Is there any trick to doing this? like certain break settings? I would really like to be able to cast out some rapala orginal jerkbaits but they seem to light for my baitcaster even with only two breaks on and the tension knob really loose

the rod really helps cast the light baits. i did final get to the point where i use spinning gear for some jerk baits.

 

 

When you get light, it is more about the rod than the reel.  Pay close attention to the rod ratings.

First you need the right rod, then the right reel. Some baitcasters just dont throw the light stuff and some excel at it. But you need the right combo of both. Also I would use lighter line if thats all you are gonna be concentrating on. Good luck  

Most of my BC setups are for lures 1/4 ounce on....

Just go with a spinning setup for those smaller Rapalas. Lot easier.

We have several members who use baitcasting gear exclusively, including light lures. With the right equipment, it can be done. However, there are no issues if you opt for spinning gear. For me, "the right tool for the task" is spinning tackle.

8-)

Is there any trick to doing this? like certain break settings? I would really like to be able to cast out some rapala orginal jerkbaits but they seem to light for my baitcaster even with only two breaks on and the tension knob really loose

Only a few reels come to mind. It sounds like you need a Pixy. Not all casting reels are equal the lighter a lure gets, even with the right rod.

The other thing that could cause havoc even if your reel is properly set to the weight of the lure is the wind.  With the lightness of those smaller rapala lures, the wind can influence the cast considerably and in ways that the reel's brakes can't compensate. The idea of casting a 1/8 oz floating rap into the wind with a baitcaster doesn't sound like fun.

The idea of casting a 1/8 oz floating rap into the wind with a baitcaster doesn't sound like fun.

Unless you 've got a Pixy ( it 's a lot better when you have 2 in use and an extra spare .... ya kow, just in case   ).

Ok, here 's the deal, your bait won 't go very far if you don 't have:

1.- The proper reel: some reels shure don 't shine when trying to cast light lures with them, it can be done, I can cast that original Rapala minnow size 9 with the old reliable Curado 200 and Curado 200B38, I can also cast it with my older than dirt Abus XLT with decent distance and not exactly a lot of effort.

2.- The proper line: well, you can 't expect your lure to fly away screaming like a bat out of hell when you 're casting it with 20 pound mono as thick as a rope. The lighter the lure the lighter the line.

3.- The proper rod: you can 't expect to see your lure flying away like a rocket when your rod has the subtle flexibility of a friggin pool cue, nah, it ain 't gonna happen my man. Lighter lures need a lighter more flexible rod, M/ML power rods can achieve what a MH can 't beacuse they load with the weight of the lure storing the energy and behave like a whip when they release the energy.

The idea of casting a 1/8 oz floating rap into the wind with a baitcaster doesn't sound like fun.

Unless you 've got a Pixy ( it 's a lot better when you have 2 in use and an extra spare .... ya kow, just in case ).

Ok, here 's the deal, your bait won 't go very far if you don 't have:

1.- The proper reel: some reels shure don 't shine when trying to cast light lures with them, it can be done, I can cast that original Rapala minnow size 9 with the old reliable Curado 200 and Curado 200B38, I can also cast it with my older than dirt Abus XLT with decent distance and not exactly a lot of effort.

2.- The proper line: well, you can 't expect your lure to fly away screaming like a bat out of hell when you 're casting it with 20 pound mono as thick as a rope. The lighter the lure the lighter the line.

3.- The proper rod: you can 't expect to see your lure flying away like a rocket when your rod has the subtle flexibility of a friggin pool cue, nah, it ain 't gonna happen my man. Lighter lures need a lighter more flexible rod, M/ML power rods can achieve what a MH can 't beacuse they load with the weight of the lure storing the energy and behave like a whip when they release the energy.

You're ribbin' me because I don't have th Pixy yet. Just binding my time for the right price and a lefty to boot.  It seems the red ones are more expensive and rarer.  I just might have to find a yella one. 8-)

We have several members who use baitcasting gear exclusively, including light lures. With the right equipment, it can be done. However, there are no issues if you opt for spinning gear. For me, "the right tool for the task" is spinning tackle.

8-)

I agree, It can be done if you are using the right gear, but IMO a spinning gear is way more appropriate for the situation.

Try using KVD Line & Lure Conditioner on your P-line.  It will make you casting longer, more accurate and easier  Check out the threads on it here on the forum.

When I'm throwing really light lures with baitcasting equipment, I go into freespool mode - no brake at all. Then I face into the wind, reach back, and swing for the fences. As long as the line you use is light enough (I prefer 2 lb test), the lure will go farther than you could ever imagine. Unfortunately, it won't be attached to your line anymore, but there's always a downside.

That's right, no smiley faces in this post.

I agree to go with a spinning rod.  My Shimano Chronarch with an Avid rod can cast my light lures a good distance but im much more accurate with spinning and light lures