July 11, 2010
Baitcasting Without Birdsnests
Fishermen who prefer to use lures larger than 1/4 ounce to 3/8 of an ounce often discover that bait casting reels are their best asset. On the other hand, those who tend to target trout, often use a very light line which bait cast reels do not handle well. One of the issues with bait casting reels is the backlash and the ability to create a birds nest out of your line. They are however some simple things that you can do to overcome this problem.
First, you need to understand how bait-casting reels work. The principal is that these are revolving spools and when you cast a lure, they revolve forward and feed your line. This continues until your lure hits the water. The factors that can affect this include the weight of the lure as well as the force behind the cast. These factors determine just how fast the spool is spinning and whether or not the spool will continue to spin after it hits the water. Naturally, you’ll have far less problems if the spool stops spinning when the lure hits water. When it doesn’t, you’ll get the birds nest effect. Here are some ways of overcoming this issue:
1. Reel Quality – It is important to remember that quality does matter when you are purchasing a reel. High quality reels typically sell in the $75 dollar and up range. These reels can help you be more productive and enjoy bait casting.
2. Line Quality – The best line for bait casting is a 12-17 pound monofilament line. Lighter lines are great on spinning reels but are best reserved for them.
Once you have prepared your reel you will need to test its effectiveness. First, tie your lure on, and raise the rod so that the tip is placed at where 10 o’clock would be. Now, test your spool by releasing the line and dropping your lure. Once it hits the surface (acting as it would as it struck water), it should stop turning. If it does not, you need to make adjustments. This can be done by:
- Adjusting the spool brake – this is typically found on the right hand side of your reel. It’s generally a small knob on the side of the plate. Turn it until the tension is tightened and try casting again. Repeat as needed until there is no motion after it strikes the surface.
Casting – Now you can start practicing your cast. Remember that you want it to be smooth and you don’t want to use too much force. If your cast is not as long as you’d like it to be try releasing some tension until you have found the perfect length. Don’t over-loosen your tension. Remember, you can use your thumb to slow the spool down during your cast. Once the lure strikes the surface, use your thumb to stop the spool. Continue practicing until it feels natural to you.
Reel Model variations – Verify if your reel has a secondary braking system. Some systems use a magnetic cast control brake which utilizes a series of magnets to slow down the speed of the reel. Other systems are centrifugal brakes and they work with a series of pins that may need adjustments. They can be used to fine tune how the reel works.
Use properly weighted lures – use lures (or a combination of lures and sinkers) of at least ½ ounce in weight. They will make practice much easier;
Don’t give up – As with any other new endeavor, practice makes perfect. Stick with it and practice different presentations, different weights and practice different techniques. Learning the proper use of a bait-casting reel will be rewarding once you get the hang of it. With proper practice, you’ll soon be handling a bait-caster like a pro.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Daiwa Saltwater Reels.
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