Hi everyone, I picked up one of these not too long ago, along with a rod, so I'd have a one piece rod (one I've been using is a "travel" type Shimano spinner). So I've got it on the rod, line on the spool (20lb if it makes a difference), configured all the little dials like it says in the book, and I'm ready to fish!

Well, not so much. Every time I've tried casting, I get a birdsnest on the spool. Seems like half the line just up and comes away from the spool with every cast. I've tried the magnetic brake on min and max and inbetween, same effect. I've adjusted the mechanical brake, same effect.

Am I missing something? The lure I've got on there, weight plus worm, is about 3/8oz.

Any help would be appreciated, I'm due to head out to Tennessee next Saturday, hopefully I can get this thing dialed in by then.

Thanks.

Tim

I assume you have 20 pound mono from your description of the problem. 10 pound will be a lot easier to cast. 20 pound (i don't care which brand) is stiffer and will tend to "spring" away from the spool when cast and create the worst backlash ever. It takes a real educated thumb to prevent backlash when using heavy mono.

go down to a 12# mono. these reels are pretty hard to cast.

btw- I have 2 liek new ones for sale if anyone wants em $35 each, spooled with line

i have 15 pound flouro on mine and it casts like a dream...but i have an older quantum with 17 pound mono and it is tough...i agree tho going down in pound test or switching to flouro (smaller diameter) will help greatly

Pencil Pusher, any tips on educating my thumb? I have some 10lb that I'll try on there, see if that helps, would like the option of using a heavier line weight though in the future.

Thanks again for the help guys.

Practice, Practice, Practice. Use a heavy (1/2 Oz.) weight and start off with short, side arm casts. Use more brake than you will want to in the future. They put all that braking in the reel for a reason.