I've been using spinning reels for years now. I am very confident using them and have caught good fish with them. In fact, one of my favorite set-ups is a shaky-head. With that said, my husband insisted that I learn to use a baitcaster mainly because we've been fishing brush piles deep. So, a few days ago I finally caught my first bass on my baitcaster and I enjoyed it of course. I'm getting better at casting and dealing with backlashes. My conversion is happening, so any advice from you ladies out there who use them often?

Not a lady but practice in the back yard. I would suggest getting 3 or 4 coffee cans or some of those swimming rings and place them around the yard. While standing on a bench or something practice casting to them. Your accuracy will improve dramtically.

Good Luck

If you go to Bass Pro Shop, they sell rubber dummy weights. I think they come in 1/4, 3/8 and 1 oz sizes (all in one package). If you backyard is big enough, tie one on and practice with them.

Thank you! I'll definitely start practicing more in the backyard and the rings, dummy weights, etc. will be used. I like the idea of standing on something since it somewhat simulates standing on a boat. I had a nasty backlash tonight due to the wind. I need to practice in the wind as well I suppose. Thanks again!

I hate backlashes. There's a trick when you first learn and I probably need to also do this....

1. Throw a proper cast (no back lash)
2. Take electrical tape and tape a piece over the rest of your line in the spool. This will protect the rest of the line in your spool.
3. If you receive a back lash, it should only go to the point of where the tape is located at the remaining line on your spool.

I hope this makes sense....

Great tip. Another way is tie line onto something and back up 40-50ft and apply tape. Accomplishes samething without having to throw that perfect cast.

Good Tip BrandoA.

I think the worst backlash is with braided line. If there was a tournament for backlashing, I could win 1st place every time.

The best thing I have found is to make sure you have the right line for your bait and rod. adjusting the reel tension is key!!!! Check out youtube.com videos and that helped me a TON!

The quality of the reel can also make a huge difference. Some are more forgiving than others. Proper adjustment of brakes are a key too. When I first started using a baitcaster I had the breaks set so that I would not get as many backlashes which kept me from casting as far but it also helped in being able to get used to casting it without having to clear out backlashes all the time. Now, that I am much better at it I do not have the breaks set so high and can cast a country mile. I do still get backlashes sometimes but not anywhere near as often. I use the older green shimano curados. I have had one of them since 1999 and it is the one I learned on and still using it today.

I feel that I'm the same way, my boyfriend soon to be husband, hopefully wants me to learn how to throw a baitcaster. I've been throwing a spinning reel but I have tried the baitcaster several times. We took a small vacation to lake granbury and beached the boat and I practiced for an hour or so. After several attempts of trying to not get a bird nest and get my line out far and accurate, I caught me a small large mouth, on a swim bait. Accidentally of course. All of this in between gettin stuck on sunken sticks.

Fishing around local lakes I often get frustrated and switch back to my spinning rod. One day ill get the hang of it.

As a sidenote, it's also good to have a little weight (sinkers) on the line for a smoother, more controlled cast. Don't be too cheap on the line either, ya know? Casting old line to save some money can end up being a big mess even with significant weight "pulling" you along. Give that all a try.

I second the fishing line. Stay away from that cheap [censored] and get the high end stuff.

Besides the hook (and sometimes the bait) the line is always the most important tool in fishing. Unless you're noodling or something, but that's another story...lol!

If I were teaching someone how to throw a bait caster for the first time, I would tighten the reel down and as they get the hang of it more and more, loosen up the spool tension and brakes little by little. Also, you can't use the same method of making adjustments on every reel.

Edit: Man I'm on a roll for posting in dead threads.

I won`t bore anyone with the physics, but the way I teach people is to make a cast and turn the reel on it`s side. As you make the cast the top of the reel should be pointed towards your left side if your casting right handed. You`ll be shocked at how well this works. Good luck!