I've got a 7 foot MH rod that I am using for carolina rigging as well as heavier jigs and worms.  I have 17 pound line on the baitcast reel.  I am having trouble casting the reel or getting any line to come off at all.  Somebody told me that the reel might not be able to handle the 17 pound line and I should switch to lighter line. Do baitcasters have a limitation on maximum line weight to use?  I am confused why this is happening.  

It would help to know what kind of reel you have, how old it is and what kind of condition it is in.  If it is a decent reel in good condition then you probably have the spool knob turned down too tight.  Try loosening it and see if that helps.

I have 8,10,15,and 30 on baitcasters and all do just fine.

The reel I am using I bought 2 months ago.  Granted it's not the best one out there.  It is a daiwa procaster.  I want to get better at using baitcasters before I spend the money on a high end one.  I have been adjusting the knobs, but maybe I am not doing it right.

check the centrifugal brakes

You shouldn't have any trouble with that reel and 17# line.  I'd start looking for another explanation.  Could be a problem in your set up of the braking system or a reel in need of service... could even be your casting. (don't take offense- you said the reel was pretty new and didn't say if you were new to baitcasting)

Try this, before you tear it apart, or send it off for repairs. Hold you thumb on the spool while press and release the thumb bar. Loosen the cast tension cap ( the knob located on the handle side of the reel ) until you can move the spool side to side a little. Wiggle the spool back and forth as you slowly tighten the tension knob. Stop when you can no longer move the spool sideways. Then tighten it just a tiny bit more. Maybe 1/16 of a turn or less. Set the magnetic cast control ( that's on the other side of the reel ) to about 6.

This setting may be a bit loose if you're new to baitcasting reels, but it will tell you if you have a mechanical problem with the reel. You should be able to cast a 3/8oz bait with ease at these settings. Use your thumb to control the spool.

One other remote possibility is the line has slipped between the reel body and the spool. You can see that if you rotate the spool slowly by hand. You'll have to remove the side plate and take out the spool to correct this. I don't think that's your problem, but it's worth checking.

One other thing. how long has the line been on the reel, and have you cranked it on against a high tension. It could be as simple as the line has dug into itself. Pull off about 20 or 30 yrads, and wind it back on under moderate tension.

Can't think of anything else right now. I have a couple of procasters, and can walk you through this if you want. PM me if you want some more help.

Cheers,

GK

Ok guys here's the deal.  I went back to the place I bought the reel from, ramsey outdoor, and I told the guy working the fishing dept what kind of problems I was having.  He told me to bring the rod and reel in and he would take a look at it.  I went home got it and went back.  He tied on a 3/8 spoon(rod is a mh, fast action, rated for lure weight of 3/8 to 1 ounce, 10-20 lb line).  He starts flipping it behind the counter a good 20 feet easily.  He does it several times, no problem.  He then says let's go outside and try casting it.  Holy crap was he casting this thing a friggin mile.  So then I look at him and say ok it's not the reel or the 17 lb test line, it's me. I bought a couple of practice plugs.  I tied on the 1/2 ounce plug and start practicing.  I am doing exactly what I saw the guy in the shop doing. I can't get this thing to go anywhere.  I'm really confused now.  Does anybody have any suggestions on how to practice with these things so I can get better at using a baitcaster????