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Author:
DirtyDawg10
Date:
Sep 30, 2009
Subject:
New baitcasting reel
Message:
I just purchased my first baitcasting reel after using spinning reels my whole life. I wanted to try one out. I got the Cabela's Prodigy baitcaster which is essentially the Daiwa TD Advantage reel, made by Daiwa for Cabela's. It is a very nice reel and is super smooth. The only problem is I suck at casting with it...lol. I've been practicing in the back yard the last couple of nights and it is tougher than I thought it would be. I have adjusted the anti-backlash to the weight of my practice lure. I can get a decent cast about 1/2 the time. My question is do any of you have any tips or tricks and/or how long will it take me to be able to get more consistent casts with this reel?
Author:
slimecoat
Date:
Oct 01, 2009
Message:
Dirty Dawg, it just takes practice, years of practice to be super efficient. I still get back lashes from time to time, especially casting into the wind. Then about a month ago when Justin Tralli had an issue with his equiptment being locked up at his Grandmothers house and he couldn't get to it, he used my baitcaster set up at the Lilli tournament we fished. I had everything set where I wanted it, and he changed the settings on it to suit him, so when I fished my next tournament with Pointing dog, the first 5 casts I made with my spinnerbait, I had terrible backlashes and pointing dog was giving me tons of shit calling me an amateur and other names I can't use here, until I finally remembered that Justin had used my combo and messed with all the settings. I had a few choice words for him that morning, so keep casting and getting a feel for the reel, and adjust the settings on the spool speed as well as the brakes, and before long you'll be doing fine. The next time you go out fun fishing, just take that 1 rod, and force yourself to throw it again and again and again.
Author:
SkeeterRon
Date:
Oct 01, 2009
Message:
Dirtydog, I was in the same situation when I started using a bait caster 4 years ago. What I learned was to first put backing on your reel, this will save you $$ on expensive line. Second, let out some line, only as much as your best cast. Once the line is out, take some electrical tape and put 1 or 2 wraps around the spool. Then reel up the line, this is for when you cast and you get a bird nest, that the bird nest stops at the tape and doesn't go down deep. As I cast, I always leave my thumb on the spool very lightly so I can adjust the speed and distance. Remember to balance you weight (spinner bait, jig etc) to the speed in which the line comes off. You want it so the line just barely spools off when you release the bail. Lastly, Practice all the time. I made a point of each night to make 100 cast. Hope this helps.
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