Knowing how to cast a baitcasting reel is not difficult; it just needs more practice. If you intend fishing for larger aquatic species, learning how to cast with a baitcasting reel gives you an upper hand. It is crucial to note that baitcasting reels are more designed to handle heavier lures and lines.
As far back as the middle of the 17th century, baitcasting reels were used by anglers, and they became popular towards the end of the 18th century. Fishermen who are starting for the first time might find it challenging to use a baitcaster reel. However, with much practice, they can master it.
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Steps on How to Cast a Baitcasting Fishing Reel
To know how to learn to cast a baitcasting reel, you need to master the steps to do it professionally.
Cast the Reel
Reel the line in: Reel in the line till the lure or bait is around 6 to 12 inches, which is also 15-30 cm from the rod’s tip. If the sinker is connected to the line, it would be 6-12 inches against the rod’s tip.
1. Grip the Reel Properly
With your thumb leaning against the reel spool, hold the rod behind the reel. Baitcasting rods have a similar structure to spincasting rods, and with spincasting rods, most anglers cast and retrieve with the same hand. Hence, if you would rather grip the rod behind the reel after retrieving, you might have to switch your hands after casting.
Instead of pressing your thumb flat on the line, you can rest your thumb lightly on the spool. Hence, you will have better influence over the line’s flow during the cast.
2. Wheel the Rod for the Reel Handles to Point Up
Just like the spincasting gear, you can utilize your wrist with the baitcasting reel. If you employ your opposite hand to cast, the handles will face downwards.
3. Push the Reel Spool Release Button
Since when baitcasting rods came into light, they have a system that allows for the reel spool’s disengagement from the handles to prevent turning during the cast. Hence, this allows you to cast for longer than usual.
The first set of baitcasting reels came with a button on the reel’s side. In comparison, the models these days have a release bar feature behind the spool that you can press with your thumb when resting on the reel spool.
4. Bend Your Casting Arm
You have to bend the casting arm at your elbow. This is for your arm’s crook to start approaching at a right angle. Next, lift the rod until its tip goes fairly beyond vertical. With this, you can get the right positioning for sending the line.
5. Push the Rod Forward Till It Gets to Eye Level
This is at the 10 o’clock spot, or 30-degrees above the horizontal level. When you do so, gradually take your thumb away from the reel spool for the bait’s weight to pull the line off the spool once it is propelled to the target. If you use a baitcasting rod with a long handle, you have to use your opposite hand to act as the fulcrum where you will pivot the rod during casting.
6. Use Your Thumb to Press the Reel Spool
With your thumb, press the reel spool down to halt the bait when it gets to the target. This act is similar to tapping a spincasting reel’s button. If you don’t apply your thumb fast, the spool will continue to turn after your bait/lure hits the water. This will make the aquatic species aware, and you will have to restrategize to retrieve your bait/lure.
Also Read: Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100 – Top Reviews To Buy
Get the Right Equipment
1. Select a Baitcasting Reel
If you go for the new models, you will observe several features like friction cast control and cast control brake. These new features are not in older models. When you select a baitcasting reel, pick the one that feels okay in your hand and meets your fishing demands. You can visit a store that sells new baitcasting reels. However, if you want the older models, you can get some at any regular antique shop.
2. Select the Appropriate Bait
Baitcasting reels are not ideal for casting lures that weigh a maximum of a quarter ounce. For individuals who prefer to take many rods with them when fishing, go with a rod and a spincast reel for thinner weight baits, then a rod and a baitcasting reel for weightier ones.
3. Use Protective Waders
Fishing waders provide you with protection from cold fishing waters. Hence, if there is a bad cast, you will be protected from bruises and cuts.
Choose a Location
1. Don’t Practice Close to the Water
When learning how to cast a baitcasting reel, it is best to practice your techniques far from the water. For your lure or bait, you can use a rubber plug. It is ideal to practice in an open place devoid of overhead trees.
2. Evade Heavy Brush
When you look for an area to cast, select a place with a minimal brush. The reason is, your bait/lure can get caught in branches, and it would be challenging to retrieve.
3. Choose an Empty Location
Avoid baitcasting where several people are. The reason for this is to avoid using your lure to injure people. Also, when you are too focused on those around you, it steals the joy of baitcasting.
Factors to Examine When Purchasing a Baitcasting Reel
Baitcasting reels are preferred by anglers who love using artificial lures. The reason for this is, baitcasting reels allow the angler to cast baits or lures accurately. Even though it takes time to master the baitcaster reel’s use, there are several advantages when mastered. Here are a few factors to consider:
Gear Ratio
The Gear ratio emphasizes the number of times it takes the spool to turn over after rotating the handle. When it comes to choosing baitcasting reels, the gear ratio is a crucial factor because it determines lure retrieval speed. When you want to buy a baitcasting reel, you will observe a variety of gear ratio choices to pick from.
If a casting baitcasting reel comes with a ratio of 3:1, the spool turns three times when the handle is rotated once. When choosing a gear ratio, you have to consider the lures type you will be using. For larger crankbaits and spinnerbaits, select a lower gear ratio of 3:1. In comparison, if you are using soft plastics, a gear ratio of 5:1 is ideal. If your bait needs fast action, go for a gear ratio of 7:1.
Spool Size
The spool size of your baitcasting reel depends on the target you need. If you need a bigger aquatic specie, you need a heavier line and the corresponding spool. The basic rule is, the size of the fish determines the spool’s size.
Using the Right Bait
The bait type depends on your target fish. Usually, the type of bait is the angler’s choice. Hence, depending on the type of water you are fishing and your fish, you should use the corresponding bait.
Level of Comfort
The comfort a baitcasting reel provides is essential, and you should not overlook this factor when choosing a baitcasting reel. If you get a baitcasting reel with the right spool size and gear ratio, and it doesn’t provide comfort, it will be useless. Hence, all you need do is search for a reel with the right balance with the rod for you to cast more lures or baits accurately.
Also Read: Baitcaster VS Spinning Reel – Easy to Choose the Best One
Braking System
In mastering how to cast a baitcasting reel, you need a unit with a good braking system. Several baitcasting reels on the market have two types: Magnetic and centrifugal braking system. However, some units come with both systems. The magnetic braking system helps to reduce the spools’ pace.
Hence, the overruns are at the end of the cast. In comparison, the centrifugal braking system has around 4 to 6 brakes that you can toggle on and off depending on your needs. The centrifugal baitcasters have the same brake system as a vehicle. The braking system is positioned beneath the side plates, and the interior plates allow for adjustments.
The brakes function from the first part of your casts, which prevents over-whirling of the spool, reducing the overrun risks. If you want to get the best and suitable unit, it is advisable to use a professional to purchase the unit with the ideal braking system.
Conclusion
When learning how to cast a baitcasting reel, you need to know that it requires practice, else you won’t enjoy fishing. However, when you learn how to cast a baitcasting rod and reel, it can be efficient and fun. In fishing, baitcasting gives the most versatile option, and someone who knows how to cast a round baitcasting reel from Penn has a higher tendency to catch more fish.
If you still find it challenging to cast a baitcasting reel, you can reach out to a professional to put you through. And when you learn the ropes, you can practice all by yourself.
