Teaching rookies how to use bait caster
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/10/2018 1:57 PM (#906167)
Subject: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
Anyone have some tips, tricks, articles, or videos demonstrating how to use a bait caster for the total newbie? I'm taking a couple Californians to Canada in August and I'd like to give them something to watch/read so they can have an idea of how it works before we hit the water. Obviously I'll be cranking the magnets/brakes down to prevent constant backlash but that really hinders cast length.
Dan111
Posted 5/10/2018 2:04 PM (#906168 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Location: ontario
Youtube bro
14ledo81
Posted 5/10/2018 2:22 PM (#906169 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 4269


Location: Ashland WI
The only experience I have is teaching my 9 (now 10) year old last year.

I would suggest a fairly heavy bait at first, and tell them to not take their thumb off. Very short casts at first. I assume it would be quicker for an adult to pick it up. It seems like they could grasp the concept quicker. Maybe not though.
schro626
Posted 5/10/2018 2:33 PM (#906172 - in reply to #906169)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 41


14ledo81 - 5/10/2018 2:22 PM

The only experience I have is teaching my 9 (now 10) year old last year.

I would suggest a fairly heavy bait at first, and tell them to not take their thumb off. Very short casts at first. I assume it would be quicker for an adult to pick it up. It seems like they could grasp the concept quicker. Maybe not though.


Agreed - I throw on a heavier crank and have them practice thumb braking on really short casts. getting comfortable with how much pressure it takes to have the reel spin free enough without backlashing. The crank is there for an easy bait to reel in that will keep good pressure on the line and make sure it re-spools nicely for their next cast.
fishhawk50
Posted 5/10/2018 2:38 PM (#906173 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 1416


Location: oconomowoc, wi
troll!
North of 8
Posted 5/10/2018 2:44 PM (#906175 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




I taught my kids when they were in their teens and a nephew and set the reel up with medium tension. Explained the process, started on the dock. Put a super top raider on each time, had them start with a short casting motion to get a feel for it and gradually lengthen the motion, using the clock each time so they could envision where the rod should be on back portion of the cast and where to release. Seemed to work with each, but all three are patient and were sports participants and used to being coached.
sworrall
Posted 5/10/2018 3:21 PM (#906179 - in reply to #906175)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 32761


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
North of 8 - 5/10/2018 2:44 PM

I taught my kids when they were in their teens and a nephew and set the reel up with medium tension. Explained the process, started on the dock. Put a super top raider on each time, had them start with a short casting motion to get a feel for it and gradually lengthen the motion, using the clock each time so they could envision where the rod should be on back portion of the cast and where to release. Seemed to work with each, but all three are patient and were sports participants and used to being coached.


this
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/10/2018 3:38 PM (#906181 - in reply to #906168)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
Dan111 - 5/10/2018 2:04 PM

Youtube bro


Obviously, bro. I just haven't found one that was overly useful, hence the question.
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/10/2018 3:41 PM (#906183 - in reply to #906173)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
fishhawk50 - 5/10/2018 2:38 PM

troll!


Definitely not on LOTW in mid August. Not that it couldn't be effective but I'd much, much, much, rather cast.
Masqui-ninja
Posted 5/10/2018 4:46 PM (#906189 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 1193


Location: Walker, MN
I have better luck with newbs than with many self taught anglers. I agree with adding a bit of spool tension, then I tell them to make the highest lob rainbow cast they can. I'll have them continue to lob really high (it typically doesn't go as high as planned) and eventually back off the spool tension a bit at a time. When they get in a hurry and try to line-drive it is when they get into trouble, explaining this seems to really help. I also explain how with spinning gear you can snap your wrists and fire line drives really far, newbs can't do this with a baitcaster, has to be pop-flies.

Edited by Masqui-ninja 5/10/2018 4:48 PM
muskie-don58
Posted 5/10/2018 4:51 PM (#906190 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 213


Location: FIB land
Perhaps they could pick up an old bass bait caster off craigslist / garage sale / etc and practice / experiment in the yard or park with just a weight . Oh , and overhead ONLY , no side arm insanity .. !
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/10/2018 6:05 PM (#906192 - in reply to #906183)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
Sudszee - 5/10/2018 4:44 PM

Teach them. 5 minutes, tops.


Yes, this will obviously happen but I was looking for something to give them so they could have a little background on it and have an idea what we'll be doing. One has never been in a boat on a lake. Just big ferries on the ocean. So this concept is 100% foreign to them.
VMS
Posted 5/10/2018 6:22 PM (#906193 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 3467


Location: Elk River, Minnesota
Hiya,

Go get a really old Pflueger level-wind where the reel handle turns backwards as you cast... :-). SWorrall or any of our more "experienced" anglers ever remember using those?

All kidding aside, it was hit really well above...Topwater lure, tighten the free-spool down so when on free-spool, the line comes out but basically is fairly slow and stops as soon as the lure hits the water. The clock positions are a perfect example!!

Steve
esoxaddict
Posted 5/10/2018 7:58 PM (#906199 - in reply to #906190)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 8702


Easy Peasy. (I did this with Samantha)

1. Explain how to cast and operate a baitcaster.
2. Show them by doing it yourself.
3. Remind them that the goal is to start slow, and work your way up to long casts.
4. 11:00. That's where you release your thumb.
5. Let the rod do the work.
6. When they get overzealous and get a nasty backlash, say "that's okay. We've all done it." Then show them how to remove it.
7. When they repeat step 6, hand them the reel, and say "Here 'ya go. This one's all you. Remember what I said about starting slow?"
8. If 5 minutes goes by and they're still futzing around with it, say "Gimme that f'ing thing. You're gonna be here all GD day!"
9. Remove said backlash.
10. Hand them back the rod and say: "Okay. That was F-up #2. You get 3. After 3, I throw your arse overboard and go on about my fishing. You CAN swim, right?"

In Samantha's case, this all lead to a tirade I couldn't even begin to replicate here about how we're all a-holes and this is stupid. Her very next cast, she just about spooled the reel. I said: "See? THAT'S how you do it! A little anger goes a long way!"

The next good cast she threw yielded a fat 45"er. Smooth sailing from there. Except for the part where she said "you know what? You're an a**hole!" to which I replied "If I was a nice guy, you'd have been ***ing around for DAYS!"

tolle141
Posted 5/10/2018 9:57 PM (#906214 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 1000


I teach a few people every year. Just tighten up the spool tensioner tight enough that you couldn't backlash if you wanted to. I then tell them to back it off 1/8 of a turn whenever they feel they want more distance. As soon as they get that first curl, I have them tighten it up 1/16 of a turn and they're set.

Usually takes 10-15 min before they get really used to it, loosen it 1/2 a turn, get a big backlash, pick it out, and tighten it 3/8 of a turn lol
miket55
Posted 5/10/2018 11:14 PM (#906222 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 1188


Location: E. Tenn
Pretty much what everyone said... I have newbies use one two '80's vintage Daiwa Magforce reels with the magnetic brake, just to keep confidence up...

My favorite line when someone screws up trying something new and different.. "Hey, none of us were born being experts at anything.."
BNelson
Posted 5/11/2018 8:18 AM (#906230 - in reply to #906222)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Location: Contrarian Island
bring extra spools of line to lotw
North of 8
Posted 5/11/2018 8:37 AM (#906232 - in reply to #906193)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




VMS - 5/10/2018 6:22 PM

Hiya,

Go get a really old Pflueger level-wind where the reel handle turns backwards as you cast... :-). SWorrall or any of our more "experienced" anglers ever remember using those?

All kidding aside, it was hit really well above...Topwater lure, tighten the free-spool down so when on free-spool, the line comes out but basically is fairly slow and stops as soon as the lure hits the water. The clock positions are a perfect example!!

Steve

All I remember was back in the mid 1960s learning to cast one of those old level winds could be painful if you got a knuckle in the way of that spinning handle. Retired gentleman that took me out put a heavy top water on and it was easy to cast but that handle was spinning pretty darn fast. Learned quick to keep everything out of the way.
Flambeauski
Posted 5/11/2018 10:28 AM (#906240 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 4343


Location: Smith Creek
Try to outfit the beginners with the lightest rod possible for the weight they are throwing. Overloading the rod a bit will reduce line speed and make backlashes less severe.
Bring a heavy spinning rod and reel along for those that just don't get it.
NPike
Posted 5/11/2018 11:35 AM (#906250 - in reply to #906240)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 612


Flambeauski - 5/11/2018 11:28 AM

Try to outfit the beginners with the lightest rod possible for the weight they are throwing. Overloading the rod a bit will reduce line speed and make backlashes less severe.
Bring a heavy spinning rod and reel along for those that just don't get it.


This!
Fishysam
Posted 5/14/2018 10:25 PM (#906485 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 1209


Aim high and then aim higher.
Junkman
Posted 5/15/2018 4:39 AM (#906499 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 1220


When the double tens craze hit its sweet spot and we evolved into the “burning” phase, many sought out the kind of reel you can easily buy today...but not then. So, many found the salt water trolling reels with incredible spools and line winding power, but no casting intended by the manufacturer. We all, instantly, remembered what it was to learn a baitcaster...wow...really embarrassing. I’m convinced this is the way to really learn the process. It’s like making every single cast into the wind with the biggest blades. If you possibly have the time, like with showing a kid on a ball field, I’d recommend this process. Nothing wrong with spinning gear either.
Brian Hoffies
Posted 5/15/2018 7:37 AM (#906507 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 1663


For practice I have cut the hook end off a 3/4 oz jig leaving part of the wire. I then super glued a 8" to 10" worm on. Then went out in the yard and practiced throwing. The jig head was for weight, the worm end was to torment the cat jigging it through the grass.
bobbie
Posted 5/15/2018 6:21 PM (#906558 - in reply to #906507)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 559


Brian Hoffies - 5/15/2018 7:37 AM

For practice I have cut the hook end off a 3/4 oz jig leaving part of the wire. I then super glued a 8" to 10" worm on. Then went out in the yard and practiced throwing. The jig head was for weight, the worm end was to torment the cat jigging it through the grass.

This is the way. I have a giant dare devil take the hook off and sent my wife to the back yard to learn, it didn't take her long to learn
mnmusky
Posted 5/15/2018 6:26 PM (#906560 - in reply to #906558)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




bring a Barbie pole. After 3 rat nests, they get to run Barbie.
Sidejack
Posted 5/15/2018 7:14 PM (#906563 - in reply to #906507)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 1077


Location: Anoka
Brian Hoffies - 5/15/2018 7:37 AM
For practice I have cut the hook end off a 3/4 oz jig leaving part of the wire. I then super glued a 8" to 10" worm on. Then went out in the yard and practiced throwing. The jig head was for weight, the worm end was to torment the cat jigging it through the grass.


See any?
~half serious look~
lelekb
Posted 5/16/2018 1:16 PM (#906607 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 21


There is no substitute for practice. Why waste precious time in Canada? Set them up in the back yard with a baitcaster and a hookless lure. Eventually, draw targets (bullseye, rock, weed, shoreline, etc...) on grass with spray paint. If they are going to Canada, they need to make precision casts to structure. Keep practicing for weeks until they are good. Teach hookset and figure eight (standing on a patio chair/table). Once in Canada, start out with floating lures.

Brian
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/16/2018 1:30 PM (#906608 - in reply to #906607)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
lelekb - 5/16/2018 1:16 PM

There is no substitute for practice. Why waste precious time in Canada? Set them up in the back yard with a baitcaster and a hookless lure. Eventually, draw targets (bullseye, rock, weed, shoreline, etc...) on grass with spray paint. If they are going to Canada, they need to make precision casts to structure. Keep practicing for weeks until they are good. Teach hookset and figure eight (standing on a patio chair/table). Once in Canada, start out with floating lures.

Brian


They live in California, I live in MN. They don't own an ounce of fishing equipment.
mtcook16
Posted 5/17/2018 12:30 PM (#906685 - in reply to #906181)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 546


Location: MN
Pointerpride102 - 5/10/2018 3:38 PM

Dan111 - 5/10/2018 2:04 PM

Youtube bro


Obviously, bro. I just haven't found one that was overly useful, hence the question.


LOL
bobbie
Posted 5/17/2018 4:27 PM (#906697 - in reply to #906608)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 559


Pointerpride102 - 5/16/2018 1:30 PM

lelekb - 5/16/2018 1:16 PM

There is no substitute for practice. Why waste precious time in Canada? Set them up in the back yard with a baitcaster and a hookless lure. Eventually, draw targets (bullseye, rock, weed, shoreline, etc...) on grass with spray paint. If they are going to Canada, they need to make precision casts to structure. Keep practicing for weeks until they are good. Teach hookset and figure eight (standing on a patio chair/table). Once in Canada, start out with floating lures.

Brian


They live in California, I live in MN. They don't own an ounce of fishing equipment.

going to be a long week on LOTW thats why they make Labatt Blue
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/17/2018 4:43 PM (#906698 - in reply to #906697)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
bobbie - 5/17/2018 4:27 PM

Pointerpride102 - 5/16/2018 1:30 PM

lelekb - 5/16/2018 1:16 PM

There is no substitute for practice. Why waste precious time in Canada? Set them up in the back yard with a baitcaster and a hookless lure. Eventually, draw targets (bullseye, rock, weed, shoreline, etc...) on grass with spray paint. If they are going to Canada, they need to make precision casts to structure. Keep practicing for weeks until they are good. Teach hookset and figure eight (standing on a patio chair/table). Once in Canada, start out with floating lures.

Brian


They live in California, I live in MN. They don't own an ounce of fishing equipment.

going to be a long week on LOTW thats why they make Labatt Blue


Weeks on LOTW are never long enough!
djwilliams
Posted 5/28/2018 11:25 PM (#908485 - in reply to #906167)
Subject: Re: Teaching rookies how to use bait caster




Posts: 753


Location: Ames, Iowa
I taught my then 14 year old daughter how to throw a 4601 C3. Like others said, you gotta show them how to thumb the spool and thumb it down hard when the bait hits the water. 14 year old attitude girls take patience and a bit of an attitude yourself. Haley is now a petite 20 year old who throws all baits- light or heavier- with that set up. Her mom won't change through- still using that spinning reel for everything.