So yesterday I purchased my first baitcaster and rod that I've ever owned. I've always been a spinning reel sort of guy. That's all I've ever known and ever fished with. But, I wanted to get a baitcaster for a couple of reasons - Always wanted to know how to use it/fish with it, wanted a heavier action rod to throw some bigger lures, were the two main reasons.

Went with an Abu Garcia SX-L for the reel



And the Veritas Medium Heavy 7' baitcast rod



I'm a believer in baptism-by-fire. That's what I did with my car that's a manual.. I bought it, then learned how to drive it practically on the way home from the lot ;) So, I figured I'd just jump right in head first on it. I'm very happy so far with the quality of the two products, as I've fished it both yesterday and today.

However, the experience of using a baitcast and a stiffer action rod than I'm used to (I use a medium light action with my spinning reels), has been fairly difficult to adjust to so far. I feel like I can knock the wings off a fly with my spinning reel/rod. But I can barely make a cast overhead with my baitcast rod and reel. I usually end up casting from the side, and even then, only from my right side.

For those that use baitcasters, about how long did it take you to feel comfortable and proficient with it? Are there any tips you can send my way other than "practice practice practice?" Thanks guys and gals!

I prefer a medium action, lighter rod on my bait casters. Just for the simple reason that the heaver rods tire my arm out so much more quickly. I have several bait caster outfits and find myself using the lighter ones more often just because they are more comfortable to throw. Also not sure if you right or left handed. I cast a spinning reel with my right hand and reel with the left. Bait casters used to only come in right handed reel configs, so I learned to cast a bait caster with my left hand and reel with my right.... Some people are not ambidextrous casters "Adam" so they have to switch hands to cast. Give it a few trips you get the hang of it.

Practice Practice.. Practice - you hit the nail on the head! You will get more comfortable.. by the way I switch hands to cast or cast w/ two hands with a baitcaster. I am not ambidextrous either lol

coachjoe wrote:



Yeah go figure, I learned to cast a baitcaster with my left hand, so now it feels totally natural. Saves time too, I don't have to switch back and fourth after every cast.

YakSushi wrote:


I had hoped to get a medium action rod, but in the rods I was looking at, they didnt have any medium action (just medium heavy) in what I was looking for. I needed a 2-piece (since I drive with them in my car often, and dont have room for a one-piece), 7 foot rod. I think I will get the hang of this at some point, I just know it will take time. It's been difficult getting the rod to feel like it's loading properly when casting, but I think that's just because I need to be throwing some bigger, heavier lures with it! It recommends 1/4oz to 1oz to be thrown on the rod. Guess this will take the same practice and determination that it took to get to the point where I could double-haul a fly out to 80 feet lol. I'm right-handed, but have always thrown with my right hand, and reeled with my left on my spinning gear. So, I wanted that same feeling with my baitcaster, which is why I went with a left-handed reel on my baitcaster. I had originally intended to purchase a Plueger baitcaster that was about $20 cheaper, but they didnt make any left-hand retrieve models. So, I had to go $20 more to get the left-handed Abu. Istill feel like I'll be happy with the reel though. I can tell it will take a little bit of conditioning for my arm and wrist. They were sore the next day after practicing with it for a couple hours haha

Well you started out with good quality equipment, that makes a big difference. And even though you got the left handed real (that's what I use... I can't cast left handed and refuse to switch hands after casting) there are now plenty of them around and even very high quality ones so upgrading in the future won't be a problem.

Now take it out and practice in the back yard. And do it sitting down since it's a different motion. Also cast to your right, left and forward since you can't reposition your body in the yak. Experiment with the different backlash settings and different lure weights. I like to use worm weights in the back yard because they snag less in the grass, if you need more weight use 2. I also use Frisbees as targets.

Goodluck!

There is alot of mechanics that go into making that set-up work properly, The first is the breaking system, both the reels and your thumb. You should have adjustments on your reel or even brakes inside you can loosen or tighten. The thumb should have a light feel on the spool as the cast is being made, than stop spool as lure hits water. The rod is also a big factor, it has to be able to load properly. That is the thing people really get wrong is matching rod reel and lures you will be using with that set-up. I almost only use baitcasters(saltwater) but have diff. rods for different lures i.e. spinnerbaits, jigs, topwater etc. oh yeah and the line is another big factor. After you have all that matched you nedd to? You guest it practice. A tip I always give my clients is never take your spinning reels with you when fishing new set-up. You will get frustrated and put down new and go back to what you know.

YakSushi wrote:


I cast with either hand ^ it just depends on which side of the kayak that I'm casting. Primary casting hand would be right handed but can do whatever.

In regards to rod length and action I use several different rods depending on what I'm fishing. For example, when I'm fishing crank baits I usually fish a 7' medium heavy rod. If I'm fishing a worm or crawl I may opt for a 6'6 medium rod.

I think that you'll get used to casting and then realize that you want to add variations to the selections of rods that you're using.

Practice makes perfect, so just go and and practice, practice, practice.