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How to Use a Baitcaster Reel – Like a Pro!

how to use a baitcaster reel
Written by Immanuel Baranov
Last Update: July 24, 2023

Baitcaster reel has made fishing an easy and convenient experience. It has made the use of heavier lines and heavier lures possible for anglers from beginners to seasoned people. But, it can turn out complicated and tricky if you do not acquire a proper knowledge of how to use a baitcaster reel. So, to help you rescue from such trouble, here we have come up with some guidelines that you can utilize to understand a baitcaster reel and use it accurately.

How to Use a Baitcaster Reel

Know About Your Equipment

The models that are being introduced in the market recently have different cast control brakes and fiction cast control. Three different types of controls are available: pin, centrifugal brake, and magnetic brake kind. Many baitcasters have a combination of these controls.

Baitcaster Reel Equipment

But your focus should be on choosing the baitcaster that feels comfortable in your hand, and you can have a good grip on it. Only then you would be able to use a baitcaster reel efficiently. Baicasting reels are commonly used for fishing lures that are heavier than a quarter ounce or less. For using lures lesser than a quarter ounce, you can carry a spincasting reel also.

Steps to Cast Reel

Setting the Rod, Lure and Reel

Take the rod, keep it a 90-degree angle, set the lure and reel until the lure is 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip.

Baitcaster Reel setup

Making Yourself Comfortable

In this case, you have to hold the rod properly behind the reel and press thumb on reel spool. You should know what makes you more comfortable- using one hand or switching hands when you cast. If you do not want to press thumb on the spool, you can make a slight angle on the spool using your thumb too.

Making Yourself Comfortable

Turning the Rod

The next step is to turning rods so that the handles should point up.

Turning the Rod

Releasing the Reel Spool

Let the reel spool release. You can press do it by pressing thumb on it or making slight angle as mentioned above. The spool can be locked by dragging the little star located beside the handle, forward or backward.
Releasing the Reel Spool
As said before, you have to make a right angle with your arms to proceed further. Bend your arm and make a crook of your arms to do so. Now, the tip should be going slightly past vertical to get a perfect position to send the line out. This is done as you raise your rod.

Baitcaster Reel Releasing

Correcting the Rod’s Position

After the rod is taken at a correct position, take it forward at 30 degrees above horizontal or 10 o’clock position. As soon as the positioning is done, release the spool to move the weight of the bait forward towards the target.

Correcting the Rod’s Position

Dealing with the Spool

When the bait meets the target, hold spool by pressing thumb again. You have to push it very firmly this time as that may lead to overrun.

Dealing with the Spool

Practice Before You Use

Before you start baitcasting in the water, we would recommend you to practice on the ground first and alone. There is a high chance of putting others and yourself in the complexity of baitcasters when it is done in crowds. Learning to enjoy by yourself should be your first and foremost objective.

Practice Before Use Baitcaster Reel

Hopefully, we have made you understand how to use a baitcaster reel. Similarly, we hope you would choose the right fishing reel before starting the job. Start fishing with your new baitcaster reel right away!

About the author

Immanuel Baranov

My life is pretty much defined by my avid outdoor activities. I’m generally obsessed with fishing, skiing and occasional hunting and whitewater paddling. I’ve been active since my early years. I inherited my passion for fishing from my father who made frequent family trips to the banks of Sacramento River. Growing up, I did a lot of fishing in the vicinity. Now that I have two sons, our weekends are full of fishing activities. I would say, you need good spots where you can go out a lot for the thing you love. I had the privilege to grow up near numerous water bodies and I’m proud to say that I made good use of them. It’s also great to do something with kids that helps them learn patience, endurance and preciseness.

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