Bait Casting

[rwilli1]

I tried using a bait cast reel about ten years ago but I could never get the hang of it. I won a new citica at a cca event and wanted some tips. What is the best way to learn to use these?

[Guest]

get out in the yard,,,,,tie on a weight and cast away......lol play with all the adiustments and learn what your reel will do

[tjrifewtbast]

I agree with Snoot Yard is the best place to learn. You should have 2 knobs one on the each side. The one on the right when u push the release button with ur thumb it should fall slow. Tighten it first and work ur way lose. Once its tight the lure or weight will not fall. Back it off a lil bit until its start falling then u should be good on that side depending on ur reel u should have a dial from 1-10 on the left side as a beginner i would advise u put it on 10 until u learn it then u can start turning it down. It really depends on how u cast not everyone is the same i through my baitcaster pretty hard so i never go below 7. And the one thing i think will help you the most is to pitch one Once to learn to pitch one the casting will come natural Look on Youtube for pitching technique's if your not sure I hope this helps so its hard to show someone over the internet U will enjoy it once u get the hang off it

[rwilli1]

Thanks for the advice. Also what is the appeal of one over a spinning reel?

[Jtewes]

Thanks for the advice. Also what is the appeal of one over a spinning reel?

Heavier line, heavier rod, and heavier baits.

J

[BassinHomer]

Heavier line, heavier rod, and heavier baits.

J

I'd say that's mostly right but you can find good baitcasters that will throw finesse type baits. You also get more control and better accuracy with a caster, once you learn to use it. Like everyone else said tie a weight on and cast it in your yard. Start with the reel adjusted so that the weight/lure stops imediately upon hitting the ground, once you get that down you can start learning how to adjust it for different cast, like flippin and pitchin, and what not. It takes time though and you will get backlash, but eventully you'l get the hang of it.

[rwilli1]

Is using braided line better to use to reduce back lashing ?

[Stratos260]

Is using braided line better to use to reduce back lashing ?

The only problem with braided line is it can be really tough to get a backlash out with braid. I would start with monofilament. It is cheaper and if you backlash really bad and have to cut some out it won't break the bank. Hope this helps.

[GlitterRocket]

I agree with Snoot Yard is the best place to learn. You should have 2 knobs one on the each side. The one on the right when u push the release button with ur thumb it should fall slow. Tighten it first and work ur way lose. Once its tight the lure or weight will not fall. Back it off a lil bit until its start falling then u should be good on that side depending on ur reel u should have a dial from 1-10 on the left side as a beginner i would advise u put it on 10 until u learn it then u can start turning it down. It really depends on how u cast not everyone is the same i through my baitcaster pretty hard so i never go below 7. And the one thing i think will help you the most is to pitch one Once to learn to pitch one the casting will come natural Look on Youtube for pitching technique's if your not sure I hope this helps so its hard to show someone over the internet U will enjoy it once u get the hang off it

good advise!!!! but it's a shimano citica...... so, no mag. brake dial on left side. there is a1/8 turn key to open the cover on the left side. once the cover is open you'll see the centrifugal brake. for a beginner, I would set 3 or 4 of the brake weights to the "on" pos. just remember, these weights need to be evenly spaced. for 3 that would be every other one, for 4, that would be 2 opposing sets "on", and one opposing set "off" .as far as casting advise, with a spinning rod, you "load up" the rod before you release the line. not so with a casting rod. release the line with your thumb, early in the cast , and be ready to slow the spool with your thumb at the end of the cast. right now, it may seem very cumbersome to use a casting rod/reel, but once you've mastered casting tackle, those spinning rods will probably be left at home!

[MOONlite]

DON"T flip or snap the casting rod like most people do with spinning. try more of a slower, easy lob instead of quick flip until you get the hang of it. i had the same problem with casting until i realized this. you can't adjust the reel to compensate for improper technique or if you can, you won't get much distance. a stiffer rod that doesn't flex as much also helps.

[rwilli1]

Thanks for all the responses. Used it today with a lot less frustration and started to enjoy it

[MtCarmelBugMan]

Thanks for the advice. Also what is the appeal of one over a spinning reel?

I was unaware a spinning rod had any appeal!!!!LOL I use all baitcasters and have since about age 9. Once you learn to use one it is hard to go back to the flimsy spinning rods. The way I fish a spinning rod is my last resort when it is very tough and I have to throw a weighless worm or fluke or a drop shot. That is really the only time I ever use a spinning reel. If you fish shallow and in deep cover a baitcaster is the only way to go. Heavy line and a heavy rod are your best friends when you are pitching in trees and bushes.

[trackertxw175]

I was unaware a spinning rod had any appeal!!!!LOL I use all baitcasters and have since about age 9. Once you learn to use one it is hard to go back to the flimsy spinning rods. The way I fish a spinning rod is my last resort when it is very tough and I have to throw a weighless worm or fluke or a drop shot. That is really the only time I ever use a spinning reel. If you fish shallow and in deep cover a baitcaster is the only way to go. Heavy line and a heavy rod are your best friends when you are pitching in trees and bushes.

i bought old baitcasters and put in both my sons hands by the time they were 5 and let them start playing with them with the spool brake set tighter. they picked up on it quickly and both can fish one right or left handed which is something i have trouble doing. my late father bought my brother and i heavy surf set ups when we were little with hevy penn reels. left for me and right for my brother we used on chesapeake bay and nags head when we went on vacation

[RboatlessNomore]

I would suggest that you add a piece of electrical tape in your reel too. However far you can cast plus another 50%, put a piece of electrical tape on the line, then the line that you will cast is on top of the tape. That way you can only backlash to the tape.