Any tips on using a baitcast reel?

Question

I just got my first one, I tested it out on a pond by my house and it didn't go very well, lots of backlashes, pretty frustrating. I guess that's why they say you have to practice at the end I was getting better but I had no accuracy and not a whole lot of distance. Anyone out there have any good tips or advice for a beginner like me? My reel is an ABU GARCIA 2005l low profile baitcast. I think I'll grow to love the reel once I can master it so any advice would be awesome.

Answer 1

man, this reminds me of when I first learned.. it sure is a pain when every other cast you have to spend 10 minutes untangling your line.

here's what i did..
-strip off line until you have about the length of your longest cast

-take a length of electrician's tape the width of your spool and stick it over the remaining line on the spool

-reel the line you stripped off back in

now when you cast, you wont have to worry about backlashes so much.

also.. with the spool tightening knob, have it tightened so that when the spool is free the lure will slowly pull the line off as it falls.

and always remember to keep your thumb on the spool!

Answer 2

it may sound silly but try casting with the opposite hand (if you're right handed use your left). being smooth when casting is what you're looking for. jerking and starting the reel spinning faster than than the bait is moving is what causes backlashes. start off slow and try to make very short casts the lengthen as you get more confident and comfortable.
adjust the anti-backlash setting on the side of the reel casing so that the bait falls very slowly when released. you will have to reset it every time you change your bait if it is a different weight which is a very quick and simple process. that is the rule of thumb my father taught me when i was a kid. and i still use it 35 years later.
your bait casting reel will be your best friend once you get used to it and ABU Garcia makes very good reels that should last you a lifetime.
one more thing that you will need is a crochet hook. the kind your grandma used to use when she was knitting. you can get to all the loose ends of a backlash to untangle it. a definite must for you tackle box, a real time saver.
good luck and have a blast!

Answer 3

To prevent backlashes, there should be a dial (usually numbered) on the side of the reel which is like a braking system.......... when first starting, crank the dial up as high as it goes, and work your way back as you practise until you find the setting that works best for you.
May also help to smooth your casting out (e.g. a smooth sweep, instead of a flinging it as hard as possible).

One final thing that might help is to use braided line instead of monofilament, though you'll still need some monofilament on the reel to use as backing, otherwise it causes a few problems when you try to reel in, apparently.

To improve accuracy, it may help to set up a "target practise" course either on the lawn in your garden (if it's big enough), or a field somewhere and place some plant pots or something on there randomly to use as targets, and just practise casting at them with something like a weight, bubble float or old lure with the hooks removed pn the end of your line and try get it as close as possible - This trick works no matter what kind of fishing you do, though passers-by may think you're several sandwiches short of a picnic.

Answer 4

I will give you a little bit of useful information that will help you get a good form down so that you can tweak the process to work best for you.

First you need to make sure the rod you are using is compatible for you and the reel. Do not use a medium-light or light action rod to learn with, change over after you are comfortable with the reel if you wish.

Second make sure the tension on the spool is adjusted so that when the rod and reel is held straight out at shoulder level and the spool is in free mode allow the lure or weight you are going to use (I recommend a 1 ounce weight) will descend to the floor or ground with out creating excess loops in the line on the spool. This is a generic setting that will work for the beginner to learn from. As you get more proficient with the reel you can loosen the tension knob on the side of the reel to increase you casting distance.

The accuracy issue will be solved by practice. Set up several targets to cast at, hoola-hoops make great targets and are very inexpensive. Just make sure you change the line after practicing in the yard.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

Answer 5

You will grow to love the reel once you get used to it. I used to hate baitcasters but now that's all I use except when fishing really light baits or really big baits for catfish.

The best thing you can do is practice. Get a half ounce drop shot sinker (one of the ones with the metal loop at the top). Tie it on and practice in your yard. Keep practicing in the pond too if it's not really grown up. Baitcasters are hard to throw with alot of stuff in the way. I always use a spinning reel in those situations. Once you get to where you can throw it without too many backlashes set up targets and practice control.

Answer 6

when i first used a baitcast reel i had the same trouble you do. Just lightly cast the rod and try diffren settings(knobs). Try to trun the knob on the side where your reel handle is. Put is on the adjustment where it is harder to cast, that will limit mestakes, but is wont give you much casting distance.


P.S. after learning how to use mine i dont thing i will ever use a diffrent reel because its so good.