New baitcaster - explanation required
I have just picked up a new ugly stick predator rod and baitcaster reel which is to become my squidding rig. I have never used a baitcaster before. Now, I understand the the lever in the middle that releases the spool for casting, and i understand the star drag, and i understand the thumb screw adjacent to the handle that should be adjusted so the sinker falls slowly to the floor when free spool is engaged (for casting resistance).
But what I can't work out is that on the far side (opposite to the handle, star drag and thumb screw), is a dial, numbered 1 - 10 (anti-clockwise), that has incremental settings. I cannot work out what that actually changes as far as the other moving parts is concerned.
Can anyone explain that one to me?
Fish! HARD!
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cudbfishn
Posts: 1311
Date Joined: 06/04/09
That is your cast control.
That is your cast control. Probably magnetic. The screw that you use for the "sinker falls to the floor" shouldnt be used for that as it puts unnessesary pressure on the spool shaft. It should be used so there is minimal sideplay in the spool itself. Id wind the 1-10 dial to 10 and start practicing from there.
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
so what is the thumb screw
so what is the thumb screw used for, and how should it be adjusted? when i loosen it off, there is no sideways movementin the spool anyway.
Fish! HARD!
cudbfishn
Posts: 1311
Date Joined: 06/04/09
Hmmm there should be. But
Hmmm there should be. But the 1-10 dial wont actually do anything untill you make a cast.
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
when i say there isn't any,
when i say there isn't any, in actual fact there may be less than half a mm?
Fish! HARD!
beau
Posts: 4117
Date Joined: 24/01/10
Hey randall can I ask why you
Hey randall can I ask why you bought a baitcaster for a squidding outfit instead of spinning?
Serious question, not having a dig or anything!
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
no reason really. i like the
no reason really. i like the feel of the 'overhead' type reel, and i find the constant release of the bail arm on a spinning reel to let out more line a bit of a pain really.
Fish! HARD!
beau
Posts: 4117
Date Joined: 24/01/10
Fair enough. When are you
Fair enough. When are you going to break it in? Hopefully you get a few!
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
going to head to rotto over
going to head to rotto over the holidays for a night or two, and hope to get a few on the way out of hillarys.
Fish! HARD!
grantarctic1
Posts: 2546
Date Joined: 03/03/11
Sinker Falls slowly
Sinker falls slowly is wrong i my opinion Randal. You should set the thumb screw so the sinker ( or lure ) dosn't free fall . Ie =just slows down a small amount as not to free fall .
Then the magnetic backlash control fine tunes the cast. You should start at max ( 10 ) then as you get better with casting start winding it back until you get to a comfortable setting.
All lures and rigs might end up with different setings to get the best results depending on the weight , and style of rig .
Im not an expert but i hope this helps. One thing i found with baitcasters, is practice , practice then practice some more. All of a sudden it just seems to be natural and you will cast like a champ .
Cheers Grant .
PS: No need to stop for squid, there should be plenty in the bay at Rotto .
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
Hi Grant "You should set the
Hi Grant
"You should set the thumb screw so the sinker ( or lure ) dosn't free fall . Ie =just slows down a small amount as not to free fall ."
I haven't actually put (in this case) a squid jig on yet as I am going to load it up with some braid and flurocarbon first, but i thought that the thumb screw should be tightened so the jig doesn't fall freely to the ground (when the free spool is engaged)... this is what i am reading into what you have said. Yes? So instead, it just falls 'slowly' to the ground. Which is what i thought i said first? I think i am more confused now than when I first asked!
So, i should set the magnetic backlash control to 10, yes? and then with what ever jig I am going to use on the day, set the thumb screw so that the jig doesn't free fall, yes? and then reduce the magnetic backlash control as i become more proficient at casting?
Is that the right procedure to get the right set up?
Fish! HARD!
Sharktale
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 13/07/11
The dial on the left is
The dial on the left is magnetic cast control. The "thumb screw" is to allow for stabilising sideways movement of the shaft. Not neccesary to adjust free spool with it. When you start casting - use lures with heavy weight & little wind resistance (squid jigs). Avoid casting into the wind at first. Start casting with about 70% control on the dial and then decrease - overbreaking is terrible. Get advice on the line to use. Some lines are not meant for baitcasters. Buy a pair of scissors & extra line :)
"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
To cut out the tangles and
To cut out the tangles and replace the line??? ;)
Fish! HARD!
grantarctic1
Posts: 2546
Date Joined: 03/03/11
Yeah
Yeah Randal just dont tighten it too much. You are right to slow the fall of the lure but as you get better you can decrease the tension to get more distance.
Load up the reel with line and try a few cast's to get the feel.(dont try too hard or too long casts) Drop in and see me at work if you want a few pointers before you head of on your trip.
And as Sharktale said, be prepaired to cut out some tangles(birdnests) and replace some line .
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
Cheers everyone! I'll load
Cheers everyone! I'll load it and see how i go on a few practice casts. if i need to call in and see you grant, i will, thanks!
Fish! HARD!