Baitcaster Reel 2024
thefishingone reply :
Man I'm ready to throw my Daiwa Megaforce reel away! I setup my reel according to the weight of my lure but everytime I cast and brake the line the line still explodes out! Major birdnest! I haven't in the past two days enjoyed fishing for even 5 minutes! I'm thinking of returning to my old spinning combo. I've read the Baitcasting reel 101 thing by the reel mechanic but no bit of luck. I want to be able to cast my line farther than 50 feet but I'm only getting to cast 10 feet before a major birdnest. Am I putting the line on wrong? I have Suffix Siege 10lb line on it currently (1.99 at a local store). Is their any videos (I learn faster by video) that shows you how to setup your reel, putting on line, etc. Then to actually setting it up with the weight of your lure and to casting. Speaking of casting when I could cast 10 feet I usually cast with my right hand and my line would aways sail to the left any way to fix this major crisis? And to the proper way of braking. Oh and where should I put my braking system at off, 1,2,3....etc. For Daiwa Megaforce owners how do you have your reels setup? HELP EVERYONE I'M GOING FISHING TOMOROW AND IF THIS PROBLEM ISN'T FIXED I'M GOING TO HAVE TO RETURN THE REEL SOON!?!? This is my dream reel too.
.RM. reply :
chanrocks93,
From what I'm gathering here you are in way to much of a hurry. You will not master BC reels over night (no matter how many of the anglers here say they have) I have over 30 years on BC reels and still get massive birds nest with my Curado's when I get in a hurry and don't pay attention to what I am doing.
I would like you to take a close look at your rod and write down the lure rating and the line rating, plus the power rating (ie medium, medium heavy, or what). Now write down what weight practice plug are you throwing. Post that info, here. You aren't giving enough info about the most important part of your system the rod.
Also you are probably not in a good area for practicing with the system. I don't like practicing in a back yard because of trees and bushes. Goto a wide open field or park or somewhere you don't have to worry about launching the practice plug into a tree. Also do NOT try to throw the plug a country mile. When i'm bank fishing most of my better fish come from areas right in front of me 10'.
Now your going fishing tomorrow, don't take the BC reel with you. Take your spinning gear and just keep practicing with the BC system for now. You are really trying TO hard to keep up with anglers that have more time on BC systems than you do. Again don't be in a rush, it will come to you!!!!
Just my .02¢ from the bench....
Tight Lines!!!!
thefishingone reply :
Shimano FX Freshwater Casting Rod:
Length: 6'0
Line Rating- 6lb-15lb
Lure Rating- 1/4-3/4
Power Rating- Medium
Action Rating- Fast
1/4 Plug
Daiwa Megaforce Reel
10lb Suffix Siege line (currently)
KevO reply :
I suggest you try something a little heavier than a 1/4oz. 1/4oz is kind of light for a baitcaster especially if your new to it. It took me some time to learn to cast baits that small on my curado's. Try a 3/8 or 1/2 oz plug until you get the hang of it. Listen to Reel mech he knows what he is talking about.
.RM. reply :
chanrocks93,
Now were getting somewhere. That's a nice rod for your first.
I would (if you can) move up to a 1/2 oz to start with. Re-read the article and make sure you have the reel setup right.
Make sure that when you set the drop rate of the plug (cast control cap) so that when the plug hits the ground you get NO spool rotations at all, and I would go maybe just a little tighter even. Do this with your magnetic brakes turned off (to zero). Once you have that setup then to start set the mags back to about 4 on the dial.
Now place a bucket about 10' from you in the open spaces I talked about, and start by placing that plug into the bucket with a easy side arm cast or even a easy roll cast. Almost like you do with your spinning gear. Keep this up until you feel comfortable doing it at this distance, (again don't rush yourself it does take time).
Once you have that distance feeling comfortable then move the bucket about 5' and try again keep doing this until you reach a healthy 20' constantly. Oh I almost forgot do this with the wind to your back...
There is never IMPO any need to make 50' 60' 70' 100' cast unless your into heavy cranks and swimbaits. Kevin VanDam says "Accuracy Is More Important Than Distance"...
Thanks BassAkwards.... 
Let us know how your doing, and again don't rush things. You have a whole lot of fishing left in your life time....
Tight Lines!!!!
jeremyt reply :
Chanrocks93,
I have the same reel as you on a 7ft shimano compre. I had the same problem as you to begin with. I found that for regular casting to set the brake on 5 and for flippin and pitchin I will set it to 2. You have to remember to readjust the brake or you will get a horrible birds nest. I have had my reel since March and it took me a couple of months to get really comfortable with it.
I still get an occastional back lash but I am not having to respool the reel after every trip anymore. As suggested start off with heavier lures until you get the hang of it.
The reel is not top of the line but I have found it to be very forgiving as long as your not trying to chunk the lure a 100 yds. I am still trying to get the drag set to a setting I like I am not sure if its the drag or line slippage but I have lost some fish due to this.
Most of all don't give up just yet and if you feel like you want to throw it in the lake just let me know I will take it off of your hands.
Jeremy
By the way, I know its not the best line out there but if you want a inexpensive mono until you get the hang of the reel I have been using Sren super knot in 10 or 12# test and it has seemed to work the best for me. It runs about $5 for a 220yd spool.
Evan Pease reply :
Ive got one that I used for jigs last year. I would do what everyone above me said and I would bump your line up to 14# mono. It doesnt make those little loops as bad for some reason. Good Luck!
PondHunter reply :
Just from my own experience when I started using a BC reel, I had always used Spinning reels and had grown comfortable casting by snapping my wrist sharply to get more distance. With a BC reel, this will backlash like crazy. Since the lure isnt going very far, you are probably getting the spool to spin way too fast for the amount of line going out, so it backlashes. Try more of a lob cast to get started, then when you get more comfortable, lighten up on the spool tension to get some more distance.
roadwarrior reply :
To The Reel Mechanic,
Thank you!
I hope everyone new to baicasting equipment
sees this thread.
8-)
.RM. reply :
Thanks RW.
Tight Lines!!!!
Joe Boss reply :
I was afraid this was going to happen when I read your original thread, here:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215902096/0#0
You wrote about casting into trees with a spinning setup and then you were looking for a baitcasting rig. I thought if you are having a problem with spinning stuff getting a baitcaster is not the solution.
I feel for you since you have to learn baitcasting from reading about them. I was the same way my father used spinning reels exclusively so when I wanted to learn baitcasting there was no one around to show me. I read everything I could but experience is the best teacher so I took my baitcaster to the backyard and practiced and practiced. From my experiences I can tell you that when new to baitcasting it is better to have too much brake than to little and try casting short distances till you are comfortable then try casting father away.
thefishingone reply :
Thanks for all the advice guys! This should help me a lot. Since I can't go to the lake today (thunderstorms) I'm going to practice in my basement its like 25 feet by 20 feet. I'm going to use a luandry basket to land my plug in then work my way to a bucket. I'll update you guys later on how it went. Thanks again.
P.S. How long till I'm like this guy...
.RM. reply :
chanrocks93,
WAIT!
I would take the day off.
Unless your practicing pitching or educating your thumb while watching a movie or something.
The basement in my opinion isn't a good place to try and practice any kind of sidearm or roll type casting.
Save that for the outdoors, re-read the article, at the bottom of it about educating the thumb...
Just my .02¢ from the bench...
Tight Lines!!!!
thefishingone reply :
HEy Don't worry about it I think my problem was I didn't setup the reel right, once again..haha. The thing I also forgot was when the lure is about to hit you slowly put your thumb back on. Any ways I cast with my right arm and thats my tv remote hand. I'm going to reread your 101 and then take it to the basement later. I have a 5'6 spinning rod down their so I don't have to worry about breaking a light bulb.
thefishingone reply :
I've practiced for 40 minutes today and I must say I did pretty good. What I want to accomplish now is to cast with my right hand, one handed like the guy in that video but I want some tips to cast far. Just like the guy in the video.
Joe Boss reply :
I still cast 2 handed with my baitcaster. I won't buy the baitcasting rods with the pistol grip handles because of that.
Aaron reply :
Just keep practicing and eventually you will get it down. Also, start saving up to upgrade your equipment. The stuff you have now is good but as you start getting better good equipment will help improve your performance.
firefightn15 reply :
Chanrocks93, we pm'd afew days ago. I'm glad you gor your rod/reel taken care of. By all means, heed what ReelMechanic is saying, step back, take a deep breath and go slow. Definately take your spinning gear on your trip. And if you do take your brand new baitcast set up, don't forget EXTRA line.
Anyway you do it, good luck with fishing. Make sure you let us know how you did.
ff15
I've got a tiger by the tail-Buck Owens
thefishingone reply :
Thanks for helping me out guys. Right now I thinking of returning my Shimano FX rod because its a little heavy. I got it for $14 at KMart. Are there any good Deals going on at Dick's or Sports Authority? A couple days ago I saw fishing poles in a 20-30 trash can at Walmart, do you think those are going on sale? My dad said that in winter fishing rod/reel, etc are going on big sales because it isn't the season... is it true?
Joe Boss reply :
There is a great deal going on at Dick's this week. Buy any Field & Stream IM6 or IM7 rod and get a FREE Daiwa Megaforce plus 2500 spinning reel. Thats a $29 reel. It is always on sale at Dick's for $14.99 I have one because I love all things Daiwa. Its a great back up reel for me.
The IM6 rod will run you anywhere from $23 to $29 depending if its on sale or not. I would doubt its on sale though because of the free reel.
The IM7 is $39
Go to Dick's website and look at the weekly circular.
thefishingone reply :
What the heck? The field and stream rods are $25 at both of the Dick's Sporting Goods store I went to within Tuesday and Wednesday...
P.S. Any tips on how to cast far?
Chad. reply :
use a heavy weight?
islandbass reply :
QuoteWhat the heck? The field and stream rods are $25 at both of the Dick's Sporting Goods store I went to within Tuesday and Wednesday...P.S. Any tips on how to cast far?
I find your enthusiasm admirable and I sure wish I started young. I myself started about 5 seasons ago and had to learn everything by myself.
However, I think it would behoove you to focus on mastering the mechanics of the cast before you think about making long distance casts.
I do not believe that practice makes perfect. It most certainly does not all the time. If that were true, then every dolt at a golf driving range who whacks golf balls with no target or purpose would become a better golfer. It is the same with learning to cast. It is quality, focused practice that will get you there and not mindless practice.
Learning to make the rod work for you to make your casts will allow you to make the most of your casts with the least amount of effort. This leads to getting to those long distance casts that you want. I bet you've already found out what happens when you make too hard of a cast. ;D
For example, if and when you do make a bird's nest, ask yourself, "how did it happen?" Was the reel set to the lure's weight? Did I cast too hard? And, "When did the nest occur? At the beginning of the cast, or perhaps the end? Asking yourself these things to analyze the situations will enable you to fine tune your reel.
Also, pick a target and cast for it. You will be amazed at how your mind and body will work together to hit your target as each cast to your closes in and finally hits the bullseye.
Alright! So you've hit the target! But can you hit it again, and again and again? Move back 5'-10' and try. So on and so forth.
So master the mechanics and everything from a 25' pitch to the laundry basket in your basement to casting a 3/8 oz 5" Senko into the next zip code will follow.
Yeah, I'm geeky and I concede I can overanalyze once in a while, but doing these things really helped me to learn how to use a baitcaster alone.
thefishingone reply :
Thanks for your nice comment. I'm going to practice tomorow again. Right now I'm trying to get my mom to bring me to Portland, Maine where they have Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods by the mall. (walking distance) I'm going to look for a new rod and return my Shimano FX from KMart. I think its to heavy and the eyes aren't dead center, they're off to the side. Hopefully when I go I can get that Field and Stream rod for $15, $25 sounds like a rip off when there is the same item thats cheaper. Man I gotta move somewhere else where I can get those great deals you guys mention.
.RM. reply :
Hey chanrocks93,
islandbass has given you some great info here.
QuoteI'm going to look for a new rod and return my Shimano FX from KMart. I think its to heavy and the eyes aren't dead center, they're off to the side.
Next I would like to add that in the price range your buying your rods at, I would not expect to much in quality (ie guides slightly off center, or heavy feeling rods).
Then you can eyeball the build quality. This alone will help more than buying top of the line gear for your first system.QuoteYou would do better if you would take your reel with you, and place it on all the rods you look at. You will find out how the system (rod/reel) will feel in your hand before you buy it. It has to feel comfortable to you.
Your parents might have something to say about that....LOLQuoteMan I gotta move somewhere else where I can get those great deals you guys mention.
Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!
thefishingone reply :
No The Reel Mechanic my parents want to move to Las Vegas. Man talk about fishing at Lake Las Vegas or Lake Mead. There's also a Bass Pro there too. So it'll suite me well. Any suggestions on what rod I should save up for? Remember two piece rod and cork handle!
The Rooster reply :
I don't think you'll have too much problem finding a cork handle since most of them have that. Today I noticed that there are some 2 piece rods in Bass Pro Shops though. The Tourney Special is available as a 2 piece, but it's a 6'6" rod. I like it but you may not. They sell for $50 at regular price, but sometimes they go on sale. If you go to a Bass Pro Shops, check those out. I think they're nice rods.
joeyd50 reply :
Try this, cast as far as you can, then peel off a couple more yards. Now get some electric tape and tape up the spool, next time you cast you can't go any further then the tape, this will reduce your backlash till you get the hang of it.
Good Luck
Joe
.RM. reply :
chanrocks93,
OUCH from Lewiston, Maine to Las Vegas. Wow what a culture shock, not to mention from moderate temps to hotter than hell....Quotemy parents want to move to Las Vegas
joeyd50,
I really hate that system. It's guys like you that have new to BC reel anglers trying to cast as far as they can before they can even hit a bucket at 10'....
Because most all users of BC equipment (when telling the truth) always get some king of backlash, then you wind up leaving the tape on the spool.
I had a friend try it, lure hit the water fish took the lure and no more line to let out because of the tape..
Guess what he looked like a d**n fool trying to get the tape off of the spool so he could fight the fish, need less to say he lost a heck of a fish to that system..
I SAY NO TO THAT TIP!!
thefishingone reply :
I can get a field and stream casting rod. My question is should I get a 6' or a 6'6 and why?
Evan Pease reply :
QuoteI can get a field and stream casting rod. My question is should I get a 6' or a 6'6 and why?
6'6" because you can cast farther.
To answer your question on how to cast farther get a longer rod and an expensive reel.
joeyd50 reply :
Quotechanrocks93,OUCH from Lewiston, Maine to Las Vegas. Wow what a culture shock, not to mention from moderate temps to hotter than hell....Quotemy parents want to move to Las Vegasjoeyd50,
I really hate that system. It's guys like you that have new to BC reel anglers trying to cast as far as they can before they can even hit a bucket at 10'....
Because most all users of BC equipment (when telling the truth) always get some king of backlash, then you wind up leaving the tape on the spool.
I had a friend try it, lure hit the water fish took the lure and no more line to let out because of the tape..
Guess what he looked like a d**n fool trying to get the tape off of the spool so he could fight the fish, need less to say he lost a heck of a fish to that system..
I SAY NO TO THAT TIP!!
The whole point of the tape is to stop the massive backlash, I should have said, you put on the tape then you practice the 10, 15, 20 foot buckets and out till you feel comfortable, then take the tape off. This does work.
Good Luck
Joe
The Rooster reply :
Myself I would tend to think that if he was able to make such a long cast successfully in order to put the tape on it, he wouldn't need the tape at all. Otherwise after a cast like that he'd have one heck of a monster backlash to fight before he could even install the tape.
Also, I'd say get a 6' rod to start with. I find the shorter rod way more comfortable to cast with. Since your primary goal is to learn to cast it and have some success fishing with it while doing so, then a 6' rod would work better, for me anyway. It's true that a longer rod will provide more momentum when casting and will throw the lure farther, but what good will it do you if you have huge backlashes to fight after the cast?? More momentum means a faster moving spool and the line coming off faster also. If you aren't on the spool good with your thumb then I think you'll have a lot of trouble.
Also a longer rod means more chance of doing stupid stuff (that I sometimes still do :) such as hitting the ground as you come around on a side arm cast, or hitting low hanging tree limbs as you cast overhead. You start to make a cast with a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait, let it hit a bush nearby and you'll think you've never really had a backlash before that. It'll be worse looking inside that reel than the bush the rod tip just smacked!! Shorter rods are just easier to use in general I think. They're not as tip heavy with the lure hanging down it seems cause of the shorter length, and therefore it's just easier to cast with them. That's my experience anyway. I try to use a 6' rod for anything I cast if possible, just for comfort reasons. I can cast a baitcaster pretty well on average, but I still opt for 6' anytime I can.
By the way, I was at Dick's today and saw the Field & Stream rods. They had 2 different ones. One was an IM6 and it was on sale for $25 I think. It's red in color and has stainless steel guides I believe. Is that the one you're looking at??
The other is an IM7 rod by Field & Stream, called the Angler series, and it has much better guides on it, the Fuji aluminum oxide guides, concept spacing, and a Fuji reel seat (all of which the other one doesn't have). Overall it felt much better to me than the other one did, and it was only $40 on sale also, usually $50. Not a huge jump up in price but I think it's a much better rod overall than the first one is, it compares to the Quest LS-7 I bought there last year, really it feels like the same rod with a different name on it, but blue instead of maroon. I'd buy one in a minute if I needed one. They're nice. Didn't see any 2 piece rods though, and I was looking cause I remembered you wanted one.
They sure did have some nice rods there though. I checked out the All Star Select rods for $60 and they're really nice. Also the St. Croix Triumph, was on sale for $70 and it felt fantastic, but it's a bit high for your needs right now. I might be moving into one of those though in the future, that was a really nice spinning rod, felt very sensitive and light. Never knew they were that nice, I never have seen one before.
thefishingone reply :
I'm going with the $25 one to start out and work my way up to a different rod when I get more expirenced and well of course get more money.
joeyd50 reply :
If you never tried the tape, don't knock it, it does work, chanrocks93, if your still have problems backlashing try the tape. IT WILL HELP YOU.
thefishingone reply :
I don't get any backlashes/ very few. I do get a few birdnest from hitting objects on accident and I can't thumb my line. It looks like I'm somewhat ready to start fishing with my baitcaster. This Tuesday I was supposed to go to Rockland, Maine to got fishing but looks like bad weather. I'll update you guys on how I do when I go fishing sometime this week.
The Rooster reply :
Hmmmm..........maybe you know something I don't but I think a bird's nest and a backlash are the same thing. The only differences are the little backlashes vs. the holy crap backlashes!!!
thefishingone reply :
Maybe I am wrong. Should I get a Shimano Sojourn or a Field and Stream casting rod? I'm getting a 6'6 and there almost the same price.
Chad. reply :
Just get one rod be happy
The Rooster reply :
I've never seen that Shimano rod before. The Field and Stream rod is nice for the amount of money it costs though. I still think it can be beaten for that same money though. Wal-Mart has the Quantum Torsion rods for $18.96, and they're IM-6 graphite. Available in 6'6" MH and 6' M actions (powers). They're not 2 piece though, only 1 piece.
joeyd50 reply :
QuoteI don't get any backlashes/ very few. I do get a few birdnest from hitting objects on accident and I can't thumb my line. It looks like I'm somewhat ready to start fishing with my baitcaster. This Tuesday I was supposed to go to Rockland, Maine to got fishing but looks like bad weather. I'll update you guys on how I do when I go fishing sometime this week.
chanrocks93, just take your time, I found I still get backlashes( birdnest ) if I try too hard to really get out there, keep your cast nice an easy, do some side arm, and some overhead at 1:00 o'clock not directly overhead but 1:00 or 2:00 o'clock range.
Good Luck
Joe
thefishingone reply :
I went fishing today and baitcasting was pretty easy. I got only one birdnest but nothing too big. Thanks for encouraging me to keep at it for baitcasting. BTW I got a Field and Stream rod today its 6'6 and was only $25. I could cast 60 feet with out even trying.
firefightn15 reply :
Good to hear! Now take all the advice and encouragement, and practice. I bet in no time it'll be like you were born with one in your hands.
thefishingone reply :
QuoteGood to hear! Now take all the advice and encouragement, and practice. I bet in no time it'll be like you were born with one in your hands.
haha yeah..
roadwarrior reply :
Geez....
After five pages it's time to buy a Shimano!
:
shorefisher reply :
My 2 cents as a newbie to baitcasting, these are tips that helped me a lot . First do NOT load the rod and snap cast the bait, it will cause an overrun before the lure even hits the water. Set the cast control knob so that you have to shake the bait to get it to drop when you press the button. Set the brake at no less than 40%. Start with roll casting, you probably won't be able to get the bait far, but you won't get any overruns either. If you have to stop the spool when the lure hits the water, or it will overrun, then tighten the cast control knob slightly.
After you get the feel of it where you are able to cast without worrying about overruns, then you can take the brake down a notch and very slightly loosen the cast control knob to get a bit more distance. If you loosen too much you will quickly get another overrun.
In my experience the heavier the bait is, the easier it is to cast without overruns. I can cast a Zara Super Spook across the pond without an overrun but if I tried to fling a senko out there a birdsnest will come to bite me.
I still have trouble with an overhand cast but I can side arm it fairly far. Just practice a bit more and listen to these guys and you will get it soon, I'm sure of it.
.RM. reply :
QuoteGeez....After five pages it's time to buy a Shimano!
:
Agree X2 Well RW we found out were this one was going...
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