I jsut got a new bait casting reel and I can't figure out how to use it without making a big bird nest. I've been trying everything I have heard or been told but it just doesn't seem to work, I am begining to think that I am trying too hard and that I am making things harder than it should be.If someone could help me and give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Its all in the thumb. Always be aware of your thumb, your thumb is the most important thing when it comes to handleing casting gear. So remember- use your thumb. Thumb, Thumb, Thumb....

Make nice full formed casts. Do not whip your rod with your wrist while making a cast just follow through completely.

With bait on line and clutch engaged you want your bait to drop slowly to the water when adjusting spool tension. For perfection seekers- you want the spool to stop as soon as the bait hits the water with no sign of backlash. After tieing on new baits youll have to readjust.

Start with your brakes on MAX for the first few times out on the water then gradually decrease them. I prefer Daiwas Magenetic brake system but many prefer Shimanos Centrifugal system. There are advantages to both and it will boil down to personal preference.

Like I said dont be intimidated, casting gear is much easyer to use then some make it out to be this is coming from a guy who got into it after 13-14 years of strict spinning gear use. The casting reels themselves are so much for fun to use and tinker with and you can upgrade them like crazy.

Good Luck, you wont need it..

edit* One last thing.. dont get cocky casting once you get the hang of it. If you do your casting reel will put you back in your place with a nice size backlash. When you get them (you will everyone does, even pros) dont feel bad/embarassed as it happens to everyone.

Thanks yall will do the best I can to learn how to use this thing.

Thanks, this info has already helped me some I used to not even be able to drop a sinker to the floor without trouble but now I can at least do that much, I didn't get outside in time last night it got too dark to see so I will have to try it today, I'll let yall know how it goes, hopefully it will be good news but possibly not I mean come on itj's me .  Thanks alot.

I just started using them very recently. The only things I do are this. When you put a new lure on, loosen the casting control knob (i think that's what it's called ;D), enough so that it cleanly in one motion falls to the ground, but you don't want it to fall quickly, just all in one motion. Make sure that once it hits the ground the spool doesn't keep spinning.

I release my thumb off the reel when I cast but have my thumb right above the line, and the second it hits the water, I just place my thumb back on the spool and then let out a bit more line so it sinks.

Hope that helps a bit?

I like to practice in the back yard with my dogs and a hookless plug.  I need to get a burner reel though as my dogs are catching up on the retrieve.

Brokejaw- Did you get a new combo or are you still trying to decide what to get?  Curious b/c I am really debating the Procaster Rojo combo from Cabela's that I posted for you to look at.  Was hoping to get your thoughts if you had decided to pull the trigger on it.

I like to practice in the back yard with my dogs and a hookless plug. I need to get a burner reel though as my dogs are catching up on the retrieve.

I thought that I was the only one who did that. ;D

Big T

Yeah Big T.  That's 2 birds with one stone.  I get great practice casting and my dogs get worn out at the same time.  Sometimes they wise up to the line.  One of my dogs will actually lay on the line so I can't get the plug back from time to time.