How to Cast a Baitcaster

Baitcasting reels have been around since the 1870s. Traditionally, they are best suited for larger freshwater fish.

There are larger-sized reels that are used to catch saltwater fish. Casting a baitcasting reel can be tricky at first, but it can be picked up quickly with practice.

How To Use a Baitcaster Reel

There are a few simple steps to help you master how to use your own baitcaster reel. To start, you want to make sure that you reel the line until the lure is 6-12 inches away from the top of the rod.

You should place your thumb on an angle on the spool. It will give you more control over the line while casting.

Make sure the rod is in a position so the handles point up. Similar to the spincasting gear, it will allow you to use your wrist more when you cast.

You should then press the spool release button. Then you need to bend your casting arm until it forms a right angle. While lifting the arm, bring the rod up so that the tip goes slightly past vertical.

Bring the rod forward until it reaches eye level. As you do this, take your thumb off the spool so the wait of the lure propels the line where you want it to go.

Finally, once you get the line where you want it to go, press down on the spool with your thumb so you can stop the lure.

Baitcasting Techniques

Baitcasting reels have proven hard reels to master. Spincast and spinning reels are much easier to use, but baitcasters have fewer backlashes.

Baitcaster gear has major mechanical advances and is far more precise, even some of the more budget-friendly ones. There are some things to consider that will help fishermen overcome the difficulties that come along with baitcaster reels.

Make sure that you get the proper equipment. The more expensive the reel, most likely the better the cast because of the quality components being used.

Pick the right line for your reel. You also need to set the reel properly. The reels have adjustable centrifugal braking systems and tension knobs.

It would also be a good idea to practice using the rod. Try getting used to the reel on dry land before taking it straight to the water.

The most important technique is having a good attitude. Maintaining the right attitude while trying something new can help improve the outcome significantly.

How To Line a Baitcaster

Although the baitcaster is advanced, it is only as good as the line that you choose to use with it.

A general rule is to use 10 pound line or above. For beginners they recommend using a 17 pound monofilament because it easier to handle and learn with. There are four specific types of lines that people can use with the reel.

Best Fishing Line for Baitcasters

Fluorocarbon is a line that is sensitive and invisible in water. It is best used in clear water, sunny weather, with stationary fishing line, and when using lures like worms. The downside to this line is that is tends to be very vulnerable to backlashes while casting.

Monofilament is very easy to handle. This makes it a great line to learn and practice techniques with. It makes baitcasting a breeze and has less backlash. It is also a cheaper line, but it does not break easily like you would expect cheap lines to.

Braided line is known for its durability and abrasion resistance. It is recommended for difficult conditions.

It is hard to handle so it is not recommended for beginners. Since it is hard to handle, it is prone to backlash which can be harder to untangle since it is difficult to handle.

Fusion line is sensitive and strong at the same time. This combination makes it easy to handle and cast smoothly. These qualities make it perfect for catching big game fish.

Spooling a Baitcaster

If your baitcaster is not spooled properly, it can lead to a mess of tangled line. Here are a few steps to help make sure you do not get stuck with a tangled mess on the water.

First, you need to set up your baitcaster so it is level with the spool of line you will be using. Make sure the spool will be able to rotate freely when reeling line onto the spool.

Next, you pass the line that will attach to the spool through the level wind, under and then over the spool and tie an arbor knot. Don’t forget to trim the tag.

Then you need to begin reeling at a constant, efficient speed. Make sure to keep the line tight the whole time and spool it evenly across the entire width of the spool.

Keep spooling until it reaches about ⅛” from the top of the spool mount. Just be sure that the spool will be able to rotate without touching another part of the reel.

After the reel is fully spooled, leave enough line to go through rod guides and tie on a lure.

Once that is done, you can take your newly spooled rod and try it out in the water.

Top Rated Baitcasters

While choosing baitcasters, there are many things to consider, but if you want a baitcasting reel that does it all, you should go with the Abu Garcia REVO4 SX.

Whether you are right or left handed and the bait you plan to use are also factors when choosing a rod and reel.

Taking a look at the features of the rod are useful as well. You need to know about the different ball bearings and gears. Spool tension, weight, gear ratio, braking systems, and the switch on the baitcaster all influence the functionality of the reel.

Everyone has their own preference on what features they like, so it is best to test out different ones and see which one is the best fit.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a baitcasting reel, there are plenty of things to keep in mind.

It may get a little overwhelming at times looking at everything you need to go through, so make things easier for yourself and check out some of the other baitcasters we recommend the most!