Bird Trout

Baitcasting Basics

Baitcasting without Birds Nest (2)

 

While many anglers find that bait-casting reels can be an asset, many more find them frustrating. This is especially true if you are using a lure that is smaller than ¼ to 3/8 of an ounce although this is not necessarily the standard. Anglers in the north typically target trout and because of this typically use a light line and bait-cast reels do not always work all that well with these. The issue is that these reels have a tendency to cause a real mess typically caused by a backlash and what happens is a knotted mess that is often referred to as a birds nest. There are some steps you can take however right in your backyard that can help you overcome this.

 

First, you need to understand how bait-casting reels work.  The principal is that these are revolving spools and when you cast a lure, they revolve forward and feed your line.  This continues until your lure hits the water. The factors that can affect this include the weight of the lure as well as the force behind the cast. These factors determine just how fast the spool is spinning and whether or not the spool will continue to spin after it hits the water.   Naturally, you’ll have far less problems if the spool stops spinning when the lure hits water. When it doesn’t, you’ll get the birds nest effect. Here are some ways of overcoming this issue:

 

Quality Reel – The first remedy for this problem is a high quality reel. When you are purchasing a bait-casting reel, you’ll be looking at quality reels that are in excess of $75.  Anything less than this and you will find that the spools do not revolve as smooth as they need to.

 

Quality Line – The best line for bait-casting is 12 to 17 pound monofilament. This line is far more effective than its lighter counterparts. The heavier the line, the better the performance. Lighter lines are better suited to spinning reels.

 

Once you have prepared your reel you will need to test its effectiveness. First, tie your lure on, and raise the rod so that the tip is placed at where 10 o’clock would be.  Now, test your spool by releasing the line and dropping your lure. Once it hits the surface (acting as it would as it struck water), it should stop turning. If it does not, you need to make adjustments. This can be done by:

- Adjusting the spool brake – this is typically found on the right hand side of your reel. It’s generally a small knob on the side of the plate.  Turn it until the tension is tightened and try casting again. Repeat as needed until there is no motion after it strikes the surface.

Casting – Now you can start practicing your cast. Remember that you want it to be smooth and you don’t want to use too much force.  If your cast is not as long as you’d like it to be try releasing some tension until you have found the perfect length.  Don’t over-loosen your tension. Remember, you can use your thumb to slow the spool down during your cast.  Once the lure strikes the surface, use your thumb to stop the spool.  Continue practicing until it feels natural to you.

 

Reel Model variations – Verify if your reel has a secondary braking system.  Some systems use a magnetic cast control brake which utilizes a series of magnets to slow down the speed of the reel. Other systems are centrifugal brakes and they work with a series of pins that may need adjustments. They can be used to fine tune how the reel works.

 

Lure weight matters – Remember that when you are learning to use a bait-casting reel that the weight of your lure does matter. 1/2 oz jigs or spinner baits are best. Another method is adding a ½ ounce sinker to your line and practicing with that.

 

Practice is the only thing that will help you be successful with a bait-caster. There is little doubt that many find them frustrating, but if you stick with it, it will soon become second nature.  Practicing a variety of presentations and you’ll soon discover that you’ll be casting like a pro and you will discover why so much effort was worth the time you invested!

 

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Reels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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