Baitcaster Reel Operation and
Design
In this article, I am going to explain the baitcaster reel
operation and design parts so you will know what I am talking
about in other articles. The tips will help
you become very good with a
baitcaster.
In the picture, I have numbered 5 items that you must know in
order to make that perfect cast.
Baitcaster Brakes:
When you first get your baitcaster, a lot of times the sales
person will set the brakes which is labeled
(Number 3) in the picture. When opened, it usually has six
plastic brakes.
I like to set them one in one out and work my way around so I
end up with three out and three in. Some reels will have a turn
knob numbered 0 thru 9; set it on 5 and there is no need to
open the side plate.
This will allow you to slow the spool (Number 5) down in
conjunction with (Number 1).
Baitcaster Spool
Control:
(Number 1) is your spool control mechanism. When you put your
lure on the rod, hold the tip up to about 11 or 1 o'clock then
push the thumb bar (Number 4). You want that bait to stay at
the tip of the rod. Now slowly loosen (Number 1) so the bait
just starts to fall ever so slow; it should stop when it hits
the floor. If not and it goes too fast and hits the floor, you
will get a Back Lash; the spool will keep on
turning.
Every time that you change the weight of your lure you must go
through these steps to ensure that you will not get a back
lash.
I do not expect you to get it the first time. It is like I said
“It all takes a lot of practice". Once you do get it; you can
cast without placing your thumb on the spool. At first, have it
in hot stand-by until you get used to your new Toy.
Drag Control:
(Number 2) is your drag, and this is set to wear the fish down.
When setting this, you want to be able to pull line out, but
not break it. I will check this a couple of times during my
fishing trip to ensure that it does not tighten up.
You do not want it so tight that when you do get that hog and
he makes a lunge; he will snap your line. Here again, play with
it and you will find the sweet spot.
Back Drag Off After
Fishing:
Another tip and it is hard to remember. When you are finished
fishing for the day, back the drag all the way off. It is made
of a fiber washer and if left compressed, the washer will not
spring back out and could cause you to lose the fish the next
time you are out bass hog fishing. When you get ready to go
fishing again while you’re setting your spool control, you can
set your drag at the same time.
These are some basic things you need to know about your
baitcaster reel operation and design that you can control. Take
care of it and it will reward you later with that bass
hog.
If your baitcaster reel needs repair, Bass Pro has a Reel
Repair shop that does real good work and can get it back to the
shape like when you first bought
it.
Don't try and be a back yard mechanic. They have so many little
parts inside the casing. Let the experts fix it.
I have had My Shimano going on five years and have yet to have
a problem with them. I keep them oiled and change the line out
frequently and when not in use they are in a protective
bag.
To learn more about gear ratios, read my BaitCaster Gear
Ratio article.
Good Luck and
Keep the Hooks Wet!
Steve
McGoldrick
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