Spool tension being too tight also hinders the retrieve effort makes for increased handle tension. I like handle to be free and keep spool tension to a minimum. I never adjust spool tension once it is set not for wind not for lure change- its set and forget.

I'm sure many of us learned as I did. With a non mag reel, tie the bait on and let it hang 10" or 12" from the rod tip. Let the lure drop to the floor, and adjust your spool tension in till the lure hits the floor with no over run on the spool. If I do this with my ABU4600c reels, and back off the spool tension just a slight amount, it seems perfect. Still, I thumb the spool lightly on the entire cast. Seems like I get the most distance with less effort, and stay on target too. I've got a newer Qauntum low profile mag brake reel now. It cast great with the spool tension slightly loose, and brakes on minimum setting. With baitcasting reels, regardless of what type, an educated thumb will still work the best for distance, hitting targets and ease of casting. Mag brakes are nice, but nothing beats thumbing the spool correctly at least for me. 

18 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Mag brakes are nice, but nothing beats thumbing the spool correctly at least for me. 

   Exactly.  If you go fishing and see a guy with his thumb wrapped in duct tape, general rule is don't try to out-cast him.  jj

Edited November 21, 20196 yr by jimmyjoe
added content

1 hour ago, jimmyjoe said:

   Exactly.  If you go fishing and see a guy with his thumb wrapped in duct tape, general rule is don't try to out-cast him.  jj

Poop!  Great idea.  Brush burns hurt.

I’d probably rank my casting an 9. I’m pretty darn accurate, and can launch em a good distance when needed. The bait pretty much goes where I intended it to go 95% of the time. 
 

My pitching is probably a 7. I’m deadly accurate, but I need to improve my distance. 
 

Skipping is a solid 4. I used to be a little better, but I was never great.  But since I moved to a state where none of our lakes have much bank cover, I haven’t done it much. I’m out of practice and basically need to relearn this. 
 

 

I would say I’m at a 9. I’ve been casting crankbaits from the bank since I was a kid. That being said there are still days when I still get ahead of myself and forget things. Wind direction and gusts being the main ones.