Baitcaster tension problems

[aeviaanah]

I recently purchased my first baitcaster. Ive watched videos and read lots of text to using them. When i have lots of weight on the end, 1/2oz or more setting tension and casting is a breeze. I like it. When i switch over to less weight i start running into problems. Suggestions tell me to make sure tension is set properly, before casting hold rod at a 45 deg angle and watch lure fall to ground. When i have a small amount of weight on the end, it doesnt fall at the right speed. I end up having to loosen nut all the way and it still wont fall correctly. Is this a sign caused by a cheap reel?

I am using 12lb equiv braided line. Reel is rated 10-14. I do not have the reel overloaded with line. I am probably 70% of max. Any ideas?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

What brand/model of reel?

Since you are just learning with a bait caster, switch over to mono, so you can rip it all of and reload when you ruin the line, backlashing it. (BTW spectra, while strong, can get weak spots from abrasions, backlashing can cause line abrasions). Forget about spectra until you learn how to cast without backlashing.

While tightening the spool adjustment know will help to learn casting, it's kind of a crutch. Use the brake blocks in left end of the spool to help control overruns, start with them all engaged. If your reel has "mag braking" magnets, set that about 50% or more. PRactice, practice, then start backing off the brake blocks and mag braking. I run all my bait casters with the spool tension completely backed off, slight clicking if the spool is wiggled left-right. I have a couple of mag reels and don't even worry about getting backlashes, it controls the spool that well.

70% line on the reel is a good start for learning, too much line on the spool makes learning difficult. You can place a small piece of tape on the line (after making a long cast) so the line does not backlash past the tape. I don't do it, but it's a good learning trick.

FWIW, learning to cast on a cheap baitcaster is going to make it difficult. Not saying you have to spend a ton of money on a reel, but a cheepie will hake learning hard. Try to see if you can find something with mag braking. I have a couple mag brake Daiwa low profile reels that cast like a dream, they weren't too expensive either, $50 or so.

Oh yeah, if I'm casting real light lures, I'm doing it with a spinning reel,,, coffee grinder...

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

The best rule of thumb is to adjust the tension to the point that when you engage the thumb bar to cast--your lure should be able to free fall to the ground and the spool should stop when the bait stops. Then you can go from there as to what you like. Depending on your lure you may have to adjust with every lure you use until you get the feel of it. With how I have mine set and use anything from a crappie jig to a zara spook--but it just takes practice.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

Practice is the key for sure. If you're not using a really good quality reel I'd do like fisherdan say's and switch to mono. Not to many baitcasters do well with braided unless they're designed for it. I have a really old Shakespear that was my Dads and it loves braided line. I use it for Stealhead fishing all the time but it is so basic there's no easy way to adjust the spool tension. Over time I've just learned to use my thumb just don't get confused and try to stop the reel with your thumb when a Steelie takes off runnin... ouch that burns.. LOL.. Best of luck and remember, practice, practice, practice.

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

The reel is a cheap Shakespeare Sigma. It is rated for 140 yards of 10lb line. I bought 150 yards of Power pro 10lb diameter. (I put 12 at first post) I figured I would reel it all on and cut off 10-15 yards. When i was winding the braid on the reel I noticed it began to resist, I never got to the end of the roll. I looked around a bit and I had too much line on the reel. I began cutting line off until it would not rub against the housing (where it mounts to rod). It works great with a heavier weight. The directions dont say anything about internal weights. I am confident the reel is full. It was put on with plenty of tension...following directions from youtube.

It is equipt with magnetic braking system. Ill play with it more tomorrow. Like I said, it casts great with more weight.

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

I did try the reel with two separate rods. A 6' 6" med heavy graphite baitcasting rod and a 5' 6" lightweight graphite spinning rod. Same results.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

The reel is a cheap Shakespeare Sigma. .

You get what you pay for. Stepup to a better brand more expensive reel and you'll have much better results.

... but really, baitcasters are for throwing heavier lures and fighting larger fish out of heavy cover. If you want to throw light lures long distances, use a spinning rod.

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

You get what you pay for. Stepup to a better brand more expensive reel and you'll have much better results.

... but really, baitcasters are for throwing heavier lures and fighting larger fish out of heavy cover. If you want to throw light lures long distances, use a spinning rod.

oh thats good to know thanks!

what size rod would you guys recommend? and action?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

what size rod would you guys recommend? and action?

That depends on what you're fishing for and how big they are, as well as where you're fishing for them... heavy cover? Open water?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

Size your rod and reel accordingly and you can throw 1/8 - 1/4 oz lures all day long with a baitcaster.

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

Ok, thanks for the help everyone!

 

[bassman284]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

It takes a lot of practice. I got my first baitcaster (actually fished it out of the lake) about 14 years ago and I'm still trying to educate my thumb. I now have 2 Quantum Accurist and a Shimano Cruxis that I use alternately with some spinning reels which is probably why my thumb goes dumb at times. I cast mostly 1/4 oz cranks and some 3/8 spinners, rarely heavier.

A friend of mine who's used baitcasters for 30 or more years told me to set the tension so that the bait DOESN'T drop unless you shake the rod a little bit. This will take a little bit off your cast but gives you a lot more control. He sets his up this way and then turns the magnetic or centrifugal brake clear off. I still have to use the bottom setting on brake (or get out the scissors) but still get good distance this way and rarely backlash even if the thumb doesn't do its job.

The reels I have range from about $80-100.

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

It takes a lot of practice. I got my first baitcaster (actually fished it out of the lake) about 14 years ago and I'm still trying to educate my thumb. I now have 2 Quantum Accurist and a Shimano Cruxis that I use alternately with some spinning reels which is probably why my thumb goes dumb at times. I cast mostly 1/4 oz cranks and some 3/8 spinners, rarely heavier.

A friend of mine who's used baitcasters for 30 or more years told me to set the tension so that the bait DOESN'T drop unless you shake the rod a little bit. This will take a little bit off your cast but gives you a lot more control. He sets his up this way and then turns the magnetic or centrifugal brake clear off. I still have to use the bottom setting on brake (or get out the scissors) but still get good distance this way and rarely backlash even if the thumb doesn't do its job.

The reels I have range from about $80-100.

Good tip, ill be sure to give that a try! Thanks!!

 

[sschefer]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

Just read about the tension. Line has changed over the years but I haven't changed my spooling methods. I first put about 10 yards of light weight backer on, then my line and I make sure to never use very much tension. Tension will build as the line spools on and you end up blowing the spool out and forcing into the sides of the reel as it expands. The better the reel the less the odds of that happening but on a less expensive reel you might even crack the spool. You might try spooling with very little tension, just let the line run through your fingers and keep light tension on it so it guides on evenly. That may be all the problem is. Good luck.

P.S. If I have a really good day fishing and have had a couple of good fighters on I usually change my line when I get home. I'm always worried that the tension put on it while yankin in a hog will distort the spool. Maybe I shouldn't but I do it and it gives me peace of mind. I guess I could just pull it off and put it back on but what the heck when I have it all out I might as well change it. Line is cheap, good reels are not.

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Baitcaster tension problems

Just read about the tension. Line has changed over the years but I haven't changed my spooling methods. I first put about 10 yards of light weight backer on, then my line and I make sure to never use very much tension. Tension will build as the line spools on and you end up blowing the spool out and forcing into the sides of the reel as it expands. The better the reel the less the odds of that happening but on a less expensive reel you might even crack the spool. You might try spooling with very little tension, just let the line run through your fingers and keep light tension on it so it guides on evenly. That may be all the problem is. Good luck.

P.S. If I have a really good day fishing and have had a couple of good fighters on I usually change my line when I get home. I'm always worried that the tension put on it while yankin in a hog will distort the spool. Maybe I shouldn't but I do it and it gives me peace of mind. I guess I could just pull it off and put it back on but what the heck when I have it all out I might as well change it. Line is cheap, good reels are not.

Yea I hear you on that. This is a cheap reel right now, I think I will return this and get a proven one from bass pro shop. A few have 4-5 stars and are rated by 100+ people. This may be a better starting point.