Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

i am sad i want FISH
and a boat could help
what is a good pass time
+ i have a bait caster reel i cant under stand how to use this thing every time i cast i get a backlash i am sticking with the open faced reel why do all the pros use them is it just the cool thing
or is there a big advanige that i dont know about

Dan, the baitcaster can be a tricky thing to learn to use. Sounds like you might have it set a bit too light (too free) and when you let it go, it just keeps going...this ALWAYS results in a back lash, the other night I was down at Walnut Creek for the first time out this year and I made the same mistake. I forgot to tighten the reel back down after the winter and wound up re-spooling it that night. Maybe the oppertunity will present itself that we can get together and with any luck I might be able to help you out a little. Keep the questions coming and dont give up on that baitcaster!

Yes, I agree with bryan, They can be realy tricky. You have got to make sure your thumb is there at all times. I have had many of backlashes and I personly can say, It takes time. Like bryan said, Just dont give up. And another thing to do when using your baitcaster, make sure your spool is not loose, And what i mean by that is, some will have a setting eather on the side of the reel or right under the drag by the handle. Just make sure you set it according to the amount of weight your throwing and or the weather you are fishing. And remember keep your thumb handy and practice, practice, practice... good luck with your reel and good luck on the water....

Practic! At 51 years old I still find time to practic, in the living room flipping, in the boat in the yard, any where any time. Learn to use your thumb not the spool brakes, that way you never adjust your reel. I set my brakes once then never change them.

Heavy,
One good way to set baitcasting reels is to tie on a lure you'll most likely use and reel it to about six inches from the rod tip. Tighten your reel control knob or knobs so that no line comes out when you trip the trigger. Now loosen the knob until the lure begins to fall freely from the rod tip. Adjust slightly until the lure will free fall to the floor and stop and no more lines comes off the spool. This setting is a good starting point, but does minimize cast length, after you get used to the reel, then back off the knob a little at a time until you can make longer casts. Start with short casts and go from there, keep light thumb pressure on the line spool at all times anyway. You'll get it.
Why bait cast?
These reels are designed to cast a long distance, drag a huge bass or other fish out of heavy cover, have fast gears which increases the number of casts per day and are much more dependable. No, we don't use them to "look cool" heck I look cool with a Zebco 202. LOL. Johnnie