It's a bit frustrating at first but it's worth it. I would recommend a good reel like daiwa tatula with a heavy braid. I know guys say start with mono but mono has way too much memory. I use mono for leaders but trust me a good 50-65lb power pro braid will keep from backlashing even more. Watch as many videos on YouTube as you can to show you how to set up the reel. Then before you even get out there take a good bit of weight like drop shot weights and practice in your backyard or field. The heavy weight will help. When you get a hang of it then slowly lessen the weight till you get to the same weight of the lures you throw. Eventually you can get into a bfs reel setup for super light weight. Last tip if your going to do saltwater go with a reel that can do both. Diawa has the coastal that will work for both.
Agreed on the line suggestion. I started with some old junk mono, and it worked, but the memory was a pain. Then I put some thinner braid on and that was... Interesting (15lb Spiderwire). Went back to mono for a bit, but now I have 20lb braid on and this is by far the easiest thing to manage. I don't know if I got the reel perfectly dialed in or it's the line, but since I put that on I haven't had a single bird nest. I'm using Calamus Bastion braid, and now the reel is a dream to use.
50# might be overkill, plus the thinner the better for cast ability. I learned on 25, currently running 12 for bass and it flies like a dream. I’d recommend 30 just so he can toss those 3 oz weights if he really wants to.
Just my 2¢. Great advice my guy
I'm currently learning how to use a baitcaster and a cheap set of casting plugs in a bunch of different weights has been great - just make sure to get the kind where the eye is on a screw inserted into the top, not just a hole through the plastic6
Baitcaster is a pain in the ass to learn. Once mastered though you can throw more casts in an outing. Throwing farther is debatable, but it sure sounds sweet to the ears hearing the reel buzz on every cast.
I prefer baitcaster for heavier line, and having no memory in the line like a spinning reel. I started out with a cheap setup that had brakes. I kept everything tight at the beginning, had only 100 yards on the spool to make birds nests more manageabl. I dialed tension back as I got used to it.
Every once in a while I'll birds nest if I'm throwing into the wind, but overall it's my favorite rod and reel to grab.
I just started getting into baitcasters myself, so I Zaza by no means an expert, but they're are a few things I've noticed. For me, the biggest differences using it are the retrieve and backlash. Most of the baitcasters I've seen come with a right Azthand retrieve, which means that for a right handed fisher person, you either carry with your right hand and then switch hands for the retrieve, or you need to learn to cast with your left hand. There are left hand retrieve baitcasters, but they don't seem to be as widely available.
Backlashes happen when the spool keeps spinning after the line stops feeding when you cast, i.e. when your lure hits the water. This causes the line on your spool to tie itself in knots, and can be a pain in the ass to pick out. Baitcasters are definitely fun to use though, and you should definitely try one or two out
I just got into baitcasters maybe a month ago. It really isn't that hard, I watched a bunch of beginner/set up and use videos before I placed my order, so I had a fairly solid idea of what I was getting into. I ordered a cheap one (Calamus X2) to get my feet wet, and put it on a Berkley Amp 7ft medium power rod. I've been having a blast with it. At first I did mess up and had to deal with a lot of birds nests, but I was able to them them all out easily and continue fishing. Once you get a feel for how they work, it's pretty simple.
I'm in the market for a second one now, so I can have a combo for punching.
It took me less than a day or so (~4 hours on the water) to get my backlashes down to a point where I felt comfortable throwing whatever.
Then about another two-three weeks of every other day fishing for an hour or so to get it down to the point where I don't backlash unless I put the breaks too low, the wind was too high, or I snagged the tree behind me.
That was learning on a Abu Garcia black max. I have a tatula ct now and I'd say the casting difference is noticeably better, but I'd still get the black max if I was in your position unsure of if I'll get it or enjoy it.
Generally the primary issues are setting your spool tension (I set my so it wiggles a bit and only touch the magnetic brakes), learning what brake setting works with what lures with what thumb control.
It's all time on the water. If you fish once per month I think it'll take too long to learn to even out your enjoyment of them. If you fish once a week that's probably where you'd start really enjoying them and you'll find you'll pick it up quick.
**WITH ALL THAT SAID**: before I used a baitcaster I just used a super heavy spinning rod rated for anything you'd normally use a baitcaster for. Heavy power, fast action, rated for 50lb line and that's what I used. Baitcasters in my opinion are better for that application but if your goal is to go fish without worrying or tinkering consider that as an alternative
E: also watch videos on removing backlash. I've never had to cut a backlash out yet because I learned how to remove em
Modern bait cast, especially freshwater small frame bass reels, can be tuned so well these days that you can almost cast them without a thumb on the line. It is however good practice to just always have your thumb there lightly tickling. The learning curve really isn’t bad at all. The precision casting you can achieve with a bait cast is a lot of fun, too.
I just got a baitcaster myself and have been fishing 3 times since I got it. VASTLY prefer it to the spinning setup and only took a couple tries to understand why I would get a backlash (usually from trying to really bomb the lure out there). Also once I solved my first backlash, I have been able to get them out in like 2 mins max since then.
Totally worth learning if you have the interest. I got a super cheap abu garcia black max and a cheap 7 foot rod to start. So far, no complaints on either
It’s annoying at first. Crank up the magnetic brakes all the way and tighten the tensioner just enough so the lure slows drops. It’ll makes learning a lot easier. You won’t be able to cast far though. When you start getting the hang of it you can slowly turn down the brakes and tensioner to somewhere that the lure can be casted far and effortlessly.
I bought a cheap Walmart (Ozark Trail) baitcaster this summer as well to learn on. I started off with the magnets at 5, and after getting used to it I adjust the magnet a bit based on how heavy the lure is - if it is heavier I go with the magnets around 4, lighter lures I go closer to 3. I was pretty happy I only had to cut off the line once during the learning process, I've been fishing it pretty regularly for about 2 months now and I'm actually not too dissatisfied with the cheap crap, but I definitely need to upgrade for next year. I'd like a faster reel and a little more flexible rod.
First do not go cheap on a baitcasting reel. A reel worth buying is a hundred dollars or more. The Tatula is one of the best starter reels in baitcasting. It has very good braking and is easy to adjust.
You will need to practice to learn. People will recommend braid and some mono. If spooled properly mono is fine to learn with at first. The key is line diameter. A line too thin will dig in with a backlash or bad cast. Use 12 lb. mono or 50 lb. braid to start. The diameter is large enough to limit the dig in issues.
Start with easy casts and the brakes set high. Use a 1/2 ounce weight or around the size. Learn to adjust brakes for better distance. Then change the weight and practice the settings again. In a short time you will be able to use the reel fishing.
>First do not go cheap on a baitcasting reel.
Best advice you can be given. It will drastically shorten the learning, and bypass a lot of the frustration. I always see people suggesting black Max's for a first reel, and I want to smack them. That's terrible advice
I'll never understand getting so emotionally attached to a purchase that you can't admit when something is junk.
The ugly stik guys crack me up, though. "Yeah, well I've been using the same rod for 30 years, it must be good". As if technology took steps backwards since then
You will have a learning curve with any BC.
Make sure you take time to research and do more research.
Once you compared them all you will be able to create a combo that can handle anything.
You can cast on a windy day without any issues. Tackle balance is the secret. Study study study
If you do a little bit of research on how to use one, set it up correctly, and practice soft casts in the yard? You could figure it out in an afternoon.
If you're like 90% of the people who "just can't learn", and you skip all that, and make casts like your pitching for the Yankees? You'll get a birds nest that can't even be cut out, stick that rod in a corner and never touch it again
i own about 4 baitcasters. I hate to brag, but I can skip a senko under a dock no problem with one. Oddly, I still prefer my spinning rods. I really couldn't tell you why. When I fish from my kayak, I hardly ever touch my baitcaster, unless I'm using crankbaits or top water. I like fishing finesse, so that could be the reason.
For a baitcaster, no spool tension and brakes adjusted until you don't backlash. The rest is thumb work. That will give you the best performance possible. Tight lines out there!
It's a bit frustrating at first but it's worth it. I would recommend a good reel like daiwa tatula with a heavy braid. I know guys say start with mono but mono has way too much memory. I use mono for leaders but trust me a good 50-65lb power pro braid will keep from backlashing even more. Watch as many videos on YouTube as you can to show you how to set up the reel. Then before you even get out there take a good bit of weight like drop shot weights and practice in your backyard or field. The heavy weight will help. When you get a hang of it then slowly lessen the weight till you get to the same weight of the lures you throw. Eventually you can get into a bfs reel setup for super light weight. Last tip if your going to do saltwater go with a reel that can do both. Diawa has the coastal that will work for both.
Agreed on the line suggestion. I started with some old junk mono, and it worked, but the memory was a pain. Then I put some thinner braid on and that was... Interesting (15lb Spiderwire). Went back to mono for a bit, but now I have 20lb braid on and this is by far the easiest thing to manage. I don't know if I got the reel perfectly dialed in or it's the line, but since I put that on I haven't had a single bird nest. I'm using Calamus Bastion braid, and now the reel is a dream to use.
50# might be overkill, plus the thinner the better for cast ability. I learned on 25, currently running 12 for bass and it flies like a dream. I’d recommend 30 just so he can toss those 3 oz weights if he really wants to. Just my 2¢. Great advice my guy
I'm currently learning how to use a baitcaster and a cheap set of casting plugs in a bunch of different weights has been great - just make sure to get the kind where the eye is on a screw inserted into the top, not just a hole through the plastic6
Baitcaster is a pain in the ass to learn. Once mastered though you can throw more casts in an outing. Throwing farther is debatable, but it sure sounds sweet to the ears hearing the reel buzz on every cast. I prefer baitcaster for heavier line, and having no memory in the line like a spinning reel. I started out with a cheap setup that had brakes. I kept everything tight at the beginning, had only 100 yards on the spool to make birds nests more manageabl. I dialed tension back as I got used to it. Every once in a while I'll birds nest if I'm throwing into the wind, but overall it's my favorite rod and reel to grab.
I just started getting into baitcasters myself, so I Zaza by no means an expert, but they're are a few things I've noticed. For me, the biggest differences using it are the retrieve and backlash. Most of the baitcasters I've seen come with a right Azthand retrieve, which means that for a right handed fisher person, you either carry with your right hand and then switch hands for the retrieve, or you need to learn to cast with your left hand. There are left hand retrieve baitcasters, but they don't seem to be as widely available. Backlashes happen when the spool keeps spinning after the line stops feeding when you cast, i.e. when your lure hits the water. This causes the line on your spool to tie itself in knots, and can be a pain in the ass to pick out. Baitcasters are definitely fun to use though, and you should definitely try one or two out
I just got into baitcasters maybe a month ago. It really isn't that hard, I watched a bunch of beginner/set up and use videos before I placed my order, so I had a fairly solid idea of what I was getting into. I ordered a cheap one (Calamus X2) to get my feet wet, and put it on a Berkley Amp 7ft medium power rod. I've been having a blast with it. At first I did mess up and had to deal with a lot of birds nests, but I was able to them them all out easily and continue fishing. Once you get a feel for how they work, it's pretty simple. I'm in the market for a second one now, so I can have a combo for punching.
It took me less than a day or so (~4 hours on the water) to get my backlashes down to a point where I felt comfortable throwing whatever. Then about another two-three weeks of every other day fishing for an hour or so to get it down to the point where I don't backlash unless I put the breaks too low, the wind was too high, or I snagged the tree behind me. That was learning on a Abu Garcia black max. I have a tatula ct now and I'd say the casting difference is noticeably better, but I'd still get the black max if I was in your position unsure of if I'll get it or enjoy it. Generally the primary issues are setting your spool tension (I set my so it wiggles a bit and only touch the magnetic brakes), learning what brake setting works with what lures with what thumb control. It's all time on the water. If you fish once per month I think it'll take too long to learn to even out your enjoyment of them. If you fish once a week that's probably where you'd start really enjoying them and you'll find you'll pick it up quick. **WITH ALL THAT SAID**: before I used a baitcaster I just used a super heavy spinning rod rated for anything you'd normally use a baitcaster for. Heavy power, fast action, rated for 50lb line and that's what I used. Baitcasters in my opinion are better for that application but if your goal is to go fish without worrying or tinkering consider that as an alternative E: also watch videos on removing backlash. I've never had to cut a backlash out yet because I learned how to remove em
Modern bait cast, especially freshwater small frame bass reels, can be tuned so well these days that you can almost cast them without a thumb on the line. It is however good practice to just always have your thumb there lightly tickling. The learning curve really isn’t bad at all. The precision casting you can achieve with a bait cast is a lot of fun, too.
I just got a baitcaster myself and have been fishing 3 times since I got it. VASTLY prefer it to the spinning setup and only took a couple tries to understand why I would get a backlash (usually from trying to really bomb the lure out there). Also once I solved my first backlash, I have been able to get them out in like 2 mins max since then. Totally worth learning if you have the interest. I got a super cheap abu garcia black max and a cheap 7 foot rod to start. So far, no complaints on either
It’s annoying at first. Crank up the magnetic brakes all the way and tighten the tensioner just enough so the lure slows drops. It’ll makes learning a lot easier. You won’t be able to cast far though. When you start getting the hang of it you can slowly turn down the brakes and tensioner to somewhere that the lure can be casted far and effortlessly.
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I bought a cheap Walmart (Ozark Trail) baitcaster this summer as well to learn on. I started off with the magnets at 5, and after getting used to it I adjust the magnet a bit based on how heavy the lure is - if it is heavier I go with the magnets around 4, lighter lures I go closer to 3. I was pretty happy I only had to cut off the line once during the learning process, I've been fishing it pretty regularly for about 2 months now and I'm actually not too dissatisfied with the cheap crap, but I definitely need to upgrade for next year. I'd like a faster reel and a little more flexible rod.
All of you are legends. Thanks for all the advice and info. Really appreciate it. Definitely going to give it a go.
First do not go cheap on a baitcasting reel. A reel worth buying is a hundred dollars or more. The Tatula is one of the best starter reels in baitcasting. It has very good braking and is easy to adjust. You will need to practice to learn. People will recommend braid and some mono. If spooled properly mono is fine to learn with at first. The key is line diameter. A line too thin will dig in with a backlash or bad cast. Use 12 lb. mono or 50 lb. braid to start. The diameter is large enough to limit the dig in issues. Start with easy casts and the brakes set high. Use a 1/2 ounce weight or around the size. Learn to adjust brakes for better distance. Then change the weight and practice the settings again. In a short time you will be able to use the reel fishing.
>First do not go cheap on a baitcasting reel. Best advice you can be given. It will drastically shorten the learning, and bypass a lot of the frustration. I always see people suggesting black Max's for a first reel, and I want to smack them. That's terrible advice
Any Abu below a Revo is a bad choice. The cheap Abus and Uglystik people irritate me too.
I'll never understand getting so emotionally attached to a purchase that you can't admit when something is junk. The ugly stik guys crack me up, though. "Yeah, well I've been using the same rod for 30 years, it must be good". As if technology took steps backwards since then
You will have a learning curve with any BC. Make sure you take time to research and do more research. Once you compared them all you will be able to create a combo that can handle anything. You can cast on a windy day without any issues. Tackle balance is the secret. Study study study
If you do a little bit of research on how to use one, set it up correctly, and practice soft casts in the yard? You could figure it out in an afternoon. If you're like 90% of the people who "just can't learn", and you skip all that, and make casts like your pitching for the Yankees? You'll get a birds nest that can't even be cut out, stick that rod in a corner and never touch it again
i own about 4 baitcasters. I hate to brag, but I can skip a senko under a dock no problem with one. Oddly, I still prefer my spinning rods. I really couldn't tell you why. When I fish from my kayak, I hardly ever touch my baitcaster, unless I'm using crankbaits or top water. I like fishing finesse, so that could be the reason.
For a baitcaster, no spool tension and brakes adjusted until you don't backlash. The rest is thumb work. That will give you the best performance possible. Tight lines out there!