Baitcaster: how to keep lure from going so high 2025
Largemouth21 reply :
I have been doing a lot of baitcaster practice and I am past the complete beginner stage I think although I’m no where close to expert or even intermediate. Anyway I can put what I’m casting pretty close to where i want it now (I have been practicing with a fake senko) and I don’t overrun unless I try and whip it out there. My problem is distance, my rig is a pro max and a veritas 2.0 7MF which is really stiff and is hard to load up with lighter things like my weightless yum dinger. When I cast it goes really high, it goes up over half the distance of the cast if that makes sense, ie. if I made a 50 foot cast it might go 25+ ft in the air. I know I’ve gotta be losing distance that way. Because the rod is so stiff I can’t get it to load with light things like top waters and light soft plastics like baby brush hogs so I geuss it’s going to have to be a rod for only heavier lures. Anyway how can I keep the lure down closer to the water and maybe gain some distance. The have been reading other threads but can’t find a lot about the height problem... Thanks
JoshFromBolo reply :
Are ya side swinging it, overhead or what?
Largemouth21 reply :
On 6/27/2018 at 9:09 AM, JoshFromBolo said:Are ya side swinging it, overhead or what?
I cast a side arm and I make kind of a circle to load up the rod and then I raise the rod tip and keep it straight
GReb reply :
Loosen up your spool tension and brakes. Also adjust your launch angle to to 3/4
JoshFromBolo reply :
On 6/27/2018 at 9:30 AM, Largemouth21 said:I cast a side arm and I make kind of a circle to load up the rod and then I raise the rod tip and keep it straight
If you have'nt I would suggest going on youtube and looking at the different ways of casting a baitcaster, sometimes it can be real tricky to get it down.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Casting is like throwing a ball. It's all about the release point. Under hand cast, bait sailing high means a late release.
burrows reply :
Could be your rod
BaitFinesse reply :
On 6/27/2018 at 10:44 AM, Burros said:Could be your rod
Agree. Try a M powered rod or a heavier weight.
thinkingredneck reply :
Watch Glenn's videos on setting up a baitcaster. The advice above is all good. Get a half oz spoon to practice with.
CrankFate reply :
On 6/27/2018 at 8:54 AM, Largemouth21 said:my rig is a pro max and a veritas 2.0 7MF which is really stiff and is hard to load up with lighter things like my weightless yum dinger.
IMHO, that’s the problem. To cast without everything being a high pop fly ball the rod has to be soft and rubbery enough to slingshot the bait out there. There are hardly any rods available today that do this. I just got a bass pro brand rod for $79 for my new reel because the Tatula rod I bought is too stiff for weightless casting, just like every other rod in the $150-400 range.
CroakHunter reply :
On 6/27/2018 at 7:46 PM, CrankFate said:
IMHO, that’s the problem. To cast without everything being a high pop fly ball the rod has to be soft and rubbery enough to slingshot the bait out there. There are hardly any rods available today that do this. I just got a bass pro brand rod for $79 for my new reel because the Tatula rod I bought is too stiff for weightless casting, just like every other rod in the $150-400 range.
You know they make rods lighter than a medium, right?
BassWhole! reply :
If you want to cast light lures and unweighted plastics a longer distance, then as it appears you already know, it will require a lighter action rod. As far as the trajectory of the cast, you are in complete control of that. If you don't want the lure to go up high, then don't cast it up high.
TOXIC reply :
And when you try and snap that baitcaster, you are going to relearn what a true birds nest is!! Casting style is what works best for you. I overhead cast unless I am skipping a bait. Loading the rod is a combination of lure weight. rod action and arm motion and it's a balance. You can whip or snap a spinning rod easily but if you do that with a bait caster, you are going to backlash. But as a general rule arching casts are an early release and smacking the water is a late release. If you are trying to do the fancy loop sidearm cast then since your lure is coming up on the release, you are late releasing.
Glenn reply :
Boomstick reply :
It's all in the angle in which you throw it forward. Casting from shore can be tricky depending on the shoreline and what you have to cast around, but the trick is to keep the rod down when casting and keep it down throughout the cast. If you can't keep it down, start higher and then try to keep it down.
grub_man reply :
You have a combination of things going on. It looks like the lure ratings on the 7' MF Veritas are in the ball park for Senko type baits (1/4-5/8oz.).
1. Your release point is too late. If you are sailing really high on a side armed roll cast as it sounds you are making, then you need to work on releasing the spool slightly earlier. Work on this first to see if you can cut down the height by at least half.
2. You have too much spool brake. If you have magnetic brakes on your reel, they are strongest at the start of the cast and will make your lure rise. Centrifugal brakes are similar but will cause it to rise a bit less. This will account for a bit. You don't need as much spool braking for a side armed cast as you do with an overhand cast. If you start tweaking this before your release point, when you release too early and drive the lure into the ground/water, you will get a larger backlash.
3. Once you are comfortable with your gear, back down your spool tension knob to where it is just tight enough to prevent the spool from wobbling from side to side.
4. When you cast lighter lures than you are used to, you need to release them earlier. Because the light lure has less inertia, it takes longer for them to bring the spool up to speed on the cast. Releasing too late will often result in side armed casts going high, right handed casts going left, or left handed casts going right.
With practice, you should get to the point where you can keep the lure down and close to the water.
Good luck, and keep practicing.
CrankFate reply :
On 6/27/2018 at 7:49 PM, CroakHunter said:You know they make rods lighter than a medium, right?
So they claim. But they’re few and far between. You can get spinning rods that are thin as a pencil and bend almost tip to tip. The casting rods are all stiffer. And in the store (at least around where I am) they rarely have anything softer than a mojo bass or abu Veritas. I’m always afraid to order rods because they will either be too stiff or will arrive damaged even from reputable stores.
CrankFate reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 12:01 AM, grub_man said:It looks like the lure ratings on the 7' MF Veritas are in the ball park for Senko type baits (1/4-5/8oz.).
Good luck, and keep practicing.
I know I’m new to post here, but I’m calling rod maker conspiracy theory here. I say the veritas is too stiff to cast weightless senko type baits. The conspiracy is the rod companies all make inexpensive high quality spinning rods that can cast down to the size of anything heavier than flycasting. Like a tiny rap minnow. So to force us to buy more rods and reels they sell these too stiff casting rods so we think we need the best reels. Then we get those reels and realize we really need that “finesse” spinning set up. But really all we need is a $49-$99 bendy kiddy rod and any small casting reel and we’re casting senkos into the trees on the other side of the lake. But we don’t buy those set ups because we’re men who want fancy rigs, not kiddie rods. So there I am backlashing my $600 set up and then casting my kid’s spinning rod with nothing but a tiny bobber and 1/16th of a worm on it with one hand and getting hung up in the trees 50’ past the other side of the lake, while holding my birds nest in my left hand......
Rant over 
BaitFinesse reply :
The new Lightning rods come in a 6'6" M casting rated 1/4 to 5/8 and they load up well with a very soft tip and cast 1/4 oz total weight or a bit lower well at $40. I have one and have thrown 1/10 oz Shroomz heads on TRDs on it. There is also the Kuying Topcaster 2pc rated down to 1/8 oz and it comes with Fuji componets for $50. I have one of these as well and it fishes similar to a Zodias 610ML with a little softer tip.
There are even UL casting rods and reels that are cheap and perform great. I use a Kuying Teton 662L trout rod and Black Max 3 with a 9.5 gram with bearing Stuido of Momo shallow spool to cast 1/8 poppers and cranks. $50 rod, $40 reel, $30 spool and $8 micro bearings.
CroakHunter reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 4:30 AM, CrankFate said:I know I’m new to post here, but I’m calling rod maker conspiracy theory here. I say the veritas is too stiff to cast weightless senko type baits. The conspiracy is the rod companies all make inexpensive high quality spinning rods that can cast down to the size of anything heavier than flycasting. Like a tiny rap minnow. So to force us to buy more rods and reels they sell these too stiff casting rods so we think we need the best reels. Then we get those reels and realize we really need that “finesse” spinning set up. But really all we need is a $49-$99 bendy kiddy rod and any small casting reel and we’re casting senkos into the trees on the other side of the lake. But we don’t buy those set ups because we’re men who want fancy rigs, not kiddie rods. So there I am backlashing my $600 set up and then casting my kid’s spinning rod with nothing but a tiny bobber and 1/16th of a worm on it with one hand and getting hung up in the trees 50’ past the other side of the lake, while holding my birds nest in my left hand......
Rant over
Its not the rod. It's what's holding it. Work on your mechanics and technique. I can cast senkos and other weightless plastics with a mag heavy power rod.
WRB reply :
I can't recall a beginner to baitcasting start with a light weight loop cast, that is a skill set that requires lots of practice with the right rod and ree set up.
with a baitcasting reel start with heavier weighs like 5/8 oz casting plug until you are proficient with it before going to lighter weight. Some presentations are better suited for spinning reels.
Tom
Steve1357 reply :
I didnt see it mentioned, apologies if so....
How much line are you using with the lure to cast?
I use more line out with lighter lures, helps wind them up and sling them out there better.
(my humble experience)
CrankFate reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 5:53 AM, CroakHunter said:Its not the rod. It's what's holding it. Work on your mechanics and technique. I can cast senkos and other weightless plastics with a mag heavy power rod.
I was joking. I’m actually good at casting. But I see no reason why rod makers can make perfectly soft spinning rods that no one has complaints about, but almost all casting rods are impossible to load up with less than 1/4 to 1/2 oz, when so many fishermen will fish below those weights. Throw a trigger seat and close guides on one of those spinning rods and people will be casting a single kernel of corn 150 feet to the carp foraging around under the water.
Boomstick reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 5:53 AM, CroakHunter said:Its not the rod. It's what's holding it. Work on your mechanics and technique. I can cast senkos and other weightless plastics with a mag heavy power rod.
Yup. I mean it's not like we're talking about skipping weightless 4" senskos here either, which is obviously a whole lot harder. Sure, they'll cast further on a medium power rod...
Thalimar reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 4:13 AM, CrankFate said:So they claim. But they’re few and far between. You can get spinning rods that are thin as a pencil and bend almost tip to tip. The casting rods are all stiffer. And in the store (at least around where I am) they rarely have anything softer than a mojo bass or abu Veritas. I’m always afraid to order rods because they will either be too stiff or will arrive damaged even from reputable stores.
Go cheaper for softer rods. I've looked at the Mojo and my first thought was broomstick. The Veritas is a nice rod, I've got the spinning version but it's much stiffer than the cheaper lines like the Vengeance and Vendetta. Don't always have to spend a lot to get a nice rod.
islandbass reply :
If your lure is unable to make the rod flex, the angler is forced to make adjustments to his or her casting mechanics to compensate. That is not a good place to be.
So unless we want to continue with adjusted mechanics which I have had to do on occasion, the easiest solution is to find the right rod to toss your lure.
Yeah, it kind of sucks but at least your bait monkey will be happy.
If anyone fishes with a casting fast at most action and hopefully 2 piece (not a show stopper), spill the beans.
@Steve1357 I have also arrived at that conclusion and doing that is one of ways I compensate for a rod over powered for a low weight lure. It enables me to hurl a homemade 1/8th oz inline spinner on my 8’6” heavy powered rod rated for 1/2oz to 2oz and a curado 201D. The rod doesn’t flex at all on account of the inline spinner, lol.
TOXIC reply :
You want my rant?
Why this obsession to throw finesse baits on a baitcaster? Can you do it.....yes, but is there a better tool for the job? I say there is....a spinning rod/reel. It's what it is designed for. The stigma of throwing a spinning setup has long been discredited. If you take your cues from the pro's how many do you see throwing dropshots, ned rigs, senkos, etc., on baitcasters? Not very many and only if they have upsized their weights and taken it out of the finesse category. I love my spinning rods and have an equal number of spinning and casting on my deck every time I go out.
Rant over, carry on. 
islandbass reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 9:00 PM, TOXIC said:You want my rant?
Why this obsession to throw finesse baits on a baitcaster? Can you do it.....yes, but is there a better tool for the job? I say there is....a spinning rod/reel. It's what it is designed for. The stigma of throwing a spinning setup has long been discredited. If you take your cues from the pro's how many do you see throwing dropshots, ned rigs, senkos, etc., on baitcasters? Not very many and only if they have upsized their weights and taken it out of the finesse category. I love my spinning rods and have an equal number of spinning and casting on my deck every time I go out.
Rant over, carry on.
Pride, my friend. It's pride. After all, no "self-respectin'" bass angler such as myself (yes, improper use of grammar intended and I am not the one speakin') would ever use a spinning rig," lol.
So while they're busy, cursin' and sreamin' out loud about the bird's nest made on account of using a light weight lure casting into a strong headwind, I'm catchin' fish on my shameful spinning rig, achieving a near vertical drop of my bait with every cast.
Steve1357 reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 2:01 PM, islandbass said:AIf your lure is unable to make the rod flex, the angler is forced to make adjustments to his or her casting mechanics to compensate. That is not a good place to be.
So unless we want to continue with adjusted mechanics which I have had to do on occasion, the easiest solution is to find the right rod to toss your lure.
Yeah, it kind of sucks but at least your bait monkey will be happy.
If anyone fishes with a casting fast at most action and hopefully 2 piece (not a show stopper), spill the beans.
Agreed.
I got a few cheap Academy rods that I use in the summer throwing itty bitty stuff....all hell breaks loose when you get a hawg lol
Further North reply :
On 6/28/2018 at 9:00 PM, TOXIC said:You want my rant?
Why this obsession to throw finesse baits on a baitcaster? Can you do it.....yes, but is there a better tool for the job? I say there is....a spinning rod/reel. It's what it is designed for. The stigma of throwing a spinning setup has long been discredited. If you take your cues from the pro's how many do you see throwing dropshots, ned rigs, senkos, etc., on baitcasters? Not very many and only if they have upsized their weights and taken it out of the finesse category. I love my spinning rods and have an equal number of spinning and casting on my deck every time I go out.
Rant over, carry on.
My BFS rig throws Senkos better than my spinning rig...it's not even close...leaving my spinning rig for Ned Rigs, small jigs, etc...
BaitFinesse reply :
Pride, my friend. It's pride. After all, no "self-respectin'" cook such as myself (yes, improper use of grammar intended and I am not the one speakin') would ever use a wisk," lol. So while they're busy, cursin' and sreamin' out loud about their arms gettin tired on account of using a wisk on a strong yoke, I'm whippin' eggs on my shameful egg beater, achieving a near perfect blend with every crank.
grub_man reply :
BF,
Your egg beater is wrong-handed! Unless it's for me ;-). I put my spinning handles on the right side because I'm a lefty and learned to crank with my right hand first and it naturally made sense to do the same with my egg beaters.
Those Wishing for Less Stiff Casting Rods,
If you can't find the casting rod you need on the shelf, BUILD it. Casting finesse lures on casting gear is why I started building rods. My first two builds spend more time in my hand than any other rods. However, once I learned how to make a spinning handle with proper ergonomics to stop the pain shooting up my forearm, I now spend more time with a spinning rod in hand than ever before.
When it comes to rods, once you get to the $100ish range, you start getting into true standard modulus graphite blanks with little to no glass involved. Those blanks do tend to feel stiffer than they actually are. As you go up from there and get into the intermediate and high modulus stuff, the blanks get more responsive and they react and respond quicker and feel less stiff during casting and buttery smooth with the right lures.
Blanks designed with casting rods in mind are generally designed with more fudge factor built in. Casting rods are generally expected by manufacturers to take more abuse in the way they are used, especially by us self respectin' bass fishermen. Additionally, they experience more torsional forces during the shock loading of hook sets and during the fight. Abuse to the fibers that provide hoop strength which are fewer in number than longitudinal fibers will result in a higher failure rate among casting rods. So, they are designed with more material and inherently more stiff in general. However, if you treat your stuff with at least a little respect, a great casting rod can be built on blanks designed for spinning applications.
EGbassing reply :
Try to keep your rod tip near the water during the cast, and thumb the spool as the bait is about to hit the water. I practiced that for a while today, and even with 1/2 oz. jig, I was making some casts with almost no splash. Hope this helps.
Further North reply :
Short answer: earlier release point, and upgrade to a rod appropriate to the weights you are trying to throw as soon as you can.
islandbass reply :
On 6/29/2018 at 7:13 AM, BaitFinesse said:
Pride, my friend. It's pride. After all, no "self-respectin'" cook such as myself (yes, improper use of grammar intended and I am not the one speakin') would ever use a wisk," lol. So while they're busy, cursin' and sreamin' out loud about their arms gettin tired on account of using a wisk on a strong yoke, I'm whippin' eggs on my shameful egg beater, achieving a near perfect blend with every crank.
If I were drinking coffee, I would have spit it out laughing so hard. Love the parallel.
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