Author Topic: Baitcaster Equiptment?? (Read 1231 times)

wvbowman04 · « **on:** April 16, 2004, 02:48:55 PM »

I just got a new Pfleuger baitcasting rod and reel. The only problem is that I have always used spinning gear and learning this new stuff is turning into quite an adventure. I have the spool tension set soo that when the button is pushed as if to cast the lure falls on at speady pace and not directly to the floor. But then when I go to cast I can never make an accurate cast and no matter how much I thumb the spool it always ends up in a mess. How much pressure should I be putting on the spool?? Another question I have is the type of line have an impact on well the equiptment preforms?? I am using the Bass Pro shops lines that I have always used on my spinning rods with good success. PLease help with anything you can. Thanks in advance.

savageT · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2004, 06:41:54 AM »

I hope I don't lead you off on a tangent here....My experience as a bait-caster was with shakespear tounament reels from the 50's. You adjusted the reel end-play with the bearing nuts on either side frame. There was no drags. Now, when casting, you have to keep your thumb on the reel at all times to maintain tension to prevent backlashes. I have a feeling that most of your problems so far are because of the line. We always used braided nylon lines that were NOT monofilament. That stuff has too much memory and is not what you want for baitcasting reels. Now, if there are new lines specifically for your reel than I hope I'm not steering you wrong.

Jim

1911crazy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2004, 11:39:10 PM »

Ok if your reel has a magnetic brake turn it off or to the lowest setting. Put your lure on you are going to use and hold the rod horizontal and release the spool let the lure hit the ground. Now you have to adjust the friction side knob so the spool stops spinning when the lure hits the ground thus no backlash. Now I turn on my magnets to the half way position and start from there and practice casting. You will use your thumb when casting but less and less as you learn to adjust the magnetic brake. BigBill

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2004, 12:56:05 PM »

wvbowman04,

The only thing I would add to what BigBill had to say is the best weight to practice with until you get used to casting is a 3/8 oz.. Also use a line with the least amount of memory you can find. Something like instead of using Trilene XT(extra tough) go with Trilene XL(extra limp). Don't give up, once you get used to a baitcaster you will find they are about the most accurate casting system going. Tight lines to you. Lawdog

lik2hunt · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2004, 04:27:16 PM »

I second the last two entries with only one more thing to add. In my books you just can't beat Bill Dance's favorite 14 lb. stren original. Low spool mem and great durability. Keep practicing and you'll be laying your bait right in under those limbs and next to those bushes in no time. Remember a big back yard is perfect for practice. Set up a few targets like paper cups, old shoes, anything you can find. While you're at it learn to "feel" what your line is touching by watching the different kinds of grass, limbs, rocks, and so on while you're getting to know that baitcaster. Soon you'll recognize these feelings under the water too. Since you have been using spinning gear for a while you already know a little about how to "finesse" a bait. You can do the same thing with a good baitcaster too. Have fun and be patient.

lik2fish and......

wvbowman04 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2004, 02:34:40 AM »

I will get this..........eventually. I am goin to make a run to Walmart tonight to get me some new line. Thanks for all the advice. I am only 17 and figured it would be good to learn right now and get good before I can get a boat and start with the tournaments. This forum has help tremendously with everything i have wondered about. Thanks again to all.

Skipper · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2004, 07:03:51 AM »

That pfleuger if a Supreme has centrifugal brakes not magnetics and is a very very fast reel off of the shelf. It will definitely take some getting used to even for an educated hand.

The mistake that 90% of the people make with a baitcaster thatt causes them problems is tightening it down too much and forcing you to put a lot of power into the cast. Trust me on this, it's far easier and less prone to problems for you to set the spool tension a little light (more free) and turn in between 2 and 4 brakes to help the backlash situation. Your cast should be a light flip of the wrist not a hard cast involving moving the shoulder with enough power to crack a bull whip. Adjusted right, with the correct rod/bait combination your lure should sait out to where you aimed it.

I do not reccommend braid on today's baitcasters for a novice. Today's braid is a far different thing than the old nylon Mason's line that was mentioned above. I wouldn't think Excell would be a major problem so long as it's not old or kinked up. I use Cabella's Pro Line myself, and don't have any problems with it. Trilene XL and Stren are both good lines, expensive, but good as well.

Skipper

1911crazy · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2004, 03:17:58 PM »

I actually started out with Penn saltwater reels saltwater fishing casting from shore with them so my thumb had a head start getting its education.
I just started with using baitcasters and i bought a few cheap reels to learn on. One of the is a Shakespear that list for $28 I got it on sale for $12 it has a flippin switch and adjustable magnetic brakes. I also have some more expensive baitcasters too the larger body reels instead of the palm sized ones. My best purchase was a learn to baitcast video to learn how to setup the reel then its just practice, practice and more practice but the spool adjustment is the most important thing. Just stay with it and I also picked up a casting plug to use too. BigBill

I get most of my reels from gofishin.com there up to 50% off. I also collect old fishing equipment and I have some awesome old baitcasters and spools of the orginal black line on the orginal wooded spools too.

wvbowman04 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2004, 02:22:55 AM »

I will check that site out. It sounds like a pretty good one. You can never have too much fishin stuff. lol. I have always thought all the older lures, rods, and reels were really cool. Where do you get most of your collectables??

savageT · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2004, 02:55:38 AM »

Our family was introduced to the sport of baitcasting in the late 40's by a close friend. We were family members of the Onondaga Casting Club of Syracuse, NY, and the club produced the annual casting tournament at the NY State Fair every year. We would meet on Tuesday evenings all year 'round, either casting in one of the parks (not always on water) or in a school gymnasium. Our equipment was generally pretty much the same: fibreglass 5 1/2' to 6' rod, the green Shakespeare Tournament Reel (level wind, narrow spool). We used std. tournament 5/8 oz. casting plug and 10 lb. test line, casting @ 5- 30" targets placed from 40 to 80 ft. from the platform.

ACCURACY: (5/8 or 3/8 oz. classes) Each contestant made a total of 10 casts starting with 100 points w/ deductions from 0-10 points. Zero, for a hit, one point for less than 1-foot miss, and so on out to 10 points.

ACCURACY 3/8 oz. Class: It was allowed to use free spooling reel w/o level wind. These were Shakespeare reels with a feature that disconnected the entire gear train by revolving the crank handle backwards). Most of our members used a special rod for 3/8 oz. with a little more flex than the one used for 5/8 oz. Most kept their rod lengths under 6' to prevent getting clipped in the ear from the plug.

I ended up giving away all our tournament equipment to a collector of fishing gear some years ago after the club folded back in the 60's. It was a great family sport that didn't involve allot of money. We would travel summers to various cities in the Northeast for tournaments with other clubs.

Jim

1911crazy · « **Reply #10 on:** April 20, 2004, 05:03:55 AM »

Quote from: wvbowman04

I will check that site out. It sounds like a pretty good one. You can never have too much fishin stuff. lol. I have always thought all the older lures, rods, and reels were really cool. Where do you get most of your collectables??

I go to antique shops when i go to Vermont or Maine while on Vacation its something I to look forward to do plus the misses looks at antiques too so its something we can do together. I've been shopping at gofishing.com for quite a few years now he has great deals on lures, plastics, fly fishing stuff and rods too besides reels too. There is also a sale on at cabelas right now too checkout the weekly added stuff besides the bargain cave too I got some scents there for .99 cents you can't go wrong with the marked down plastics there either too. I'm Frugal but I love to fish too so I shop smart too pay less buy more!!!! BigBill

Lawdog · « **Reply #11 on:** April 20, 2004, 11:33:17 AM »

BigBill,

Quote

I actually started out with Penn saltwater reels saltwater fishing casting from shore with them so my thumb had a head start getting its education.

You don't mean the old Penn Senator series do you? You know the ones put on those 12 - 15 foot split bamboo surf casting rods? And as far as some of the old baitcasting reels go I have six different old Shakespear rod and reel combo's that used to belong to my grandfather. You know the ones where the rods are made of steel? Talk about having to have an educated thumb. I too go around and collect old lures. Favorite places are garage/estate sales and Pawn/Antiques shops. I really like finding some of the old frog and minnow imitation plugs they used to make. But the antique lures I really look for are the old in-line spinners. Tight lines to you. Lawdog

wvbowman04 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 20, 2004, 02:13:23 PM »

If you guys don't mind me asking....... How much are payin for antique fishin stuff?? Bein still in high school and goin to college this fall I am a little tight on funds bu would like to start. Just about everybody in this sleepy little town has a yard sale in the summer. I shoudl go take a look around. You all have a ton of help thanks.

Wags · « **Reply #13 on:** April 22, 2004, 06:32:53 AM »

wvbowman, I had the advantage of learning how to cast a baitcaster when I was teaching my son how to cast. One thing I've learned was that casting with a spinning outfit was different and more forgiving than a baitcasting outfit. I progressed quickly by casting with my elbow instead of my shoulder. What I mean is that I kept my upper arm still and let my lower arm/elbow do the work. Also, being right handed, I would hold the rod/reel so that the reel handle was pointed straight up to the sky, and my thumb would rest on the spool flange (closest to the ground) as well as the line, keeping the casts short, I was able to learn to control the spool. With practice in the yard, you'll be able to cast longer than you ever thought possible in no time. I will also add that the better quality reels and rods are easier to learn on ( at least they were for me ). Good luck, and remember to have a little one with you so it looks like you're giving him/her lessons, that way your neighbors won't laugh at you when you are in the lawn casting like mine did, and still do!! :-D

monson_magnum · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2004, 06:27:20 PM »

Some may disagree with me, but here's my opion.

I think you have it set to loose, just for learning I mean. I like to start off too tight, then loosen up. I don't really mean for fishing, but just for getting the feel of how the reel work's. If it's too tight, then you won't get back lash's. Loosen it up until you figure out when they start happening. Don't get me wrong though, we all still get the occasional back lash. At least I do.

But that's when I got it really loose trying to reach acroos to the other bank. :?

BigBill,,,,,,

would you know of a place that sell's antique reel's. I'm not sure they were ever made, but if so, I'd like to find one from Belknap hardware. Have you ever heard of them. Thank's, Cal