Hello, I have a quesion about my baitcasting reel.  Whenever I try to cast lures that are light, my cast always seems to go left.  When I cast a 3/8 spinnerbait everything is fine and it goes right where i want it, but it seems that anything less than that and it just goes left.  I have heard that it might be because of the gear ratio on my reel but I'm not sure.  Im new to using a baitcasting reel so any advice would help, thanks.

Your gear ratio has no effect during a cast as the drive train is disengaged. It's your casting technique that affects the lure direction. Using the same rod/reel/line combo for both takes a different reel setting and casting motion. The heavier spinnerbait loads up the rod more on the backcast and has more momentum on the forward cast. When you cast a much lighter weight, you need to reduce the spool tension and make a faster backcast to load the rod along with a more forceable forward cast with an earlier release of the spool.

The ideal situation is a rod/reel combo set up for the weight of the spinnerbait (medium heavy) and another lighter action (medium to light) rod/reel combo for light cranks.

Practice, Practice, Practice

What is the lure weight rating on your rod? Sounds too stiff for your lure if it's going left. Like was previously mentioned, it's not your gear ratio, since the spool is disengaged during the cast. A minor adjustment may be needed on your reel, but my bet is that your rod is the major problem.

 Would agree with BK, unless you've got your brakes set way high, it's the rod ...

                                As Ever,

                                 skillet

 Just noticed that this is your first post, wanted to say WELCOME to the forums!!!

                             As Ever,

                              skillet

Hello, I have a quesion about my baitcasting reel. Whenever I try to cast lures that are light, my cast always seems to go left. When I cast a 3/8 spinnerbait everything is fine and it goes right where i want it, but it seems that anything less than that and it just goes left. I have heard that it might be because of the gear ratio on my reel but I'm not sure. Im new to using a baitcasting reel so any advice would help, thanks.

If you're casting overhand, you're actually aiming left. If you're casting side arm, your thumb is letting go of the spool too late. Release earlier to solve.

It will really be helpful to use a rod rated to throw the weight you wish to toss. lastly, ensure that the reel is properly set for the lure's weight.

ok thanks for all the advice.  Also when adjusting the reel for the lure you are using do you just set it so that the lure barely falls to the ground and when it lands the reel doesnt spin any extra.

ok thanks for all the advice. Also when adjusting the reel for the lure you are using do you just set it so that the lure barely falls to the ground and when it lands the reel doesnt spin any extra.

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes.

ok thanks for all the advice. Also when adjusting the reel for the lure you are using do you just set it so that the lure barely falls to the ground and when it lands the reel doesnt spin any extra.

Setting your reel so that the lure drops to the ground slowly is the way allot of people set it but you should really go by the instructions that come with the reel. The Abu Garcia suggest that you set it so that the lure only drops about 10" with every twitch of the rod tip. I found that to be a good setting over all setting. You will have less birds nest when you screw up a cast and still get plenty of distance. If I set line up so that it hits the ground I will gain very little in yards but it's not worth loosing the peace of mind when casting in tricky areas.

No one cast the same even if we used the same gear so it has much to do with your method and your preference. Mike

Welcome aboard!

For light lures, I recommend spinning tackle.  

8-)

I recommend a little reading.....

Basic Baitcast Reel Setup 101

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!  

Alright thanks for all the information, you guys were a lot of help.