How to Modify Baitcasting Reels
One of the reasons that fishermen--especially those with a lot of experience--choose to fish with baitcasting reels is that the reels can be modified to suit a variety of fishing conditions. While baitcasting reels tend to be more expensive than other reels, and also more difficult to operate, the ability to manually adjust them as often as necessary makes them the first choice of many fishermen. Baitcasters are especially popular among those who fish for larger fish species such as bass, muskies and pike.
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Instructions
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Prepare the equipment by ensuring the reel is attached to a rod and the reel is spooled with fishing line.
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Tie a lure to the end of the fishing line. Good weights for fishing on baitcasting equipment is between about 1/4 ounce and 1 ounce.
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Adjust the baitcasting reel's drag. On baitcasters, a star-shaped piece of plastic or metal on the reel handle controls the drag. A properly set drag will release line from the spool when there is heavy pressure at the end of the line. Tighten the drag by turning the star-shaped piece clockwise. Turn it the opposite way to loosen it. In most cases, it is best to have the drag just loose enough that a sharp pull will cause it to release line. If you hook a big fish and need to loosen the drag as the fish makes runs, you can do that while fighting the fish.
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Find and adjust the reel's magnetic resistance. Depending on the baitcasting reel you are using, the magnetic resistance is in one of two spots. It is either a knob on the same side of the reel as the handle, or a dial on the other side of the reel. Like the drag, a clockwise turn increases the magnetic resistance (thereby decreasing casting distance), and a counterclockwise turn loosens it. In most situations, the magnetic resistance should be set just tight enough that if you allow your lure to free-fall to the floor, the fishing line won't backlash.
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References
- Photo Credit fishing image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
