Just got my first bait caster reel. I can reel in the line when there is no fish on but reel will not take on line even if the drag is adjusted tightly and there is any weight on the line. Advice please! 

If you are using PE line (braid) and haven't secured it to the arbor of the reel securely you may be finding the braid is slipping on the arbor as it is turning...

 

oe

Do you have braided line on it? If so did you use a backing of mono? If you didn't use a backing the braided line has nothing to grip onto and is just spinning on the spool when pressure is applied.

^^ +1

Backing isn't necessary with braid...I don't use it on my BCs and don't have problems with slippage. Just make sure the braid is secured to the spool. Tie it through the holes instead of around the spool and it won't slip.

7 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Backing isn't necessary with braid...I don't use it on my BCs and don't have problems with slippage. Just make sure the braid is secured to the spool. Tie it through the holes instead of around the spool and it won't slip.

And if the spool doesn't have holes.......use backing or tape. 

 

OP:  If it isn't braid slipping, then take...or send...the reel back.  I assume it is a new reel.  If it is a used reel then it is probably a washer problem.  I couldn't even spool line on one of the used reels I purchased because a couple washers were missing.

I am using braided line, but fastened it to the reel using an arbor knot as stated in the directions. I did not use monofilament first. It is a brand new reel.  I will try using monofilament line on the reel.  Thanks. 

1 hour ago, Joan said:

I am using braided line, but fastened it to the reel using an arbor knot as stated in the directions. I did not use monofilament first. It is a brand new reel.  I will try using monofilament line on the reel.  Thanks. 

An arbor knot will slip on the spool. That’s your issue. Add the mono backing and you will be good.

4 hours ago, Joan said:

I am using braided line, but fastened it to the reel using an arbor knot as stated in the directions. I did not use monofilament first. It is a brand new reel.  I will try using monofilament line on the reel.  Thanks. 

That’s why you’re having the slipping effect as already stated. I experienced the same thing using braid.  I prefer using backing over tying through the spool or using tape nonsense. You only need barely 10’ on mono to do this and you probably already have some mono lying around. 

 

You didnt say what pound test you’re using but I hope it’s at least 30# or you’re going to meet Mr. Line Dig soon enough. 

If the reel spool arbor has holes simply run the line through the holes and tie it off. If the arbor doesn't have holes pull off the line down to the arbor knot and wrap about a 1" long piece of electrical tape around the arbor over the knot and line, then wind your braid back onto the spool tight. The spooled braid will not slip on the arbor.

Tom

I'm doing a variant of this and have no slippage on both my baitcasting and my spinning reels

If your spool has holes, you can thread it through two holes and tie it off, that should suffice. 

 

If your spool doesn't have holes, tie a knot as usual (arbor is fine, whatever really), and put a piece of masking tape around it and press down firmly, as your non-slip backing.

 

Since you didn't do this, ideally if you have another reel, just unspool it to the other reel, put backing/tie, then respool.

10 hours ago, islandbass said:

That’s why you’re having the slipping effect as already stated. I experienced the same thing using braid.  I prefer using backing over tying through the spool or using tape nonsense. You only need barely 10’ on mono to do this and you probably already have some mono lying around. 

 

You didnt say what pound test you’re using but I hope it’s at least 30# or you’re going to meet Mr. Line Dig soon enough. 

Agree with this 100%.  Braid is expensive.  Mono isn't.  Tape is sticking coming off.  Save money.  Use mono backing.  Don't worry about the .0037 oz. saving by not using backing.  You won't be able to tell the difference for several years...if ever.  Unless you earn your money fishing.  Then you MIGHT learn sooner...if at all.

 

Experienced users get away with less than 30# braid.  I would suggest starting with 40#.  One of my used reels came with 30# braid.  I assume seller was familiar with braid....but I had to spend about 15 minutes making casts, pulling out more line, retrieving, repeating until the tight spots were out of the line.  I've never had a problem since, but I know to keep the line spooled snug.

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

 Tape is sticking coming off. 

What is it sticky on?... the arbor, which the angler's intent is to cover again with line.  I don't see any problem.

 

oe

Tape the braid to the spool and put it on. I'm not sure I would recommend using backing if you can't tie a connecting knot. If you get close to spooling the reel and your connection knot is bad, then it's bye bye lure and braid.

"If your spool has holes, you can thread it through two holes and tie it off"

:

My Metanium MGL manuals say not to use the holes. It must be a model specific design issue. I was going to use a little mono backing anyway, but decided to read the manual first for once.

34 minutes ago, Johnbt said:

"If your spool has holes, you can thread it through two holes and tie it off"

:

My Metanium MGL manuals say not to use the holes. It must be a model specific design issue. I was going to use a little mono backing anyway, but decided to read the manual first for once.

Interesting.  Lews manual says specifically to tie braid directly to the spool, it was one of marketing points "braid-ready".

I wonder if they are concerned about deformation or something.  Seems like we have to read every manual!

 

https://www.lews.com/themes/lews_theme/assets/media/manuals/casting/TLCB1SH_Manual.pdf

Okay, I finally found one of the boxes. The Instruction Guide for my Metanium MGL XG Left says under SILENTTUNE...

 

"Do not pass the line through the decorative holes and tie as this may cause loss of SILENTTUNE function. (There is a risk of interference with the tuning spring and loss of function.)"

 

Here's one thing I'm certain of...SILENTTUNE has 2 Ts. 

 

 

The main reason I wouldn't tie it through the holes is if you do get down low enough, you could end up cutting the braid as it rubs against the edge of the holes. Most of the reels with holes in the spool have pretty sharp edges, so beware of that.

I personally have never gotten close to low enough to worry about that, but I still don't tie it to the holes because connection knots or electrical tape are easy.