Using a baitcaster

[edgenterprises]

I don't want to sound stupid, but how do you learn to use a baitcaster. I bought a bass pro black max baitcaster, and all I get is backlash. I have used it in the yard with just a weight on the end, and you can only cast about 20 ft, then you start to loosen it up to try to cast it further and it's backlash central.

I have had no luck with this thing.

Is it a technique thing or what?

[slipperybob]

If you've done the proper adjustments on your reel then you need to steady your rod on the cast. Pulling back on the rod after the lure is flying will likely to result in a backlash. The other thing is thumbing the spool and easing off of it as you cast. You have to learn how to prevent the inititial backlash from the initial spool spin.

[biggeorge55]

Practice, practice, practice.

[ffishman]

What helps while you are learning is to use a line like Power Pro, or some sort of braid. It will not stop back lashes, but they are easier to undo. To make sure are setting it right, you need to readjust the free spool with each bait you change. To adjust, hit the free spool bar, and let the bait fall to the bottom of the boat. When it hits, the spool should stop spinning on its own.

[twobearlake]

I will be teaching three boys how to use baitcasters this Spring. Needless to say, we will start out in the backyard. I read about a clever idea when starting to learn to use a baitcaster to limit the back-lashes that are an inevitable part of the process. Essentially, what you do is strip off enough line to make a 20 yard cast. Then, take electrical tape and cover the line on the spool. Then reel back in the 20 yards of line. This way, when you have the spool overrun (that causes the backlash) it will only be able to run the 20 yards and the line will not be able to embed past the tape. I might actually start at 10yards at first with my sons.

Several other tips:
1) make sure that you adjust the tension so that the weight very slowly drops when you release the bail. It should fall, but not too quickly.
2) when you make the cast, do not rear back with you whole arm had heave the bait. It should be more of a snap with with your forearm and wrist (in fact, one method of teaching has the person hold a piece of paper between their elbow and their side while casting).
3) make sure that you are very lightly feathering the spool with your thumb. As you become more comfortable with the reel, you will be able to provide minimal pressure (to allow max cast distance).
4) as the weight is entering the water, you will need to slow and then stop the spool with your thumb (remember, as the lure enters the water, it and the line is stopping, but your spool is not - hence the overrun).

I hope these tips help.

TB

[edgenterprises]

Are different reels more susceptible to backlashes - ie cheaper reels, what about rod choice.

[Esoxchaser]

Daiwa reels with the magforce spool brakes are the easiest to learn on. My kids could cast with them at the ripe old age of 6.

[Richard B]

The easiest way to learn to cast baitcasters is to tighten up the centrivical drag and then if the reel has magnets set them to max also. Practice some throws. You will not be able to cast very far but you should not get the birds nests. When you get comfortable casting this then slowly back off the centrivical and start practicing agian. When you get comfortable drop the magnets from max by 1 level and practice. continue to do this until you become satisfied with you distance and your accuracy.

[Bill Krejca]

Make sure you have the spool filled pretty much to capacity. If the spool is not filled, it causes it to turn too fast to get the line off, causing a backlash.

Try using a smooth forward cast. Quick jerks will also create a mess for you. For a while, if you have to, just bring the rod back and stop, then smoothly bring forward. As you get better, you can do more loading of the rod on the back cast. Keep your thumb lightly on the line as you are casting and stop the spool immediately as the bait hits the water. As you get better at it, you can ease off on thumbing the line, maybe, but still should stop the spool on hitting the water.

The use of a heavy weight to begin with makes it easier to learn. Lighter weights will be easier to use after you get the hand of it.

Have fun,

Bill Krejca

[twobearlake]

Bill is right. Most of all have fun with it!

[Phil T]

I've been using baitcasters longer than I've used spinning reels.
Turn your hand so the reel handles point upward. this allows more flexibilty in your wrist. Start by making short casts. Trying for distance invoves more force, faster spool speed, more spool overruns, more backlashes.
CLearn to crawl before you try to run.

[rebs]

tighten up the cast control so when holding the rod straight out in front of you, the lure does not fall unless you shake the rod. That is a good starting point to prevent backlash.then practice and practise and more practice as you learn and get better you can loosen up the cast control and be able to cast farther distances

[Drummer Boy]

When using bait casting reels think smoooth and your thumb is your best freind.Also slow action rods work better when your just starting.Also if funds are tight put your money in the reel and go cheap with the rod.