Baitcasting reels require some practice in order to cast a bait or lure effectively. However, the reels are extremely efficient and out-distance spinning reels when cast properly. Baitcasters have a dual-position release button that's operated with the thumb of the casting hand. The button frees the spool for casting when depressed to the first position, and depressing a second time locks the spool for retrieving the line. The casting motion is from back to front in an overhead arc, using a combination of arm swing and wrist action.
Setting up the Rod and Reel
Back the drag adjustment off enough so line can be pulled off the spool while the reel remains in the retrieve setting or locked mode. Thread the end of the fishing line through the eye of the level-wind at the front of the spool. Pull several more feet of line off the reel and pass the end through each of the guides, leaving a foot or so of line beyond the tip of the rod. Tie a 1 oz. teardrop sinker to the line using a clench knot, re-tighten the drag to the original position and wind the sinker to the rod tip.
Getting Ready to Cast
Grip the rod just behind the reel with your casting hand, and put your thumb on the release button. The rod and reel should be about waist high, with the rod tip extending in front of you on a horizontal plane. Depress the release button to the first click, (free-spool mode) and use thumb pressure to prevent the spool from turning. With the rod in the horizontal position, lightly lift your thumb to allow the spool to turn and the weight to drop about 2 inches from the rod tip. Stop the spool with your thumb.
Backswing and Stop
With the reel still in the free-spool mode, continue holding pressure on the spool with your thumb and swing the rod tip behind on a semi-flat trajectory until it is pointing away from you. The rod should now be in a horizontal position to your rear, and your eyes on the sinker.
Casting and the Release Point
Cock your wrist to drop the rod tip slightly, and look forward at an imaginary target area, which should be approximately 20 feet in front of you. Swing the rod overhead in a continuous motion, and release your thumb pressure from the spool just before the top of the arc. This will allow the sinker to cast upward, as opposed to a late release that will cause the sinker to cast downward.
Follow through until the rod tip is pointing forward, and stop the spool with your thumb the instant the sinker lands. This will prevent the spool from over spinning and creating a line backlash on the spool.
Before depressing the button to lock the spool, check for any small loops on the spool. To correct small loops, pull gently on the line while maintaining thumb pressure until the line on the reel is consistent.
Short Casts are Best
Depress the button to lock the spool and retrieve the sinker to the rod tip. Repeat the procedure, making certain the rod is horizontal at the start and finish points of the cast. The initial casts should remain short until the procedure becomes familiar.
Once you begin to get the feel of the baitcaster reel, you will understand that momentum is created in your wrist action, and not by arm strength or big casting arcs.
