My first baitcaster!

[rivrunnr1]

I just bought a nice baitcaster and a real nice rod too. I should be getting the rod on wednesday but I just opened the reel. VERY exciting. I have never used a baitcaster before....but I am sure it will go alright. I am gonna go cast it right now. Lemme know if any of you have any suggestions on use and differences between them and spinning reels that I should definitely be aware of.

Here are some pics.





Citica 200E. I already loaded it with 20lb powerpro

[colonative]

Good luck, I'm havin a hell of a time gettin mine down, use it mostly for slabbin. I bet I've changed the line 4 times cause of screw ups, and the rod n reel are both still virgin.

[rivrunnr1]

Holy crap that was hard!!! Just took a few casts with it. I dunno if I should keep the cast control knob real tight or real loose....

[boondock]

Originally Posted by Rivrunnr1

Holy crap that was hard!!! Just took a few casts with it. I dunno if I should keep the cast control knob real tight or real loose....

I would say tighter when starting....

Also adjust the internal brakes like I told ya

[fishingkats]

thats way to much string to learn with

but thats just what i think

[deadhead]

Couple-a things to keep in mind, as far as the tension knob, hang your lure, (or casting plug) from the tip, and adjust the tension until the lure will BARELY not fall under it's own weight. (the setting will be different for every lure) As you cast, start with the brake control maxed out, and use your thumb on the top of the spool to keep it from "backlashing". It will take getting used to, but the more you throw it, the looser you can set the braking system, and your distance will improve. Remember, that with a spinner, you stop the rod pointed in the direction of the lure, and the line free spools off the top of the spool, but with a baitcaster, you stop more around twelve o'clock, and let the spool unroll instead. Those are the biggest tips I got when I got my first one, use your "thumb brake", and stop your cast sooner.

Also, bring some toothpicks with you, they help a lot to pick out those pesky bakclashes without destroying your line, so you won't have to respool every other trip. Let me know if you want some practical, hans-on coaching, and we can go fish somewhere, and I will show you what I know...

Dave

[slimer]

Dont' wait dude. Put it on your ice rods...

[rivrunnr1]

Originally Posted by deadhead

Couple-a things to keep in mind, as far as the tension knob, hang your lure, (or casting plug) from the tip, and adjust the tension until the lure will BARELY not fall under it's own weight. (the setting will be different for every lure) As you cast, start with the brake control maxed out, and use your thumb on the top of the spool to keep it from "backlashing". It will take getting used to, but the more you throw it, the looser you can set the braking system, and your distance will improve. Remember, that with a spinner, you stop the rod pointed in the direction of the lure, and the line free spools off the top of the spool, but with a baitcaster, you stop more around twelve o'clock, and let the spool unroll instead. Those are the biggest tips I got when I got my first one, use your "thumb brake", and stop your cast sooner.

Also, bring some toothpicks with you, they help a lot to pick out those pesky bakclashes without destroying your line, so you won't have to respool every other trip. Let me know if you want some practical, hans-on coaching, and we can go fish somewhere, and I will show you what I know...

Dave

Excellent advice! Thank you. Ill have to keep practicing. I fish Pueblo hard starting in April...so lemme know when you are down to head out there.

[fresh fish]

Nice reel Riv! I've been on the fence between getting my first baitcasting set-up or another spin set-up. I looove spin fishing, but wouldn't mind adding another weapon to the arsenal!
Good luck! Looking forward to seeing your first P-lo wiper report on that thing!

[fistfullafish]

Originally Posted by freshfish

I looove spin fishing, but wouldn't mind adding another weapon to the arsenal!

Without practice, baitcasters are not exactly a weapon, more like a handicap. Practice, practice, practice.