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Baitcasting 101: A Practical Guide To Your First Baitcaster
Baitcasting 101: A Practical Guide To Your First Baitcaster
By Alfonso K. Ajello
The baitcasting reel is an effective weapon that is available to the bass fisherman, and an important tool to have in ones arsenal. Many accomplished fishermen today use the baitcaster, with great effectiveness, but information disseminated to help the beginner is spotty at best.
This pamphlet is a one stop guide that is geared to help the beginner master this important fishing tool.
This guide will help familiarize you with: Baitcaster Anatomy Reel components and functionality Basic Casting
Investigate Everything
The manual will help you determine where the components are located that you will be using in the field. Find the following: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Clutch Star drag Casting control knob Level wind system Spool Braking system
Most baitcasting reels utilize some sort of braking system to assist the angler in combating backlash or spool overrun during the cast. The braking system can be intimidating, but familiarizing yourself with it before you start fishing will be helpful later on. Most baitcasters utilize one or both of two different types of braking systems, either a magnetized system or a centrifugal system. Your manual will help determine which your reel has.
Baitcaster Anatomy
Low-profile baitcasters have a palm side, and a handle side. Opposite of a spinning reel, right-handed baitcasters have a handle on the right side, and left handed baitcasters have the handle on the left side. The palm side of the reel is designed to fit the contour of the hand. This comfort in hand is a primary advantage over round baitcasters. If your reel has a braking system it will be located on the palm side of the reel. The handle side of the reel contains the handle and casting control knob. Beside the handle you will find the star drag
In the center of the reel is the spool, and just behind the spool is the clutch bar, which can be depressed with the thumb to disengage the spool and pay out line so you can cast. In front of the spool is the levelwind system that guides line onto the spool evenly as you retrieve.
Levelwind System Star Drag Handle
Braking System
Basic Casting
Once you have introduced yourself to the reel, the best thing to do is practice in your back yard, not on the water. Practice in a controlled environment, with no distractions, is the best way to gain confidence. Set up a target and get started. The adjustments you learn to make during backyard practice will help you avoid problem later, when you are chasing lunker bass.
Your next step is to back off the tension on the spool control knob until the bait floats freely to the ground, with minimal pressure from your thumb.
Keep in mind that if your spool is set too tight you will not be able to cast for any distance, so it is important to find a middle ground.
If the braking is set correctly, backlash will not be occurring during the middle part of the cast when your lure is traveling forwards or upwards.
Choosing a Baitcaster
The first thing you should consider when choosing a baitcaster is your budget. Quality baitcasters range in price from $75 to $500. However the most critical factor to consider is the style of fishing you plan to do. Once you determine your budget go to your favorite bait & tackle store and ask to see some reels. Hold the reel in your hands to feel how it fits in your palm, ask questions to determine which reel fits your style of fishing. See if you are comfortable with the orientation of the reel components such as the clutch, spool, & drag, and you will want to see the braking system in person and get an idea of how to operate it. Attend the big fishing expos that come along in February & March. Most of the big reel manufacturers attend these shows and display all of their newest reels. They allow you to handle their reels as long as you desire, and will answer any questions you may have.
Whether you choose your favorite bait & tackle shop or you choose to wait until the next fishing expo, ask a lot of questions and have fun with the process of finding a reel that is right for you.