Hey everyone I just bought a baitcaster rod and reel. I am brand new to this type of reel and am having NO luck. Is there a trick to casting without getting a bad nest with this reel? Is there a good online source for these reels? I'm sure there is something that I am missing. Some feedback would be greatly appreciated.                                      

Hey, Hunk, take a look at the stickies under the rods, reels and line forum.  The sticky should answer most of your questions.  Good luck!

practice practice practice   and then practice some more.

First you wanna cast for accuracy not distance so set your reel up to where when you disengage the reel the lure falls slowly to the floor and hits it without over running, also start with a weight of around three ounces it will help you get a better feel for everything. And when you feel more confident you can take off more brakes .I have 2 brakes engaged on all my shimano reels all the time and now i have no problems with distance or accuracy but it took a while to get the hang of it.  And when you feel like youve got it down practice some more cause you dont ;D  good luck

Yes baitcaster there is a way! What you need to do is keep your thumb whether you are left or right handed on the spool not to tight but lightly remember do not completely release the spool as it will freewheel on you constant pressure but not too tight. Practice with a plastic ball or plastic weight even at home. When I started using these types or reels I had the same result birdsnest  or backlash as some call it. Keep practicing don't get discouraged you will improve with practice and time. Sincerely yours

GlennAmesquita61 El Paso Texas  Bassfisherman and love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good advice above.

If you are still having problems with backlashes try what some of the pros do.

Go outside with your rig ready to fish.  

Cast as far as you can.

Rip off another 15 to 20 feet of line from the baitcaster.

Then place some Scotch tape over the remaining line on the spool.

The Scotch tape will stop any backlashes at the tape.

It is extremely important that you "balance" your rig as stated by Cajun 77.  Here is how it is done.

Rig up your rod and reel with the lure you will be using.

Point the rod tip at 11 o'clock and reel in the lure to the rod's tip.

Let the lure drop to the floor (not carpet).

When the lure can drop slowly from the rod tip to the floor and the spool stops when the lure hits the floor, then you have "balanced" your rig and this will help reduce your backlashes.

Do this everytime you change lures, even on the boat or on the bank.

As soon as the lure hits the water, or immediately before, stop the spool with your thumb.  Do not let the spool continue to spin after the lure hits the water.

Use the spool spring knob on the side of the reel to help slow down the spool's speed when necessary, balancing it with your drag.

Be sure to check your drag throughout the day, especially when you first go out, to make sure it is set to give some if the fish runs but not too tight or too loose.  You should be able to pull the line off the spool with some pressure.  I think LBH or one of the moderators said to have about 2.5 pounds of pressure to take the line off the spool for your drag.

A too tight drag can cause the fish to break off.

And the thumb trick from Glen (abvove) is a must.

Good luck.

It's something you're just going to have to get used to. I remember when I first bought a baitcaster... 23 or 24 yrs ago... I didn't have a clue and even took it back and told the guy that something was wrong with that reel! Then, he asked me a few questions and I learned that it was not quite the same as a Zebco 33! Once you do as the others have stated... you'll figure it out and never go back!

Hunkabilly,

Welcome To The Forum!!!!

It all in the proper balance between the rod and the reel. If you'll read the article linked by Fishin-Psyantist on the rod and reel setup, then practice you'l be good enough by spring to really get into your new BC reel.

Good Luck & Tight Lines In 08 !!!!  

If the Reel Mechanic says it, then it is gospel.

The page suggested is excellent.

And may I suggest you create a "folder" for bass fishing information and "save" the article in the folder?

I do this and read the posts on this site, the Reel Mechanic's information and guidance; and other fishing articles.