Hey all, random question

I just got my first baitcaster and couldn't find the answer I'm looking for, I'm used to spinning reels so this is a little different.

1.I just spooled my baitcaster with some mono and casted a few times, is it supposed to be virtually unusable with the drag on the weakest?

2. I couldn't spool the line on it on the weakest drag and can't reel my lure back in either when practice casting, but when I apply some drag on the drag star it's fine.

On my spinning rod on the lowest drag I can spool it and cast and retrieve but the baitcaster it needs some drag to even work.

That's the way a BC is supposed to work.  Don't quite understand your spinning description, though. When you loosen a spinning reel's drag all the way you're starting to remove the spool. Should be completely loose and unusable (assuming it's a front drag).

A lot of reels are shipped with the drag backed off. 

The drag backed all the way off is no drag.

You have to turn the drag up to use it.

if you can turn the drag up and it works, it is fine.

I have received new spinning reels the same way. If I have the drag on my spinning reels backed all the way off the drag slips instead of taking up line.

Only difference is most spinners have a clicker in the drag, baitcasters usually don't.

 

5 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

That's the way a BC is supposed to work.  Don't quite understand your spinning description, though. When you loosen a spinning reel's drag all the way you're starting to remove the spool. Should be completely loose and unusable (assuming it's a front drag).

not trying to copy your reply. we both replied at the same time.

Edited February 10, 20197 yr by Russ E
clarification

Well on the cheap spinning rods I have, even with the drag knob set to the weakest I'm still able to cast it and retrieve it. Maybe they are just old and not working 100% properly. Baitcasting seemed so different so wanted to check if it was normal or not but thanks.

 

Oh one more question, does the line go over or under the thicker metal bar? It's a Shimano SLX

The whole where I put the line through has a second bar

The line should just go straight through the guide. 

Thanks, got it right the first time then. ?

I think you already know this but just in case.   Drag has nothing to do with how your reel will cast.   Just like a spinning reel,  the drag on a bait caster only controls how hard it is to pull line after the reel is engaged. 

 

If the drag is fully loosened,  and you are dragging a lure across the lawn,  the is a good chance you will not be able to take up any line. I usually tighten my drag down completely,  then back it off a couple of 'smidges'

The difference is that a spinning reel spool doesn't spin when cranked or casted. Your reel is fine. 

The drag is the star drag adjustment with the spool engaged . The spoon tension knob adjust the spool end play movement and used for slight added drag with the spool is in free spool to fine tune your casting.

Tom