Greetings All,

 

There are those times where one must try, just to see if it can be done and in doing so you might as well catch some fish while trying, right?

 

OK, so I have recently invested in a low cost BFS reel. Yes, it is much easier to cast lighter lures using it. I am the first to admit I am still in the learning phase when it comes to using any bait casing reel. I did not have much experience with them in my youth and I am pretty much learning as I go these days. Yes, it is possible for an old dog to learn.

 

My non-BFS bait cast reel is simply a low cost $40 reel from a popular brand sold at a very familiar big box retailer. I spooled it with 6 pound mono and have been learning how to best use it in a way better suited for my style of lighter weight angling. By lighter weight, I'm using a TRD soft plastic bait rigged weedless on a 1/0 offset shank worm hook with a 1/16 oz bullet weight. The reel is mounted to a 5.5 foot medium action rod, which in total is a very inexpensive rig. While it is low in cost it actually does perform reasonably well. It is not really comparable to high quality gear. It is comfortably within my budget and I intend to make the most of it for my recreational angling aspirations.

 

I am finding that a gentle lobbing cast does not do particularly well for me. I struggle to get consistent results. I suspect it is a combination of many things, mainly me in getting a graceful launch, never mind trying to get the bait anywhere near where I intend. My not so graceful swinging approach appears to not consistently overcome the spool inertia which results in frequent angler irritation and frustration. Through research and many practice casts in the front yard, I rely on the loaded fishing rod in a rebound action cast that does particularly well for me.

 

The flick / flip rebounding type casts work better for this lighter weight bait setup. That initial loading of the rod to fling the bait does a better job of overcoming the spool inertia in a graceful way which is less troublesome. The spool tension brake is set just to where I have a slight bit of detectable lateral play, so basically no resistance contributed by the tension knob. I am mainly using the magnetic brakes along with the reflex cast to get the job done for me. Yes, there is thumb braking to arrest the spool as the bait hits the water.

 

I am also finding this flick / flip rebounding type cast works well with the BFS reel too. I have been practicing when I can to develop a reasonable level of proficiency. Since our regional weather is varied with not helpful winds and a high potential for thunderstorms, I opted for land based angling opportunities. I could fish from shore with a nearby reasonably quick safety shelter access. Also the temperatures are lower due to the overcast skies. Nice to get a break from that full strength sunshine.

 

Using the non-BFS bait cast rig, I find I can easily and consistently make casts of 50 ft. (15 m) without too much fuss, even in the 20 mph winds that worked up today. The low angle rebound type casts easily presented the soft plastic bait across the span. My practice was interrupted on several occasions where I had a bass take interest in the slow moving bait.

 

 

So my concept of using lighter weight soft plastics can be accomplished on a non-BFS reel. My goal is simply to develop some level of mastery in using bait cast reels, while using the lighter weight baits that I prefer.

 

 

Today's angling experience confirmed I can indeed cast and catch using the non-BFS lighter weight rig. Yeah, the rebound casting technique produced far fewer reel issues, backlashes, over runs, even when dealing with the sustained and gusty winds out there today. Usually by adding a click more or less magnetic input was all the adjustment necessary. I also found by using that casting style, it brought my accuracy level almost in parody to my casting accuracy with spinning gear. I was generally successful in targeting a 1.5 foot area. A bit more practice casting and catching is in order.

 

I'll still be using the BFS reel too. I mainly needed this opportunity as a personal challenge just to see if I could. I found my answer on-line of course! I bid each of you well. I hope you each get an opportunity for some gratuitous goofing off. Cheers!

Why not use spinning gear? 

Suggest watching newest video Casting Accuracy on this forum.

Bait casting reels are all about wrist not arms, that is for baseball.

Not sure what you mean by flick/flick?

Tom

27 minutes ago, WRB said:

Suggest watching newest video Casting Accuracy on this forum.

Bait casting reels are all about wrist not arms, that is for baseball.

Not sure what you mean by flick/flick?

Tom

Sounds like he means pitch?

The important thing is fish how you want to fish.  

Following through with your wrist is where you get final smooth acceleration and accuracy (thumb is elevation accuracy).  

But snapping your wrist is where you get backlash.  

 

You'd call it finesse, I was fishing weightless on this reel and 15-lb mono in 1980.  

It was done with a centrifugal cast, an overhead spiral cast, which you can only do on the corner of a boat or dock.  Start with rod in front and low at 45 degrees, swing behind you to overhead release - two hand works best.  

I PO'd a couple of guides, who told me what was wrong with my cast, then I doubled their weightless spinning cast distance. 

I always made them look good at the dock.  

Have to an edit about the centrifugal overhead spiral cast - nothing is out of control, and this can be just as accurate as any cast - that's in your thumb.  Also with your thumb, slowly feeding a bit of line as you're accelerating through the arc has the effect of increasing the rod length. 

As far as loading the rod on a back-cast for a normal cast, whether side-arm or overhead, this never needs to be a snap, but always smooth acceleration going both ways.  (snap is for spinning tackle)

Greetings All,

Thank You to each of you for taking time to contribute to this thread. I'm continuing to learn more about how to better use bait cast gear.

 

@roadwarrior I grew up using spinning gear which is why my preference for ultra lite configurations. This is a personal exploration to learn how to use bait cast reels and simply to see if I can do it well enough. Also to share my finding as I learn. Through many in this forum and other published information many have cited the ability to cast light weight baits without BFS gear or those type modifications. So I seek to understand how this can be done.

 

@WRB Hi Tom, the casting technique is similar to that used by Japanese trout anglers in their stream pursuits with fiberglass rods. Instead of a direct acceleration towards the intended target you start the cast by swinging hard away in the opposite direction and then simply let the loaded rod rebound towards the target. I hope this clarifies things some. It is rather different for me using traditional angling gear. I have executed similar moves using fly fishing gear.

 

@bulldog1935 Very interesting! Just build up enough rotational momentum and let'er rip. Much like watching those who do the hand casting with spooled up line in the static hand. Just be sure to get that release point done well or things will be interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I may need to try this, carefully.

 

Just a quick update. I got in some casting and catching action over the weekend. Especially with the complicated weather system in the region. The winds were not friendly as the sustained winds were well over 15 mph and the gusts greater than that. At least the mostly overcast skies were comfortable as the temps were lower. My update is that by just eliminating the lateral spool play resulting in a very slight amount of spool tension my casting experience improved greatly. So I'll be working on more testing using that setting. Even with the winds I managed to get good cast performance. I was keeping things at a low side angle using both forehand and backhand motions. Good learning for sure. Be well and cheers!

 

I have always call that casting motion a “snap cast” very common with a spinning reel. Snap casting a bait casting reel requires good thumb control a skill needed to become proficient bait caster. Fiber glass rods are usually more moderate action and help starting up the spool slower so it doesn’t over run at the start of your casting motion.

The roll or loop cast is all in the wrist with the rod remaining parallel to the water surface. Watch Hank Parker cast as he normally roll casts.

Tom

Greetings @WRB Tom,

Yes, I saw Glen's new video post. I'll have a go at it shortly. I'm always seeking information on a better way to recreate.

 

The roll cast with a more flexible rod has helped. Incorporating that rotational momentum and also trying to find the best length of bait dangle to use has been quite the learning. Yeah, I'm still sending baits everywhere with some occasionally hitting where I intended.

 

This whole learning to use a bait cast reel has brought a new perspective to my angling. So far realizing the significance of that spool tension knob has been eye opening. The traditional slow fall setting is a great starting point. I believe I've gone beyond that point to where just a hint of spool tension is preferred. Finding that spot to work from has been huge for me in achieving those personal goals. I'm getting there bit by bit.

 

The other evening I took that hint of spool tension setting set on the few bait cast reels I have. They each have different size lines 6 (BFS and Non BFS), and 10 pound mono. All on similar 5.5 foot rods and tied on the casting plug, just to see how they feel and determine the casting quality. I was astonished in a good way that with the minimal spool tension life was better in all cases for tossing the casting plug about. Better in that there was way less line flare, more control with not too much input effort. Yeah, I'm still trying to send it to the moon on occasions, oops. There is hope, old dogs can learn.

 

While it is a challenge, it is that exploration of a new thing that does entice and adds more dimension to my recreational angling. It seems that I have passed the steep initial learning curve portion and I appear to be progressing in capability. Hey, just another way to catch fish, right?

Dry mono or FC isn’t easy to cast as it tends to spring off the spool. Suggest setting the spooled line with Tangle Free* or a water spray bottle at home, improves line management tremendously.  

* 2 oz plastic bottle by Punisher Lures. KVD is expensive and doesn’t work well out of water.

Tom

Good to know! THXs!

I use 8 lb fluorocarbon, 1/8th oz sinker and a finesse worm on a 6' m fast action rod and a Kastking $35 reel and can usually put it where I want until I hit a dock or tree.  I had to pick out one professional override this morning.  

Greetings @Alex from GA

I can empathize as I've had a few that required sitting down for a bit. I can say like most challenges having good tools handy helps. I find the old Swiss Army knife to be of great utility. The combination of straight pin, toothpick, and cork screw are invaluable in sorting out those professional over runs. Of course the last resort are the scissors, right?

I may have to look into said reel. I was not aware of the availability. I may have get click happy. Thanks for the reference. An overall lighter weight package would be easier on me for those extended angling adventures. Also just have less to haul around is nice too. My $40 reels are on the heavier side, not too bad but no where near the BFS reel. Appreciate the info and consideration in adding to the body of knowledge. Cheers!

I use a comb for mono and fluorocarbon and a straightened hook for braid.  I don't have much hair anymore but still carry a comb.

Hah! LoL! I sort of resemble that comment. I did notice over the years my Ozone layer is 'changing' and getting thinner.

 

BTW, just over this past weekend I did seek out a nearby shade tree to administer to my bait cast reel due to a significant thumb indiscretion. I was distracted by nearby wildlife during a cast, while the bait had stopped moving my spool remained spinning, oh bother. I realized my patience is stretched pretty thin in the 114 F temperatures. Many colorful metaphors, spirited expletives, in multiple languages. So glad there was no audience, other than the ducks and other critters in the area. I was not a happy person for a bit.

 

Fortunately, after getting it all sorted out and catching a few more bass in the area, my disposition improved significantly. I may eventually learn how to properly use this bait cast equipment. Cheers!