What Every Angler Should Know About Using a Baitcaster

I can comfortably say that my perfection in using a bait caster has always made other anglers to envy the ease at which I use it and the rewarding result I get from it. I always tell them that with just a little patience and a lot of practice, they can get to be like me, or even better than I am.

Despite the fact that most anglers prefer the spinning and casting reels that are easier to use, a baitcasting gear always gives you an upper hand compared to other types of reels.

How to Improve Your Casting Skills

Be Well Equipped

Having a good reel and other fishing equipment that are of good quality is a plus because it reduces the chances of having any of them breaking down and causing a mess as you go fishing. Although expensive reels work better because they are of high quality, you can still get some at a pocket-friendly price.

KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – 11 + 1 Shielded Bearings – 17.5 Lb Carbon Fiber Drag - 7.0:1 Gear Ratio. Via: Amazon.com

Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details

Match Your Reel to The Rod

To make casting easier, you can match your reel to a rod of 6-10 or the 6-6 medium heavy rod. The 6-10 medium heavy rod is the best in this instance.

Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details

Have The Best Fishing Line

The best fishing line to use with baitcasting reels should weigh 10 pounds or more. This is because lines with bigger diameters come off the spool quickly and the probability of them getting overrun is low. Light lines are not at all suitable for use with baitcasting reels.

Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details

Set The Reel Appropriately

With modern bait casters; it has been made easier by the installation of the adjustable centrifugal braking system on one side and a tension knob too which is just below the handle of the reel.

Reel in The Line Correctly

10 Steps From The Expert Anglers

Simple steps that will ensure that you use your bait caster reel appropriately:

1. Understand The Specifications Of  Your Baitcaster

Understanding the specifications of the bait caster is the first and most important step. Always stick to the manufacturer’s instructions and check on the recommendations for the rod type. You also required to know how to set the tension of the spool, the right braking systems, and the best rod length.

2. Reel in The Line Correctly

To learn how to use a bait caster you had better used a heavy line. Reel in the line till your bait is six to twelve inches long. If you have a bobber or sinker attached to the line make sure that it is also six to twelve inches from the rod tip.

Reel in The Line Correctly

3. Clutch The Rod Just Behind The Reel Having Placed The Thumb Over The Reel Spool

With the bait caster rod, you will have to switch hands while making casts. To get control over the line while making casts, ensure that you place your thumb on the spool at a slight angle, but not having it flat on the line.

Clutch The Rod Just Behind The Reel Having Placed The Thumb Over The Reel Spool

4. Adjust The Rod to Make It Point Upwards

If you are right handed you should hold your rod in the one o’clock position so that you can use your wrist while making casts. If you choose to use your left hand, the handles will face down.

5. Press The Release Button

As you do this, ensure that your thumb is firmly placed on the spool. Of late, most of the baitcasting reels have the release button behind the spool which makes it quite convenient. Previously, to allow for longer casts, the baitcasting reels had the release button at the reel sides. This feature also made it easy for the reel not to return during the casts.

6. Bend The Arm With Which You Are Making Casts

This should be at an angle of 90 degrees at the elbow to ease the whole casting process. Adjust the rod till the tip moves almost vertical. With this achieved, it is the perfect time to make casts.

7. Train Your Thumb

Your thumb controls the spool of the line and also rides on it. By tying the reel on an object of not so much weight, sitting down and loosening up the spool control till the weight starts to drop freely, you can get better and better at the skill.

Train Your Thumb

8. Let Go of The Spool

By letting go off the spool, you allow the weight to drop. It is possible to reduce the chance of backlash during the first cast by setting the braking mechanism in a way that the spool stops spinning as the weight reaches the ground. To increase the casting distance, you can choose to back off on the brake once you get some expertise at using the setting to cast your baitcasting reel.

9. Making The Cast While Avoiding Backlashes

To avoid backlashes when you are making the casts, ensure that when you press the release button your thumb is resting on the spool. Cast the weight with your whole arm, not the wrist alone, to snap the lure forward. The handle of the reel should also be facing upwards to increase the performance of the reels. When making longer casts, always ensure that the braking system is loose.

10. When The Bait Hits The Target Stop It Immediately

Press the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait once it hits the target. Failing to do this on time will cause the spool to continue running, thus leading to an overrun which will make you have to straighten up again before retrieving the lure.

Video here will show you more details on how to use a baitcaster:

What You Should Be Cautious

Tips You Need To Remember When Using A Baitcaster:

Largemout Bass

Conclusion

I had earlier mentioned that with lots of practice and a little patience, you are geared towards being perfect at using a bait caster. Now that I have shared all that I know about bait casters, you need only to work on it. I hope that this article has answered all your questions on how to use a bait caster.