If you are a new angler, you may find it a bit hard to tune your baitcasting reel. Sometimes it can be very hard to deal with backlashes. It is not really hard to tune a baitcaster. You just need to learn how to do it. The goal of this post is to teach you how to tune a baitcaster. One thing to keep in mind is that a backlash puts a ton of stress on the gears inside your reel. For this reason, a beginner shouldn’t go out and buy the best baitcaster on the market to start out. That being said, read on to learn more.
If you are an amateur angler, you are going to take some time to understand the complexity of baitcasting reels. Learning a few things about the parts of a baitcasting reel can be helpful. To learn how to tune a baitcaster, you must understand how baitcasting reels work. Let’s try to understand baitcasting reels.
As a rule of thumb, baitcasters are more sophisticated than spincasters. So if you are going to use a baitcaster, you should have some understanding of the components of a baitcast reel. Now we are going to discuss three important components of a baitcasting reel.
The Drag
The drag is usually close to the handle of the baitcasting reel. It is used for regulating the tension on the line. If the drag is tight, the bass does not peel off easily. The drag should be turned down when you are flipping in heavy cover. When it comes to throwing a lightweight presentation, you can consider loosening the drag.
Braking System
On a baitcasting reel, the braking system regulates the rotation of the spool when you cast. It works pretty much the same way as the braking system of a car. When you cast, adding more brakes equals more resistance to the spool. This is an important thing to consider when you are going to learn how to tune a baitcaster.
The main purpose of using a braking system is to prevent getting a bird’s nest. Besides, your casting system is also affected by the braking system. You will figure out how to tune a baitcaster if you understand how the braking system works. If you are not an experienced baitcast user, you should use more bait. Try longer casts when you get comfortable with your equipment.
Spool Tension Knob
Besides the braking system of the baitcasting reel, there is a spool tension knob that is used to adjust the speed of the spool. For larger restrictions of lines, braking systems are useful. But when you need to fine tune the baitcaster, you have to use the spoon tension knob. This mechanism is very useful when you need to adjust lures of varying weights.
Line Choices
When it comes to choosing a fishing line to start with, monofilament is the best choice to start with. You may find things a bit frustrating if you start out with braid or fluorocarbon. Monofilament is not as unforgiving and stiff as fluorocarbon. It can cause backlashes, which can cause breakage later. Braided line can also create backlashes, even though it is smooth.
To make the line usable again, you may have to cut some chunks of the line. If you are just learning how to cast, use monofilament line. In most cases, monofilament is as good as braid or fluorocarbon. When you are filling your reel up, do not fill it to the maximum. It may end up overrunning the outer layers.
Setting Spool Tension
On the side plate, there is a small dial known as the tension knob. The drag star and the handle are on the same side. When you are just getting started, you have to adjust it the right way. If you want to learn how to tune a baitcaster, learning how to set spool tension is of utmost importance. And if you can do it well, you will experience smooth casting.
The first step is to hold up the rod at 2 o’clock. Then reel it up and stop when you have 10-12 inches of line. Then you have to turn up the knob. And as the tension knob turns up, you will notice light pressure. Then you will have to let the lure go by pushing the thumb bar.
Make sure the lure drops slowly. It is fine even if it does not drop at all. The lure will fall on its own when the tension knob releases pressure. Then do it again and the lure will fall in just a few seconds. Once you have set the tension properly, you will not have to deal with tension overruns.
If you really want to learn how to tune a baitcaster, setting spool tension is something you have to take seriously. Every time you change baits, repeat this process. When you get familiar with the process, you will need just a few seconds to adjust the reel.
Brake System Adjustments
Adjusting the brakes is a slightly tricky part of the process. Brakes come in two styles: magnetic and centrifugal. These two types of brakes are designed in slightly different ways. Different brands have different levels of performance. This is why a typical angler uses only a particular brand. As you gather more experience, you will be able to find what works for you.
Centrifugal Brakes
To activate the braking, centrifugal brakes use small weights. To access the side plate, either a lever or a dial is used. While a lever is used to release the plate, a dial is used to unscrew the side. There are some reels that use both methods.
There is an arrangement of colored pegs inside the plate. They can be moved in or out. When you set it ON, there are more centrifugal forces toward the outside. Make sure you maintain a symmetrical pattern when turning them on.
Magnetic Brakes
To learn how to tune a baitcaster, you have to learn about different types of brakes. It is a bit easier to adjust magnetic brakes. On the outside, there is a dial that helps you adjust the strength of the brake.
Daiwa and Abu Garcia use this braking system. Reading the dial is easy because it indicates MIN and MAX. The strength of braking depends on the setting. In this regard, it is not different from the centrifugal system.
Hybrid Brakes
A hybrid braking system has come to the market, and it uses both centrifugal and magnetic brakes. The adjustments are pretty much the same, but to begin with, this system should be set a little bit lower. This system is a bit complicated. If you are new to fishing, you may not want to use a hybrid braking system.
Setting the Drag
The process of setting the drag is very easy and simple. Between the reel body and the reel handle, there is a star-shaped dial. To tighten the drag, you have to move the star forward. The drag should be tight. Otherwise, it may slip from the hookset. However, make sure it is not extremely tight. Check out this post in the event that your baitcaster drag isn’t working.
Making Adjustments
Once you have a good grip on the basics, you can try making a few test casts. Make sure your brakes and spoon tension is set properly. Make some casts and notice whether the reel is doing what it is supposed to do. And when you get used to it, you can strengthen the casts.
At first, you may get a bit disappointed at the distance. But hopefully, there will not be any backlash. Keep thumbing the spool and back off the brakes. Lower the brakes when you get better at this. Gradually you will learn how to make long casts.
Additional Tips To Avoid Backlash
Backlash is the result of the slowing down of the lure after casting. “Bird’s nest” is the term used to indicate the tangled mess of line, which results from backlash. When you are using a baitcasting reel, this is one of the common problems to deal with. Now we are going to provide some tips that will help you prevent backlash.
Use the Best Equipment
For baitcasting, do not settle for less than the best equipment. You will enjoy more control if you use a shorter rod, especially if you are a new angler. You will not have to deal with backlash if you use a medium action rod. Untangling a bird’s nest will be easier if you choose the right type of fishing line.
As we have already mentioned, there is little risk of backlash when you are using monofilament. Things are not likely to go so smoothly if you use fluorocarbon or braided line. Choosing the correct lure is also of utmost importance. For a new angler, a heavy lure is a good choice. On the other hand, a light lure causes frequent backlashes.
Do a Test Cast
There are good reasons why new anglers are advised to do test casts. When you are just getting started, make sure the brake system is set to the highest level. It will make it easy for you to control the system. You can lower the tension when you are comfortable with the system.
The spool tension should be set properly. Make sure it is not too low or too high. Remember, there is no such thing as an ideal setting. It may take a bit of trial and error to find a setting you are comfortable with.
Practice With Short Distances
When you are just learning how to tune a baitcaster, you are advised to practice with short distances. Gradually you will learn how to feel the baitcaster. Do not move to overhand when you are getting started. Rather, cast sidearm. Practicing with short distances will give you a feel of it.
Use the Wind in Your Favor
When casting the lure, do not do it against the wind. If you are a bit strategic, the wind can be used to your advantage. For more accuracy, push the bait forward. Your lure will slow down if you cast it against the wind. However, with some experience, you will be able to cast against the wind. Before you actually do it, consider doing some test casts.
Practice Makes Perfect
Until you gain some experience, it is a good idea to use an entry-level reel. It will help you get a grip of a baitcaster. Remember, it will take some time to learn how to tune a baitcaster. Entry-level reels also prevent backlash, and they are quite affordable. Use an advanced baitcaster when you get the hang of it. When it comes to tuning a baitcast reel, experience matters.
Keep casting. Do some casting in your backyard, even if it looks a bit weird. Work on control until you get a hang of it. When you are practicing, it is not necessary to use hooks.
Final Thoughts
To a novice angler, tuning a baitcaster can be a bit intimidating. But once you understand how it works, you can overcome that fear. It takes a little bit of experience to tune a baitcasting reel, and hopefully you will make some effort to gain that experience. When you are comfortable with your baitcaster, fishing will become a more enjoyable experience.
As always, good luck and happy fishing!
Backlash is the result of the slowing down of the lure after casting. “Bird’s nest” is the term used to indicate the tangled mess of line, which results from backlash. When you are using a baitcasting reel, this is one of the common problems to deal with. Now we are going to provide some tips that will help you prevent backlash.