The 2 topics that I have noticed that seem to repeat themselves is how to cast properly and how to spool line on the reel correctly. These are two different topics, however they are related. This is the Reel & Rod forum so lets discuss learning to cast a bait casting reel.
The very first thing you need to do with any reel is spooling on the line you intend to use and selecting a rod that will cast easily. When starting out I suggest that you use an inexpensive line like Trilene Big Game 12 lb., for bait casting reels. Place a pencil through the refill spool and have someone hold for you to keep the line from falling off the spool when winding the line on your reel. If you are alone, then clamp the pencil upright so the filler spool will spin freely and wind on the line to your reel. Do not over fill the spool, keep the line about 1/8 inch below the top of the spool. Keep a little tension on the line, you can run the line under a wet towell to keep tension and moisten the line. The reel should be mounted on the rod and the line run through all the guides.
The rod you select for learning to cast should be a medium action, fast taper about 6 1/2 feet long. This is a good all around rod for casting. Tie on a 1/2 ounce plastic practice casting weight. Adjust the reels spool line tension by loosening the end plate knob. With the 1/2 ounce casting weight tied on, reel the weight up to about 1 foot from the rod tip with the tip held about 2 o'clock position. Place your thumb on the reel spool and disengage the spool release. Take your thumb off the spool and adjust the reel spool tension so the line is pulled slowly off the spool by the casting weight. This is the proper tension to start with. The next step before you start to cast is to pull off about 100 feet of line and tape over the line on the spool with masking tape, one or two wraps is all that is needed. After taping rewind the 100 feet of line back on the reel.
Now you are ready to start practicing. Find an open area without trees like a lawn area. The rod should be held with the reel handles facing upright, arm forward and bent at the elbow. Put your thumb on the reel spool and disengage the spool release. The rod starts at the 2 o'clock position, bend your elbow slightly and your wrist back until the rod is at the 10 o'clock position, then with your wrist and forearm sweep the rod back to the 2 o'clock position, let your thumb off the spool at 12 o'clock and continue to the 2 o'clock starting position. The casting lure should pull off about 20 to 25 yards of line. Depending on the rod action the release point of 12 o'clock needs to be practiced to determine the right release point for the rod and weight you are using. Over runs or backlashes will be minimal because of the masking tape keeps the line from loosening too deeply. Continue practicing casting until the tape is reach on each cast. To incease distance slightly loosen the spool tension adjustment.
Remove the tape and continue practicing and using your thumb to slow down the reel spool as the lure reaches the half way point in the air. You are now ready to go fishing.
Tom
The very first thing you need to do with any reel is spooling on the line you intend to use and selecting a rod that will cast easily. When starting out I suggest that you use an inexpensive line like Trilene Big Game 12 lb., for bait casting reels. Place a pencil through the refill spool and have someone hold for you to keep the line from falling off the spool when winding the line on your reel. If you are alone, then clamp the pencil upright so the filler spool will spin freely and wind on the line to your reel. Do not over fill the spool, keep the line about 1/8 inch below the top of the spool. Keep a little tension on the line, you can run the line under a wet towell to keep tension and moisten the line. The reel should be mounted on the rod and the line run through all the guides.
The rod you select for learning to cast should be a medium action, fast taper about 6 1/2 feet long. This is a good all around rod for casting. Tie on a 1/2 ounce plastic practice casting weight. Adjust the reels spool line tension by loosening the end plate knob. With the 1/2 ounce casting weight tied on, reel the weight up to about 1 foot from the rod tip with the tip held about 2 o'clock position. Place your thumb on the reel spool and disengage the spool release. Take your thumb off the spool and adjust the reel spool tension so the line is pulled slowly off the spool by the casting weight. This is the proper tension to start with. The next step before you start to cast is to pull off about 100 feet of line and tape over the line on the spool with masking tape, one or two wraps is all that is needed. After taping rewind the 100 feet of line back on the reel.
Now you are ready to start practicing. Find an open area without trees like a lawn area. The rod should be held with the reel handles facing upright, arm forward and bent at the elbow. Put your thumb on the reel spool and disengage the spool release. The rod starts at the 2 o'clock position, bend your elbow slightly and your wrist back until the rod is at the 10 o'clock position, then with your wrist and forearm sweep the rod back to the 2 o'clock position, let your thumb off the spool at 12 o'clock and continue to the 2 o'clock starting position. The casting lure should pull off about 20 to 25 yards of line. Depending on the rod action the release point of 12 o'clock needs to be practiced to determine the right release point for the rod and weight you are using. Over runs or backlashes will be minimal because of the masking tape keeps the line from loosening too deeply. Continue practicing casting until the tape is reach on each cast. To incease distance slightly loosen the spool tension adjustment.
Remove the tape and continue practicing and using your thumb to slow down the reel spool as the lure reaches the half way point in the air. You are now ready to go fishing.
Tom