pikepredator2
no matter how expensive or how many braking systems you have on that reel your thumb comes into play on every cast. And BeenThere, please share the tape trick.
Wellllllll.............. okay but first, you have to promise to keep it a secrete.
Masking tape, the blue painters type that comes in various widths and doesn't leave sticky residue, is recommended.
Strip off just enough line, from the reel, that you think will cover the distance of your casting + 10 or so yds. Place a strip of the masking tape (don't get carried away, eventually you'll have to remove the tape) on the reel spool then, rewind the line. Now, when you cast and hear that stupid whizzzzzz/flap/flap from that lovely "birds nest", you'll have just a few yards of line to dig or cut out. I would recommend trying your hand at undoing these tangles as you might be amazed at how simple it can be. Commercial pics are available that make the job easier and digging out nest made in expensive fishing line makes the price of the pic cost effective. Which leads me to a second 'trick of the trade' that says......... DON'T put expensive fishing line on a baitcaster till you have mastered its use!
Okay, now ya got me started, a big mistake made by 'baitcasting newbys' (even if they have followed the mfg's instructions on setting up the reel) is not adjusting brake/friction settings when they change baits and/or, the direction they are casting. Throwing a weighted plastic worm into a slight breeze may be okay but, switching to a buzz bait sporting a 3" 4 blade spinner, in that same breeze will produce a not-so-pretty sight. Likewise, throwing that buzz bait with the wind will create some beautiful cast and, turning 180 degrees may cause you to throw the buzz bait, rod and, reel right into the drink.
You got it right Pikepredator, the 'thumb' is very important for controlling every cast while using a baitcaster. Throwing a baitcaster is not like the good ole Zebco or Johnson spincast in that the button is pushed and held until whipping the rod forward. The thumb is used to hold the spool stationary and pushing the button at the same time then, releasing the spool when bringing the rod forward. Using the thumb to stop the line spool "BEFORE" the bait hits the water (or something else) is a must and the thumb can also be used to apply 'drag' on the spool when fighting a fish.
Another mistake made by first timers, not loading the rod properly thereby, releasing the 'wrath of the bird's nest'! Ya just can't crank the bait tight to the tip of the rod and expect a smooth cast. Leave the bait hang at least a foot from the top eye when casting any type of rod or bait. Timing is different when using a baitcaster compared to a spinning reel and it deals with when to release the line and of course, rod types, weights and, lengths will have a effect with this issue.
I recommend practicing 'the release' by making short cast (that's short cast), using CHEAP fishing line and the masking tape with the wind at your back after, reading the mfg's instructions for setting the spool brake and bearing friction adjustments. Huh....... bearing friction adjustment????? READ the mfg's instructions and after that, here's a tip on setting that puppy. Each time you change bait, allow the new bait to hang about a foot below the rod tip with the rod extended in front of you and the tip at '11:00 oclock, release the spool and allow the bait to drop to the ground/water. Be prepared to stop the spool with your thumb once the bait stops falling. If the spool needs to be stopped, adjust the friction setting until the spool stops when the bait stops. Likewise, friction adjustment may be required to allow the bait to fall freely (too much friction will affect your casting distance). I prefer to set friction then fine tune by setting the spool brakes. Friction adjustment is usually set externally and spool brakes internally so, I can make necessary friction adjustments without readjusting spool brakes.
Don't overkill with line weight, know your fish and spool with the appropriate line and learn how to properly set the reel drag system, which is another story.
Ok, enough is enough (but, I could go on and on and...)so here's my suggestion in a nutshell. Use the masking tape (it works) with cheap line to practice and don't try throwing long cast your first time out. Read the mfg's instructions with setting the reel up using the friction control and braking system (they are not the same). Set the reel up so the adjustments are a bit tighter than they need be until you've learned where your release points will be. Just a word of caution, releasing a baitcaster the same as you would a spinning reel may get your bait involved with your junk. Throw with the wind at your back, until you catch on then learn what happens by throwing into the wind (hee hee). DON'T forget the masking tape!!!!!!
Throwing a baitcaster for the first time or after using a spinning reel is like playing baseball then playing softball.
Don't get frustrated, just remember Chyt happens!
Have fun, I gottaaaaaa........ get!
PS. you ask! (lol)