How To Fish A Baitcaster
Baitcaster reels have their advantages and disadvantages compared to spinning reels. Many anglers do not know how to use baitcaster reels and they may not want to spend the time to learn how to use baitcaster reels. There are some advantages that will make it worth your time to learn how to use them.
To spool a baitcaster reel, tie an arbor knot to the reel and start winding the line onto the reel. If you are using braided line, you will need to add about 10 yards of monofilament backing first, then tie the mono to the braided line using a uni-knot. (See our Fishing Knots section)
To cast a baitcaster, make sure to adjust the setting of the reel’s spool friction depending on the weight of the lure. With your thumb, hold the button on the reel down and let it fly. Make sure to keep some pressure on the spool and watch your lure flying through the air. You can stop the spool by pressing down with your thumb. This will help keep you out of snags such as overhanging trees, boat docks, etc.
Some of the advantages to using a baitcaster reel:
- Baitcaster reels do allow you to cast the lure more accurately, especially at greater distances.
- They can handle bigger lures and heavier line better than spinning reels, although, the thin diameter of braided line has allowed anglers to spool much more heavy line on spinning reels.
- With a baitcaster, the line will go out in a linear fashion and it returns the same way. The line does not twist when you crank on the drag.
- Good for trolling big baits for big fish.
Some of the disadvantages to using a baitcaster reel:
- You need to adjust the reel’s spool friction for the weight of each lure that you cast. Every time you change a lure, you need to check and change the friction setting on the side of the wheel.
- Anglers must have a good feel for the weight of the lure, the spool friction and the casting distance.
- They take some time to learn.
- Bird’s nests.
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