How to Use a Baitcaster? – Save Time
“Baitcaster reel has a revolving spool. That revolving spool place on top of a casting rod with a trigger handle.”
The spinning reel is somewhat different from the bait caster in the sense where the revolving spoon sits underneath a spinning rod.
1. History of Baitcaster
In the middle of the 17th century, Baitcasting reels started to use for fishing. These baitcasters becomes more popular in the 1870s.
At that time, baitcasting reels were used for fishing, mainly they were used for fishing of freshwater fishes such as northern pike, largemouth bass, and muskellunge. There are different most abundant fishes of saltwater such as Tuna and Marlin for which you can do trolling. When you are doing a casting with baitcaster the first time, then it is tough for you to handle it. But later on, you can handle it and become a master of using baitcaster with practice.
2. How to use a Baitcaster?
Now, I will tell you how to use a baitcaster to do excellent fishing. This step-by-step guide is beneficial for people who are very fond of fishing but still they do not try before. Also, it will prove to be very helpful for beginners.
a. Reel should be in line:
Your bait or lure should be 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm ) from the rod tip, and your reel should be in line. If a sinker or Bobber is attached to the front then it should be 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip.
b. Hold the reel properly:
Baitcasting rods are similar to spin casting rods, and their design is the same. In the next step, you should hold the reel properly and grip the rod behind the reel with your thumb which is resting over the reel spool. Many fishers use the same hand with which they are also retrieving.
It is preferred to cast with the same hand with which you are retrieving. When you are casting during fishing, then you have to switch your sides when you throw.
You should not press the very flat of the reel on the line, and you should rest your thumb at an angle on the spool. When you do so, then it will give you more control over the flow of the line during casting.
c. Turn the rod so that the reel handles in the upward position:
When you turn the rod in the upward position, then you are now using your wrist with spin casting gear. You can do with your right hand, and if you are using the left side then the handle should be pointing down.
d. Now press the release button of the reel spool:
Make sure that during casting, the reel spool should not turn. It has a mechanism where the baitcasting reels disengage the reel spool from the handles.
This mechanism has made since 1970 when the release button is on the side where people knew the mechanism a baitcaster.
In the previous models, the reel has a button on the side. But there are many models today who have a release bar behind the spool. When you press it with your thumb, then it rests on the reel spool.
e. Your Baitcasting Arm Should be Bend:
Make sure that the crook of the arm should approach the right angle; you need to bend your arm. Make sure that you have to turn your casting arm right at the elbow.
The tip of the rod should slightly bend vertical when you raise your rod. The position of the rod should be correct to send the line out.
f. You should Sweep the Rod Forward Until It Reaches Eye Level:
When you sweep the rod forward to reach the eye level, then it is the 30 degrees angle above horizontal. We can also call it a “10 o clock position.”
In the next step, you will lift your thumb off the reel spool. You will do this so that the weight of the lure or bait pulls line off the spool. You should focus on the target as the rod should propel in the right direction.
In the saltwater, when you think of fishing where you have to know how to use a baitcaster, then your baitcaster should belong. Here, you will do fishing with a long-handled baitcasting rod. In the saltwater fishing, you should use your left hand, and we should use it as a prop. So, when you start casting, then you have to pivot the rod.
g. Press Down on the Reel Spool With Your Thumb:
You should press down on the reel spool with your thumb so that bait would stop. We should stop because it reaches the target. Spincasting reel is similar to that because here you also have to press the button to break the line.
But this strategy is not applying to your thumb because it leads to the spool. Here, the bait is hitting the water wand the spool continues to turn off. After that, you have to straighten the bait before you get your lure.
3. Equipment Necessary for Baitcasting:
There are five things which are needed for a baitcaster
- Baitcaster
- Line
- Rods
- Bait
- Protective Waders
a. Baitcaster Reel:
Now, it’s up to you whether you choose the right baitcaster or not. There are braking systems in the baitcaster that can control the dispersion of the spool while casting.
Two types of braking systems are present in baitcaster
- Magnetic
- Centrifugal
1. Magnetic Baitcaster:
Magnetic bait caster includes the reeling system in which adjustable knobs are on the outside. It looks more approachable when we talk about the reeling system of magnetic bait caster. But this is not the case. There are backlashes present there with which it vanishes all the advantages of approachability.
2. Centrifugal Baitcaster:
Centrifugal baitcaster is located under the side plates, and it is similar to the braking system of the car. There are interior pins present in the centrifugal baitcaster. When you push these internal pins towards the center or away from the center, then they can be engaged or disengaged.
From my point of view, centrifugal baitcaster is much more superior than magnetic baitcaster as centrifugal baitcaster has interior pins that are adjustable.
Centrifugal baitcaster is specially designed for beginners who should know very well about using a baitcaster. Because of its adjustable interior pins.
b. Line:
The rig set which we are using is dependent on the line. Usually, people use a braided line while baitcasting. You can do baitcasting with a heavy cover with the help of the line.
c. Rods:
Now comes the rods as most people are familiar with rods for fishing. When you look for the best baitcaster for fishing, then you must have the best bass-fishing rod. A Bass fishing rod is relatively costly, but you should go with it for best baitcasting.
d. Bait:
Bait is also essential for fishing as the type of bait is dependent on preference and set-ups to know. Most people use crankbait fishing. So, the quality of the bait is essential.
e. Protective Waders:
During fishing, your protection is vital so you should have some protective waders. Protective waders are typically used for fishing in cold water. In cold water, there is the danger of snagging your skin accidentally. It mostly happens when you are casting for the first time, or you are a beginner. Protective waders will protect your skin from cuts and bruises if you accidentally take a tumble.
4. Choosing the Right Location:
You should choose the right location for fishing where there are chances of many fishes.
You should keep in mind three things while choosing the location.
- Practice away from water.
- Avoid Heavy Brush. c. Choose an Isolated Location
1. Practice Away From Water:
As you are a beginner, so you should practice your casting techniques with baitcaster away from water. When you are exercising, then you should also replace your lure or bait with a metal sinker or a rubber practice plug. You should also keep in mind about the overhead trees, and you should do your casting practice away from the trees.
2. Avoid Heavy Brush:
You should also keep in mind that the area you choose for casting must have the smallest brush, especially overhead. If you do not take care of this precaution, then ultimately your bait gets caught in the branches.
Also, when the area is of dense brush, then your bait got stuck in the heavy brush when you put the rod forward for casting. This condition is called a “bird’s nest” when your entire spool gets tangled in the dense brush and ultimately destroyed.
c. Choose an Isolated Location:
Make sure that you are choosing an isolated location for casting to avoid any accident. You should try baitcasting in a place where there are not too many people are around you. You should make sure that there is no one behind you or so close to you so that you may not harm them with your snag accidentally.
Also, you should choose a peaceful and quieter location for casting to avoid any accident and even then you will focus on casting. When you want an isolated area, then you also enjoy your casting and feel relaxed.
5. What Should You Avoid During Baitcasting?
You should avoid backlash when throwing a baitcasting reel. When the lure slows down after casting, then backlash happens mostly. The bait is then caught in a tangled mess of line.
Mostly the people use the spinning reel and get disappointed when using a baitcaster coil because they got stuck in the bird’s net. But there are many advantages of using the baitcaster reel over the spinning reel.
You can visit our other post: Spinning Reel vs Baitcasting Reel
Baitcaster reel is superior to spinning reel as it gives you more precision and control. Baitcaster reel also gives you the most accurate cast.
a. Choose the Best Equipment:
When you are doing the baitcasting then make sure that you have the best equipment for baitcaster. You should choose a shorter rod when you are a beginner because you must be practicing. You have more control over the rod when you are starting your practice with a shorter rod. You should do the minimum action to avoid any backlash.
b. Do a Test Cast and Adjust the Brake System:
You should do a test cast and adjust the brake system to the highest setting. With the help of changing the brake system, you have more control over the rod.
c. Practice Short Distances:
As you are starting your practice with baitcaster, then you should know about the settings of your baitcaster. So, start practicing at shorter distances. With shorter distances, you get used to the feel of the baitcaster. It is easier for you to cast at the sidearm and then to move to the overhead.
d. Take advantage of Wind and Use it Accordingly:
While using baitcaster, you can take advantage of the wind. You should not use the baitcaster against the wind. Use the baitcaster in the direction of the wind, so the bait moves forward in the course of wind for more accuracy in casting.
e. Do a Lot of Practice:
When you do practice for the cast, you get new ideas about perfection regarding casting. As we all know that practicing makes the man perfect, so you will have control over casting because of a lot of practice.
Final Words:
In this article, we have learned how to use a baitcaster more efficiently and accordingly. What are the best ways to use baitcasting reels? In this article, you will come to what are the best types of equipment you should use for baitcaster. What is the best location when you are practicing for baitcasting. Last but not least, what things you should avoid while casting?
