Setting up my bait caster

Jacobguy · August 07, 2019, 03:50:24 PM

Hey guys so it's been about two weeks since I've gotten my setup (Daiwa Fuego CT) and I've been to the lake twice now and I'm still having trouble, I set my brakes all the way up and the tension knob all the way up (is that what I should do?) And im unsure of what the knib attached to the handle does (I think it's the drag but I'm not gonna worry about that until I can get a lure into the water). To cast I've been putting my thumb on the spool then releasing the button and casting it like that. And more often then not I've gotten backlash/birds nest and it is NOT fun, I now know your guys pain. After my first time out I thought I spooled it wrong (I used and arbor knot to attach it) and the line was crossed over itself on the spool every time. So I had it done at a large outlet north of me and they seemed just as confused as me when trying to spool it on their Berkeley station. I believe they did it right but it doesnt look even. Any advice?

Separate question, next year we are taking a family vacation to the east coast and we want to bring our rods. Will my baitcaster be fine in saltwater? I know it's supposed to have sealed and/or corrosion resistant bearings but I dont know what it means on the daiwa chart.

Another separate comment, I got my xzone lures in the mail Friday and they look amazing! I cant wait to use them I just gotta figure out how to use my reel first.

So thanks to anybody involved.

Thanks.

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WTodd · August 07, 2019, 04:44:43 PM

Can't help you with the spooling but it could be you're casting it too hard or and this is the biggest......having an educated thumb. Everyone backlashes though. Check the manual for the knob you're not sure of and Google tips for that particular reel and practice, practice, practice.

I wouldn't use them in saltwater

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Smallie_Stalker · August 08, 2019, 09:30:21 AM

Wtodd nailed this on all points. One thing I will add is you may be making it a bit harder on yourself by having the spool tension knob all the way tight. That might be causing you to have to try too hard to cast especially with the brakes turned all the way up as well. It's also not good for the reel to keep the spool tension set like that.

Back off the spool tension knob until you can move the spool side to side by hand and then turn it back up slowly, JUST enough to take that side to side movement out of the spool.

And don't try to cast too hard or too far right now. Distance will come with time. Right now concentrate on learning how to use your thumb to help control line flow.

Long casts can be made without casting hard. A smooth gentle motion will get you there eventually but you've got to get that thumb " educated ".

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WTodd · August 08, 2019, 02:51:21 PM

Smooth gentle huh?

I have a tendency to cast too hard but I have my settings on my Shimanos where I can almost throw them as hard as I want to. I've just recently added 2 Tatulas HDs to my arsenal that I haven't dialed in yet so I have to be very careful because if I cast too hard they will backlash big time so I'm learning smooth and gentle with them

. Like having 2 different women; treat 1 like a lady of the evening and the other like a real lady.

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WTodd · August 08, 2019, 03:32:44 PM

One thing I just thought about is check how much line you have spooled; some people can have a full spool (Barry who I fish with all the time) and those that can't have a full spool....me. I backlash a lot if I have a full spool

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gtrpickr · August 08, 2019, 04:21:31 PM

Maybe if you could make a video of how you are casting and adjusting your reel it would be easier for someone to give you more advice.

I know there are some good beginner baitcasting videos on youtube, sometimes you might have to watch several to get the best info for you.
Like smallie said dont try and cast too hard, distance will come accuracy and smooth casting should be what your going for first.

Jacobguy · August 09, 2019, 12:10:27 PM

Thanks guys, sorry for the late response also. And gtrpickr once I get out to the lake I'll make a video and post it. I turned down my spool tension and I'll take some line out of the spool. Thanks!

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Smallie_Stalker · August 09, 2019, 05:48:04 PM

Quote from: Jacobguy on August 09, 2019, 12:10:27 PM
Thanks guys, sorry for the late response also. And gtrpickr once I get out to the lake I'll make a video and post it. I turned down my spool tension and I'll take some line out of the spool. Thanks!

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If it makes you feel any better buddy it took me 3 tries today to try and get my new Fuego to spool without a huge buildup of line on one side. I still haven't quite got it yet, but I'm getting close.

I may need to check the line guide and pawl to make sure there aren't any problems. Not blaming the equipment though, I'm seriously out of practice with all of this stuff.

Jacobguy · August 09, 2019, 05:52:14 PM

Lol! Thanks yeah a part of me thinks it's the line that's spooled unevenly its crossed over and everything, when I did it myself it was better

also how do I post videos? I'm on my way from one lake to another right now. I also think I dont have enough weight on to cast properly I'll try a few things. Thanks!

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WTodd · August 09, 2019, 06:07:49 PM

Definitely try different adjustments but make small ones. Throwing light stuff is the toughest to do without backlashing.

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Jacobguy · August 09, 2019, 07:22:40 PM

Ok guys weight was the problem!!! I threw on a Texas rig with a larger weight and started throwing it out every bit as far as I could with my dads medium spinning rod!!!! It was user error the whole time

Although I still dont know what the spool tension knob does any comments? Thanks!

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RocBass · August 10, 2019, 09:31:57 AM

OK Here you go on spool tension adjustment -

The tension knob has to be adjusted each time you tie on a new lure if the weight of the lure changes. So, before you set it, hold rod at 10 o'clock angle. Reel the lure up until there is 8-12 inches of line from the rod tip. Tighten or loosen the spool tension knob knob so there is just enough pressure to allow lure to drop down slowly as you depress the thumb bar. This will also assist you in preventing overruns on your cast as well.
There are many here that are far more expert on bait casters than I am. I'm more of a spinning rod/reel guy.

There are many good videos on you tube on setting up and using a bait caster. You Tube videos are your friend in this endeavor.

To answer your question about saltwater fishing - spinning is better for many reasons - primarily because it will hold more line, is more durable and a large spinning reel with the proper rod will allow you to cast much easier with no backlash. Virtually no one uses a bait caster for surf casting for the above reasons. I'm not saying it can't be done; just not a good idea.

Good luck with your bait casting set up.

RocBass · August 10, 2019, 09:37:46 AM

PS
Just noticed there is a thread at the top of this page addressing the brakes and spool tension set up from those that are more expert than I am. Check that out as well as You Tube videos. Best of Luck

Smallie_Stalker · August 10, 2019, 01:39:44 PM

Quote from: Jacobguy on August 09, 2019, 07:22:40 PM
Ok guys weight was the problem!!! I threw on a Texas rig with a larger weight and started throwing it out every bit as far as I could with my dads medium spinning rod!!!! It was user error the whole time
Although I still dont know what the spool tension knob does any comments? Thanks!

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Jacob, read this thread for the proper way to set up a modern baitcaster:

http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=147997.0

Pferox · August 10, 2019, 08:31:17 PM

To answer your saltwater question, you probably could use your new reel in salt, but it will mean an immediate rinse when you got to where your staying after each use, and a tear town and clean out after a few outings, the fewer outings between clean and lubes the better.

My suggestion is to go to Walmart when you get to your salty location and invest 20 to 30 dollars on a Shakespeare spinning combo, use it and either bring it home, or donate it to one of the worthy local kids.

I used to suggest the Tiger Spinning outfit which was $20, but I just checked and it has gone up in price to $30 which is still a good price for that outfit. The rods were always outstanding and the reel would last for a couple of years of salty use before needing to be replaced.

If you aren't used to the salty environment, don't take a chance on your expensive gear unless it is saltwater quality. Better off to get the cheaper alternative, and if nothinng else you come home with a great medium weight catfishing rod.

Oldfart9999 · August 11, 2019, 01:00:08 PM

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on August 10, 2019, 01:39:44 PM
Jacob, read this thread for the proper way to set up a modern baitcaster:

http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=147997.0

Best way!
Rodney

Jacobguy · August 11, 2019, 03:19:18 PM

Thank you so much everybody! Went out to the lake again yesterday set my spool tension correctly and since I removed line from my spool it's been easier to cast. And thanks for the salt water info over the winter I plan on doing some more research into getting a spinning outfit for myself and I'll most likely bring that to the ocean. Thanks!

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1ReelFanatik · August 11, 2019, 06:47:01 PM

I disagree that you need to adjust the tension every time you change lure weight with Magforce-Z brakes. Leave it loose and adjust brakes...if necessary. Some reels require more playing with than others. My 50th Anniversary is practically a set-and-forget reel. Let a guy try it who didn't use his own baitcast reel because of backlashing it so often. He came back a few minutes later and asked me how to backlash the 50th.

My standard Zillion requires a bit more attention when changing weights. My other Magforce-Z reels are somewhere between those two. I do occasionally have to adjust spool tension, but that doesn't happen often. Under normal circumstances it is simply a matter of dialing in a little more braking.