Baitcaster Question

[gunflint]

I've been having problems with my Cabela's Prodigy baitcasting reel. When Bottom Bouncing and the bouncer gets hung up I jerk on the rod to get it loose, if I don't remember to "thumb the spool" I get a backlash. I don't think this is right but I just don't have enough experience with baitcasters to know for sure. I emailed Cabela's and this is what they said.

Hello Mark,

Thank you for contacting Cabela's Product Information.

It is almost impossible to keep from getting a backlash when jerking loose a snag. It is not the reel I am sorry for the inconvenience.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, please contact us.

Have a Great Day!

Seth

Is this right? It seems to me that there's little difference in jerking free a snag and setting the hook on a big fish.

[delcecchi]

isn't the drag set? I have never gotten or heard of anyone getting a backlash with the spool engaged and the drag on. Now if you pushed the button, that's another story

[hanson]

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Is this right? It seems to me that there's little difference in jerking free a snag and setting the hook on a big fish.

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No, it shouldn't be happening. I use Abu Garcia 6500 & 7000 reels for my catfishing, and believe me, I get snagged up all the time!! I try to pop the hook & sinker loose a few times before I grab a dowel and wrap the line around it to pull it out. 80lb Power Pro doesn't like to break very easily.

Anyway...

-Make sure your spool tension is set properly. If you can cast without backlashing, it is probably set right. The tension needs adjusting for different weight lures or sinkers.

-Make sure your reel is engaged. If you are in freespool, I could see a backlash happening if you don't thumb the spool.

-Make sure your drag is set right.

Other than that, I don't know???

[Deitz Dittrich]

It depends on weather or not you have the reel enganged or not... If you are trying to pop the lure free with the button pushed in, then yes, more often that not you are going to backlash! Your thumb is probably not strong enough.

HOwever, if you have the reel engaged and you are popping the lure free and it baklashes, then you have a problem with the reel...

So, if you are trying to get your lure unhung.. make sure you crank the reel handles till the reel clicks and engages. Or am I misunderstanding?

Also, are you using braid lines? Or mono?

[gunflint]

This one has a "Flipping switch" that actually engages the reel. That's why I got it. When bottom bouncning I can let the bouncer descend with the bottom with one hand and control the tiller with the other. The only time the reel isn't engaged is when I'm dropping to the bottom. The drag seems fine. I use this reel for trolling for northerns and use the same drag setting and haven't had any problems.

What do you mean "casting with it" do they use these things for casting? I'm a walleye fisherman

[Deitz Dittrich]

If this is happening with the reel engaged that sounds little fishy. The drag should not let line out fast enough to cause a backlash and I have never heard of that happening. I did have it happen once on an older reel I had. The gears were stripped out on it.

gunflint, without seeing your reel, I cant think of what would casue this. But you are correct, it should not backlash with the reel engaged...It just shoulnt happen. Does this reel have Braid or mono on it? I am guessing braid.

[gunflint]

10# Power-Pro. This was my second season with this reel. I had no issues with it the first year. I doesn't sound like Cabela's is interested in looking at it. Anyone want to trade a very seldom used Curado and a more used Prodigy for a Quantum with a flipping switch?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Did you put any mono backing on the reel before putting the powerpro?

Your having the same problem with the Curado?

[gunflint]

Yeah, I put mono backing on all my reels that have super-lines. No problems with the Curado at all. I got it for a good price but hardly ever use it. I bought it for trolling crankbaits but I just don't troll that much. Besides I can use a reel with a flipping switch for trolling. I do bottom bounce a lot when the walleyes start turning on to crawlers. I think that your idea about stripped gears could be a good one. Bottom bouncing with a 2oz weight hour after hour can probably be a lot of stress on a reel.

[sparcebag]

I have a quantome (bad spelling) Flipping bait caster,It has push bar for casting,switch for fliping,and also a switch or push tab to control free spool in fliping mode,it was confusing to me till I starter putzin with it THEN I UNDERSTOOD what it was! Look for a tab or button that resembles a clicker on a trolling reel.Mines on the face of the reel by the level wind rod.

[Ralph Wiggum]

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Anyone want to trade a very seldom used Curado and a more used Prodigy for a Quantum with a flipping switch?

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I'd be more than happy to take the Curado off of your hands I don't have a Quantum for you, though.