Bait Caster Question

[WishnIWsFishn]

I have 3 Abu Garcia Black Max, and for some reason this year getting the rods and reels ready I noticed all 3 reels are not breaking. I cast out the line start to reel, and than the reel is allowing the line to go in and out so when I have a fish on I have to hold the line so it won't keep pulling out. I have the drag set to the max, but there is nothing there. I have had the reels for about 4 years, and I am just wondering if the reels are shot, or can I fix this? Bass opener is in two weeks... does anybody have any info on this?? Thanks guys!!

[Brad B]

couple questions for you. are you using braided line on these if so is there mono backing behind it. if you don't have mono backing when using braid the line will slip on the reel. but you would of had issues with this when the reels we new, so I can't say for sure if this would be the cause. does the reel re engage when you start to reel in after pressing the button to cast and casting. if it doesn't re engage then there might be a problem in the reel that is leaving it in the free spool mode. since you are in St Cloud and I'm in Monticello I would be willing to drive up to St Cloud and meet you some place and look at them to see if I can figure it out for you. PM me if you want to set up a time to meet.

[givetoget]

Wishn, Just wondering if you got anywhere with your reels. If not I may be able to help u out as I have and use several of these model baitcasters.Let me know. If you want you can email to [email protected]

[Deitz Dittrich]

#1 as Brad states, is it braid without backing?.. if so, thats your problem.

If not #1 then #2--

#2, Im guessing that you did not back the drag down over winter storage?.. if this is the case, you may have "Smashed" the life out of the drag washers.. You could try taking the reel apart and cleaning and re-apply new drag washer grease. Or have the drag washers replaced.

The good news, the reels are probably not shot.

[20lbSloughShark]

The problem with your second guess is even if it is the drag, he would be able to feel it. The way the OP describes it sounds to me the reel is never engaged. Maybe take brad up on his offer, or check the anti-reverse. It will probably either be an instant anti-reverse bearing or some kind of a cog. Both can fail and have that exact feeling.

[Hawg]

Or like Deitz asked, is the braid backed?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Ive re-read it, I guess I am reading into it differently than you 20lb... I read it as, when reeling in under pressure the line is going out. Drag issue. But I totally could be wrong..

[neptune]

Is the spool tensioner tightened enough. This is the little knob just up and behind your drag. If this is loose you can crank all day long and the spool will turn very little or not at all.

[Raider4ever]

You got 3 years out of a $49.99 Black Max. Consider yourself LUCKY!! I bought a BM (and NEVER have a set of initials so accurately described a product) and it lasted about three casts before things started to grind and line wouldn't come back in. Good thing I usually have about a dozen rods in the boat.

[Deitz Dittrich]

raider, I just sprayed Diet Dew on my keyboard.. thanks a lot..

[Raider4ever]

My apologies DD. But, it was too good to resist.

[Hawg]

Wishn-come back and tell us what it was. I'm curious if it was just no backing on the line, we've all done it once. Seems too weird 3 would die at the same time.

[HandGunner]

I never back my braid I just simply tie it into the spool holes first then reel in the braid I have a silver max one up from the black max lasted me 2 years now. 3 at once either you are setting the drag the wrong way or what everyone else said.

[Ufatz]

Plain truth is those reels are krappe. Buy a new reel.

[20lbSloughShark]

To use braid without backing, you need tiny bit of electrical tape on the spool. If you don't, it is slipping, even if you cant tell.

[Hawg]

You don't have to back it if you have holes in the spool to tie to like they said, most reels don't.

[WishnIWsFishn]

I am sorry guys... thanks for all the responses. I got busy Turkey hunting and forgot I even posted this. I am sorry. Any way, the reels weren't engaging. Some bearing problem. I talked to a guy at Gander and he told me to just buy new reels. Of course he is a salesman, but I think I will tear them apart just to see for myself

[delcecchi]

Reels these days use some sort of ball bearing thing for the anti-reverse. If you have the diagram and parts list or can find it online, could be as little as cleaning the goo out of that bearing and relubing it. Or at worst, buy a new bearing.

[amateurfishing]

Plain truth is those reels are krappe. Buy a new reel.

well im curious about this, i purchased a worlds largest outfitter rod and this reel combo for $50 earlier this spring for casting cranks, ive attempted to work with it a couple of times but have yet to get a single cast off without a birds nest. tried in the boat and on the driveway, always ends up with a birds nest, have played with the spool tension and everthing and always same result. i asked about fireline & they said would be a great setup. im wondering if fireline is too heavy for this plastic reel?

i want a semi decent (but not high end) setup for casting cranks. are there any other recommendations out there (maybe in a spinning reel with fireline) that would be better?

[delcecchi]

well im curious about this, i purchased a worlds largest outfitter rod and this reel combo for $50 earlier this spring for casting cranks, ive attempted to work with it a couple of times but have yet to get a single cast off without a birds nest. tried in the boat and on the driveway, always ends up with a birds nest, have played with the spool tension and everthing and always same result. i asked about fireline & they said would be a great setup. im wondering if fireline is too heavy for this plastic reel?

i want a semi decent (but not high end) setup for casting cranks. are there any other recommendations out there (maybe in a spinning reel with fireline) that would be better?

Depends on which weight cranks. But first a question... Have you used a baitcaster before, or is it new to you? There definitely a learning curve and skill acquisition involved in using a bait caster.

On the other hand, a spinning outfit will work great for small to medium cranks. For example if I am casting a bait like a #7 shad rap, I aways use a spinning outfit. On the other hand if I am casting a 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz spinner bait, I use a baitcaster.

To some extent it is a matter of preference.

I use braid on pretty much all my reels.

So that's what I do.

Remember, baitcasting with few backlashes is a skill. You can't cast without using your thumb at least some.

[amateurfishing]

i always use my thumb....when testing with lead weights the spool tension did not matter as i made it looser & tighter, with my thumb on it, always had same result with 3/8 or half oz lead weight. i know i am not a pro but i do have other setups that do not have this issue. it almost feels like the fireline is to heavy for this plastic reel, not really sure.

[delcecchi]

Could be that the fireline is too stiff or whatever. I have used a black max, and while not the greatest reel it worked ok.

I will say that I have never used fireline on a baitcaster.

[WishnIWsFishn]

So I took my reels apart and the locking gear, or whatever it is happens to be all rounded out. I imagine this is my problem on the other two as well. I appreciate all the help fellas... I think it is time though for some new reels. Doesn't make much sense to have those cheaper reels on custom St. Croix rods anyhow. Problem is I can never find a decent reel that is left handed without paying 150.00 per reel which is why I went with the black max to begin with

[WishnIWsFishn]

I too have always used braided line... power pro to be exact. But here are a few suggestions from my experience if they help any. First off with each lure no matter what I am throwing, I always hit the release and let the lure fall. I have always found that a slow creep out of the spool is perfect and helps with the backlashes. To fast of a drop and the line unspools itself, and to tight of an unwind causes major problems. Once I have gotten that down I always make sure to apply just a little pressure when throwing to keep the line against the spool where it belongs. Another possibility is maybe you just have to much line on. My bait casters have just a little over half of the spool covered with line depthwise. When I first started using bait casters I always loaded on the line and took me many nests to realize I just had way to much on especially just for pitching cranks

[amateurfishing]

I too have always used braided line... power pro to be exact. But here are a few suggestions from my experience if they help any. First off with each lure no matter what I am throwing, I always hit the release and let the lure fall. I have always found that a slow creep out of the spool is perfect and helps with the backlashes. To fast of a drop and the line unspools itself, and to tight of an unwind causes major problems. Once I have gotten that down I always make sure to apply just a little pressure when throwing to keep the line against the spool where it belongs. Another possibility is maybe you just have to much line on. My bait casters have just a little over half of the spool covered with line depthwise. When I first started using bait casters I always loaded on the line and took me many nests to realize I just had way to much on especially just for pitching cranks

i have been doing all the above, i just took off bout 1/3 of line & it is working better, but still not where i would like it to be. the more i use it, the less smooth the retrieve feels, think i was bamboozled a little bit at worlds foremost outfitter on this, staff said it would be a great combo for casting cranks with fireline on it. i think the fireline is to heavy for the reel and the more i play with it the reel feels cheaper by each retrieve, may try and just trade up in store. but another note, the line was put on in store, seems like everytime i have this done, employees always put too much line on, has happened with my ice reels as well.