Basic baitcast reel setup

Try 2,3, or 4 pegs on for a good result. The magnetic brakes are less complex than the centrifugal. You can easily get it better than the previous one.

As you can get, the higher the dial, the stronger the brake, and the lower the dial, the looser is the brake. Apart from the common magnetic and centrifugal brakes, some big names in the industry like Abu Garcia and Pflueger are adopting the hybrid braking system. As you can tell, the hybrid brake system is a fusion of both centrifugal and magnetic brakes. The process of adjustment in the hybrid brake is not that different from the previous types, except that the starting will be from a bit lower point.

And finally, you need to set the drag up in your baitcasting reel. You can locate a dial that comes in a star-shaped look placed between the body and the handle. You can dial it forward to make the drag tighter and backward to make it even looser. There you have it!

We have explained in the simplest of ways how to set up a baitcaster reel for a beginner. Make sure you follow each step one at a time to get the most out of it! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. About The Author. John Hunt John Hunt is a professional angler! He has been fishing for the last 12 years, he loves to participate in fishing tournaments everywhere with his favorite fishing gear.

You will probably find that, for different rods, lure weights and casting applications e. It's kind of the same as using your drag to control paying out line to a running fish you should't use your spool tension for that either. Please let me know in the comments if you found this useful - and also do let me know about exceptions you've found to the basic rules above. For instance, I'm particularly keen to hear from you folks who have a different approach to spool tension setup!

I do it as you have stated, for Normal use. But there are times when a tad of spool tension does help. When casting into wind for example. If you read on any ABU site, they do advocate the use of the tension knob, to control the fall of the lure and to stop backlashes.

Quite strange — although there is a certain confidence to be gained from having the reel-tuning specialists set it perfectly according to their design. With the more expensive reels i have tried they are far more tolerant of any mistakes made by the angler and do not need adjusting as much with the various lures. Once you start flipping, pitching etc you will need to have that spool spinning more freely to generate the inertia needed cast the lighter lures.

Each to their own i guess. We all use different styles, lures in different circumstances. Should be writing for every brand out there! Companies still love write up like these for their blogs!

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Share 0. Tweet 0. Pin 0. Wait, Hold on - where does this rod butt come in? Line Counter attached to rod butt. How to set up a baitcaster reel: Best Ways of Attaching the Line You face a couple of main options for attaching your line - Just a single, sliding, loop created by an arbor knot or even a Uni knot variation — OR — for braided line on shallow spools; a multiple-wrap sliding knot.

For me, the quickest and most repeatable way of doing this is:. Once you have spooled the line, it must be sent through the guides. You can then tie the lure to the leader. Hold the rod up, press your thumb on the spool line and slowly release the spool with your thumb while simultaneously loosening the spool tension knob with the other hand.

The lure should drop slowly and not collect slack even if it hits the ground. You need to repeat this step time every time you change the bait or lure. You will get the hang of it after some tries.

With a baitcasting reel, setting the drag is easy! Usually, it can be done with the star-shaped dial that is around the base of the reel handle. You can tighten the drag by turning the dial forward. Turning it backward will loosen it. You will know if it is perfect when you give the line a good tug. Some of the lines will be pulled off the spool. This gives is essential so that any sudden jerk will not result in the loss of your hook and lure along with any fish caught.

There are many kinds of braking mechanisms. It pays to get familiar with the one you have. If you have a choice, we recommend the magnetic brake system. They are easy to adjust and perfect for beginners. Generally, it is better to start off with more braking than not even if it means compromising on the distance of the cast. You can fine-tune the releasing of brakes as you get more proficient in the hobby.

Also, keep in mind that keeping the brakes disengaged for a longer time results in a longer cast. It might also result in a backlash though. You will become better at casting the more you practice.