Tips And Tricks On Casting A Baitcaster

[zenyoungkoh]

okay guys, i just got my first baitcaster about 4 days ago. Practice pitching and flipping and casting. I must say im at pretty good flipping and overhead casting. However i cant cast sideways for s***. Whenever i cast sideways, its would go too left, and even if i manage to get the direction right, my lure doesnt go as far as say on a spinning reel. So any tips and tricks on casting sideways for a baitcaster?

[The Rooster]

All I can say is you're releasing the spool too late on the side cast if it's going left instead of straight out. The rod will still be pointing somewhat sideways when the lure should be leaving the tip. If it's coming around in front of you to point straight out when you let pressure off the spool then that's too late.

What kind of reel is it?? Does it have magnetic brakes or centrifugal, or both?? How many centrifugal brakes do you have on/off, and/or what is the magnetic dial set at??

Hold the rod in an upright position and release line and let the lure fall to the floor. If it falls really fast it's way too loose to start out with. If it hits the floor and a bunch of line jumps off the spool then that's too loose also. Maybe a few small loops of line at best would be all I'd want to see to start out practicing with. Tighten the spool tension knob until you get that. This is a lot tighter than you will want to fish with but it will control overrun on the line some while you practice cast until you get where you don't backlash as much, and also it helps prevent severe backlash from when the lure flies off to the left or into the ground on the sidecast until you can figure out how to make it go where you wanted to start with. Once you learn direction with it and it's going where you want then you can loosen the tension knob a little at a time until you are getting the cast distance with it also.

Also, I don't want to discourage you, but if you think sidecasting is hard, wait until you get on back hand casting, and underhanded casting. Those are HARD!

Hmmm....this might be a bit nerdy to say, but this is sort of like trying to learn to use the force to control a lightsaber's movements.

[zenyoungkoh]

All I can say is you're releasing the spool too late on the side cast if it's going left instead of straight out. The rod will still be pointing somewhat sideways when the lure should be leaving the tip. If it's coming around in front of you to point straight out when you let pressure off the spool then that's too late.

What kind of reel is it?? Does it have magnetic brakes or centrifugal, or both?? How many centrifugal brakes do you have on/off, and/or what is the magnetic dial set at??

Hold the rod in an upright position and release line and let the lure fall to the floor. If it falls really fast it's way too loose to start out with. If it hits the floor and a bunch of line jumps off the spool then that's too loose also. Maybe a few small loops of line at best would be all I'd want to see to start out practicing with. Tighten the spool tension knob until you get that. This is a lot tighter than you will want to fish with but it will control overrun on the line some while you practice cast until you get where you don't backlash as much, and also it helps prevent severe backlash from when the lure flies off to the left or into the ground on the sidecast until you can figure out how to make it go where you wanted to start with. Once you learn direction with it and it's going where you want then you can loosen the tension knob a little at a time until you are getting the cast distance with it also.

Also, I don't want to discourage you, but if you think sidecasting is hard, wait until you get on back hand casting, and underhanded casting. Those are HARD!

Hmmm....this might be a bit nerdy to say, but this is sort of like trying to learn to use the force to control a lightsaber's movements.

I set the spool tension knob as how u described it. Mags are at 4. If i managed to cast in the right direction, how should i get more distance? Im used to casting spinning tackle and i think spinning tacke releases the line later than baitcasters, thats why im releasing the line late and causing my lure to go extremely left. Im using a Daiwa strikeforce.

[new2BC4bass]

I'm fairly new to baitcasting gear myself. Been using it about 1-1/2 years now. As Rooster stated, you are releasing too late. Baitcasting reel release timing is completely different than spinning reel release timing. I think you are doing extremely well for 4 days practice. Give yourself a break. Getting good takes some time. You are already taking the correct action....practice...practice....practice. Trying for distance too soon is asking for bird nests. Believe me when I say distance will come as long as you continue practicing.

Overhead casts for me were learned after sidearm casting. Sidearm is easier to use than overhead for most beginners even though the lure goes way to the left. At least I wasn't getting backlashes very often sidearm, and I'd be willing to bet most people have the same results I did. Overhead casts usually hit the ground way too soon for most of us newbies...so your timing is pretty good for the overhead cast.

I can't really offer any tips for increasing distance other than to suggest using 2 hands. Helped me. You need to give yourself more time to educate that casting thumb. Don't fret if casting distance doesn't match your results with a spinning reel. Given the results you have already accomplished, I don't think it will be very long before you are doing quite well with your new outfit.

Once your thumb control gets better, you can lower brakes and spool tension. This will increase distance. Probably with less effort. That is how it worked for me.

Congratulations on your new outfit! Doubt it will be your last.

Edit: Oh yeah, use a weight on the heavy end of the rod's rating. It not only will give you greater distance, but helps with backlashes. Won't make them easier to remove...just helps eliminate getting quite as many.

[The Rooster]

I disagree with the release timing being different between spinning and baitcasting reels. The direction a lure goes after it's released is a function of when it was released during the arc of the rod coming around as you cast, and it's the rod that throws it, not the reel. So as far as I can see, a spinning rod and baitcasting rod should throw a lure in the same direction whether you are releasing the line of a spinning reel, or the spool of a baitcaster, as long as it's released at the same point during each cast. I bet if you tried it with a spinning rod and could actually MAKE yourself release the line at the same exact point as you have been with your baitcasting reel (in other words, release it LATE), then it would go left also.

As for distance, I would fight the urge to "whip it" to get more out of it. That's asking for a backlash. I would say slow to moderate movements of the arm is what you need and that will give you a decent distance that is usable to fish with, provided you have the reel set up right for the bait that is on the rod, and the rod is matched also to the weight of the bait. That is really key here.

I don't know about that particular reel. I have a few BPS Extremes with magnetic braking and I have to set them up near 9 out of 10 to cast without overrunning it. But I also have my spool tension set to just barely prevent the spool from moving side to side in the reel frame too, so it's as loose as it gets. That gives me a good distance, about 80' most times with a 1/4 oz. bait and I don't have to whip it hard at all to get it. But, the rod has a pretty flexible tip to help launch the lure too, so that's also factored into it. So, I'd say match the lure weight to the recommended range on the rod, and heavier is better to help you get the hand of this, and then practice, practice, practice.

[NorcalBassin]

...then practice, practice, practice.

Exactly.

[Catt]

I agree with Rooster

Reduce the number of back lashes is priority 1, distance & accuracy will come with experience.

[zenyoungkoh]

My daiwa strikeforce is paired with a daiwa triforce MH 1/4oz-1oz. I can cast 90% of the time without any major backlash now. I can have 80' -90' with the overhead cast with an 1/2 oz lure. But with sidearm cast, i can only manage about 40' if it were to go straight. I'll try out the new technique soon probably. Its so hot around southern california this past week.

[Facepalmmaster]

okay guys, i just got my first baitcaster about 4 days ago. Practice pitching and flipping and casting. I must say im at pretty good flipping and overhead casting. However i cant cast sideways for s***. Whenever i cast sideways, its would go too left, and even if i manage to get the direction right, my lure doesnt go as far as say on a spinning reel. So any tips and tricks on casting sideways for a baitcaster?

Thats weird, I dont own a baitcast rod, but I tried one for a day and I could only cast sideways, never overhead. Thats just me though, its probably because i only use spinning rods, and I always cast sideways. What I found worked for me when I was trying to cast straight is that I had to let go a lot earlier than with a spinning rod, but i don't know. Hope this helps

[The Rooster]

This should help with the direction of lure travel...

As I fished today I tried to watch where my rod was as I casted. When I sidearm cast, I am making my cast and releasing with the rod still pointed sideways, or diagonally, but never straight in front of me. Also, I'm not even bringing the rod all the way around in front of me until after the lure has left the rod tip and is airborne. At this point I only bring the rod around and point it in the direction of lure travel to minimize any friction on the line from the guides so distance is not affected.

It's the same way with an overhead cast. I am still pointing at the sky in a diagonal manner, not horizontal to the water at all, as I release the lure.

If you want to see a visual impression of this, draw a half circle on paper with a line coming off of it towards what would be the center of the circle. This is a radius line to represent a rod. Imagine the half circle is the arc that the lure makes as it is being swung for the cast. Even though the radius line (rod) is pointing straight out, the lure is traveling along the path of the circular line, so on paper you should be able to see how it will travel as it leaves the rod tip, and it's obviously not in the direction that the line (again, rod) is pointing. Remember that as you sidearm cast to stop the lure from going left on you (as with an overswung right handed cast), or into the ground as you overhead cast for those of you who have trouble here instead.

[BassThumb]

Lightly touching the spool during the cast to control it (feathering) is a very useful trick in reducing backlashes. This can mean barely tapping it just a few times as your lure begins to slow down, or very lightly dragging your thumb for the entire cast. This is the best way to "educate your thumb."

Easy on the spool tension, and heavy on the magnetic brakes is a rule of thumb that works for a lot of people.

[zenyoungkoh]

thanks everyone for the tips. I went out for a 2 hour trip today. Did quite well for the pond i fished at. Got 2 bass on frog. Im still not very good at casting side ways. But i think im getting better. I only got 1 backlash today when i cast into an overhead tree lol

[new2BC4bass]

I disagree with the release timing being different between spinning and baitcasting reels. The direction a lure goes after it's released is a function of when it was released during the arc of the rod coming around as you cast, and it's the rod that throws it, not the reel. So as far as I can see, a spinning rod and baitcasting rod should throw a lure in the same direction whether you are releasing the line of a spinning reel, or the spool of a baitcaster, as long as it's released at the same point during each cast. I bet if you tried it with a spinning rod and could actually MAKE yourself release the line at the same exact point as you have been with your baitcasting reel (in other words, release it LATE), then it would go left also.

Rod throws the lure, not the reel? Really? Never would have guessed that. Nor do I disagree with your statement, "The direction a lure goes after it's released is a function of when it was released during the arc of the rod coming around as you cast...". I just happen to think they are at different points for the 2 types of reels.

Why does the average person (with a spinning gear background) first learning to use a BC reel almost always throw way to the left (for a right handed caster) when they first start? Or throw an overhead cast into the ground in front of them? Did we all suddenly forget how to cast? I had no problem putting a lure were I wanted it (or close) most times for 50 years with a spinning rod. If it's not the release timing, then what is it? Are you saying my years of casting know how went out the window when I picked up a BC reel? I suddenly had no idea when to release the line? Even though my lure was going way left at first when using a BC combo, I somehow could still make an accurate cast with a spinning combo.

I can't watch my hand, the rod and where I want the lure to go all at the same time. I couldn't say where the rod is when I release the spool. I look where I want to throw, and hope my arm/thumb do what they are suppose to do...when they are suppose to do it. That's why I (and I assume others) practice. To learn timing and thumb control.

What is your explanation for experienced fishermen switching to BC outfits to have the tendency to throw into the ground on overhead casts or way to the opposite side from their casting arm on side arm casts? I'd like to know because my backhand casts with BC gear still suck! Maybe you can shorten my learning time.

[zenyoungkoh]

i'll have to agree with new2bc4bass. The release time for bc is earlier then spinning reel. I get straigter cast when i release earlier than my instincts tell me to.

[The Rooster]

My explanation is the same as before. Releasing too late. Anytime the lure goes in a direction you did not intend, it's either you released too early or too late. That's just physics.

When using spinning gear you are releasing line with your finger. When using casting gear, it's your thumb. Two different appendages. One might have 50 years of experience while the other has none and it has to be learned. The ability to cast accurately is a function of timing, just as you said. But you know this nearly instinctively with spinning gear and do not have to think about it. With casting gear it's the same thing again, but using a different method of grip and release and it's not nearly as easy to learn as with spinning gear.

Those starting out on casting gear have that fear of backlashing and are overprotective of it while trying to cast. That's the reason they hold on too long and the lure goes to the opposite side of their casting arm (left for right handed casters, or into the ground on overhead casts). You don't hear too much about it flying off to the same side as the casting arm or straight up into the air as with releasing too early.

Spinning gear is much easier to learn. For me it just took a few casts to get the hang of it and that was about it. Accuracy came later but I could cast straight out within minutes. Also, there is no backlash, even if the lure hits the ground or doesn't go where you wanted otherwise. Not to mention, you are maintaining a grip on the rod the whole time so it feels like you have control and there is much less of a learning curve. You just need one loose finger to hold and release the line. The grip is still there even with the loss of the one finger being loose.

For casting gear your thumb is controlling the reel's braking. You have to grip with only 4 fingers and no opposable thumb to help, which is not the natural tendency. A person swings a rod and tries to let the thumb pressure off at the same time. There is a fear of backlash and there is a subconscious fear of throwing the rod out of their hand as well. They are making their hand do something that it has not had to do before and it's hard. Most people have strength of grip with their thumb and fingers together and it's not a natural thing to grip an object and not use your thumb. Yet this is just what is required to use a casting reel, especially one handed. I grip my rod using mostly my 4 fingers, one in front of the trigger applying moderate pressure, and the other 3 behind it squeezing fairly hard, and my thumb has no grip on it at all so it can be totally loose for the control of the reel's spool speed. If the thumb plays any role in gripping at all, it's with the large muscular pad near the palm of my hand only. The only time the thumb itself has any grip is during the swing of the rod to apply pressure to the spool to prevent a premature release of line. After that it must let off completely at first and then apply either a very light steady pressure, or an "on and off again" pressure to act as braking for the spool. I think this is an acquired skill that must be developed in order to become truly good at using casting gear.

If you do not disagree with my statement about the lure being released at a certain point in the rod's swing arc, then how can you say it's different for each reel?? The only thing the reel does is hold the line and let it out. It absolutely has nothing to do with direction of travel. Without the rod you could not even make the cast. The rod provides the momentum for the lure, even the tip action of it affects it by how well it loads under the lure's weight during the cast. At a certain point, the line must be released to cast, and at that point it makes no difference whether you are letting go with your index finger, or loosening your thumb from a spool. All that matters is that at that point the line must be free to flow or the lure will continue to travel along the arc path as the rod comes around instead of going straight out. If, then, it is released it will go the wrong direction and that would happen with spinning gear or casting, either one.

Since I feel there is so much needed for casting gear learning, I would say start out learning to cast straight ahead. Do this in open water or an empty field where accuracy is not needed. This is to learn the function of the reel and what's needed to make it cast and have the lure travel in the direction you think it needs to go. After you get this, then you can concentrate on accuracy. Once you learn to cast it, you will be able to look at a spot and not the rod or reel and hit it with some degree or accuracy.

[zenyoungkoh]

I agree with what u are talking about the rooster. However for some reason casting a baitcaster does require me to release my thumb earlier compared to a spinning reel. I brought 2 setups today to the pond i tested it out. But anyway, im getting better at casting sideways. I can cast pretty accurately and far now. Probably by next week, i'll be pretty good with it.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

The Rooster. Never in my life have I put that much thought into casting a bait caster. It makes perfect sense. Still I've never even thought about all that goes into it. I guess it has become second nature for me now. I'm gonna be mad as a hornet if I start flubbing my cast because I'm thinking about what u wrote.

Zenyoungkoh. The beat advice I can give you is the same as most everyone else has said. Practice practice practice. When I was learning to cast sidearm, in my backyard. I picked out a random tree about twenty yards away, and would try to hit the trunk. It gave me something to aim for and kind of added a element of accomplishment to the task. I still do that sometimes when I can't get out to fish, its partly how I became ambidextrous with my fishing rods. Throw ten with the left hand, then ten with the right, and repeat. Heck 8 times outta 10 I can put my lure in a sauce pan at 40 yards, side arming it.

[new2BC4bass]

Rooster, nice rebuttal. Well written. You make some valid points, one of which I plan on using against you later. I think you are ignoring a few things that affect casting.

Let’s set up a scenario. You remember the Cartesian Coordinate system, right? Let’s put our angler at the intersection of the x and y axis facing toward the water (y-axis) with his arm down at his side. Lift the arm straight up (x-axis) and we are at zero degrees. Rotate the arm to the front and we are at 90 degrees. Put a spinning rod in has hand and make a cast. Say the line has to be coming off the reel at full speed at exactly 15 degrees in order to hit the desired target. According to you this is the same “certain point in the casting arc” where the release point is for a BC reel. I believe most would agree. It makes sense.

But is it? I don’t think so. Take the human part out of the equation. The only thing slowing the line down is the friction at the spool lip whereas the BC reel has centrifugal and/or magnetic brakes plus bearing friction trying to slow the spool down throughout the cast. I think this alone would be enough to affect where that ‘certain point’ is in the arc.

How about the BC reel? Line from the spinning reel should reach full speed almost immediately, but on the BC reel the spool has to start up from a dead stop and accelerate (sometimes too fast, lol). Granted this doesn’t take much time, but I think it is enough to notice a difference. Take 2 anglers, one with a TD-Z 103H Type R and the other with an STX. I think we could safely assume the Type R spool would start up quicker and reach full speed quicker than the STX.

Take it a bit further. Give both anglers the same reel, but angler 1 is using a factory stock reel filled with factory grease where angler 2 has a tuned reel with ABEC9 bearings and the latest & greatest in lubricant. As a fisherman I am sure you are familiar with the term ‘ surface friction’. It is my opinion that the release point will be slightly different for each angler in either example. I’ve read posts from more than one person who stated he preferred to have all the same reels so he didn’t have to make those few casts necessary to become in tune with the reel. I have to assume not only are they referring to the differences in physical properties between different reels, but also reel performance that would slightly affect timing of the cast. This is an awareness presently beyond my capabilities.

Now let’s consider your statements about the difference in grips. I never gave a thought to any of them. Never worried I’d throw the rod along with the lure. It could very possibly be that the mind doesn’t want to release the spool when it should. So what do? Add this to my other points, and I believe it becomes perfectly clear. The mind has to command “release” sooner in the cast to achieve the desired results. Ergo a complete difference in release timing.

[The Rooster]

Hmm....you've given me something to think about. I'll have to study on it some to see what conclusion I come to now. No hard feelings. Just a friendly disagreement. Sorry if I came off sounding contemptuous.

[K_Mac]

New2BC4bass you beat me to it. Spool start up energy and speed is the reason for a different release point between spinning and BC. My wife hates using spinning combos. Her tendency is to throw a "pop up." She releases too early in the cast and struggles to make the required change. I have used both enough that the change happens without having to think much about it.

The issue with sidearm casting V overhand is how the rod is loaded for the most part. Watch someone who doesn't cast well throw side arm. It is often a waving motion. Now look at an overhand cast. The weight of the lure, effected by gravity, causes the rod begin to to load immediately. As the rod comes over the top, the wrist releases causing the tip speed to increase dramatically and the rod to load. That speed, and stored energy is where distance comes from. It takes practice and confidence to generate the energy needed to make longer sidearm casts, roll casts, or pitches with a baitcaster. That challenge is part of the fun of fishing in my view. Making that perfect cast/pitch and being rewarded with the bite you knew was coming is a joyful thing.

[new2BC4bass]

Hmm....you've given me something to think about. I'll have to study on it some to see what conclusion I come to now. No hard feelings. Just a friendly disagreement. Sorry if I came off sounding contemptuous.

No hard feelings were ever felt. I was having a friendly difference of opinion. No reason we can't disagree and still be friends. I'd hate my wife by now if we couldn't.

[new2BC4bass]

New2BC4bass you beat me to it. Spool start up energy and speed is the reason for a different release point between spinning and BC. My wife hates using spinning combos. Her tendency is to throw a "pop up." She releases too early in the cast and struggles to make the required change. I have used both enough that the change happens without having to think much about it.

The issue with sidearm casting V overhand is how the rod is loaded for the most part. Watch someone who doesn't cast well throw side arm. It is often a waving motion. Now look at an overhand cast. The weight of the lure, effected by gravity, causes the rod begin to to load immediately. As the rod comes over the top, the wrist releases causing the tip speed to increase dramatically and the rod to load. That speed, and stored energy is where distance comes from. It takes practice and confidence to generate the energy needed to make longer sidearm casts, roll casts, or pitches with a baitcaster. That challenge is part of the fun of fishing in my view. Making that perfect cast/pitch and being rewarded with the bite you knew was coming is a joyful thing.

I wasn't loading my rod on most casts last year. Turns out I wasn't being smooth enough most times. Was hard to avoid fast reversals in an effort to get more distance because I had my spool tension way too tight. I'm doing much better this year. Took some practice early on, tho.

Last year I usually wound up starting my cast from the rear position. No rod load at all. Now I am getting good distance with less effort.

It's great your wife likes to fish. Mine doesn't, but my daughter does. She started with an ultralight spincast, then spinning reels. Bought her a plastics rod for Chrsitmas and a few months later a Chronarch 101A. She loves the combo.

[K_Mac]

New2 your daughter has better fishing equipment than my wife-or me for that matter. It is a blessing that my wife enjoys bass fishing. She is a good fishing partner. We have spent many quality hours together fishing. My daughter used to go with me once in a while. It was more to humor me than for her love of fishing though. Enjoy the time with your daughter. She will grow up way too quickly. Now I have to go before I break into "Sunrise, Sunset"

[new2BC4bass]

New2 your daughter has better fishing equipment than my wife-or me for that matter. It is a blessing that my wife enjoys bass fishing. She is a good fishing partner. We have spent many quality hours together fishing. My daughter used to go with me once in a while. It was more to humor me than for her love of fishing though. Enjoy the time with your daughter. She will grow up way too quickly. Now I have to go before I break into "Sunrise, Sunset"

Too late. She's already thirty. You're right. I worked way too many hours when she was growing up. Wish I had been smarter, and spent more time with her back then.

[pitchinthejig]

I dont fish spinning gear hardly at all however I will say this when using spinning gear you will release the line later in the cast pointing the rod more to the target when casting side arm, with Casting reel you will release sooner with the rod pointing more to the right side of the target (This is if you are a righty and cast right handed) and if you release at the same point you would a spinning reel you will go far left of target. check it out, cast at a target side arm with your spinning reel and see how much so the rod is pointing at the target when released and then take a casting reel and you will see that the rod tip doesnt come close to pointing at the target as much as the spinning rod does and you release will be far later as a result.