Learning Baitcasting Reel - Definitely Worth

Baitcasting reels are some of the most difficult types of reels to learn how to use. The expectation with these types of reels is that you have a clear understanding of the purpose of the cast and the relationship between the cast and control of the reel itself. You are expected to understand how different weights will affect your cast and the operation of the reel. If you do not have the proper skills necessary to use this type of reel it will be an exercise in frustration. Once you have mastered the skills of casting with an open faced model you can move onto using bait casting reels.

Choosing the right type of reel for you is by the most part based on your skill level and your knowledge of reels and how they work. It is all about whether or not you have the right skills for the reel. If you are honest with yourself and choose reels for your skill level, fishing will be a much greater experience for you in the long run.

The great thing about a baitcasting reel is the ability to cast a country mile. Additionally, when you get that heavy weight fish on the line, this reel gives you plenty of confidence to 'play' with the fish. Set the drag so that the fish can pull some line out when it runs, and you will have the time of your life...

The problem with baitcasting reels is backlash or bird's nest. This is a nightmare when you are first learning to use a baitcasting reel. In fact, if you are used to using another reel, don't go fishing without it until you have the baitcaster mastered. Take it even when you do have it mastered because even the pros backlash, and if it happens your new baitcasting reel will probably end up in the garbage with an eternal bird’s nest!!!! The main secret is thumb control. You control the output of the line with your thumb. Your high determination to use this fine piece of equipment, you will eventually get a feel for it.

Whenever a beginner asks for guide in learning how to use a baitcasting reel, most of the so called experts may say: "Practice, practice, practice” or “Practice make perfect” – I knew that!

If we don’t know where to start, all we are doing is getting more and more frustrated. Trial and error may be okay for some people but not me. Making all the possible errors before we figure out the right way, is the worse way of learning. We need to find out the best possible ways of learning before we really start learning - Start at the very bottom of the learning curve and try to master only one thing at a time soon our progress is faster and with less aggravation along the way.

So, what is the best way to tackle these buggers? First, you'll want to make sure it's set up right.

Set-up 1: Don't Overspool

While you are learning the baitcasting reel, do not overspool. Adding too much line, at least until you get used to throwing it, will cause backlash. By adding less line to the reel, less line comes off with every rotation and it's easier to avoid backlashing, especially with mono which has a memory and will loosely coil up around the spool once tension is relieved.

Set-up 2: Make Sure To Get The Right Combo

The lighter the lure you are casting, the shorter the rod you need for the baitcasting reel. Using too long of a rod with a light weight lure will result in backlash.

Set-up 3: Adjust The Spool Tension - as tight as it will go

For now, tighten it to the point where you need to jiggle the rod slightly for the lure/weight to drop some, but without continuing all the way to the ground.This is tighter than usually recommended, but the goal at this point is CONTROL, not the distance.

Set-up 4: Adjust The Brakes On The System

If your reel uses magnetic brakes: Use the adjustment wheel on the side of the reel opposite to the handle and use about 75-80% of the braking force available.

Set-up 5: After finishing with those settings, hold the rod and reel straight out in front of you and click the line release button (thumb bar or push button spool release) to allow the lure to fall straight down to the ground. Start backing off the spool tension until the lure slowly falls to the ground, and when it hits, no more line comes off the spool. This is the correct setting (Put on at least a ½ oz. casting plug (or equivalent). This will give you more of a feel of the rod and reel interaction and make everything easier. Keep the plug/lure snug against the tip of the rod – don’t let it hang down at all at this time)

Now you are ready for your first overhead cast using baitcasting reel……lets get ready