Welcome to our blog. Today I share here how to use a baitcaster reel for beginners.
Whether it’s out of plain curiosity or for greater control and power, using a baitcaster becomes the norm once you know how to use it.
However, baitcasting reels take some getting used to, as they are more complex than spinning reels. In this article, I will try to keep it as simple as possible for beginners who are new to fishing or baitcasting.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Let’s talk about the equipment first.
Baitcaster
Obvious as it may sound; newer products come in variety of option. As a beginner, don’t get lured into buying something above your weight.
The break system used to control casting is the main differentiate here. While the break system determines how good the component is, I suggest you to buy the one that feels good in your hand and fulfills your current needs.
Bait
Sometimes you may do everything right, but if you have the wrong bait, all that effort might become useless.
Therefore, properly research and find the bait that will serve your purpose.
Line and Rod
While these products depend on your taste entirely, choosing the right setup is important. You will need better lines and rods if you prefer heavier fishing.
Using a Baitcaster Reel in 4 Steps
While spinning reel users will have an easier time learning the baitcaster reel, the beginners shouldn’t find that discouraging as they will be able to adjust with some practice soon.
Step: 1 – Holding the Baitcaster
I have included this as the first step as it in fact the most significant yet most neglected part of casting.
The rule of thumb here is, literally, the thumb. You must hold it in a position where the thumb is always on the spool. Whether, you’re left or right handed, doesn’t matter.
Wrap your hand around the rod handle in a way your thumb is on the spool. Retain that position.
Once you get used to your thumb being on the spool, follow your manufacturer’s instructions on your specific rod. This varies from equipment to equipment, as does the performance.
Tips
- How tight you want the tension knob to be is something you should select based on your recommended setup.
Step: 2 Reel in the Line
Before you wind the reel, get familiarized with it. Make sure your thumb rests on both the spool and spool release button.
For beginners, I recommend let the line hang 8-10 inches from the rod tip.
Tips
- Practice short lob-type casts to get the hang of it. As it starts the spool evenly and gives you more control.
- Slowly go for bigger distances.
- Rest your thumb on the spool in a slight angle than completely flat. It gives you more control on the line.
Step: 3 Spooling the Line
Remember, when you take your thumb off the spool,your spool will spin freely. Then you must bring the thumb back on with coordination. It needs to be very precise or the spool will spin faster than the release of line.
This is the time you must learn the adjustments so later on you can throw and control better when you start casting
Tips
- From the moment you released the spool, you have to be precise with your thumb at least to stop the initial burst of speed.
- Having a heavier bait or lure, helps the winding and casting.
Step:4 Casting the reel
Press the reel spool release button, while your thumb is still on the spool. Next, bring your arm close in so that the tip is slightly past vertical. Simultaneously, do not use your wrists for this but use the entire arm.
If you’re positioned accurately, the handle of the roller will be facing upwards.
Once your position is fixed, sweep the arm forward. Bring it as close to your eye level as you can.
While you are sweeping forward, thumb the reel and release the spool till the lure lands.
Once it’s in a position where you want it to be, use your thumb to press the spool again. This will stop the lure.
When ending the cast, remember the roller will face similar direction as when you started the cast.
Tips
- Stopping the lure takes extra caution, as if you take too much time, the line will create an overrun that you will have to fix before you bring back your lure.
- You will not be able to do it instantly. Practice releasing and pressing to get the correct coordination.
- From the time you swing your arm till you stop the lure, you must practice controlling the speed of the spool.
Conclusion
This isn’t the easiest tool to master. There will be backlashes but you mustn’t let that discourage you.
With learning the baitcaster reeling, the most important thing is one’s thirst to learn something new. Newer equipment has more functions that may confuse you, but it also makes you fish a lot easier.