Any tips on skipping lures with a baitcaster? I've tried everything from different lures, angles, brakes, etc. Is there any way that makes skipping any easier? I'm tearing my hair out (along with my ruined line)!

Try a reel with a shallower spool like an SV made for throwing lighter baits.

I am using a Lews Speed Stick combo

I've got an idea... use a spinning reel.

 

oe

 

7 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

I've got an idea... use a spinning reel.

 

oe

A lot of times when fishing, I'll just bring one rod and a pocketful of lures. I know how to skip on a spinning reel, but I also just like baitcasters better.

Skipping with a baitcaster is not the easiest thing to do but not the hardest either. 

I use a 6' 6" with a fairly short handle.

 

The trick is to use an underhand roll cast keeping the bait as low to the water as you can. 

You can also skip useing the pitching technique of keeping the bait in one hand, bringing the rod tip down, release the bait and gradually raise rod as it swings. 

 

Use the lightest weight you can. I lose it with anything over 1/4. It just harder with a heavy weight but it still can be done. 

 

Watch your angle's. Bring the rod tip just behind your shoulder and start to roll from there..

 

Keep the bait about a foot from the tip.

 

Also, make sure your cast control knob is adjusted a little on the tight side to protect against a backlash if you hit the water a little hard, which will happen if you try to force it or have too high of an entry angle.

 

The most important thing to remember is that you want the weight of your bait to pull the line, not the force of your cast. 

 

It takes A LOT of practice to become profient, but once you get it down it'll become as easy as skipping a rock across a pond. Just try not to get too discouraged because you will. 

 

Good Luck

 

 

 

Mike

If all else fails, figure out your average skipping distance you need to go, we'll say 40 feet.  Strip off the 40 feet of line then put a piece of tape over the line on the spool, and reel in the 40 feet of line and tie on your bait as normal.  Now you can skip as normal but if you should backlast you only will backlast that 40 feet, it'll be quick and easy to pick out, and your while spool isn't ruined