Question for all you fishing experts: I bought a Abu Garcia SX-(closed reel) nothing expensive but no matter what I do-the line always goes left-or it goes wildly right. There is no...

GinnyLee Loc: Smithville, Mo

I bought a Abu Garcia SX-(closed reel) nothing expensive but no matter what I do-the line always goes left-or it goes wildly right. There is no way I can cast it and know exactly where it will go! I have replaced the string, cleaned etc….nothing seems to correct this erratic casting ! I was so disgusted with it- I never used it …so, time has gone by and my brother just gave me a Abu Garcia STX-it’s brand new and it does the same thing! You can’t bank fish near anyone because the line can go flying somewhere else. I can use a old Zebco and I have excellent control! I’m not new to the fishing seen so it’s not like I don’t know how to cast…. Any thoughts/solutions would be appreciated!!

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Only thing I can figure is you're releasing the thumb button too soon

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Welcome fellow Missourian!
Since you are familiar with casting that style of reel, I would say the button is releasing or dragging in a way you are not used to. Check the mechanics of the button release.

GinnyLee Loc: Smithville, Mo

Thank you fellow Missourian! Maybe that’s it- could the drag be messing it up too?

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

GinnyLee wrote:

Thank you fellow Missourian! Maybe that’s it- could the drag be messing it up too?

Show me

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

GinnyLee wrote:

Thank you fellow Missourian! Maybe that’s it- could the drag be messing it up too?

Drag shouldn’t be in play except when button is released and the spool has been completely stopped. An inconsistent release point in the button design would cause your problem. You might look up reviews of that reel. Your situation may not be unique.

Jeremy Loc: America

GinnyLee wrote:

I bought a Abu Garcia SX-(closed reel) nothing exp... (show quote)

They are for kids. I think you should be using an open face spinning type to learn on. Many stick with open face type.

I will be using them for catfish and small mouth bass tomorrow for several days. I also use Baitcasters for heavier type fishing.

Ronniejw Loc: West Point MS

I would ditch it and get an open face reel, they have better casting control and easier to work with. I learnt long ago to cast right, get the length of line set then face where you want to aim for then cast. Accuracy is better then.

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

GinnyLee wrote:

I bought a Abu Garcia SX-(closed reel) nothing exp... (show quote)

I'm thinking that, if it were happening to me, I would ask someone ELSE, to try fishing with it and see if they experience the same problems...
Also; many years ago, my Father owned a "practice plug" ; which was actually a rubber-coated lead sinker. We ALL used to "practice casting" around the yard or after harvest time, we'd practice in the hay field.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Jwid wrote:

Welcome fellow Missourian!
Since you are familiar with casting that style of reel, I would say the button is releasing or dragging in a way you are not used to. Check the mechanics of the button release.

yep, exactly

GinnyLee Loc: Smithville, Mo

So.. went out this morning and practiced casting with the Abu Garcia STX~paying attention to the release of button..it’s definitely on the sensitive side! I improved my casting with straight and long casts by being careful on the button…..I appreciate the helpful input on this forum. For what it’s worth, I have 5 other open face reels and use them too-but I do enjoy using closed reels at times -especially on kayak. And..don’t think closed reels are strictly just for kids!!

Jw452 Loc: South Carolina

Not mentioned here, but the rod could also contribute to your problem. The guides could be (likely) too far off the backbone and causing the rod to flex in one direction when cast. Additionally, the rod tip may be too soft for the bait and flexes excessively. I’d have to see you make a cast to better evaluate. It looks like you are adapting through practice, and sometimes that’s all it takes. Good fishin’.

BILLBYRD1 Loc: Prattville Al

Sounds like user malfunction. You are releasing the line either to early or to late with your thumb which makes it casts in the directions you are talking about. Also if the rod handle is long enough try putting your other hand on the butt of the rod to stabilize it.

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

GinnyLee wrote:

So.. went out this morning and practiced casting with the Abu Garcia STX~paying attention to the release of button..it’s definitely on the sensitive side! I improved my casting with straight and long casts by being careful on the button…..I appreciate the helpful input on this forum. For what it’s worth, I have 5 other open face reels and use them too-but I do enjoy using closed reels at times -especially on kayak. And..don’t think closed reels are strictly just for kids!!

You are right, about closed reels being for anyone at all... My dearly departed Mother, never did "get the feel for" using an "open-faced, flip the bail to cast" type spinning reel. She DID own a good closed spinning reel & a very high quality bait caster, which she still made use of, ... I'd guess, until she was nearly 70 years old, then, pretty much "gave up on" fishing.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Jeremy wrote:

They are for kids. I think you should be using an open face spinning type to learn on. Many stick with open face type.

I will be using them for catfish and small mouth bass tomorrow for several days. I also use Baitcasters for heavier type fishing.

I am a 67 year old “KID”, so maybe you’re right. My Zebco “bullet” is my favorite reel. 😉