How to Use a Baitcaster

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Hook, line, and sink ‘em like a baitcasting pro

Co-authored by Michael Reynolds

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Casting the Reel
|
• Gathering the Right Equipment
|
• Choosing a Location
|
• Expert Q&A

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Baitcasting reels date back to the mid-17th century and first became popular in the 1870s. They are suited best to fishing for larger freshwater fishing species such as largemouth bass, northern pike, and muskellunge. Larger sizes are used for trolling for large saltwater fish such as marlin and tuna. Casting with baitcasting tackle can be difficult for first-time anglers to get the hang of, but can be mastered with practice.

Casting with a Baitcasting Reel

1. Reel the line in until your bait is 6-12 in (15-20 cm) from the rod tip.
2. Grip the rod behind the reel with your thumb over the spool.
3. Adjust the rod so that the handles of the reel are pointed up.
4. Press the reel spool release button behind the spool.
5. Bend your casting arm into a right angle at your elbow.
6. Lift your thumb off the reel spool and sweep the rod forward until it’s at eye level.
7. Press the reel spool down to stop the bait when it reaches your target.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Casting the Reel

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1. 1
   Reel in the line. Reel the line in until your bait or lure is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the rod tip. If you have a sinker or bobber attached to the line, it should be 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip instead.
2. 2
   Hold the reel properly. Grip the rod behind the reel with your thumb resting over the reel spool. Baitcasting rods are designed the same as spincasting rods, and as with spincasting rods, most fishermen cast with the same hand they retrieve with, so if you prefer to hold the rod behind the reel when you retrieve, you'll need to switch hands when you cast.

   • You may want to rest your thumb at a slight angle on the spool instead of pressing the very flat of it on the line. This will give you more control over the flow of the line during the cast.
   • Picture yourself by the water's edge, poised to cast your line. First, perfect your stance: dominant hand gripping the rod, the other operating the reel. Angle the rod gracefully at 45 degrees, thumb gently on the spool for line control. Now, for the magic of the cast. Engage your whole body, coil your torso and shoulders for power, and with a flick of your wrist, launch your lure towards its target. Timing is key. As your lure glides through the air, release that thumb pressure at the exact moment, letting the line flow freely. To avoid dreaded backlash, apply a touch of thumb control as your lure nears its destination. With practice and patience, master timing and thumb finesse for precise, impressive casts.
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3. 3
   Turn the rod so the reel handles point up. As with spincasting gear, this lets you use your wrist when you cast. If you cast with your opposite hand, the handles should point down.
4. 4
   Press the reel spool release button. Baitcasting reels made since the 1970s have a mechanism to disengage the reel spool from the handles so they don't turn during the cast, allowing for longer casts. The first such models had the button on the side of the reel; most models today feature a release bar behind the spool that you press with your thumb when you rest it on the reel spool.
5. 5
   Bend your casting arm. You need to bend your casting arm at the elbow so that the crook of your arm begins to approach a right angle. As you do, raise your rod until its tip goes slightly past vertical. This will give you the correct positioning to send the line out.
6. 6
   Sweep the rod forward until it reaches eye level. This is about 30 degrees above horizontal, or the "10 o'clock" position. As you do so, lift your thumb off the reel spool enough so that the weight of your bait or lure pulls line off the spool as it is propelled toward the target.

   • If you are casting with a long-handled baitcasting rod of the kind used in saltwater fishing, you'll want to use your opposite hand as a fulcrum from which to pivot the rod as you cast.
7. 7
   Press down on the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait when it reaches the target. This is similar to pressing the button on a spincasting reel to brake the line; however, not applying your thumb soon enough leads to the spool continuing to turn after your bait hits the water, creating an overrun or "birds nest" that you'll have to straighten out before you can retrieve your lure.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Gathering the Right Equipment

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1. 1
   Choose a baitcasting reel. Newer models have several features, like the cast control brake and friction cast control, that might be lacking in older models. But the most important thing when choosing a baitcasting reel is to pick one that feels good in your hand and fits your fishing needs. Go to a store that sells baitcasting reels and hold a few. Or, if you prefer the older models, try finding one at an antique shop.

   • Choosing the ideal baitcasting reel is a pivotal decision for any angler. To make the right choice, consider factors like your target species, fishing environment, preferred gear ratio, and braking system. A well-informed decision ensures a smoother and more productive fishing experience.

1. 1
   Choose appropriate bait. Baitcasting tackle is not suited for casting baits or lures weighing a quarter ounce or less. If you like to take several rods with you when you fish, carry a rod with a spincasting reel for the lighter weight lures and a rod with a baitcasting reel for the heavier lures.
2. 2
   Get some protective waders. Fishing waders can offer protection from the cold water you’re fishing in, from accidentally snagging your skin with a bad cast (especially while you’re learning), or from various cuts and bruises if you accidentally take a tumble.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Choosing a Location

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1. 1
   Practice away from water. Practice your casting techniques away from the water as well as on it. Away from the water, replace your bait or lure with a rubber practice plug or metal sinker. Practice in an open area, away from overhead trees.
2. 2
   Avoid heavy brush. When you are choosing an area to cast in, pick a place that has minimal brush, especially overhead. Your bait can get easily caught in the branches and this will cost you much precious time to retrieve.

   • It’s important to avoid heavy brush or your lure may get stuck when you bring the rod forward to cast. If this happens, the entire spool of line can get tangled (called a bird’s nest) and destroyed.
3. 3
   Choose an isolated location. It can be dangerous to try baitcasting in a place where too many people are around. You have to constantly make sure no one is behind you or too close to you in order to make sure you don’t accidentally snag them with your lure. And being hyper aware of your surroundings takes away some of the relaxing joy of baitcasting anyways.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  I did this and my line bird nested as soon as I casted it out. What did I do wrong? And is there any way to get a bird's nest out without cutting the line?

  

  Kody Lee
  Guide, Fishing Trips

  Kody Lee is a Guide for Fishing Trips in Washington. He has worked as a guide since 2015 and has fished his entire life.

  

  Kody Lee

  Guide, Fishing Trips

  Expert Answer

  When a bird's nest occurs, pulling the loops that the line gets stuck on to one side or the other and attempting to slowly pull out the mainline will often times fix it.

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  Not Helpful 9 Helpful 31
• Question

  What line do I use with a low profile baitcasting reel?

  

  Community Answer

  It depends on conditions. When fishing heavy vegetation cover, it's best to go with 12-15 pond line. If fishing rocks or light vegetation, then use the lightest line you can get away with (typically 6-8 pound).

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  Not Helpful 18 Helpful 18
• Question

  When setting up the pole do I put a sinker on it, or just the bait I'm using?

  

  Community Answer

  If you are using top-water lures or live bait you don't, and shouldn't with a jerk bait or crank bait unless its a lighter one. Subsurface soft plastics and live bait such as minnows and crawlers would use sinkers.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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Warning

• When fishing, wear protective clothing to keep hooks from embedding themselves in your skin as the result of a bad cast or other accident.