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Need help with new baitcaster reel

Drew Forehand writes:
I am a proud new owner of a low profile baitcaster reel... well I was proud until I took it home and ruined a whole spool of line... I can't seem to get it to cast right or cast were I want it to cast... I need help in a bad way.
(30 July 2002)

Ken McCoombe replies:
Drew, If you have never used an overhead reel you're in for a steep learning curve. First thing to do is get your spool tension correct. Tie a sinker on your line and release the spool, when the sinker hits the ground your spool should stop without an overun. If line has peeled off tighten your tension until you can release the sinker without overun. You will need to do this every time you change the cast weight of your lures. Remember when casting to thumb your spool just as your lure touches the water. Be patient, it's easily mastered.
(1 August 2002)

James writes:
I just recently bought a baitcaster reel and everytime I try to cast it the reel overspins and I get a huge tangle... what am I doing wrong??? Any help would be appreciated.
(9 August 2002)

fishvictoria writes:
Hi James, see Ken's response above as a good starting point!
(9 August 2002)

Harry replies:
Drew and James, welcome to the world of giant birds nests! Ken McC offered a good point to start with, but lets take it a bit further.
Firstly, having started a lot of people off on the pleasures of baitcaster reels, you have to understand their limitations. The vast majority of them aren't designed to cope with casting really light weights any real distance.
For instance, trying to cast a 00 ball sinker and yabbie rig for whiting over the flats isn't going to be a pretty sight on a windy day... you can't donate the resulting birds nest to the local seagulls.
Most small overheads are not designed to take heavy lines. So let's say you're using a fairly small low profile reel spooled with 3kg line (monofilament). Attach a suitable sized sinker (about the size of your ring finger-nail). Adjust the magnetic cast control up to near maximum (if fitted). Now adjust your spool tension up like Ken suggested. until it releases a little line with gentle jiggles on the rod tip.
Drop the weight until it is between 20-30 cm from the rod tip. With the lightest of light touches of your thumb on the spool, bring the rod back to around 2 o'clock, try a gentle flick and extend your arm out until the elbow is slightly bent. The release is at about 10 o'clock. Leave the thumb in very very light contact with the spool until you can bearly feel the line at its tip. When the weight/lure, etc., is approaching where you want it apply a touch more pressure to apply the brakes.
As you get a bit gamer, you can back off the magnetic spool control a bit and try different weights. BUT do keep in mind the limits of your tackle.
And remember, at the moment you are as bad at what you are doing as you will ever be... provided you practice, patiently. Tight lines and no nests.
(2 October 2002)

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