Using a Baitcaster

[Haji]

There is a lot of hype surrounding the use of baitcasters. I used to be S#$% scared of them until my friendly tackle store proprietor showed me a couple of good tips.
1) Holding the rod in front of you click the casting release bar and watch whatever you have on the end of the line run down to the ground and stop the spool just before it touches.
2) Adjust the knob on the side of the reel so that the lure etc takes around 2 to 3 seconds to hit the ground. It's a matter of judgement the main thing is to have a controlled descent not a full on rush down.
3) This is the secret to learning to cast with them. Assuming that you are right handed hold the rod with the reel on top and point it upwards at about 75 degrees.
4) Now roll your wrist 90 degrees to the left so that the reel is pointing left. Keeping that position go through a normal one handed casting motion pressing the release bar as you get to your normal release point (eg, as for a Threadline). Closely watch the path of the lure and clamp your thumb down on the spool just before the lure etc hits the water.

It sounds awkward but once you try it you will be amazed just how well you will be able to cast right from the start. Then with practise you can develop accuracy and all those other good things that people like Rod Harrison seem to do with ease.:luck:

[quintrex101]

Thanks for the tips haji, i should be csting my new baitcaster good soon

[Haji]

Hey Quintrex, have a look at my reply on your thread. What you have is a Threadline reel not a Baitcaster. Different casting method.

[storms72]

Haji, quinnie has posted in his 'My new baitcaster thread with two different reels, at the top of the page is his new Shimano Baitcaster so your casting tip for it is spot on....His lower post is about his newly aquired Shimano Baitrunner, Casting of this he would be fine with as it is the same as casting any threadline reel....Quinnie you just need to learn how to use the baitrunner facility of this reel and you will be into some jews in no time mate.

[Haji]

Thanks Jason, you are right I didn't see the other reel, now feel like a goose!

What I forgot to mention at the start of this thread is that when you are starting out don't try to cast a country mile. Using your wrist just rock the rod back holding your thumb on the spool then flick it forward releasing the spool as your wrist comes to the end of its natural travel which, when you hold the rod as I described will be with your hand in line with your arm and the rod still at about 70 degrees.

If anyone is interested I can try to post some pics on the weekend showing all that i have described in this thread. Let me know.:luck:

[JOC00L]

That's exactly how I started casting. Then when you get more confident, you can back the adjustment off slightly to give you more distance. Get yourself some rubber casting plugs and practice in the backyard.

[beats]

thats all the best ways to learn & train your thumb!
1 more hint, your reel should not be on top but slihgtly facing inward the way your hand would sit naturally with your thumb on the spool, this will stop you getting a sore wrist from repeatedly bending it the wrong way & because it is in its natural position you will have much more control with beter reflexes.
you may want to buy yourself some 15lb true braid, (not fireline or alike thats a fused gelspun) expensive for a young bloke BUT it will make things alot easier, as mono has massive memory & birds nests in mono are an absolute mess, braid has virtually no memory & any back lash will usually pull out without to much hassel as it doesn't continue deep into the spool.
dont try to cast anything too light either, nothing under 1/4 oz till you get a bit more comfortable with it.
don't give up practicing unless ya can land it in baked bean cans across the yard, then you can stop practicing.
Good luck.

[quintrex101]

thank beats, i can buy so 15lb true braid, i have brought it before but in 22lb, i like it better then that fireline,

[beats]

fireline is fine for spinning reels, but braid & baitcasters is a perfect match.