On 7/13/2017 at 7:06 PM, Sam said:

After  you "balance" your rod, reel, rod power and line test you are ready to cast away all day...

 

My apologies, don't mean to go off topic, but I've read that a lot recently about "balancing your rod, reel. etc.". Just curious how you do this?

2 hours ago, hawgwash said:

 

My apologies, don't mean to go off topic, but I've read that a lot recently about "balancing your rod, reel. etc.". Just curious how you do this?

 

Here is how in a nutshell:

1.  Spool line on your reel based on rod's parameters and then set up rod with your bait ready to throw.

2.  Adjust drag tension and spool tension to stop line from coming off spool.

3.  Point rod tip to 11 AM, release spool, and then adjust spool tension so that the spool stops when the bait hits the floor/ground/bottom of boat all by itself.  Will take a few tries and be ready to stop a fast moving spool with your thumb.

4.  Tighten drag to where you want it and perform 3 above once again.

5.  Cast bait to see if spool stops when bait hits water.  Have thumb ready to stop spool just in case you have it too loose.

6.  Make your final drag and spool tension adjustments and you age ready to go.

7.  Do this every time you change baits on your baitcasters.

 

If properly set, you can start your retrieve with your buzzbait, Chatterbait, Whooper Ploppers, etc. as soon as the bait hits the water.

 

So give it a try and practice, practice and practice so it becomes so easy you will not have to have the bait hit the floor.

Well I unfortunately have content to add  I caught a small bush with my forward cast. 

She was a beauty...

 

 

 

 

I am sitting here at work.... not really working but checking out the forum........ THESE PICS OF BACKLASHES ARE GIVING ME ANXIETY................... Does anyone else look at these and just cringe?

6 hours ago, Big Daddy Hoff said:

I am sitting here at work.... not really working but checking out the forum........ THESE PICS OF BACKLASHES ARE GIVING ME ANXIETY................... Does anyone else look at these and just cringe?

They usually come out pretty easy, at least mine do. Now the last time My wife birds nested my reel I had to cut it out. 

MUCH easier with braid I might add!