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I just got my first baitcaster and I am in over my head. I figured out how to adjust the drag to help with the casting but I can't quite seem to get it. I fish weightless when I used plastic baits (I seem to catch more on the surface) but I just can't seem to the hang of casting with the new baitcaster. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks for the help with the last one guys!

Rookie, While I love baitcasters for bass fishing, it isn't the best choice for casting weightless worms. Spinning gear is much more suitable. When using heavier baits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits etc., the bait caster is KING. You may need to adjust the reel drag for each different weight of lure until you get used to thumbing the spool then you'll be set. This comes with practice. Also, I don't know what pound test line you are using, but I NEVER go less than 12#, usually 14-17 works best. Smaller line on a free spool reel can cause casting problems.
Tie on the lure you use the most. Push the free spool casting button and allow the bait to fall to the floor. Do not thumb the spool, let it free fall. If excess line come off and over-runs, tighten the drag adjuster knob or magnetic brake knob until the line stops when the bait hits the floor. If the bait doesn't fall under its on weight, loosen the drag until it does. Hope this helps, success will come with practice, don't get discouraged. You may also be trying to force the bait out long distances, for now, try to make shorter more accurate casts. You simply can't rear back and throw the back across the county. Long casts too will come eventually. Hope this helps. Johnnie

I am currently using 12lb test (Trilene). I have a spinner rod, (that's what I have been using up until now) but it has 20lb test on it and it just won't throw a weightless worm. Should I drop my line weight? I am currently getting about 10 to 15 foot casts with the baitcaster, mind you that I have no accuracy.

A soft medium or medium light rod will work best with the weightless worm. You could use a heavier platic like a senko also.

I agree with the guys, I too use a spinning outfit with very light lures, but I do love my baitcasters, and will use them at times with light lures. Johnnie has given you the correct way of setting your baitcaster, but starting out I would suggest as he did to tighten that drag a little more. When you cast don't force it. Use a nice fluid motion, and follow thru down to the point where the rod tip almost touches the ground/water. Next, be aware of your release point. This varies from person to person. This is where you let go of the bail, and let the rod do the work. With an over hand cast, I may release a light bait, oh lets say a foot or two behind me, heavier baits I might release over my head. A very common mistake with beginners is to release too late, in which case you're just throwing the into the ground in front of you. Remember a nice easy follow thru, and experimenting with a release point. By the way I still get an ocasional backlash. Let us know how it goes, and next time we'll have a few tips for picking out backlashes. Good Luck. Carl

Rookie
It sounds like you may need to start out with a heavier weight until you get the hang of it,then switch to the lighter weights. Don't forget to adjust.

So as not to cause undo commotion and splashing on the water with baitcating , lol j/k, you might want to try using a casting weight (those weighted plastic plug deals) and practice in the yard. These offer an excellent weight to get started with on baitcasters. You also might try casting side armed until you get a good feel for the rod/reel set up. It really doesn't take that long to figure out your set up and once you do, you'll be making longer and more accurate casts. Before you know it you'll be able to pitch an unweighted Senko right where you want it

Thanks for the advice guys. I have been practicing since I got it. I have the side arm cast down pretty good and my accuracy is coming along. I still need to work on the release points and accuracy but it's working. I am using a spinner and John's advice on the set up worked like a charm. I switched so that my spinning rod has 12lb test (I use it for the weightless casting) and my baitcaster has the 17lb test (I use it for the spinners, jigs, and weighted casting). Since I do all my fishing from shore, I am boatless, should I increase the line test on my spinning rod too?

Thanks guys.

Rookie, no don't increase the line on your spinning reel, 12# is perfect. Learn to use the drag or better yet, back reel when you hook a good one. Glad we all helped you get going on the bait caster, that's why we're here. Good luck. Johnnie

I must have read your mind because that's exactly what I have been doing, backreeling when I get one on. I even do it with the smaller ones just for the pratice.

Thanks.