The Armchair Outfitter

Using a Baitcasting Reel

I am big fan of baitcasting reels, both for the distance and control they allow in casting as well as the raw cranking power they offer when you hang a good fish. Baitcasters can, however, be a little intimidating for those transitioning from spincasting or spinning gear because of the possibility of the dreaded backlash. Backlash occurs when the spool is spinning faster than line is coming off the reel, usually when casting into the wind or when the bait has stopped at the end of a cast. You must manually slow or stop the spool with your thumb to prevent the dreaded “bird’s nest.”

Because using a baitcaster is not a point and shoot proposition, a little practice is in order before heading to the water. “Educate” your thumb by practicing with a weight. Hold the rod at about waist level and press the release with your thumb firmly on the spool. Slowly ease off on the pressure until the weight begins to drop. Practice stopping and starting several times, and then try to let the weight drop almost to the ground before stopping it. This is the same timing you will need to stop a cast before it hits the water (or a tree.) As you get better, you will be able to feather the end of the cast to decelerate the lure just above the water’s surface and produce a nice soft landing. Once you get the knack, you’ll have far more control of the cast than you could ever achieve with spinning or spincasting gear.

For accuracy, there’s no substitute for backyard practice. Try to hit a 5 gallon bucket. Any bucket contact is good at first, but ultimately, you should be able to stop the cast over the mouth of the bucket and drop the weight inside. Scoring a few “buckets” will pay off in more fish on your next trip, and you can always decrease the size of the bucket for more challenge. Be sure to try overhand and sidearm casts, as the different grip angle changes the feel. You are creating muscle memory that will eventually allow you to take all conscious thought out of the cast for a moment of pure fishing Zen.