Reel problem or Me?

[jt24]

I got a Curado 201 this spring from a friend of mine and I put it on a 7ft md/hvy rod with 20# spiderwire and I tied on a 1/2 oz spinnerbait and i can only cast maybe 12-15yards. I thought i had it adjusted right but maybe not. This is my first baitcaster and I cant believe thats all the farther i can get it to cast. No bird nest or any thing. Any one have any info to share? To much money spent on this to not use it! Thanks

[HellaBass]

JT,

It sounds like you have all the centrigal brakes in the out position. On the right side of your real, flip open tab and unscrew side. You should see 6 little red or green tabs around a circle. These little tabs have an in and an out position. When they are in, the brakes are off and when they are out they are on. I am guessing all yours are out, try pushing every other one in, so alternate them 3 in & 3 out. That should be about right.

[delmuts]

also; adjust the tension knob( smaller one buy the reel handle) so that your lure will drop to the ground , but not over run on the spool.a baitcaster does take some practice to learn how to cast. try a over hand cast at first. you may need to use a little more wrist action than you are used to. between the brakes, tension and some practice you should be in good shape! also remember when you change lures; you may need to adjust the tension due a difference in weight.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I always thought that the overhand cast was more difficult than the side-arm. Definitely sounds like you guys nailed the problem on the head, though. You should be able to toss a 1/2 ounce lure quite a ways.