The Wife And The Baitcaster 2024
Western-Mass-Bass reply :
My wife, who happens to be my fishing partner has really dialed in her casting with her spinning gear and has become a decent angler is now wanting to expand into the baitcasting realm of fishing. Now I had to learn myself through alot of practice and alot of cussing and stomping around the boat wondering why I even began using these things. But now I cannot ever see myself without them as my skill set has progressed.
But my question to the forum is. Have any of you ever taught a wife or child, maybe even a friend to use one? I'm going to be picking her up a new rod and reel set up this Christmas for her to begin learning and was curious if there is a model that might be easier to get the hang of? A reel that might be easier to cast with less back lashing maybe? She wants to throw frogs with me next season and with her spinning rigs she currently has. They just are not cut out for the 50lb braid that I use when frogging. Any help and teaching techniques would be greatly appreciated. I want to show patience with her but not sure how to start. Thanks, Lee
scaleface reply :
Some people pick it up easily and some stomp around the boat cursing . Maybe she will be in the former category . LOL
Western-Mass-Bass reply :
HAHA! heres to hoping!! 
bigbill reply :
She just might learn quickly. I find the student turns out better than the teacher in most cases. If she's willing to learn teach her. Set the reel/rod up with a casting plug. Use your setup to teach her now. Once she gets the hang of it hit the water.
Bankbeater reply :
Winter will be here soon. That is a lot of time to practice in the back yard.
roadwarrior reply :
Citica or Curado are VERY user friendly.
MidwestF1sh reply :
If you get her a frog rod for her first rod make sure it has a very forgiving tip. A lot of frog rods are "broomsticks" and make it difficult to cast if you don't have the hang of it down.
WRB reply :
Why do you under estimate your wife's skills? The successful way to teach anyone is not to teach them your mistakes. Have her watch some vedio's on the correct method to cast baitcasting reels.
My methods may not work for you, they worked for me teaching several new angler how to cast.
Start with a moderate action rod like a medium power crankbait rod if you have one. Use a 1/2 oz weight or use a shallow diver 1/2-3/4 oz crankbait, easy casting lures. Set up the outfit with a good baitcasting reel that is easy to pick out any line loops when a backlash occurs. Use 12 lb a big Big Game mono, it's inexpensive and good casting line. Use a line lubricant like Tangle Free.
Before starting show her how to adjust the spool tension knob so the lure weight pulls line off the reel with a little resistance, the lure should start by not pulling off any line, then slowly loosen the knob until it just start to drop slowly and stop adjusting.
The casting motion needs to be slower motion than whipping out a cast with a spinning reel. The back cast movement shouldn't be directly over head at 12 o'clock, the rod should be at a angle to one side somewhere between 45-60 degrees or whatever is natural position for the casting motion. The backward casting motion should be about 2 o'clock, the forward swing stopping about 10 o'clock, the spool released using her thumb about 12 o'clock, she should keep her thumb just above the spooled line to keep any loops from forming. The cast will not be very far at first, 20-25 yards and slowly increasing distance with practice and slightly loosening the spool tension knob until the lure weight pulls of line with very little tension.
When a backlash does occurs, do not pull out the over run loops until the spool is tight, instead slowly pull off line until the spool starts to stop then put her thumb onto the spooled line snuggly and reel in all the line over the loops.
Now slowly pull off spooled line keeping the thumb on the spool. Put the pulled off line in the water until you are past any loops. Now slowly re spool the line putting some tension on the line between the thumb and index fingers to prevent any twisted or looped line from going back onto the spool. This sounds harder than it is, it's easy way to remove a backlash.
Teach her how to do this without you doing it for her! You will be surprised how fast she will learn.
Tom
Western-Mass-Bass reply :
On 10/5/2015 at 2:14 AM, WRB said:Why do you under estimate your wife's skills? The successful way to teach anyone is not to teach them your mistakes. Have her watch some vedio's on the correct method to cast baitcasting reels.
My methods may not work for you, they worked for me teaching several new angler how to cast.
Start with a moderate action rod like a medium power crankbait rod if you have one. Use a 1/2 oz weight or use a shallow diver 1/2-3/4 oz crankbait, easy casting lures. Set up the outfit with a good baitcasting reel that is easy to pick out any line loops when a backlash occurs. Use 12 lb a big Big Game mono, it's inexpensive and good casting line. Use a line lubricant like Tangle Free.
Before starting show her how to adjust the spool tension knob so the lure weight pulls line off the reel with a little resistance, the lure should start by not pulling off any line, then slowly loosen the knob until it just start to drop slowly and stop.
The casting motion needs to be slower motion than whipping out a cast with a spinning reel. The back cast movement shouldn't be directly over head at 12 o'clock, the rod ishould be at a angle to one side somewhere between 45-60 degrees or whatever is natural position for the casting motion. The backward casting motion be about 2 0'clock, the forward swing stopping about 10 o'clock, the spool released using her thumb about 12 o'clock, she should keep her thumb just above the spooled line to keep any loops from forming. The cast will not be very far at first, 20-25 yards and slowly increasing distance with practice and slightly loosening the spool tension knob until the lure weight pulls of line with very little tension.
When a backlash occurs do not pull out the over run loops until the spool is tight, instead slowly pull off line until the spool stops then put her thumb onto the spooled line snuggly and reel in all the line over the loops.
Now slowly pull off spooled line keeping the thumb on the spool. Put the pulled line in the water until you are past any loops. Now slowly re spool the line putting some tension on the line between the thumb and index fingers to prevent any twisted or looped line from going back onto the spool. This sounds harder than it is, it's easy way to remove a backlash.
Teach her how to do this without you doing it for her! You will be surprised how fast she will learn.
Tom
Thanks so much tom, Ill be using this as a teaching guide for her. As well as myself. Some great tips in this post of yours. And thanks for the rest of the comments on this. But never did I question her skills. I actually was commenting on her abilities as her skills are coming along. And practice we will do. I myself learned right on my boat. I took all my spinning gear off of it and forced myself to learn it. Boy was that a looooong day on the boat!!! Hahaha Thanks again!
bigbill reply :
I started out casting Penn saltwater reels long before baitcasters. My thumb has a PHD college degree. I need to sharpen my skills as well with the newer stuff. I had a how to video from years ago. I can do it now but need to practice for better pinpoint accuracy. Anyone who wants to learn just stick with it till it's achieved.
I'm good with jigs with a casting setup that's all I use.
I been casting the Penn open saltwater reels since I was 14yo. No brakes. I can use any casting reel.
Anyone can adapt to anything if you willing to learn that's my point.
Hogsticker reply :
Anything with an SV spool in it. You can cast it with your eyes closed if you want. Once she understands and dials in release points she should be a pro.
timcauliffe reply :
Get something you can use if it doesn't work out for her 
I hear great things about the Black Max and an Abu reels. I have a Revo Beast which was my first ever bait caster and I have to say - for a bait caster that intense as my first one - learning to cast was one of the most enjoyable experiences thus far. +1 for Abu reels.
new2BC4bass reply :
The Alphas SV is getting great reviews as an excellent casting reel. No experience with the new Shimanos, but the older Chronarch 100A, 100B and Curado 200E7 are also great reels to learn on. Never touched a Shimano DC reel, but I read they are also very forgiving. Way too expensive for me. The most forgiving reel I have ever used is a Daiwa with the MagForce 3D braking. Set at MaxBrake and 10 or more on the dial, and turn her loose. 
MickD reply :
I would never try to teach my wife how to fish a BC outfit, or drive a manual transmission, or fix a problem on the computer. Some things are best left to those other than husbands, or left to the student to teach themselves. Having said this, you, as a knowledgeable BC fisherman, have an obligation to provide her with tackle that will enhance her odds of success. First, a moderate action rod, a good reel like a Curado, some easy to use line like 14 pound test XL mono or equivalent, the web address of some good tutorials on learning to cast BC's, next some practice plugs, next some spoons and lipless cranks, some easy to cast 1/2 oz jigs, etc etc. You see the progression, from easy to challenging.
If she is really interested, she will pursue the skill and succeed, if not she won't. But you will have done all you can to help her succeed. What you don't want to do is to make her success your responsibility. It has to be her responsibility.
Bruce424 reply :
My girlfriend more or less cast pretty decent after I taught her. I set the baitcaster up for her. A few backlashes. But I have to keep patience. After a good cast I tell how to retrieve the lure.
Slade House reply :
On 10/5/2015 at 2:02 AM, roadwarrior said:Citica or Curado are VERY user friendly.
I wouldn't recommend having her learn on anything uses the centrifugal breaking system. better using a dial. if she is more comfortable using a left handed retrieve reel than get her a left handed reel. To me nothing is more dumb than people who use a right handed reel and switch hands.
stk reply :
As winter approaches in the north, it's perfect time to practice with a baitcaster and train your thumb. Everytime I took my dog out to the yard, I'd have my rod next to the door and practice pitching into a bucket with a casting plug, 1/4oz, 1/2oz and 3/4oz. I learned on a bass pro qualifier using 30lb braid. I learned braid was very forgiving and if you were gentle in picking out a backlash it will come out every time. Mono however is cheaper and might be better to learn on. I also second Slade House's post on letting her choose which retrieve is best for her. I'm right handed but I throw a left handed baitcaster, just feels way more natural to me.
Good luck and enjoy your luxury of having a wife that's also your fishing partner. Makes getting new gear much easier. 
Western-Mass-Bass reply :
On 10/5/2015 at 7:33 AM, stk said:As winter approaches in the north, it's perfect time to practice with a baitcaster and train your thumb. Everytime I took my dog out to the yard, I'd have my rod next to the door and practice pitching into a bucket with a casting plug, 1/4oz, 1/2oz and 3/4oz. I learned on a bass pro qualifier using 30lb braid. I learned braid was very forgiving and if you were gentle in picking out a backlash it will come out every time. Mono however is cheaper and might be better to learn on. I also second Slade House's post on letting her choose which retrieve is best for her. I'm right handed but I throw a left handed baitcaster, just feels way more natural to me.
Good luck and enjoy your luxury of having a wife that's also your fishing partner. Makes getting new gear much easier.
Thanks man, Ya I will say it makes the trips to bass pro and cabelas alot easier!! 
BobP reply :
I'm a Shimano fan but have to admit the Daiwa Tatula with its mag brakes makes casting easier. Nice reel for around $100. I'd pair it with a 6.5 or 7 ft medium power casting rod, one with enough flex to load easily when casting. Other than the combo, I'd start with something relatively heavy to throw and encourage her to use a smooth compact medium speed casting motion. Folks used to spinning outfits often try to use a whippy casting motion that backlashes a baitcaster. A smooth controlled casting motion gets it done.
monkeyman3dee reply :
All I can say is high 5 for landing a woman who loves to fish. My lady fishes with me too, she is more comfortable with spinning reels, a couple times I taught how to bait cast, she is the type that just prefers spinning with a drop shot.
roadwarrior reply :
On 10/5/2015 at 6:55 AM, Slade House said:
On 10/5/2015 at 2:02 AM, roadwarrior said:Citica or Curado are VERY user friendly.
I wouldn't recommend having her learn on anything uses the centrifugal breaking system. better using a dial. if she is more comfortable using a left handed retrieve reel than get her a left handed reel. To me nothing is more dumb than people who use a right handed reel and switch hands.
Ridiculous...
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/36646-why-is-the-reel-handle-on-the-right-hand-side/
DogBone_384 reply :
I've never taught a woman to use baitcast reels but have taught a few to shoot. I found they were more relaxed after the first couple rounds and do quite well.
As long as you're good at fixing her backlashes, you should be good to go.
Like others already said, start her with a good reel like a Shimano, so if she ends up liking it, you can give her your current arsenal and upgrade yours...
Good luck with it!
Snakehead Whisperer reply :
My wife was able to set up and cast a baitcasting reel within a half an hour of picking it up. I didn't show her anything, just told her how it worked.
That's a lot faster than I learned. My first cast on a baitcaster necessitated replacing all of the line on the spool because it was so badly backlashed. I remember saying "Watch this!" to my friend right before making that cast. Famous last words.
Tony L. reply :
It could just be my experience, but I found it easier to learn by casting a heavier lure with extra brakes turned on and the spool tension just a tiny bit tighter than it needs to be. It doesn't cast out as far, but you can get a feel for the outfit and really minimize your risk of backlash. When I first started, I remember that my grandfather would always keep the boat close to shore, no more than 30 feet away, regardless of time of year or where the fish actually were. We would still catch a few, because even when the bass move offshore, there are always couple stragglers lurking close to land near the docks, rip rap, and stumps. I got really used to casting at targets at short to moderate distances and he would make a game out of who could land their bait nearest to a particular rock or closest to the water's edge without putting it all the way up on shore. Really built accuracy.
Have fun! Glad that you have a Mrs that shares in your hobby!
Sam reply :
Western, yes, I have helped others learn how to throw a baitcaster.
Here is the secret: Scotch Tape and balancing the setup.
Spool the heaviest test you can on the reel.
Then cast the line out and put Scotch Tape (or electrical tape) over the remaining line on the spool.
Add your lure and show the individual how to point the rod tip to 11 o'clock and then release the spool and have the bait drop to the ground slowly, allowing the spool to stop when the bait hits the ground.
You now have a rig that will not backlash if you balance the reel and lure properly.
The heavier line makes getting backlashes out easier. The tape stops any backlashes from going deeper.
After the individual masters this setup they can go to a lighter line on the baitcaster and doing the same thing will not encounter many backlashes, and if they do, the backlashes will not be that damaging.
Give it a try.
Sam reply :
P.S. You cast the original setup with the lure on the line. Sorry if I confused you.
WRB reply :
I agree with the tape method, especially for learning to cast braid line. Using larger diameter mono may make it more difficult to cast, the higher memory springing the line off the spool creating a backlash.
Relying on brakes alone to cast a baitcasting reel doesn't teach the angler how to cast properly, the thumb is a essential component of casting a baitcasting reel, it starts the cast, controls the cast and stops the cast. You can learn to cast using any reel in good operating reel. Picking out a backlash is also part of the learning process, let the new angler learn by trail and error, set the reel, rod, lure weight up properly, show them the proper rod motion, then help only if they ask.
Tom
bootytrain reply :
I taught a kid to cast a baitcaster in about 30 minutes, he was about 10. Started him off with the magnetic brakes on his baitcaster turned all the way up. Side arm cast and made sure the lure was heavy enough, side arm cast. Overheard is a different story. If she wants to learn a baitcaster for the experience start on centrifugal brakes, if she just wants to use a baitcaster because she thinks it will help her fishing get a Scorpion DC. That reel is impossible to backlash.
hatrix reply :
I would say anything with the Daiwa magforce z braking. A tatula would be good but maybe to large for her hands. Turn the dial to 10 maybe 12 and you should be able to cast anything with out thumbing it. No tension of course. Or a centrifugal braking reel with probably all the pins on and the mag at like 2 or 3. Also no tension. She should be casting like a champ in 30 minutes or so. I recommend never using tension to learn. It makes you cast harder and greatly affects distance and defeats the purpose of a smooth reel that turns effortlessly.
K_Mac reply :
My wife quickly learned to use a baitcaster mainly because she didn't like the the limitations of spincasters and doesn't care for spinning reels. She does very well, except close in. She is working on pitching, but has not mastered it yet.
Show her how to set up and adjust her reel, and how to cast. If she is committed to learning, she will be fine. Give her a budget and help her choose something you both like...
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