Blk69

Do not understand why backing is needed for the braid. Probable over 1/2 of the line never leaves my spool, any backing would never be used. Thank you for explaining the clock. Have to do some tests on when I am releasing the spool. I have some Pline ultra thin low memory 8lb mono. Is this any good? Better or worse the the Trilene I have?

Using Berkley Trilene big Game mono, .14" dia. This line seams to have a lot of memory to it, backlashes little easier to get out with the braided 20#. Setting tension like you described, seams give the max casting distance. Almost went with the SLX but thought the mags were an upgrade vs the plastic brakes. Plus taking the reel apart to access the brakes of the SLX concerned me....didn't want anything to fall into the water. Thank you for explaining. I have re-read this a couple of times now and still trying to get the concept. Going to take the reels apart to see the difference.

Not familiar with the CT vs SV. Sounds like you got great deal. Unfamiliar with the "BC" term, is that a combo? Agree should not expect max results as a novice, was hoping for better results thou at this point.

40 lb braid? I was thinking about going with a smaller diameter braid (15 lb) to gain more distance. How will the larger diameter assist? The 12lb mono I have on my cc80, seams like it dose not lay as nice on the spool as the the braid. Someone did say it may lay to well (digging in) causing some of the issues I am having. Well, guess you get what you pay for. While I am not seeing it now, should I expect better performance from my Tatula vs the CC80?

Wait, thought they had the same brake systems. The Magforce Z magnetic casting and braking system. If they are different, getting similar results so issue is defiantly my casting form.

I am casting in the front yard and using a measuring wheel for distances. Seeing Youtubers doing similar and outperforming me. Yes, an angler fishing on the water and saying they cast 40 to 50 yards is basically a best guess for them. As I am only casting 25 yards, seeing a big difference. I would be happy hitting 75 feet with a weightless setup.

1/2 oz jig with a trailer, no idea what trailer wgt. Rod selection and braid wgt from my niece's boyfriends suggestion. He recommended the 13 fishing rod and my Brother the Tatula. I went to Cabela's (Bass Pro shop) for a second pole and was planning on getting the Daiwa CC80 combo. They had an AridX rod and really like it. It was so light. Unfortunately they didn't have any CC80 reels so ordered everything from Tackle Warehouse. Stuck with with the MH rods as seamed like a good all purpose rating. I am currently shore fishing, also have a kayak. Have the 20 lb braid because was recommended. This is my first experience with braided line. Have brake setting around 4 typically. The reason I switched from spinning reels to baitcasters was to gain casting distance. Oh ya, I also picked up some waders and plan on doing some creek fishing for small mouth.

Tensioner is set to no side to side play, lure falls freely when spool released (gravity fall). Brakes are usually set low around 4 and using my thumb to slow the spool when needed. I am taking large sweeping motions with the casts, Not fast quick ones. Will thru extending my follow thru as you suggest. The spool blowing up when you stop the forward movement to early I have observed. Using my thumb to control this currently. Thank you for the advice.

Took the reels out of the box and put on the rods. To be honest, little apprehensive about taking them apart. Was hoping would be good for the first season without getting into them. Start brakes at max and then back off slowly after a few casts. I have my thumb in the spool as seams to have the brakes too loose and get some wicked over spin mid cast. Usually the lure will take care of this toward the end of the cast, but have had some bird nests. The braid and the mono line act differently so still figuring that out also. When casting overhead, any wind at all (toward me) really messes with the line. Probable I am making to large of an arch. No mono backing. Brakes set 4 or less. Using thumb to limit spool over spinning. Have seen on YouTube anglers casting with no thumb, have never been successful that way. Probably not using my brakes correctly. Sometimes they seam to lock up mid cast and have broken off a lure. Not familiar with braid digging in reference. This is the first time I have ever used braid, went with the 20 lb as was recommended (also the Jbraid brand). Did notice the green die on the line does come off on anything in rubs against. Seams like birds nests are easier to get undone with the braid but that might just be my imagination.

Hello all. New to using bait casting reels. On recommendations selected these two combos, #1 a Daiwa Tatula CT100HS, Daiwa AirdX 7' MHFA rod, 20 lb Jbraid line. Rod #2 a Daiwa CC80HS, 13 fishing 7' MH rod, Berkley Trilene mono12lb line. Using a 1/2 oz jig best casting distances I can obtain are rod #1 75', rod #2 85'. Spools are adjusted to minimize play and brakes adjusted to lightest possible before major backlashes. Watching YouTube, seeing anglers getting much better casting distances then what I am able to do. Was hoping to hit casting distances around 120' with each combo. Where should I start to try improvements. Is my line or rods selected my major cause for poor performance? Suspect some of the issue maybe my form as getting similar casting distance when casting overhead or from the side. The Tatula was twice the price as the CC80 and casts 10' less. Thank you in advance for any guidance.

How heavy of a Lure would I require for the Ambassadeur to be effective? I'm not used to larger lures.

One more question, after doing some on line research on this 5500C looks like it was made for many years. Are they all the same or did Garcia make some changes. Lot of videos on Youtube on this model, while they differ slightly in paint and stickers are guts the same?

Was reading this post and mine is stamped 84-4 88-89. Just so I don't get my hopes up to high....will my Tatula just purchased really outperform these two? My Ambassadeur 5 stamped 87-0 87-88

So I was cleaning out my garage and found a second baitcaster rod/reel. Forgot I had this one. Its another Garcia ambassadeur, but labeled 5500C on a Lew's Speed Stick #6-158HOBB, worm rod. Reel has stickers saying SS ball bearings and high speed (assuming this is the gear ratio). Appears to have +20 years old 20 lb test line that is coiled very tight. This poles performance is actually worse then my other pole already mentioned. Assuming the old monofilament line on it is hurting performance. Will try string on some 8 lb mono line to see if things improve. Is this reel a better platform to rebuild or about the same as my Ambassadeur 5? Reel says made in Sweden on it.

Great, thank you all for your input. Will keep the 7.1.1.