Bait Casting 101

We are getting what I hope is the last shot of snow for the season here but I noticed yesterday that the pond near my house is now open water.  I received my new bait cast outfit during the snowstorm last week and over the weekend (while it was in the 60’s and melting) I was able to spool it with line.   Now all I have to do is learn how to use it without creating a bird’s nest on every cast.  Here are Weekend Outdoorsman’s tips for learning how to throw that bait cast rig. 

Use Heavy Line 

I remember watching Bill Dance when I was a kid and making fun of the fact that his fishing line sounded line piano wire when he set the hook and was fighting a fish.  As I learn more I find that bait cast reels are not designed for light line.  So forget the up north, light line, spinning rod stuff you learned.  Spool that baby with some of the heaviest line that the rod and reel manufacturer suggests.  Be careful though, because if you are used to light supple lines that heavy line and its tendencies to twist and tangle will surprise you.  Get a volunteer to hold that spool on a pencil and maintain tension while you crank.  It’s becomes much easier to manage the line once it’s on the reel. 

Use a Heavy Weight

The heavy theme continues with the weight or lure.  Use a heavy lure on the upper end of the reel and rod’s manufacturer’s recommendation.  I tied on a 3/8 ounce jig and tipped it with a piece of old plastic worm to protect the hook and my casting target.  A ½ ounce weight would probably be even better.

Learn the Knobs 

First thing is first, figure out where the knobs or adjustments are for the spool casting break, the spool tension, and the drag.  I received my outfit with the drag adjusted all the way out, so much so that when I cranked the handle the spool wouldn’t turn.  First adjust the drag to a decent resistance so that the spool turns and then set the casting break to maximum.  Finally, release the spool with the button and adjust the spool tension so that the lure falls in very slow motion.  

Start Side Arm 

Your first casts should be side arm.  It helps to slow down the line as it comes off the spool and will protect even further against backlash.  Also, keep that thumb on the spool at all times.  I’ve heard it said that learning to bait cast is like learning to drive a car with a manual transmission.  You have to learn to feather the clutch and find that sweet spot.  

Stay Short 

Keep you first casts short and practice there until you are comfortable and find that sweet spot for feathering the spool with your thumb.   Then move your target by ten feet increments from there, practicing at each distance until you are comfortable. 

In no time you will be able to move out to longer distances and loosen that spool tension and the casting break a little with no backlashes.  You’ll then be fishing like the pros at the Bassmaster Classic or on Major League Fishing .