So I have been running baitcasters for a few years now and I really like them. For those of you who use them for casting, do you run the brake systems wide open, or do you leave some brakes engaged? I usually use some brake, but I want to get more distance. I have been experimenting with no brake, but I’m getting so many backlashes it’s frustrating.
Thanks,
Dan
Play with the spool adjustment knob as well.
On my Curados I typically leave one or two brakes engaged and adjust the knob so the lure slowly drops when the rod is held horizontal. I’m also making adjustments to that knob throughout the day as conditions change. Very rarely do I touch the internal brakes.
Your bait should fall slowly if you engage the reels button. That is the correct setting, at least that is how it was explained to me.
I am good with the spool tensioner knob. It’s just the brakes that I’m trying to play with.
Yeah it takes time….
Make sure the tension is just right, I was running my bait casters at 10 last year and this year I have bumped them down to 4-6. However!! I did have to add a little more tension or else my spool would catch up with my cast. If I am casting into the wind I still crank it up to a number 8 and do a lower side arm cast.
Just takes time…
Dan, what reel are you using?
I rarely go wide open, there is no room for error when you do that. When I click a setting toward free spool, I click one setting more tension on the spool. Then if I feel like I can back the spool tension off one click I will.
You said you are trying to get more distance. You may be throwing the bait too hard. The more toward free spool you go, the more smooth you need to cast. I always find it surprising how effortless I can cast near free spool, and cast further, than when I whip it with the brakes tighter. I only attempt it casting when it is calm or with the wind.
Yeah, one of the best pieces of advice that I got about using the baitcaster is that it is a totally different cast than with a spinning reel. Don’t whip it, try to sweep it.
I am using three different reels all low endish. I have two Abu Black Max, one Silver Max, and a Cabela’s Prodigy which is made by Diawa.
Thanks for all the responses. I think I need to dial it back a bit more and be content. Some day I’ll be KVD.
One memory I will never forget from the Sportsman Show was watching a guy demonstrating casting. He proved that all you really need to use is your wrist. But he also wasn’t chucking a musky bait 
I think if you tried a Curado/Citica or Lews with the centrifugal brakes you would see a big improvement in casting distance. The only magnetic brakes that I have really liked are on higher end Daiwas.
I think if you tried a Curado/Citica or Lews with the centrifugal brakes you would see a big improvement in casting distance. The only magnetic brakes that I have really liked are on higher end Daiwas.
What is the price point on a centrifugal brake system reel? I am on a pretty tight budget, but I can usually manage one or two things a year.
I hate magnetic brake. Buy a centrifugal brake system reel. You can get into them around $120 and up. I know people who love the magnetic brakes. But they all said it took them a while to dial everything in. I still cast farther than them though.
Here’s a tip ,as you cast, tip your right-hand to the left so your reel handle is on top ,it’s really hard to backlash a reel when this is done. DK.
Here’s a tip ,as you cast, tip your right-hand to the left so your reel handle is on top ,it’s really hard to backlash a reel when this is done. DK.
I saw a video recently where the guy said this was the proper way to cast a bait caster, but he didn’t say why. Ive tried it, but sometimes I forget.
Any explanation to the reason it doesn’t cause backlash?
Here’s a tip ,as you cast, tip your right-hand to the left so your reel handle is on top ,it’s really hard to backlash a reel when this is done. DK.
Hmmm, I’ve never heard that before. I know it’s not how I cast now. I’ll definitely have to give that a college effort.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>catmando wrote:</div>
Here’s a tip ,as you cast, tip your right-hand to the left so your reel handle is on top ,it’s really hard to backlash a reel when this is done. DK.I saw a video recently where the guy said this was the proper way to cast a bait caster, but he didn’t say why. Ive tried it, but sometimes I forget.
Any explanation to the reason it doesn’t cause backlash?
I’ll take a guess. I don’t think it has anything to do with the reel itself, why would it? I believe the rotating of your wrist helps smooth out the casting motion. Same reason for saying the cast itself should be more of a sweep, rather than a snap.
Although I do find myself occasionally giving the rod a quick snapping action and getting away with it. Not much room for error when doing this, my backlash rate jumps exponentially when attempting this.
I am right handed. I hold the rod and reel left hand, push free spool with right hand , control reel with left hand right hand on butt of rod. Make cast tip reel down so spool is vertical. You don’t have to switch hands this way.
If you keep your reel in the right hand ,handle up vertical spool ,but you have to switch hands to reel ,which I don’t like to do. DK. Whatever way you cast, if you keep your spool vertical it’s darn hard to birds nest
a reel.
Adjusting the spool tension to the weight of the lure as it drops is how old time round Abu’s, etc. were adjusted that had no other braking.
Set the spool adjustment knob to just eliminate side to side play with the spool NOT to have resistance as the spool rotates. Set your braking to the lowest setting you can for the conditions (wind) and lure weight to maximize your distance.
You don’t have to spend a fortune, but there is a BIG difference in how better quality baitcasters cast compared to econo models. It’s too bad that a lot of people buy the econo reels for a first baitcaster to see if they like them. There’s enough of a learning curve to using a baitcaster without having a so so reel making it harder.
You can get Daiwa Tatulas for around $99 shipped. By far the best reel on the market and best value. You will be amazed at how smooth they reel and how far they cast. I replaced everything I have this year with Tatulas, not sponsored and don’t work for them. I just finally realized that having 15 different vintage reels from numerous manufacturers was a pain in the butt.
I now have everything the same and chose the tatula over Shimano to do so. I have to add that prior, I was a shimano bait cast fan. I found that the quality had diminished in recent years.
To answer your question though,down wind turn it down and let it rip, up wind crank up the magnet control cast conservatively and adjust accordingly. Oh and if you are casting Fluorocarbon…..nothing will help! ha!
I have a Quantum Smoke and a Quantum PT Accurist (Older Model). I get far more backlash from the Smoke until I get it dialed in. The Accurist I can chuck pretty hard without consequence. The Accurist casts pretty far, but once I have the smoke dialed in it casts further with less effort.
I think I need a lesson from Randy W on tuning in the Smoke. If I remember correctly, he may cast in free spool.
I have mine free spool. Just takes time and experience.
I mostly us the cheap Abu Garcia’s. Only set the spool tension and always thumb the line and like mentioned turn the reel sideways. You need to adjust the reel tension EVERY time you change baits.
If you have a cat, clip the hook off a heavy jig and go in the yard and practice, practice and practice some more. Super glue a plastic to the jig head and you can torment a cat for hours. Cast overhand, 3/4, and if you have something to stand on you can practice a under handed roll cast.
It won’t come to you the first day but once you GET IT it will stick with you forever, like riding a bicycle. 
. Cast overhand, 3/4, and if you have something to stand on you can practice a under handed roll cast.
I do a lot of side and lower casting for accuracy and quiet entry. But those casts are never long distance.
I’ll do a roll cast to shoot under a dock. They all have their place I guess.
I got the chance to do some shore fishing yesterday and I was excited to try out all of your suggestions. Throwing with the spool vertical felt super weird, but it absolutely solved the backlash issue. I was amazed. Now it’s time to create some new muscle memory. Thanks for all the tips.
Dan
Sounds like I am going to have to discipline myself into turning the reel. Funny I never gave it much thought before.
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