Clipper lake, MD. Caught nothing but weeds and sore back: Decided to hit up this lake with dad because I wasn't sure about the others. Tried along the shore at the far end up from the...

dreamingthoughawake Loc: Silver spring, md

Decided to hit up this lake with dad because I wasn't sure about the others. Tried along the shore at the far end up from the boathouse towards the end but nothing but weed snags. The boat rentals were only 12 a hr so we took out a canoe for w hrs. Water was nice, and since we haven't ever been out on a boat really most of our time was spent trying to keep it steady , since the wind was up a bit. Maybe I need a small anchor? Not sure how people fish in these things lol. Found videos of a Yak guy on YouTube fishing in Rocky Gorge making nice catches so might try up there next.

Tried out the new baitcaster combo I bought today at Walmart today but I can't get the hang of it. Keep birdnesting even after watching YouTube videos about setting tensioner and brakes,.... trying to decide if I should return it for another spinning kit. But I really wanted to learn to use one. Are they only for big heavy lures?

If anyones doing a meetup at one of the local ponds or lakes I'm up for joining. Think I'll hit some small ponds I found on Google maps next sat cause I'm off.

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

michaelalper36 wrote:

Decided to hit up this lake with dad because I was... (show quote)

Michael, I live in central Florida but I would give it a little more time on the bait caster once you get the hang of it you'll love it, can't really give you much more info on fishing up there but they're help in your area just keep asking someone one will help with your questions

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

michaelalper36 wrote:

Decided to hit up this lake with dad because I was... (show quote)

Not far from there you have the lake in Columbia on route 29 and Centennial Lake just a little further. Can't say what the fishing is like but access is fairly easy at both places.

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

plumbob wrote:

Not far from there you have the lake in Columbia on route 29 and Centennial Lake just a little further. Can't say what the fishing is like but access is fairly easy at both places.

Bob I new you would come along and save the day, just what you do 🎣🎣

dreamingthoughawake Loc: Silver spring, md

I'm gonna keep trying. I'm wondering if this is a good reel or not. In order for the line not to tangle and the lures to drop ok , the tention knobs set all the way almost closed clockwise. If I turn it counterclockwise a bit it drops too fast n tangles. And I'm using a kinda heavy spinner bait.
What's the real diff between baitcaster and spin? I always thought it was in order to use bigger lures that you couldn't with a spin rod.

dreamingthoughawake Loc: Silver spring, md

Can't be too far from me, I live right off 29. Columbia is straight up that road.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Chuckay wrote:

Bob I new you would come along and save the day, just what you do 🎣🎣

Thanks Chuck , just being neighborly to a fellow Marylander. I used to fish the Columbia way back in the day.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

michaelalper36 wrote:

Can't be too far from me, I live right off 29. Columbia is straight up that road.

I have been through Silver Spring a time or two and fished not far from there last year at Scotts Cove area.

Both Columbia and Centennial no fee required. But I think they have gates at entrances and unsure what time they open.

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

michaelalper36 wrote:

I'm gonna keep trying. I'm wondering if this is a good reel or not. In order for the line not to tangle and the lures to drop ok , the tention knobs set all the way almost closed clockwise. If I turn it counterclockwise a bit it drops too fast n tangles. And I'm using a kinda heavy spinner bait.
What's the real diff between baitcaster and spin? I always thought it was in order to use bigger lures that you couldn't with a spin rod.

I use the Garcia 4500,5000,5500 there's the older Garcia reels but they are easy to use and clean, don't know what you have but it just takes some practice to get used to it. I can throw a 1/4 ounce jig with them and I'v caught big Reds and Snook they are about all I use, good luck with it..

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

michaelalper36 wrote:

I'm gonna keep trying. I'm wondering if this is a good reel or not. In order for the line not to tangle and the lures to drop ok , the tention knobs set all the way almost closed clockwise. If I turn it counterclockwise a bit it drops too fast n tangles. And I'm using a kinda heavy spinner bait.
What's the real diff between baitcaster and spin? I always thought it was in order to use bigger lures that you couldn't with a spin rod.

Baitcasters are much more powerful on the retrieve, and won't twist your line, even if you reel while a fish is pulling drag. There are 3 things that prevent backlashes, the Spool tension adjuster, the Magnetic brake adjuster, and most importantly your thumb. Pick up a couple practice plugs, of different weights, and spend some time in the yard or a local Ball Field. Bring a bucket for a target, and practice, practice, practice .

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

Michael - just my 2 cents re your baitcaster backlashing. You've got your tension knob tightened and assuming your brake is dialed up past midpoint. Two things caught my eye--you're throwing a spinnerbait and earlier you said the wind picked up. A spinnerbait is a big profile, so depending on the wind direction, the air resistance could've slowed it down compared to your spool rotation so the line backs up. It's even more pronounced if you're casting overhand. Try casting sidearm or rollcasting to flatten the arc in that situation. Also, feather the spool with your thumb so when you see your lure momentum slowing, you can immediately slow down the unspooling to match the lure speed to prevent the backlash. Hope that helps.🎣🎣🎣

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

DCGravity wrote:

Michael - just my 2 cents re your baitcaster backl... (show quote)

Good point DC, Spinnerbaits do catch a lot more wind than plugs or jigs.

Steve smith Loc: Cambridge Maryland

michaelalper36 wrote:

Decided to hit up this lake with dad because I was... (show quote)

I have used bait casters forever much nicer to work top water plugs i can tell you my experience is the spool tensioner and you may need to make it tighter and not cast as far until you get use to using your thumb as a guide as you get better release the free spool tensioner 1/2 turn at a time eventually you will cast further and less back lashes did not say no back lashes just less I use aubu Garcia and lew's reels and I can use 1/4 ounce jig heads to 5" zara spooks just set the spool tensioner

dreamingthoughawake Loc: Silver spring, md

Just checked out Scotts Cove on Maps, it looks like it is part of the Patuxent waterways like rocky gorge and Tridelphia. Does that mean you must pay that watershed fee there too? I see there's a $70 annual but i wonder which waters that covers.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

michaelalper36 wrote:

Just checked out Scotts Cove on Maps, it looks like it is part of the Patuxent waterways like rocky gorge and Tridelphia. Does that mean you must pay that watershed fee there too? I see there's a $70 annual but i wonder which waters that covers.

I found this for you michael.

A Watershed Use Permit ($6 daily – $70 annual) is required to engage in recreational activity on the watershed. There is free access for handicapped and under 16 and over 64 years of age. An additional $80 is charged to Season Permit Holders (individuals) wishing to moor a boat at a watershed site. Permits can be purchased at the Brighton Dam Information Center daily located at:

2 Brighton Dam Road
Brookville, MD 20833

Or, the Cashier’s Office, located at:
14501 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20701