Hey I am prior coast Guard and was discharged as a disabled vet. I just moved back to the midcities area. I am wanting to start fishing again. I used to years ago and am not knowledgeable on much. I am wanting to kayak fish but don't know what to use where and when. I am also having issues learning to use a bait casting reel. If I could meet with someone and talk or anything would help. I am located in sw arlington about a mile from Lake arlington bowman Springs park. Even if someone wanted to let me tag along I can bring what's needed and give money for gas. Thanks!!!

Welcome and thank you for your service to our country. Very sorry about your disability. There is a kayak section down below. You should post there, too. Tons of helpful people on here so getting a hands on lesson with a baitcaster in your area should be a snap!

Everything he just said with a special emphasis on gratitude for your service to us all, thank you.

Bait casters take practice to get used to. Practice, practice.
Try tying weights onto your line the same weight of different lures and practice in your yard or a park.
They used to give me fits when I was young and almost quit using them. Then one day I picked one up and it was like I had been using it my whole life.

Also get a high quality baitcaster, easier to learn with good equipment.

I am in Arlington and I sometimes fish Lake Arlington but prefer going to Pool. I have a small 15' bass boat and usually the back seat is open. I'd be happy to take you along next time I go which is usually once or twice a week minimum. I can show you how to use a baitcaster and help with what I can.

As far as learning to use a baitcaster, don't buy a cheap one. The combos that are usually sold are cheap ones. It doesn't have to be expensive just a quality one with a decent rod. I can cast all day from weightless to heavy and never have a backlash. Put one of the cheap ones in my hands and I'll fight backlashes all day. Watch some youtube videos on it and learn how to set it properly then don't try to over power it. Use nice easy tosses (sidearm is a little easier, especially rolling the wrist) with maybe a 1/4 ounce spinner bait. It has enough mass to get everything moving easily. As you get the short casting down start going a little further until you get the hang of it. You can practice in your yard with small weights. It comes quickly if you just stick with it.

I'll send you a PM

Can't help much with the kayak but there is a company that I see giving kayak lesson out at Lake Arlington all the time. Check with the lake office and they can probably help you.

Another thanks for your service here. A spinning reel will do most everything a bait caster will. It may be a better choice in a kayak.

Thanks so much for the feedback. Took ME A Little Yo REPLY Been Busy With School. I have a spinning reel too but I want to be proficient with both. My understanding is bait casters are more versatile. I thought about practicing at home with weights.

I suggest trying with a compact bait caster first before trying conventional/trolling baitcasters. Thank you for your service. Tight lines.

What I do with a baitcast reel is this.

1. Cast
2. Spend 10 minutes getting the bird nest out

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2

I just use a spin cast reel. It so much easier

Reel a baitcaster with some of the big game line. Inexpensive stuff and get a thicker diameter for learning. It is thicker and therefore easier to untangle.

Bknots, what reel are you using? That really makes a big difference. A decent quality reel doesn't take long to learn on and rarely gets much of a birdsnest. If I get one I pretty much know as soon as I release the lure it is going to happen because I screwed up.

A basspro shops combo for like 100 bucks would go a long way. It's currently the only compact baitcaster I have ever had. I have the Abu Garcia Silver Max and the Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series combo.