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How to Cast a Baitcaster

Good baitcasting is mostly setup and thumb control. Practise in the yard with a practice plug before you head to the water.

Step by step

1. Set spool tension so the lure drops slowly and the spool stops when it lands.
2. Start with the brake high.
3. Press the thumb bar and hold the spool with your thumb.
4. Bring the rod back and cast forward smoothly, lifting your thumb as the rod loads.
5. Feather the spool lightly during the flight.
6. Stop the spool firmly as the lure lands.

Fixing a backlash

• Pull a few feet of line off gently until it catches.
• Press your thumb on the spool and turn the handle a few times — this often pulls loops under tension.
• Pull line off again; repeat until clear.
• Pick out stubborn loops gently; cut and re-tie only as a last resort.

A strip of tape across the spool after 20 metres of line limits how bad practice backlashes can get. Beginners may prefer entry-level baitcasters with easy external brake dials.