How Much Spool Tension Do You Use? 2025
hatrix reply :
I am just trying to find out how other people like to do it. Do you fish with it free spool all the time no matter what your throwing or maybe just some lures you add a little tension or do you always have a little bit so it just falls slowly? Out of the hand full of people I fish with I'm the only one who really knows how to use a bait caster and they all use spinning so I am sort of curious to know how other people like to set there reels.
BASSclary reply :
Enough spool tension to keep the spool from having any side to side movement.
No more. No less. All the time.
I also keep my brakes the same all the time. 2 centrifugal brakes. The rest is all thumb action.
breezy reply :
Depends on the reel. I use my Zillion, Fuego, Sol etc (most Daiwas) with very little spool tension. They don't necessarily cast further but it makes for an easier and more fluid cast.
The Revos I have owned however fish better with a bit of tension. I will set these where if I let the bait free fall it drops quickly but controlled and there are no overruns on the spool. If I try and back the tension off I end up losing distance because of too much thumb.
IMO, if you're still learning to cast set it like I described above. You can back off some throughout the day and see how you like it.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 7/25/2011 at 9:39 AM, BASSclary said:Enough spool tension to keep the spool from having any side to side movement.
Same here BUT if its windy and throwing against the wind will tighten some.
BassThumb reply :
Zero spool tension, just enough that there isn't any side to side movement.
Goose52 reply :
For most conditions, I use very little tension on my modern BC reels. My early 60s-vintage Ambassadeur 5000 needs quite a bit however.
For wind, most of my reels have dual-braking and I add more magnetic braking. For centrifugal-braking only reels, I will add a bit more spool tension. When throwing baits that tend to decelerate quickly (like spinnerbaits), in addition to perhaps adding another centrifugal brake, I might also add a bit more spool tension.
Just recently, I've been experimenting with getting more casting distance on some reels by running only one centrifugal brake, and adding spool tension. That seems to be a sweet spot on these reels that gets me a bit more distance than running two centrifugal brakes, and less spool tension. This is with lipless cranks that tend to hold velocity well and not need as much centrifugal braking.
.RM. reply :
On 7/25/2011 at 9:34 AM, hatrix said:I am just trying to find out how other people like to do it. Do you fish with it free spool all the time no matter what your throwing or maybe just some lures you add a little tension or do you always have a little bit so it just falls slowly? Out of the hand full of people I fish with I'm the only one who really knows how to use a bait caster and they all use spinning so I am sort of curious to know how other people like to set there reels.
Some easy reading:
Baitcaster Setup 101
Tight Lines! 
hatrix reply :
Well I also use no spool tension and keep my mags set any where from 3-5 depending on wind. Also like goose said I do add some when using a spinner bait since those are like the worst casting bait for me especially when it decides it wants to helicopter in the air. Sometimes when I am out in open water throwing heavy cranks or lipless cranks ill add some just so I don't have to really use any thumb on it.
BobP reply :
I say use as much as it takes to keep you from backlashing. Shorter casts are better than no casts. You can loosen things up after you gain experience.
K_Mac reply :
Like Goose I use dual braking most of the time, and agree with his post completely. Finding the "sweet spot" takes a little time, and it varies a bit depending on bait, technique, and conditions. For pitching I normally use one (of six) centrifugal brakes, no magnetic, and little if any spool tension. Use that same setting for a long two handed cast... 
The Rooster reply :
I only tighten it enough to restrict side to side movement about 98% of the time. The other 2% I might tighten just enough to stop any overrunning if I'm casting into wind.
dodgeguy reply :
On 7/25/2011 at 10:24 AM, BassThumb said:Zero spool tension, just enough that there isn't any side to side movement.
same here.
jmed999 reply :
Most of the time I dont use any spool tension. Sometimes I'll tighen it up if I need to throw it straight out or under some limbs.
hatrix reply :
Well I guess everyone uses it the same just like I pretty much expected. I just wanted to know how most people have there's set up and its like I thought with no tension and no side to side slop in the spool. It's funny though cause I have seen people talk about how it should be set so it slowly descends and when it hits the ground the spool basically stops spinning and no one who replied including me set there reels like that. I have even seen pros say there reel is set like that and that seems kinda strange. I watched a Denny Brauer video on flipping and pitching and his reel was not free spool on his flipping stick. He pitched a jig and it landed on his deck while he never thumbed it and had no overrun on his spool. He said that's how he sets his reels and that seems kinda weird coming from probably the best guy there is on that subject.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
There are variables to be considered along with personal preference. Continue developing your touch for baitcasting but don't be afraid to use the features of the reel to your advantage. This includes the spool tention and whatever breaking system you have. There's no shame in that.
K_Mac reply :
On 7/26/2011 at 10:13 PM, hatrix said:Well I guess everyone uses it the same just like I pretty much expected. I just wanted to know how most people have there's set up and its like I thought with no tension and no side to side slop in the spool. It's funny though cause I have seen people talk about how it should be set so it slowly descends and when it hits the ground the spool basically stops spinning and no one who replied including me set there reels like that. I have even seen pros say there reel is set like that and that seems kinda strange. I watched a Denny Brauer video on flipping and pitching and his reel was not free spool on his flipping stick. He pitched a jig and it landed on his deck while he never thumbed it and had no overrun on his spool. He said that's how he sets his reels and that seems kinda weird coming from probably the best guy there is on that subject.
The method that DB used is the standard starting spot. As has been mentioned it really depends on a variety of things. If DB was pitching a 1/2 oz jig and craw, the total weight of his bait is >3/4 oz. Even with heavy line he can hit spots with it like he was using a scoped rifle. He is using a rod, reel, and line perfectly suited to do this job. If he was pitching a light finesse bait my guess is he would have the reel loosened up a bit, and probably use an entirely different set-up. The point is you have to determine what works best for you. Turning off all the brakes and adjusting the reel to only remove side play may work for you. I have been using a baitcaster a long time and the only time I would use a reel adjusted this way is to pitch a lighter bait into cover. DVT hit the nail on the head. Good luck
J Francho reply :
Pretty much no spool tension. Train that thumb!
South FLA reply :
Spool tension knobs and magnetic brakes are training wheels! Centrifugal brakes on the other hand can help prevent professional overruns, I adjust my centrifugal brakes enough so that I can cast without overrun, usually 1 to 3 up all the rest down depending on conditions, although most of the times its only two up.
Goose52 reply :
I was waiting for the "training wheels" comment...but I was expecting it from Burleytog... 
If mag brakes and spool tension are "training wheels" - then so are any braking system. If you were a REAL angler, you would use a reel with NO braking devices other than your thumb - right. That's how it was done in the "good old days" - right.
Everyone would also only drive vehicles with manual transmissions - right. Don't need those new-fangled, trouble-prone, add weight and cost, automatic transmissions - right.
Seems like some folks that have spent time learning a skill always somehow look down at other folks that take advantage of technological advances that make using an implement easier...
Just sayin'...
South FLA reply :
On 7/27/2011 at 4:40 AM, Goose52 said:I was waiting for the "training wheels" comment...but I was expecting it from Burleytog...
If mag brakes and spool tension are "training wheels" - then so are any braking system. If you were a REAL angler, you would use a reel with NO braking devices other than your thumb - right. That's how it was done in the "good old days" - right.
Everyone would also only drive vehicles with manual transmissions - right. Don't need those new-fangled, trouble-prone, add weight and cost, automatic transmissions - right.
Seems like some folks that have spent time learning a skill always somehow look down at other folks that take advantage of technological advances that make using an implement easier...
Just sayin'...
Dude, don't get your panties in a bunch, you'll should have the thumb mastery down in no time. I started fishing with bait-casters in 3rd grade, my first was a green Abu that my dad bought me, so I don't even really think about it anymore, do I wish I had these newer modern braking system when I first started "HECK YEAH" you know how many spools of Trilene or Stren I cut out during the learning curve. I still have yet to meet a real angler that can continuously cast directly into a strong head wind without any mechanical brake assistance using only his thumb.
If mag brakes and spool tension are "training wheels" - then so are any braking system
Because, most people need them! Also other than the JDM Scorpion and the digital controlled Shimanos (Best braking system out there) name one real in this company's lineup with a magnetic brake?
Goose52 reply :
The point is, that the "training wheels" comment has been made on this board a number of times before. It doesn't really serve any purpose other than to perhaps give the impression to novice BC reel users that the desired end-state is to control a BC reel with only the thumb. That you haven't "arrived" unless you do. It then perhaps makes them less likely to use all of the modern devices on their reels that can increase their casting success and enhance their fishing experience.
While one can learn to, in optimum conditions, control the reel with only the thumb - why limit yourself to that? Why ignore advances in technology that can increase success? Comments like "training wheels" should bite the dust...
I'll go back to the car analogy. I've been driving the SAME manual transmission car for 39 years now. Love it. Great for driving con brio. BUT, do I want to drive that car in stop-and-go traffic for lengthy periods of time? Heck no! Automatic transmissions are wonderful devices that really make most driving much more enjoyable. Auto-trans are not "training wheels"...and neither are modern cast control mechanisms on BC reels. Just technology that should be enjoyed and used.
As for BC reels and me - I have 19 BC reels at present - from an early 60s Ambassadeur 5000, to modern stuff. I seem to use them well enough - cast bait out, reel fish in...
Bass_Fanatic reply :
I use the spool tension alot. I can cast with everything off, but I seem to get more distance with some spool tension and 2 brakes on because I can put more into the cast and not have to worry about the "professional overrun".
jj'sbassinforfun reply :
Calm days as little spool tension as possible. 2 to 3 brakes on(mag at zero if equiped). Once the wind picks up I use the tension(and mags) to my advantage. While my partner is pickin birdnests, I'm boating as many fish as possible!
DVT nailed it IMHO!
gobig reply :
I have my reels set up for differently for different things. Almost all of my bait casters have dual braking. Secondly the right size reel for the right application is important. Like mentioned, I run my spool tensioner as loose as possible. But if you have the magnets all engaged or the dial turned all the way up and you are still experiencing over runs the spool tensioner is to loose. For instance if your reel was set on a day where there was no wind, say from a previous trip and now you are throwing into a 20mph wind, you have to make an adjustment. All of this really depends on the weight of a bait, the action of the rod and the conditions. If the over run happens early in the cast adjust the tension knob. If it is later in the cast adjust the magnetic brake. You have to play around to find the sweet spot.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 7/26/2011 at 10:13 PM, hatrix said:Well I guess everyone uses it the same just like I pretty much expected. I just wanted to know how most people have there's set up and its like I thought with no tension and no side to side slop in the spool. It's funny though cause I have seen people talk about how it should be set so it slowly descends and when it hits the ground the spool basically stops spinning and no one who replied including me set there reels like that. I have even seen pros say there reel is set like that and that seems kinda strange. I watched a Denny Brauer video on flipping and pitching and his reel was not free spool on his flipping stick. He pitched a jig and it landed on his deck while he never thumbed it and had no overrun on his spool. He said that's how he sets his reels and that seems kinda weird coming from probably the best guy there is on that subject.
I read the "fall slowly, no more than 1 revolution when the lure hits the ground" rule, but found that still too loose for me when I first started with a baitcasting reel last year. An Internet friend cleaned and upgraded a few of my reels during the winter. He stated my tension was WAY too tight. Couldn't get 30 feet out of my Fuego with a 1/4 oz lure. Loosened spool tension and...Bingo!
This year I went to the "only enough tension to remove side-to-side play" rule. Although I had many overruns at first, I managed to get by with only a couple bird's nests. I like this method much better although it requires a higher level of casting ability. I did have to set the magnetic brakes fairly high. Actually 10 to start. Less now. Ultimately shooting for 2-3 on the brakes. It does make a difference with distance achieved.
Haven't fished in any heavy winds this year, so don't know how these settings will work for me in that situation. Just got my first Shimano reels, so I'll be getting the opportunity to try centrifugal brakes.
Hi Salenity reply :
I use Training Wheels.
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