How to Set Up a Bait Caster Reel
Before discussing how to set up a bait caster reel, we should know what actually baitcasting is. Baitcasting is a technique of casting an artificial or natural bait attached to a line of silk etcetera. The line is wound on a reel having a revolving spool.
For many novice anglers, baitcasting is the experience that they avoid the most because it needs a particular technique because somehow, the wrong cast of bait can create backlashes. But it is also a fact that nothing can stand trying and trying again and baitcasting is a better technique for bass fishing. However, the anglers need to understand that baitcasting is not a rocket science.
So, in this article, we shall try to answer the question of how to set up a bait caster reel. There are certain techniques, following which in true letter and spirit can certainly bring positive outcomes. Here are those techniques:
How to Set Up a Bait Caster Reel: Basics of Setting Up the Baitcasting Reel
By the end of this article, you will be almost ready to set up a baitcasting reel and fish. So, below are some of the basics of how to set up a bait caster reel:
Feeding the Line to The Reel
The step one is quite easy. The fishing line should be passed through the eyeholes of the rod starting from the tip of the rod through down to the reel. Moreover, the reel should be fixed on the top side of the rod facing up.
Securing the Line to The Reel
Step number two of how to cast a baitcasting reel is a very crucial one. A spool is needed to have many holes in it.
Place the end of the line into one of the holes in the spool. Next, turn the crank handle once so that it should wrap and bring the tag end to you.
Next, it is time to knot. But it should be done before the tag end is trimmed to around half an inch.
Loading the Line onto the Reel
Once the knot is secure and the line is tied to the reel, it is time to load the line onto the reel from the spool. However, during this process of loading the line, the tension on the fishing line should not be released. This can also be done by keeping the spool between your feet to slow down its rotation.
The reel should be loaded to almost 95% full so that it casts better and works greater and smoother. A full reel is not expected to produce the desired outcomes.
Moreover, it is also advised by the experts in the field that the reel should be filled with some baking line instead of some expensive line certainly to save money. An expensive line makes anglers fill the reel to the half. A 95% suggestion is to save you from sorry, in case, you lose a larger fish just because the reel is half-filled.
Line Preference for Baitcasting Reel
For how to set up a bait caster reel, the selection of line also matters a lot. Three types of fishing lines can be used for a baitcasting reel that is, monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line.
Fluorocarbon line is recommended for those anglers who are experienced whereas monofilament is the preferred fishing line for beginners.
A few Adjustments to Make
When the steps of how to set up a bait caster reel are complete, there are a few adjustments that need formation.
Setting Tension on the Spool to function properly. A jig or spinnerbait minimum of ¼ oz can be tied. The location of the tension knob is on the reel near the handle and drag star.
The tension knob should be tightened and press the release button to make the lure hit the ground. Make sure that the lure does not hit the ground fast otherwise the tension knob will get loose. Similarly, if the tension knob is too tight, the lure will not reach the ground at all.
Brake Adjustment system exists inside of baitcasting reels.
Centrifugal braking system requires uncovering the reel to see braking pegs if they are in off position. Further on, when the brakes are on, the braking system is very powerful at the time of casting the reel.
The brake adjustment system also includes Magnetic Brakes which are quite easy to use. The outside of the reel contains a dial from Q to 10. The power of the magnetic braking system can be increased and decreased by simply turning the dial.
- Drag Setting is extremely easy. There is a star-shaped dial between the reel handle and the reel itself.
Turning the dial away from tightens the drag and turning towards you loosens it. It is advised to adjust the dial in a way that you find the right amount of drag. Moreover, an angler should also know the adjustment of drag with a fish on it.
Summary
How to set up a bait caster reel is full of challenges. If too much of a line is out, it becomes loose on the reel. Similarly, if it is tangled, it worsens things. Therefore, to avoid inconveniences, the tension should be properly set to bait cast the reel properly. And surely, mastering these basics will make baitcasting reel fun for you.
FAQs
How do you use a bait caster reel for beginners?
The tension should be properly set to bait cast the reel properly.
How do you set up a bait caster with the line?
- Feeding the Line to The Reel
- Securing the Line to The Reel
- Loading the Line onto the Reel
What is the proper way to cast a bait caster?
Ans. Once the knot is secure and the line is tied to the reel, it is time to load the line onto the reel from the spool. However, during this process of loading the line, the tension on the fishing line should not be released. This can also be done by keeping the spool between your feet to slow down its rotation.
How do you set a bait caster for no backlash?
Ans. To avoid backlash, you need to properly adjust the brakes of your reel for your bait.
