Kevin Van Dam Forums

I myself have never successfully fished with a baitcaster. I have always stuck with spinning reels just because that all I know how to use. As I read more about fishing techniques I realize that baitcaster’s seem to be preferred by many for certain conditions.

My question is, what is the best set-ups for using a baitcaster over a spinning rod, and any tips on how to cast em without getting a big ol’ birds-nest (tangle).

PS - if this question has been asked many times I apologize.

Thanks, Joe

buy a good quality bait caster [abu garcia] 4600,5500 models are good affordable reels that will last forever with care and maintanance.take 10 spools of line get up in the back of your truck,with a good pair of sissors and teach yourself how to fish it. I had a hard ime trying to let someone show me many years ago and that is exactly how I learned. There are only two basic operations of a bait caster, tension setting on the spool. This allows the spool to freewheel, or you can set it so tight you would have to physically pull it off. there is the drag, this allows the fish to pull some line off without breaking your line. the tension is vey important. it needs to be tight enough for a hook set, but loose enough not to break your line. this is very important up north with the smallies, because of the light line you have to use

sorry about the mis spellings, I just got up not awake yet

Go read these they have all the info you need. Its sorta like a step by step…

1.) http://www.ultimatebass.com/content/view/173/45/

2.) http://www.kevinvandam.com/forums/viewthread/144/P0/

3.) Practice, Practice, Practice

In my opinion a baitcaster is better for heavier bait and heavier line applications while spinning gear is better suited to light line techniques like shaky head and drop shot or casting the smallest of crankbaits.

I use a baitcasters to cast all my Texas-rigged plastics even using a weight down to 1/8oz.  I feel I have better control of the bait during the cast and more control over the fish after it’s hooked.

That doesn’t mean a baitcaster is better then a spinning combo - a friend of mine only uses spinning gear for all techniques and does quite well.

As for the bird nest - tie your most often used weight of lure on the line.  Tighten the tension knob (right under the reel handle) all the way tight.  Hold the up toward the 11 o’clock position and press the release button.  The lure should not fall.  Now slowly start releasing the tension on the tension knob.  When the lure starts to slowly fall don’t turn the knob anymore.  the lure should hit the floor and not birds nest.

The next step is to practice, practice, practice.

there are brakes and drags that will help you to start and will reduce backlash, although it reduces cast length. its a timing thing and after you have done it a lil while you will learn to take brakes off and just maintain a small amount ot thunb control and have your timing down to apply thumb pressure on the line just as bait hits the water so no extra line comes out. Casting into a heavy wind is not best way to practice though, it will frustrate you and make it seem harder than it is

the other guys covered it pretty well but already said before get a good setup first. i started out with a cheaper 2 bearing reel and i gave up twice on it but always came back for more. i had to replace 2 full spools of line…..  also go into your yard and pick up a couple of practice plugs and start casting in your back yard. spend a couple hours everyday doing this . what i found is doing it in a side arm fashion will let me have more control but that may not work for you try different things. you will never get better if you dont practice. the main thing is dont give up and practice.

Wow, thanks to everyone who answered, it has helped a lot. I currently have a Quantum PF 400CX 4 Bearing, and hopefully I can get pretty good at using it.

Thanks again to everybody!