casting light lures

[bucketmouth64]

I was wondering what you use to cast lighter lures with a baitcaster? I find it frustrating casting lighter lures with my baitcaster (bird nests) so I switch to my spinning reel. Are there smaller baitcasters that handle lighter lures?

[Deitz Dittrich]

I will say this.. when casting small lures, its as much the correct rod and line than just the correc reel. Matching your gear is much more important when trying to cast smaller lighter lures. I use a Shimano Chronarch SF for casting smallre lures. And do pretty well on small crank baits with it. Its not for the shallow pocket book as its a pretty expensive reel, but well worth it to me, I have 5...However, Shimano has discontinued this reel for thier 2005 line up...Dont cry though boys.. the new chronarch is the CATS MEOW!!!! ohh mama!!!

Back to the question... Medium to Med/Light, 10 lb line max...and a nice smooth reel and practice and you can fling out them small light baits as far if not farther than a spinning rod.

Deitz Dittrich
mepps/mistertwister/shimano prostaff

[This message has been edited by Exudedude (edited 08-09-2004).]

[Dan Wood]

That's what they make spinning rods for .. The SuperFree baitcaster along with lighter line will help some, but they won't help the backlash problem. Practice a lot and invest in a SuperFree high quality reel is my best advice to you or stick with the spinning rod for light lures. 1/8 oz. on larger plastics is pretty do-able on a baitcaster. Generally I use 1/4 oz. and up, but 1/8 in light wind on larger/bulkier plastics isn't a problem.

[delmuts]

i have to agree . the better the quality of the reels make a big difference in casting light lures. i use diawa 103 ( about $210 ea.) and 10lb line and can cast these things well. i'll save to buy the better qaulity. they also staqnd up so much better with heavy usage. del

[BigMike]

I share in your frustration - but again as Dan said that is why there are spinning reels .

However I have found that a nice reel will probably help - I have 2 Quantum PT baitcasting reels - but before you go buying new equipment you should really try to adjust a number of things first.

The first thing I would adjust is how you hold the rod. I was taught when I was young to hold the rod with my thumb flat on the spool release (maybe it was from using all those zebco spincast type reels when I was young ) but when using a baitcasting reel, try rotating the rod & reel a quarter turn so that the side of your thumb is on the spool release and the reel is craddled between your thumb & pointer (index) finger. Use the side of your thumb to "thumb" the spool. That basically means, when you cast, keep the side of your thumb lightly touching the spool and so at any moment you can cut off the spool if you hear it start to backlash. As you get better at thumbing this will help you with my second adjustment: magnetic spool adjustments.

You should start out by adjusting your baitcasting reel to fit your light lures. Hold your rod at 10 o'clock and adjust your magnetic spool to let your lure fall on an open spool just slow enough that when it hits the ground/water it doesn't create backlash. Start with that, but as you get better at "thumbing" the spool, you will be able to open the magnetic spool more and more until it's basically on free spool. This take A LOT of practice & trial and error - I haven't even perfected this yet... but the less magnetic hold/drag, the farther you are going to be able to cast your light lures.

The last adjustment I would say to try working into your routine is to change casting motions for light lures. A lot of people are taught when learning to cast baitcasting reels to toss your lures on more of a sidearm/rotating (clockwise) motion - at least I was. And it reallys helps keep the backlashes at a minimum. I actually still cast 75-85% of the time in some form of this motion. This motion is great for heavier lures, but the problem comes when you start casting light lures (1/8 - 1/4oz). When you cast light lures in this motion you have basically no control of where you lure is going to end up - it could be straight, to your left, not very far, etc. To fix this try changing motions to more of an overhanded motion (like casting a spinning reel) and cast/point to your target. Learning the first two adjustments will help you A LOT in this last adjustment.

One last thing - don't try to "chuck" or overpower your lures when casting with a baitcasting reel... a smooth motion will cast farther than a forced one! But the better you get the more power your can use - just like in golf, you need a good smooth swing first and then you start to add power & distance.

The best thing is to keep practicing - you may think it's silly, but go out to your backyard and throw on a 1/8 or 1/4oz weight and practice casting. Now if you are already doing one or all of these things (or don't want to bother), you may just want to stick with spinning gear . Good Luck!

[This message has been edited by BigMike (edited 08-11-2004).]

[EBass]

BigMike, bored we are? Great there goes that Yoda talk again, hmmm

Um yeah what BM said. My big pain is casting into the wind with a light lure on a baitcaster is instint backlash. Thus I stick to spinning rod. It's 7' so I can cast alright. It's all about what works for you.

[BigMike]

Ebass - LOL! You always crack me up! Yeah today has been surprisingly slow but I figure if I'm ever going to be prostaff like you... just teasing - kinda!

I hardly ever cast light lures into a stiff wind on a baitcasting reel and opt for the spinning gear in those situations - or just use heavier lures

You gotta love this site though! Sharing and reading info is the best. I don't know of any better site to get local info and tips on how to fish MN waters and improve your fishing knowledge & abilities. Great site Rick!

[bucketmouth64]

Thanks for the responses. I too hate casting into the wind...same problem with backlashes. I think I'll just stick with the spinning reel. No extra costs there and no frustrations with backlashes. Sometimes I use a light spinning reel (6-8 lb. mono)and throw floating rapalas or in-line spinners. The fish I catch with it are fun to bring in...you think you have a monster.

I think we missed the summer pattern and went straight to fall. Maybe the summer pattern will show in October!!