'm backlashing while pitching, it's usually because I'm throwing too hard and not letting the rod and the pendulum swing do the work for me.

[Catt]

I believed the same thing about loose setting & an educated thumb until I watched this video by Denny Brauer which made me rethink it all.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/bmu/live

[Goose52]

I believed the same thing about loose setting & an educated thumb until I watched this video by Denny Brauer which made me rethink it all.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/bmu/live

I watched that video a few weeks ago. The whole hour video is pretty good. The key tips on pitching start at 24:30.

[Cavfirst]

THE THUMB has to be educated but reel setup is a must I usually set my spool tension to just were the spool doesnt move left and right and the brakes alittle tighter. DONT SCIMP on a Reel for this technique spend alittle extra and get a good on with a good brake system I see you've taken care of that already then watch KVD's video pitching to heavy Hitters after that back yard practice practice practice this is were the ThUMB goes to school, anyways works for me hope it helps.

[Hooligan]

I believed the same thing about loose setting & an educated thumb until I watched this video by Denny Brauer which made me rethink it all.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/bmu/live

Wow, Catt.  Thanks for posting that, hadn't seen it.

[Sam]

Denny's book, Jig Fishing Secrets, has two outstanding chapters on Flipping and Pitching.

Denny's DVD, Jig Secrets to Hugh Catches! "Advanced Flipping, Pitching and Jigging" is also excellent.

VanDam says to loosen your baitcater's drag and set all of the magnets in the "on" postion.

I usually use a spinning rig for flipping and pitching and it works fine in Virginia waters. 

[Mr SwimJig]

Nice info guys, this should help me tremendously.

SJ

[FD.]

Spool loose and brakes set to max to start with until you get your thumb trained.

[central.PA.bass]

Spool loose and brakes set to max to start with until you get your thumb trained.

great advice!

[Hooligan]

Since I've been home all day "working", I've been playing with the way Brauer recommends to set the reel.  Thus far, I like the change.  A little more initial effort, but I can see where the entry will change entirely.