Advice on baitcasting for the first time 2024
hawgwash reply :
I decided to try baitcasting for the first time. So I bought myself a Pflueger president XT low profile baitcaster and I'm going to match it with a Berkley Cherrywood casting rod. I'm just looking for any links to some how to videos or articles on how to tune and set up a baitcaster.
Thanks in advance for your help.
A-Jay reply :
A-Jay
MichaelCopeland reply :
Set the spool tensioner knob and the braking control dial to where, when you press the spool release button for casting, your bait falls at a medium rate and the spool stops when the bait hits the ground. Have your rod at about the 11 o'clock position when you do this. When casting use your thumb to control the spool slightly to reduce backlash. As you get better you can lessen the tension on the spool and back off the brake to get further casts. Throughout all your learning process always remember to educate your thumb on controlling the spool to reduce backlash. ????
burrows reply :
Buy some cheap mono and practice.
JoshFromBolo reply :
Set the drag tight when you're spooling it
For the cheap mono I would recommend either Trilene XL or XT, very good line to learn on.
Practice thumbing the spool when you cast and make sure you get that down, pretty tricky
Make sure you set the breaks high, minimizes backlashes.
hawgwash reply :
Thanks for the video and the tips guys. Got a spool of Berkley vanish I was wondering if maybe that would work? I mean for practicing.
The president XT casting reel is only right handed so that's going to take some getting used to.
DogBone_384 reply :
On 6/13/2018 at 8:58 AM, Burros said:Buy some cheap mono and practice.
What he said ..... 12-15 lb test to start. It's easier to pick out backlashes.
Don't worry about catching fish at first. A smooth arc is key to distance and accuracy. Lastly: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.....
Angry John reply :
Sv technology really helps beginners. It's a great way to reduce fustration. Start with your braking high and back off slowly. Your distance will suck but way better than spending the first few days picking out birdsnests.
hunterPRO1 reply :
cheap mono
pair of scissors
and alot of practice
TylerT123 reply :
Use thick mono, set brakes high and work your way down with each cast. Set the spool tension so the lure falls slowly, turn your brakes off before you set your spool tension.
CroakHunter reply :
Work on your casting being 1 fluid motion. Not snappy like a spinning rod. If you have ever played golf, it's like trying to hit a drive, you don't have to swing hard to get it to go far. Mechanics and timing are key
basseditor reply :
As you get proficient, you’ll let the line slip a “little” under your thumb when you begin the casting motion. Then feather the line as it nears landing too.
hawgwash reply :
Thanks for all the tips. Reel and rod arrive tomorrow so I'll start practicing with all your suggestions.
Bass Resource Rocks! 
CroakHunter reply :
On 6/13/2018 at 7:54 PM, hawgwash said:Thanks for all the tips. Reel and rod arrive tomorrow so I'll start practicing with all your suggestions.
Bass Resource Rocks!
Make sure and report back your results. Both good and/or bad
haggard reply :
When a backlash happens, you should almost always be able to untangle it - don't necessarily reach for the scissors right away. One of the most important things to remember is to not pull hard on the line to untangle it. This will ONLY tighten the mess and probably weaken the line.
The process that works for me - I've had to cut line off a spool only once, and that was before I got the hang of this:
1. set the drag somewhat tight but not super tight
2. grab a random few strands of line at the top of the spool and loosen them up, pull them up a bit
3. press the thumb bar to go into free spool
4. while pressing your thumb gently on the spool so it doesn't backlash again, pull on the line coming out of the eyelet, until it says it's not going to give anymore - but don't pull harder at this point; you'll just tighten the mess
5. turn the handle to pop the thumb bar back up
...then repeat 2 through 5 until the mess comes out and all the line on the spool is wound tight. Even with the mess pulled out, you may find a loose loop on the spool that you just can't get to. You may pull out a lot of line to get to this, but keep going, you'll get to it.
An alternative to chasing down the loose loop on the spool is (again once you've already untangled the mess) to just make a long cast downwind, to let the loose bit off the spool, and just reel back in.
I'll try to make a video of the above; it's much simpler than it may seem. In the meantime there should be some videos on youtube on how to untangle the mess.
Andy007 reply :
My 2 pieces of advise
Keep the brakes on the tight side and loosen with time, while your thumb learns.
Google removing birdsnest and watch a couple videos. I tried the one you pull out what line you can then put your thumb on spool with pressure and turn handle couple times then pull line out again. Repeat if necessary, supper quick, simple and no digging and picking.
Good luck!
Jaderose reply :
Turn off all brakes and open tension knob wide open. Tie a 1 oz weight on your line. **** it, lock it, and cast it as hard as you can. You're welcome.
*notice....do not do any of the above*
hawgwash reply :
Hmm, now I have to decide if I want the right hand model or the left hand model. I just came across their Supreme XT, which comes in a left hand model. Of course it cost a little more, but then it's probably a better reel.
I'm just wondering if I should opt for the Supreme XT, because I'm so used to reeling with my left hand. I guess I'll see how it goes today when the reel and rod arrive.
Decisions, decisions.....
NYWayfarer reply :
On 6/13/2018 at 9:37 AM, hawgwash said:Thanks for the video and the tips guys. Got a spool of Berkley vanish I was wondering if maybe that would work? I mean for practicing.
The president XT casting reel is only right handed so that's going to take some getting used to.
NO!
Vanish is not a good line for learning baitcasting, or anything else for that matter. Try Trilene XL, XT or Big Game instead. 12# or higher.
hawgwash reply :
On 6/14/2018 at 8:41 PM, NYWayfarer said:NO!
Vanish is not a good line for learning baitcasting, or anything else for that matter. Try Trilene XL, XT or Big Game instead. 12# or higher.
Ok, thanks
Rahlow reply :
If you are right handed, you will most likely be more comfortable with a right hand retrieve reel.
When casting , turn the handle up, cast with it "on top" so to speak.
hawgwash reply :
On 6/14/2018 at 9:06 PM, Rahlow said:If you are right handed, you will most likely be more comfortable with a right hand retrieve reel.
When casting , turn the handle up, cast with it "on top" so to speak.
You're suppose to fish with a baitcaster upright anyway. At least that's how I've always seen them used.
BassNJake reply :
You will backlash and when that happens a crochet needle is what I found to be the best tool to use.
They are cheap and have a rounded point so it wont dig between braid and some have a pointed end.
Can be found in the craft section of Walmart or stores like Joanne Fabrics or Michael's and of course online.
https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Silvalume-Handi-Tool/dp/B00FUN2KQE
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/14/2018 at 9:06 PM, Rahlow said:If you are right handed, you will most likely be more comfortable with a right hand retrieve reel.
When casting , turn the handle up, cast with it "on top" so to speak.
Have to disagree with this. I am right handed. I prefer to handle the rod in my dominant hand. I'd be surprised if the majority didn't feel the same way. However, it is not hard to crank with either hand for most. BUT....casting with either hand isn't quite so easy. At least for me. Side arm roll casts equal no problem. Overhead casts are a little more awkward for me. Of course my rather advanced age may have something to do with my disability learning the overhead cast with the left hand. Accuracy suffers.
OP: I've not used the President or the Supreme XT. I do own Pflueger reels on both sides of those prices. AFAIC Pflueger casting reels don't get the respect they deserve. A fellow member (smalljaw67) liked his first Supreme XT enough to go buy a second. This gentleman has used much more costly reels. His advice has always served me well.
Rahlow reply :
On 6/14/2018 at 9:44 PM, new2BC4bass said:Have to disagree with this. I am right handed. I prefer to handle the rod in my dominant hand. I'd be surprised if the majority didn't feel the same way. However, it is not hard to crank with either hand for most. BUT....casting with either hand isn't quite so easy. At least for me. Side arm roll casts equal no problem. Overhead casts are a little more awkward for me. Of course my rather advanced age may have something to do with my disability learning the overhead cast with the left hand. Accuracy suffers.
OP: I've not used the President or the Supreme XT. I do own Pflueger reels on both sides of those prices. AFAIC Pflueger casting reels don't get the respect they deserve. A fellow member (smalljaw67) liked his first Supreme XT enough to go buy a second. This gentleman has used much more costly reels. His advice has always served me well.
I find it more comfortable to handle the cast with my ,right hand, switch rod to left and reel with my right, everyone I know does it this way, so to each his own I guess.
On 6/14/2018 at 9:08 PM, hawgwash said:
You're suppose to fish with a baitcaster upright anyway. At least that's how I've always seen them used.
I didn’t get that advice or “ trick” when I started so that’s why I mentioned it.
The Bassman reply :
On 6/14/2018 at 9:13 PM, BassNJake said:You will backlash and when that happens a crochet needle is what I found to be the best tool to use.
They are cheap and have a rounded point so it wont dig between braid and some have a pointed end.
Can be found in the craft section of Walmart or stores like Joanne Fabrics or Michael's and of course online.
https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Silvalume-Handi-Tool/dp/B00FUN2KQE
Search videos that show how to clean up backlashes simply by thumbing and hard reeling through the tangle. You'll never need a pick again.
Kjruiz reply :
I used this tape trick when I was learning:
NHBull reply :
The Bassman reply :
Thanks for attaching those videos @NHBull.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/15/2018 at 7:01 AM, Rahlow said:I find it more comfortable to handle the cast with my ,right hand, switch rod to left and reel with my right, everyone I know does it this way, so to each his own I guess.
Sorry. I wasn't thinking. Your way is the way the majority had to fish for a long time because left hand reels were few and far between. I doubt many would be willing to change after doing it that way for years.
It seems to me that now left hand reels are much more prevalent most guys coming from spinning...right handed, casting right hand, holding rod right hand and reeling left hand....are going with left hand casting reels because that is what they are use to. The largest population is right handed. I expect one day left hand reels will be the prevalent reel. First we have to get rid of the old fogeys. Whoa! Hold it. I am an old fogey. 
As someone that grew up that way (spinning rod/left hand reel), I am more comfortable casting with the right hand. Reeling with either hand makes no difference to me. Holding the rod with either hand makes little difference to me. Casting with the off hand does make a difference. I taught myself to cast left handed because I wanted to be a more rounded caster. Sure I could cast right handed and switch...and sometime do depending on accuracy needed...but I enjoy casting left handed. I'm just not that accurate yet. However, if I am going to spend what amounts to a good sum of money to me, the reel is going to be a left hand.
No offense meant to you or anyone else.
kenmitch reply :
On 6/15/2018 at 8:24 AM, new2BC4bass said:Sorry. I wasn't thinking. Your way is the way the majority had to fish for a long time because left hand reels were few and far between. I doubt many would be willing to change after doing it that way for years.
It seems to me that now left hand reels are much more prevalent most guys coming from spinning...right handed, casting right hand, holding rod right hand and reeling left hand....are going with left hand casting reels because that is what they are use to. The largest population is right handed. I expect one day left hand reels will be the prevalent reel. First we have to get rid of the old fogeys. Whoa! Hold it. I am an old fogey.
As someone that grew up that way (spinning rod/left hand reel), I am more comfortable casting with the right hand. Reeling with either hand makes no difference to me. Holding the rod with either hand makes little difference to me. Casting with the off hand does make a difference. I taught myself to cast left handed because I wanted to be a more rounded caster. Sure I could cast right handed and switch...and sometime do depending on accuracy needed...but I enjoy casting left handed. I'm just not that accurate yet. However, if I am going to spend what amounts to a good sum of money to me, the reel is going to be a left hand.
No offense meant to you or anyone else.
I'm right handed so naturally I cast right, switch left, reel right as it feels like second nature to me. I've always done it this way. I swapped the handles on my spinning reels as left handed felt unnatural too me. The switch from right to left happens just after the lure hits the water anyways. I haven't really tried left handed casting. It could come in handy at times I guess. I kayak fish so I just reposition and cast with my right. I fish sitting down which already is somewhat of a handicap. I've caught the majority of my larger bass(4-5lbs) on longer casts that require accuracy. My left hand just aint up to that standard as I have to tell it what to do while my right hand just does it....if that make any sense.
hawgwash reply :
Rod and reel were waiting for me when I got home. Pretty sweet looking setup. Heading to Dick's to get some line put on it, then off to practice...
hawgwash reply :
Went to Dick's and got some Berkley Trilene Big Game (15ib). The sales guy was very knowledgeable about baitcasters and gave me all kinds of pointers. He even gave me a hands on lesson in using it. Of course I needed some more lures so I got some Strike King spinnerbaits and a couple of their squarebills. Went out and did some practicing and this thing is freakin awesome! A lot more finesse and adjustments can be made on the baitcaster as opposed to my spinning reel. I only got one backlash, but it wasn't that bad and I pulled it right out (remembering what you guys said about backlashes).
Overall this is going to be an awesome setup and I can't wait to really spend a day with it.
Thanks everyone for your tips and suggestions!
NYWayfarer reply :
If the Big Game gives you any issues some line conditioner (KVD line and lure, Reel Snot, etc.) will help.
Awesome combo, those Cherrywood HD casting rods are unbeatable for the price.
bagofdonuts reply :
strip out what would be a very long cash, put a piece of electrical tap over the line, then reel in the line on top of the tape. you will only get a backlash down to the tape, which will come out very easily. then practice away.
once you gain confidence you can remove the tape.
Rahlow reply :
On 6/15/2018 at 8:24 AM, new2BC4bass said:
No offense meant to you or anyone else.
None taken, as an old fogey myself, I have begun to cast 2 handed, easier on my arthritic wrist, got away from the "pistol" grip rods so I could 2 hand it.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/16/2018 at 12:54 AM, Rahlow said:None taken, as an old fogey myself, I have begun to cast 2 handed, easier on my arthritic wrist, got away from the "pistol" grip rods so I could 2 hand it.
I never mentioned 2-handed, but the vast majority of my casts are done that way. Nor did I mention that being able to switch to a reel with the handle on the other side can sometimes be very beneficial because it gives the other hand a rest. After a winter of not fishing, cranking a spinnerbait over and through weeds can take a toll on the rod hand.
Choporoz reply :
On 6/15/2018 at 7:27 AM, The Bassman said:Search videos that show how to clean up backlashes simply by thumbing and hard reeling through the tangle. You'll never need a pick again.
I've read it many times....tried it numerous times and have never been successful...not sure if I don't stick with it long enough, or what....I always get to a point where I feel I'm tightening knots or just digging in
The Bassman reply :
On 6/16/2018 at 2:09 AM, Choporoz said:I've read it many times....tried it numerous times and have never been successful...not sure if I don't stick with it long enough, or what....I always get to a point where I feel I'm tightening knots or just digging in
I was skeptical at first but it works great for me. Make sure your drag is tight so the spool turns when you're pressing down with your thumb. I have noticed that it's more difficult when the tangle is near the edge of the spool. Sometimes it takes a few tries to work.
hawgwash reply :
This reel is so awesome now I'm starting to look at other baitcasters and drooling, lol. I know it's kind of picky, but I'm bummed about the silent drag on the XT. I was kind of hoping for that drag sound when I caught a fish.
hawgwash reply :
So guys what's the best gear ratio? There's different kinds and I'm not clear what the best purposes for each one. I like this XT so much I'm thinking of getting a second one so I'm looking at Lew's Fishing Tournament MB.
Gets a lot of good reviews but I am a bit confused on the different gear ratios - 6.8 , 7.5, 8.3 etc. What would be a good gear ratio for bass fishing and what exactly does a different ratios mean?
LionHeart reply :
Best advice I can give other than always keep a tiny bit of your thumb on the spool is, do not go for distance. Go for a smooth cast. What I mean is, don't whip the rod forward, smoothly cast it forward. Also, don't start with spinner baits. It would actually do you well to start with a 1/4 ounce sinker and a decent sized Texas rig.
This is light enough to teach you thumb control but aerodynamic enough to not lead to frustration.
CroakHunter reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 4:26 AM, hawgwash said:So guys what's the best gear ratio? There's different kinds and I'm not clear what the best purposes for each one. I like this XT so much I'm thinking of getting a second one so I'm looking at Lew's Fishing Tournament MB.
Gets a lot of good reviews but I am a bit confused on the different gear ratios - 6.8 , 7.5, 8.3 etc. What would be a good gear ratio for bass fishing and what exactly does a different ratios mean?
Higher the ratio, faster the retrieve rate. For an all around reel I like 6.8 to 7.3
Further North reply :
On 6/13/2018 at 12:39 PM, hunterPRO1 said:cheap mono
pair of scissors
and alot of practice
Nailed it.
I was going to say "...a sharp knife", but scissors will do.
either buy a practice plug, or take the hooks off a lure and practice around the yard...even in the house (I practice pitching inside off and on all winter.)
I have a drill I do for my fly casting, every night the weather is decent: I cast my my way around the house. At least one rod, and often two or three in different weights. This makes me deal with the wind from every direction, trees, shrubs, whatever I can make get in my way. I cast under branches, around bushes (you can do that with a fly rod, to a point) and right next to branches where I imagine a monster pike lurking next to that gopher mound...
Shoot for targets, don't just go for distance, as accuracy is 10x more more important. Tighten up your "short game" with pitching, and learn flipping. Plastic buckets, hula hoops, weeds, darker/lighter spots on the lawn, gopher mounds, leaves in in fall, and around here the occasional Brittany* have all served as targets at one time or another.
*This kind of Brittany:
...not this kind:
Further North reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 4:26 AM, hawgwash said:So guys what's the best gear ratio? There's different kinds and I'm not clear what the best purposes for each one. I like this XT so much I'm thinking of getting a second one so I'm looking at Lew's Fishing Tournament MB.
Gets a lot of good reviews but I am a bit confused on the different gear ratios - 6.8 , 7.5, 8.3 etc. What would be a good gear ratio for bass fishing and what exactly does a different ratios mean?
There ain't no "best".
There's what you like, and there's what is sorta intended for various presentations.
I tend to like right around 7.0, then up or down depending on what I'm doing.
I've a couple of 9.0 Revo Rockets for pitching (I want the bait back fast so I can pitch again)
I've got an LTX that about 8:1 for Senkos.
I go as low as 6.3:1 for cranks, in-line spinners, big musky baits, etc.
What you really want to look at is how much line each turn of the handle picks up, then think about that in terms of the presentation you want to make.
Generally speaking, if moving the rod provides the action, or the presentation is all on the fall, you want a fast ratio. If running the lure through the water (spoons, spinners, stuff like that), you're gonna want to slow it down.
That said, you can always slow down a fast reel, at the expense of torque. You can't always crank a slow one fast enough...
Example of that last point: I have an Abu Garcia Revo Toro Winch 60 on my 9 ft. musky rod. It's primary job is to run big in-line spinners...think double 8s, double 10s and bigger. You don't want to run those too fast, because they'll run too high in the water column...and you'll kill yourself trying to do that all day...so it came with a 4.6:1 retrieve ratio (this is a BAMF reel, it still picks up plenty of line per turn)...
But...I also often throw 3 ounce Doctor Spoons with the same rig, and at 4.6:1, you cannot crank fast enough to keep them out of the weeds, even if you are 21 years old and it's 7:00 AM and you've had 6 cans of He-Man-Voodoo-Jack-Me-Up Juice.
Pop a set of 6.4:1 gears in there, and...BINGO...turn slow for double-cowgirls, normal for the Doctor Spoons and you're in business. Crank baits and jerk baits fall in there just fine, also.
LionHeart reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 4:26 AM, hawgwash said:So guys what's the best gear ratio? There's different kinds and I'm not clear what the best purposes for each one. I like this XT so much I'm thinking of getting a second one so I'm looking at Lew's Fishing Tournament MB.
Gets a lot of good reviews but I am a bit confused on the different gear ratios - 6.8 , 7.5, 8.3 etc. What would be a good gear ratio for bass fishing and what exactly does a different ratios mean?
I own 3 Tournament MB reels. Solid choice and are only $99 from Sportsman Outfitters on EBay. If you are looking for versatility, I recommend 7.5 speed (31 inch per turn) or 6.8 speed (28 inch per turn).
Either of those will take you far. 7.5 is better for jigs, Texas Rigs, and lures that don't produce massive drag while retrieving. 6.8 IMO isn't quite as versatile for the lures I fish, but still a phenomenal choice.
Gear ratio just means for every full turn of the reel handle, the spool will turn that many times. 7.5 will turn 7.5 revolutions with each full handle turn, and so on. Higher numbers will generally have higher retrieve speed, while lower numbers will give you more torque or leverage while retrieving a lure, or if you're lucky, a fish.
hawgwash reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 10:58 AM, LionHeart said:I own 3 Tournament MB reels. Solid choice and are only $99 from Sportsman Outfitters on EBay. If you are looking for versatility, I recommend 7.5 speed (31 inch per turn) or 6.8 speed (28 inch per turn).
Either of those will take you far. 7.5 is better for jigs, Texas Rigs, and lures that don't produce massive drag while retrieving. 6.8 IMO isn't quite as versatile for the lures I fish, but still a phenomenal choice.
Gear ratio just means for every full turn of the reel handle, the spool will turn that many times. 7.5 will turn 7.5 revolutions with each full handle turn, and so on. Higher numbers will generally have higher retrieve speed, while lower numbers will give you more torque or leverage while retrieving a lure, or if you're lucky, a fish.
There's a lot to learn in this baitcast world. I was looking at the Lew's MB reel (which I'm still comsidering) then I spotted a Daiwa Tatula SV TW - wow, what a beautiful reel. There's a few different models and I haven't a clue which one would work for me. It was a lot easier choosing a spinning reel, lol.
So far practicing with the XT has been a blast. Finally got it dialed in and making longer and more precise casts. Caught a few fish, too.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 10:58 AM, LionHeart said:I own 3 Tournament MB reels. Solid choice and are only $99 from Sportsman Outfitters on EBay.
Now that is a very good price. Got mine for $108 and thought I was making out like a bandit. 
Koz reply :
On 6/15/2018 at 7:01 AM, Rahlow said:I find it more comfortable to handle the cast with my ,right hand, switch rod to left and reel with my right, everyone I know does it this way, so to each his own I guess.
I do the same thing. Sometimes I keep the rod in my right hand and stop the spool with my right thumb and sometimes I'll make the transfer mid cast and stop the spool with my left thumb. Last year was my first time using a baitcaster, and honestly after the first one or two outings I don't think twice about it.
I probably should learn to cast left handed or at least cross handed, but I'm old and stubborn.
The RH retrieve did seem a little awkward at first, mainly getting a steady cranking rhythm. But for me the weirdest part was landing a fish with my non-dominant hand holding the rod. That first five pounder seemed even heavier trying to muscle it with my left hand.
I still get backlashes now and then, but it's because I either forgot to set the tension properly or I try to muscle a cast out there like I'm still holding a spinning rod. I need to remember to cast further I can adjust the brakes and still throw easy and smooth.
On 6/15/2018 at 7:01 AM, Rahlow said:I find it more comfortable to handle the cast with my ,right hand, switch rod to left and reel with my right, everyone I know does it this way, so to each his own I guess.
I do the same thing. Sometimes I keep the rod in my right hand and stop the spool with my right thumb and sometimes I'll make the transfer mid cast and stop the spool with my left thumb. Last year was my first time using a baitcaster, and honestly after the first one or two outings I don't think twice about it.
I probably should learn to cast left handed or at least cross handed, but I'm old and stubborn.
The RH retrieve did seem a little awkward at first, mainly getting a steady cranking rhythm. But for me the weirdest part was landing a fish with my non-dominant hand holding the rod. That first five pounder seemed even heavier trying to muscle it with my left hand.
I still get backlashes now and then, but it's because I either forgot to set the tension properly or I try to muscle a cast out there like I'm still holding a spinning rod. I need to remember to cast further I can adjust the brakes and still throw easy and smooth.
hawgwash reply :
Well I'm having so much fun with this XT baitcasting reel that I decided to get a second one. Picked up the Daiwa tatula CT 100 XS matched on a Lew's 6 foot 10 in speed stick with some 20 lb Power Pro super slick. Got a great deal on the set up at Dick's. Super excited can't wait to take it out on the water
Rahlow reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 10:33 PM, Koz said:
I probably should learn to cast left handed or at least cross handed, but I'm old and stubborn.
The RH retrieve did seem a little awkward at first, mainly getting a steady cranking rhythm. But for me the weirdest part was landing a fish with my non-dominant hand holding the rod. That first five pounder seemed even heavier trying to muscle it with my left hand.
The RH retrieve did seem a little awkward at first, mainly getting a steady cranking rhythm. But for me the weirdest part was landing a fish with my non-dominant hand holding the rod. That first five pounder seemed even heavier trying to muscle it with my left hand.
.
Shoot, I could never cast left handed, my ol brain would never "learn" that! LOL
To me,, I related it to playing baseball, I catch with my left hand and throw with my right. When it was new to me, it all was a little awkward, but it became second nature, I cast right, thumb the spool while in my right, switch to left, reel with right, and I usually set the hook with both hands,, right usually still on the handle, sometimes under the front of the reel,,,, its all in what ya prefer and feels comfortable. I'm sure you low country boys is different anyway LOL
LionHeart reply :
On 6/18/2018 at 9:25 PM, new2BC4bass said:
Now that is a very good price. Got mine for $108 and thought I was making out like a bandit.
$108 Is a good price. Heck, full price is a good price IMO. If you can't tell, I'm a fan boy for this reel. Gonna force myself to buy something different for next one
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/19/2018 at 1:34 AM, hawgwash said:Well I'm having so much fun with this XT baitcasting reel that I decided to get a second one. Picked up the Daiwa tatula CT 100 XS matched on a Lew's 6 foot 10 in speed stick with some 20 lb Power Pro super slick. Got a great deal on the set up at Dick's. Super excited can't wait to take it out on the water
Just think. It has only begun.
EDIT: Love that grip.
hawgwash reply :
This Tatula rocks.....and the rod is pretty awesome, too. Liking the Power Pro super slick braid - I can cast a mile and it definitely helps with backlashes. Caught several bass and a couple smallmouths and this combo just horses them in. Lovin it! Only bummer is the silent drag, again....miss that reel sound.
The Bassman reply :
Nice looking combo. I handled that rod in Dick's and really liked it. Just not sure about the ss guides. Also, just a tip. Add some more backing on the reel to bring the line up a bit, maybe halfway to the edge. It'll cast farther and retrieve faster. You'll probably need to turn your dial up a little.
hawgwash reply :
On 6/20/2018 at 3:21 AM, The Bassman said:Nice looking combo. I handled that rod in Dick's and really liked it. Just not sure about the ss guides. Also, just a tip. Add some more backing on the reel to bring the line up a bit, maybe halfway to the edge. It'll cast farther and retrieve faster. You'll probably need to turn your dial up a little.
Interesting thing about that is when the guy filled the line up at Dick's I thought he put too much on it (he used the entire 150 yds of 20lb braid) and so I took some off this morning before I went fishing. I realize now that was a mistake and I should have just left it alone. Baitcaster isn't like the spinning reel where you need an eighth inch on the lip.
The Bassman reply :
Two things. You do need a little distance (1/16-1/8") especially if you're still learning. Second, braid isn't cheap. I always back my reels with something cheap or left over then top shot with maybe 60-70 yds. of the good stuff.
hawgwash reply :
Lot of different fish to catch out here. It's way too much fun fishing with these baitcasters. Got to get some of that Power Pro super slick on the PresXT. That stuff is amazing.
Further North reply :
Fun to follow - keep it going!
hawgwash reply :
I put some Power Pro super slick on the Pres yesterday and wow. That line is awesome. I've made the Pres my worm/pitching setup and I can cast a worm quite a ways with no backlashes with this line. Caught my biggest bass yesterday as well - 17" 3.5lbs or more. He was pretty heavy and it was funny because I was trying to pull him up onto the grass and he just wouldn't budge. I had to look at the reel to see that the spool was spinning and quick adjust the drag, but he still wouldn't budge so I finally lipped him.
It's weird with these silent drags I can't tell what's going on unless I look at the spool to see if it's moving - while I'm fighting the fish. Kind of a drag.
Slade House reply :
Daiwa reels period.
hawgwash reply :
On 6/24/2018 at 7:48 PM, Slade House said:Daiwa reels period.
I also have a Diawa Tatula CT 100XS, but the PresXT is no slouch.
Boomstick reply :
On 6/24/2018 at 10:42 PM, hawgwash said:I also have a Diawa Tatula CT 100XS, but the PresXT is no slouch.
I got my youngest son a Supreme XT casting reel and I like that reel just as much as my Tatula SV and more than my the Curado K I got my other son! It's a really nice lightweight reel and the braking system is top notch. I wasn't sure what to expect from Pflueger's casting reels when I bought it, but I got it for $110 and in retrospect, it was easily worth every penny.
hawgwash reply :
On 6/25/2018 at 6:06 AM, Boomstick said:I got my youngest son a Supreme XT casting reel and I like that reel just as much as my Tatula SV and more than my the Curado K I got my other son! It's a really nice lightweight reel and the braking system is top notch. I wasn't sure what to expect from Pflueger's casting reels when I bought it, but I got it for $110 and in retrospect, it was easily worth every penny.
In have to agree wholeheartedly. Recently I went to Cabela's and was just planning to get some tackle, but I wandered over by the reels and poles. I wasn't planning on getting anything, until I asked to see a Diawa Tatula SV TW. The guy pulled one out and as soon as I held it that was it. He recommended I get the 6.3.1 because I wanted a setup just for cranking, then he recommended a rod - a Lew's Mach Speed 7' 6". Now this setup was $300 so yah - I had to try for a Cabela's card, and I got one. Ca-ching!
I spent that day fishing with the new setup using the line the guy recommended - 12lb Seaguar InvizX. Now this was a very beautiful setup and I caught a few good size fish with it, but by the end of the day I wasn't wowed - I mean, not like $300 type of wowed. In the end I was liking my Tatula CT almost more, which cost half as much and is matched on a Lew's Speed Stick, which is a great rod.
So finally I took the SV TW and the rod back to Cabela's and just made the PresXT my cranking setup. The whole thing only cost me $100 and it's caught dozens of fish and handles cranks and big swimbaits with ease. In fact, just today the XT hauled in several nice bass including this one - my biggest bass this year at 18.5" 4.2lbs
So yah, the Pres is pretty awesome
Oh yeah, and the InvizX line sucks. It tangles, loops, and I had it break several times. I wasted a whole $25 spool and I won't buy that line again.
Boomstick reply :
On 7/18/2018 at 10:03 AM, hawgwash said:
In have to agree wholeheartedly. Recently I went to Cabela's and was just planning to get some tackle, but I wandered over by the reels and poles. I wasn't planning on getting anything, until I asked to see a Diawa Tatula SV TW. The guy pulled one out and as soon as I held it that was it. He recommended I get the 6.3.1 because I wanted a setup just for cranking, then he recommended a rod - a Lew's Mach Speed 7' 6". Now this setup was $300 so yah - I had to try for a Cabela's card, and I got one. Ca-ching!
I spent that day fishing with the new setup using the line the guy recommended - 12lb Seaguar InvizX. Now this was a very beautiful setup and I caught a few good size fish with it, but by the end of the day I wasn't wowed - I mean, not like $300 type of wowed. In the end I was liking my Tatula CT almost more, which cost half as much and is matched on a Lew's Speed Stick, which is a great rod.
So finally I took the SV TW and the rod back to Cabela's and just made the PresXT my cranking setup. The whole thing only cost me $100 and it's caught dozens of fish and handles cranks and big swimbaits with ease. In fact, just today the XT hauled in several nice bass including this one - my biggest bass this year at 18.5" 4.2lbs
So yah, the Pres is pretty awesome
Oh yeah, and the InvizX line sucks. It tangles, loops, and I had it break several times. I wasted a whole $25 spool and I won't buy that line again.
Nice fish!
I also like my Tatula SV's though. My biggest complaint is that one of them is just about as smooth as the Supreme XT -- the other isn't.
hawgwash reply :
On 7/18/2018 at 11:00 AM, Boomstick said:Nice fish!
I also like my Tatula SV's though. My biggest complaint is that one of them is just about as smooth as the Supreme XT -- the other isn't.
I was about to quit fishing this morning when I decided to try under the small one lane bridge, thinking the sun is getting hot and perhaps the fish are under there in the shade. I cast a KVD squarebill along the side and suddenly this huge bass swiped at it and then spit it out. I was so shocked I almost dropped my rig in the water. On a second cast he struck at it again but no hook up. I often wonder how these fish can grab a lure with two treble hooks and not get caught. So finally after trying several different colors of squarebills he smashed one (this time on the opposite side of the bridge) and I slid down almost into the water I was so hyped, then it took me several minutes to grab him because he was too heavy to line lift. It was very exciting. Around here a four pound bass is almost equal to a ten pounder elsewhere.
What I didn't like about the SV TW that I had was the tension knob was very difficult to turn and after using it for about a day I really couldn't see much difference from the CT that I already had. I don't know, maybe I had a dud.
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