Baitcastin

Question
I need to know how to adjust, set, and cast a baitcaster. Please let me in on all you know.

Answer
Hi Austin,

For starters, adjust the spool tension so that the lure just barely pulls line from the free-spool on it's own weight.  Hold the rod straight out horizontally with the lure hanging a foot off the tip.  With the reels free spool disengaged (button pushed) the lure should barely start to fall on it's own weight.  You may even have to bounce it a little to get it to drop.  Now the tension is set correctly.

Hold your thumb on the spool and bring the rod back over your head to about 10:00.  Start forward and start releasing the thumb tension about 1:00.  Don't take your thumb completely off the spool.  It's all about the thumb tension!!!  You have to feather that spool to slow down the speed so you don't get a backlash (or a professional over-run as we like to call it). Oh yes, even after 35 years of casting, we all get a backlash now and then.  Especially casting into the wind on a windy day.

Start out with heavier lures (3/8-1/2 oz.) as they are easier to cast.   Like everything else, it all about practice.  Don't get frustrated.  Stick with it.  After a day on the water you will start to get the hang of it.  Buy your second day you will get comfortable enough to start trying lighter lures.  Buy the third day, you will have it mastered!