[ghost]

I picked up a bait casting reel at a yard sale the other day. After rethreading the spool I tried it out last night. To start with it would only cast about 8 feet using a worm harness. It seemed like it needed to be oiled or something. (I have no idea what I am doing on bait casting reels)

After getting fustrated I thought if I put some weight on the line it would maybe cast better. I put a 1oz egg sinker on line and when I cast the line went goofy. I do not know how to explain other than it looked like the whole line unraveled around the reel and the line that was cast got pulled tight on the reel over all the loose line. It was a mess.

Guess my question is:
Is there a trick to spooling a bait casting reel? (I just put the spool on a screwdriver in the vise and start reeling until spool is full)
Is there certain lines that work better? (currently using 8lb. mono)


Thanks for any help.

[Basseducer]

Ghost, welcome to the world of baitcasting. You got what is commonly called a birds nest or professional overrun. This happens when the spool is spinning faster than the line is paying out. Baitcasters are delicate creatures that have to be handled gently.
Try these tips;

1. Fill your spool only to 1/8 inch of the top of the spool and thread your rod.
2. Tie on your desired lure.

• On the opposite side of the crank handle is a spool tension knob, loosen this knob until it turns freely.

4. Holding the rod parallel to the ground depress the thumb bar, the lure should fall.
5. Reel the lure up and tighten the spool tension knob about half a turn.
6. Repeat #4 until the lure no longer falls.
7. Next if your reel has a breaking system, dial it to the max setting.
At this point it should take some effort to cast the selected lure. You will still need to use your thumb to feather the spool. When the lure starts to slow or just before it hits the water you’ll need to apply a bit of pressure to keep the spool from over-revving. Then Practice, Practice, Practice. As you become more comfortable you can start backing off the spool tension knob and decreasing the break to get longer more effortless casts.
I usually adjust the spool tension for different weight lures. Until you get really good DON’T CAST INTO THE WIND, this changes everything. This should give you a starting point so have fun and Practice, Practice, Practice.
Oh, you may want to get a spool of really cheap line to practice with.

Good luck

TJ

[ghost]

I think I will stick with my spinning rods.... Haven't had any trouble with them in 20+ years.

Anybody want a bait casting rod? lol

[JSC]

Don't give up on one of the best tools we have.
JSC

[Basseducer]

Didn't mean to scare you off Ghost,
All the arm mechanics are still the same, you just have to educate your thumb. Like LSC said, it's a great tool and you can't beat it for accuracy. Stick with it you might like it.

TJ

[ghost]

No I was not serious. I will keep playing with it when the fishing is slow. But I might just put a couple yards of line on it since it is a pain in the *%& (donkey) when it bird nests on me. Only way to fix it is to cut all the line off and start over.
I guess I was figuring a bait casting reel would work the same as the old zebco's like when I was a kid. Just push the button and watch it sail.

[JSC]

Nope its no spin cast reel ...... Revolving Spool ... is the name.
A full spool cast better than a partial filled one ... I have been using them for the past 68 + or - years and I still get "Back Lashes" (or over runs or what have you) ... It is worth it for the accuracy that you get .. that being the number one plus ... use at least 12 lb. to start with. I have tried smaller but for me it does not do the job ... If I need smaller line I go the spinning route ... 12 to 17 lb. in monofiliment is my range ... Super braids is another story ..
Get a 3/8 oz weight and practice then practice some more ..... later start changing the weight.
Bassducer gave some good instructions and there is some literature out there that shows some diagrams ...... get some of that dollar a mile line and get with it.
Good Luck
JSC

[thedude]

a garage sale baitcaster isn't the best to learn on. you'd be better off buying a decent reel (40-60$) range and learning the basics on that... most have magnetic spool brakes to save you from backlashes - and at least then you can be sure there's no mechanical defects that hinder your learning!

dont be scared of them, they are great tools.

[oldschoolbasser]

What brand is it?

[ghost]

I beleive it is a Lew's