View Full Version : Variable Braking System help needed...
My dorky brother-in-law (I.Q. about the same as a can of Busch Lt.) just bought a new casting reel for bass fishing. He is having grief adjusting the casting brake. He adjusted the knob on the side, tightening it down, but still back lashes badly. Now this guy can cast a 6500 half way across the Clearwater without birdnesting, so I think he needs to take the next step. Apparently there is a way of adjusting the internal breaking system, by sliding some small plastic ho-dads either toward the spools shaft, or away from it. Anyone wanna jump in and give him some advise? (Me I'm sticking with the cheapo spinning reels for bass till he figures it out... :grin: )
Any help would be appreciated...
sbasser
04-01-2004, 10:00 PM
IMHO, the centrifugal cast control is a huge leap better than the magnetic reels I have. WAY easier to deal with, if not easier to adjust. Since you didn't divulge the brand, I would venture to guess that pulling half the plastic weights out (making them "active") would be the place to start. That works on my Shimanos, anyway. Then adjust the axial tensioner so whatever bait you have tied on will just fall to the floor. Start there, then loosen the axial as consistency is gained. 1) Too light a lure for your rod will make casting accuracy impossible (except for pitching and flipping). 2) Trying to get an extra 10' of distance is the WRONG thing to do, in all cases. Move the danged boat closer. Another trick is to read the instructions! :idea: C&R, Steve
Wannabe
04-02-2004, 05:47 AM
Well said ..sbasser..
<)))><
Mtn. Basser
04-02-2004, 08:13 AM
Mojo,
sbasser nailed it. When I first got my Shimano Curado's I put all 6 brakes on, now I usually just use 2 and can cast a 1/4 crank a mile. The brakes are VERY effective in controlling backlash. With all 6 on, you dont even have to thumb the spool and it wont backlash- but you wont cast very far either!
Throwing bass baits is WAY different than lobbing 2 ounces of lead 200 yds- it takes practice to get used to. Shimano reels are almost TOO nice- all those bearings that make the spool spin forever make backlashes easy to come by if you arent careful.
Just tell him to start easy and work in to it. Try all 6 brakes, then go to 4, then to 2. I get too many backlashes with 0 brakes on, even with a couple years of practice.
Take care,
Josh.