does anyone have any tips to help prevent backlash?

the backlashes usually occur right at the beginning of the cast .

some casts are great and then i will get one where it just completely birds nests

does the type of line make a difference?

ah, the learning/growing pans of taking up the bc reel.

first, the only way to prevent 100% backlashes from occuring is to not use one.

Sometimes line can make a difference but you didnt mention which you were using.

To help minimize the chances of a birdsnest:

1) use a manageable line. 10-14 lb mono is ideal for gun joggin ttyl (Stupid auto correct!)

10-14lb mono is ideal for learning, lol

2) learn to allow the weight of your lure to load the rod. This is so key. Those coming from a spinning background may have the toughest time with this. failure to do this with a spinning rig has no consequence

3) pull off line from the spool equal to about the length of two casts and place a piece of tape there and wind the line back on. If you nest again, the tape should stop the nest from going any deeper.

4) ensure the reel is set to the lure's weight

I can relate to that one cast that birdsnests while other seemingly identical cast made are fine. Never Been able figure it out completely but the things i listes help me minimize that occurrence.

thank you so much i was using 10lb fleurocarbon but i will definitely use mono now. and the tape thing definitely seems like it would work!

islandbass summed it up perfectly. anytime you use a brand new lure or bait, tighten tension knob almost all the way until the bait will not move when engaged. then slowly unwind the knob as you're holding the button and it should slowly start to free fall. you want a comfortable fall, not too fast, not too slow. don't forget to also adjust brakes if problem persists.

hope that helps. nothing worse than a deep backlash

First, spool that fluoro onto something where you can use it later. Although it is great line I think it's harder to cast backlash free and it is way to expensive to have to cut off a reel. Second, use a limp mono in the 12# to 14 # range. Third, go to the "How to cast a baitcaster" in the rods, reels and line section of this site and the instructions that came with the reel. Forth, practice in the yard, driveway any place but while fishing - you don't want to waste valuable fishing time. Fifth, practice. Sixth, practice. Seventh, practice!

IMHO soon you will be using the baitcaster most of the time and wondering why you didn't start sooner.

Work on nearly backlash free short casts then move forward on distance. As you skills increase you will be able to ease of on the cast control and increase your distance. It doesn't take a huge swing to achieve a reasonable casting distance.

Oh! Use a heavier practice plug when you are getting started. I'd suggest 1/2 to 5/8 ounces. Bait casters are for heavier duty fishing use your spinning gear for anything 1/4 ounce and under. As your skill increase yu can work with light lures.

Here are some tips that we have mentioned in the past on the Forum:

1. Set up baitcaster with line and lure as per the rod's specifications.

2. Loosen drag and spool.

3. Point rod tip to 11 o'clock.

4. Set your drag to where you want it.

5. Drop lure to floor or ground (not carpet) and adjust spool tension so the lure drops slowly to the floor and the spool stops when the bait hits the floor. You may have to make three or four drops.

6. Take baitcaster setup with lure outside and cast it as far as you can.

7. Remove one or two arm lengths of line from spool.

8. Place Scotch tape or electrical tape over the line on the spool from right to left.

9. Reel in line and you are ready to go.

Tape will stop any backlash at the tape and not allow it to go deeper into the line.

If your spool is set up correctly the spool will stop when the bait hits the water's surface.

When spooling your reels run line through Kevin VanDam's Lure and Line Conditioner by spraying a "wet spot" on a wash cloth and running the line through it. Also spray the line on the spool a number of times as you spool the line onto your reels, both baitcaster and spinning.

Do not cast into the wind.

If you do have to cast into the wind have rod tip low to the water when casting.

If you let the baitcaster sit over two weeks with the line on it go outside, cast and run line back onto baitcaster via the KVD Lure and Line Conditioner. Line left on a reel will twist and take the shape of the spool.

Your "thumb" is your best friend. Use it to slow down or stop the cast if it is heading in the wrong direction or if you notice a backlash starting.

DO NOT PULL ON THE BACKLASH. This can nick or cut your line. Be gentle, like petting a puppy when taking the backlash out.

And look around before every cast. If you hit a tree branch, high grass, bush, boat windshield, boat motor, your friend, etc., you will get a backlash.

After you master the art of casting a baitcaster you will no longer need to use the tape.

Give it a try and let us know how you do.

As for your second query about line, there once was thinking that you need mono for treble hook baits which you throw on a baitcaster. This is still the case for many anglers, incluing myself, as I want the extra stretch mono give you when setting a treble hook bait however some pros are now using flourocarbon for their treble hook and topwater baits.

Line test is also a factor. Your rods will illustrate the specific line paramaters. If you keep within those limits you will have longer casts and less problems with your setup.

If you are using the maximum line test such as 25 pounds or the "Extra Tough" line it can be harder to handle the line coming off the reel. This is why you use conditioner as the diameter of the line is larger than the 12 to 17 pound test. Always note the line diameter on the box and try to purchase the smallest line diameter for the line test you are throwing (as long as it is the brand you like.)

If you use lighter line such as an 8 or 10 pound test you may not have as many problems. The type of bait, bait's weight, water depth you are trying to reach, wind conditions and rod length will all play a role in your casting ability.

Also have the line tight when reeling. Loose line will cause problems when reeling in your baits. This should not be a problem if your bait weight is correct as per the rod's specs.

With anglers using their baitcasters for flipping and pitching with lighter line you need to practice with a flourocarbon line of your choice to hit your target when flipping and pitching with a baitcaster.

Please note the line test if and when you get backlashes and consider dropping down a level or two to see if your casting improves and you eliminate or reduce the number of backlashes you encounter.

Good luck.

A lot of the times that a backlash happens in the beginning of the cast in my opinion, is due to trying to chuck the bait too hard. Take thw advise to tune the reel setup properly, and you should be able to cast smooth and get proper distance.

Put the brakes in an "X" pattern.

Research baitcaster setup on the Forum.

And please suscribe to the Forum on Facebook. Outsanding information is released during the week.

This may help.

 

All excellent advice. My experience is that being jerky on the rod's reversal will result in a backlash at the beginning of the cast every time. Trying for the moon only makes it worse.

hey guys i was out on the water this morning for about 4 hours..caught a few decent fish but the more important thing is i went the whole time with no backlash!! so excited that i learned to use one of these reels! thank you all!

Throwing too hard is single biggest mistake I see with new baitcast users. A nice smooth cast is all you need. Accuracy is way more important than distance (that will come with practice). Learn to feather the spool with your thumb according to what the line is doing. You can practice this while sitting in front of the TV at night (if you have that luxury lol) by tying on a weight and dropping it to the ground and stopping the spool with your thumb. The bait you're trowing is not pulling the line out fast enough to keep up with the spool. Be sure the bait matches your rod specs and keep in mind that the bait's profile affects how it will cast. For example, spinner baits are bulky and loose momentum quickly where as a rattle trap will fly a mile.