baitcasting

[KingEvil]

so.... i tried out a new baitcasting reel this past weekend. all went well with spinnerbait, or something of equal weight. the problems came when i put on a lightweight rap. i threw the first cast and the lure landed 2' in front of me, resulting in a huge amount of backlash. so my question is - how do you use the lighter lures and set ups with a baitcasting reel? from my tests, lures and set ups weighing at least 1/2-3/4 oz were bare minimum.
[signature]

[Aluma165]

Wish I could help but I use my level-winds strictly for trolling and strip line out as the rig goes down. I've tried throwing short casts with them with poor results. Pure casting for me, especially with small lures and spinners, equates to spinning reels that I grew up with. I have heard that level-winds don't cast as good as straight bait casting reels because of the line guide...? May be a function of spool tension and thumb control.
Good luck!
[signature]

[idahopanfish]

I think if you do a google search you can find out how to setup the reel, but I believe that you will want to adjust the tension on the free spool till the lure starts to drop by it own weight[crazy]. Think I read that once when I did a google search.
[signature]

[iliketofish]

I agree with idahopanfish. Set it up so the lure drops slowly when you let go of it on a free spool. but in my experience the lighter you get, the harder it is to cast with a bait caster . I always use a spinning reel for my smaller lures. One thing that helps me cast farther even with smaller stuff is to use superlines like fireline, spiderwire, or powerpro. They cast farther than monofilament, for me anyway. But I definately love using bait casting gear when I can, I think they are more fun to use, your line won't twist as much, and in some cases I can cast quite a bit farther. You just have to watch out for back lashes.
[signature]

[KingEvil]

i'm adjusting the tension accordingly, and it's still no help on the light lures. i might try spiderwire next.
[signature]

[idahopanfish]

It may also be that the rod is to stiff for the weight of the lure and your not getting the flex needed.
[signature]

[KingEvil]

true. i just might have to dedicate my spincasting set up for the lightweight tackle. and leave the baitcasting for the heavier stuff.

michael, do you ever fish on sundays? i notice all your reports are from your outings on saturdays. i go out most sundays, and sometimes saturdays and sundays, and i'm in the magic valley area too.
[signature]

[packfish]

There are lures that just are not made for a bait caster- they are spinning reel lures. There are bait casting reels that have the ability to toss lesser weight lures than others but use the right set up for what you are trying to do.
[signature]

[packfish]

Testing is all
[signature]

[idahopanfish]

Sometimes I do fish on Sundays, but most of the time it is Saturdays. I go to the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship and I need that feeding of the Word, but we have a Saturday evening service that is the same as Sunday, so long story short I can fish on Sundays.
[signature]

[Aluma165]

Some excellent replies. You see the pro bassmasters on TV whip mainly crankbaits with light baitcasting rigs with ease. A rod that flexes will really whip a lure a good distance. I prefer older glass rods for spinning applications rather than stiffer graphites and composites. Generally more action IMHO. (old habits die hard) When I was a kid living near the ocean and bay, I could really throw a heavy sinker with baited hooks on an old Penn shore rod and reel setup. Plenty of weight to carry far out but backlashes or a raw thumb was not uncommon. Lighter gear requires finesse.
I would just add that for spinning which I've done all my life with Mitchell 300's and 304's, the main thing is the #test you're using and how much line you have on the spool. I use as light line as practical and always insure a full spool. Most reel manufacturers recommend 1/8" or less from the lip. The large capacity spools require backing with heavier line so you don't wind up putting 300 yards of 6lb. test on a spool. Keeps light mono line from developing so much memory as well. I like braided Spiderwire and Fireline for their lack of memory, the small diameter, and added strength but I only spool around a 100 yards over relatively heavy mono backing.
I often see guys casting spinning rigs and invariably falling way short of where the fish are. Too little line on the spool or 15lb.-20lb. test on a reel that calls for no more than 8lb. I like to change line (especially mono) every year or so and I always check for abrasion near the lure.
Nothing worse than snapping off a good fish due to an abrasion or a knot failure from age. Ruin your whole day.
With a properly spooled Mitchell 304 on a vintage 7 ft. glass Wonderod, I am "in my office". You can pick up like new or unused vintage Mitchell's and glass rods for a third of what a quality, higher-end spinning gear goes for today.
Everyone have a good season. I've got my boat gassed and my numerous (8) rigs all set for this year. Going to hit Lucky Peak within the next few days for early season shallow water trout and kokes...[]
[signature]

[trollem34]

[]Just a minute ! Yes you can throw a bit smaller bait with a bait caster. 1st and foremost is the quality of the reel. I'm not talking 100's here just a good multi bearing one. Line wieght is crucial and trying to throw 1/4oz on 10lb or heavier is almost futile. Try a berkley 8-6lb sensation and go. down side is multiple reels are needed because your going to break off your heavier stuff. Also when setting up the reel . Before any tied on bait is thrown, Hold rod parralle with ground, Water, Boat ,floor or whatever. Release thumb and let bait go to ground on its own. when it reaches the ground , bait stops and breaking system should allow vitually all spool spin to cease. Then properly set up try a lighter action rod and don't throw so hard . I promise many a lunker has been caught in my backyard learning to throw the light stuff and each reel has it's own settings. I can also promise that you can double distance and acuracy with a caster. Also another trick is to divide line going on in 3 sections and put a piece of tape across line bed. when and o yes we all do get a PROFFESSIONAL OVERRIDE the backlash only can go to next taped level. less line loss and saves valuable time . Go to CSI's sports show May 123 and I'll show you what i'm talking about Bring your kids as well and enter Cast for Kids If he wins age group then them and 1 parent can go fish for a day witha local pro. You pick lake and either Bass or Eyes. It's a hoot Also the wee little one can whack Barney bass and come up with some plastic baits to get mushed into carpet at home!! Hope it helps!
[signature]

[idahopanfish]

Do yomean CSI in Twin Falls?
[signature]

[trollem34]

yes Mike , May 1-2-3 At the Expo Center. They are srarting advertising very soon. Kurt
[signature]