FS Digest

So i got a baitcaster for christmas and haven’t really had time to use it. but i want to learn how to use it. i’ve tried using it and i keep back lashing and i just can’t understand how to use it. any tips will help.

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by JustDragonfruit2721

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

JDF: Well, first you have to get your bait caster set up properly. I assume it is already on a suitable rod. Next, tie or attach a suitable lure or weight of about 5/8 to 3/4 on the end of the line. Holding your rod out with the tip perhaps 3 to 4 feet off the ground, release the reel. Adjust the knob so the lure pulls line off at a slow rate all the way to the floor. Keep trying until you perfect this step. You cannot get a satisfactory cast of any distance without a backlash until your reel is adjusted properly.

Now, after adjusting your reel, you need to learn to control the line speed of the reel by keeping your thumb in contact with the spool. Firmly hold the spool after you release the catch that keeps the spool from turning. After you begin the cast, and you have brought the rod forward, somewere around 12 and 1:00 Oclock, release your thumb from the reel,but only slightly so the spool will turn freely allowing the lure to fly out from the rod trip.

You may have to experimentr with this some until you lean how to cooridianre the cast and trhe release of the spool. Just Sayin....RJS

Johnston89 Loc: Eastern Oregon

^^^^
Exactly this
The setup process is absolutely vital, the lure or weight should free fall slowly to the ground without creating slack once touching the ground, if you're having trouble still, tighten it up a little more so it doesn't really free fall at all, you'll cast shorter but have less backlash while practicing
Lots and lots of practice and you'll be turning the brakes down and casting a mile in no time!
Good luck and Tight Lines!!

Don Fischer

In the end, your gonna find that the secrete to it is in your thumb. Start with easy toss's. As you toss keep light contact on the spool with your thumb. The reels today can maybe adjust that out for you but I find it best to control the spool with my thumb. Takes a bunch of getting used to but works great!

boylet Loc: Shaker Heights, OH

Robert Samples gave you excellent advice. If you want to understand it better and see how it is done, there a a number of good videos on YouTube that demonstrate how to set up the reel and how to adjust it to different weight lures.

MuskyHunter Loc: Torrington, CT

Fake post.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Your right, this could just be a fake request. Just Sayin...RJS

agatemaggot Loc: iowa

Cast with the handle of the reel down !

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Some say handle up some down. Most say use you thumb. I don't control with my thumb only to stop at end of cast. I find if you're not careful with thumbing the spool you'll cause backlash. If you get it set right make a cast n watch the spool. The line will come up off the spool causing loose loops. As line reaches end of cast you'll see line come back down on the spool no backlash. Just learn how to use brakes n tension knob.

Don Fischer

I was wondering about the handles up bit and now I remember. When I learned on an old direct drive Zebco I was told handles up also. Boy that was a long time ago. I do still do that a lot but ever so slowly growing away from it! BTW, those of you don't know, handles up means to cast turn the reel on it's side with the handles facing up! Damn that was a long time ago!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Hi Don. With the new baitcasters i don't think it makes a difference. I remember with the old ones it was about keeping the magnets.up. I think people make fishing alot more technical then need be. Too many old myths about how its done

Don Fischer

I used to do a lot of rifle shooting and over the years I've seen the same thing happen there. Guy's really digging in and making it a lot more technical than need be. Funny thing to me is I've been using level winds by choice for a lot of years and I see guy's tear them apart to clean and oil them and they seem to know what they are doing. I don't have a clue. On the occasion I do tear one apart, I use regular car lube grease and sewing machine oil or if none of that 3 in 1 oil! I don't know, seems to work. I always start wondering if I'll really get it all back together working but so far so good!

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

I totally agree there Don. We tend to forget how much fun we had as kids. Fishing with whatever. Shooting n old single shot 22. Life is difficult enough on it's own. I tell my wife often I'm too old for this world. The lifestyle of i need the latest n most expensive things. Things i think many really can't fully utilize. Bragging rights are overtaking common sense. Told my wife the other day i wanted to move to Mayberry 😂. She didn't get it. I'll say it again if it works for you n your budget that's all that matters. Have a good day brother 🎣🎣

Larry H Loc: Lancaster, PA

Well said Grizzly. Words to live by

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Thanks Larry. I grew up with nothing with a old man that was nothing but trouble. When I was in 2nd grade he brought a bicycle home from work. I rode that thing up n down the street for hrs. Got home from school nx day he already sold it. I worked hard paid my way like many. I'm happy with what i have n i appreciate any extra i get. If i can pay my bills n feed my family I'm good. Have a great day brother 👍👍