The magnetic spool screw is probably the problem, like other said tie on your lure and make sure it drops evenly, when it hits the ground the spool should stop. When starting out it is important to do this with every lure. Other culprits can be: thumb on the line, which cause less spool movement...you' ll want to have your thumb just above the line when casting but not directly on it. To eliminate bird nest, when you see the lure dropping then place your thumb on the line until it hits the water. Another technique is cast more up then straight, so the line remains tight. Yet one other way is to thumb the line as it hits the water and bring the rod tip back to remove slack. Another thing could be not enough line on the reel, baitcaster perform much better at close to peak capacity. Most will hold a large spool of 200 yards plus. What I do is fire on about 100 yards as a backer of 14 pound test mono, then spool on the line I want to run. When I replace my line, I just unspool to the backer line. B/C it sees no action you can leave it on for a long time. While on the line thing, I have noticed some lines are easier to cast then others. I use Berkley XT on my baitcasters, I have found that up to 12 lbs I get good castability, but beyond that it effects my distance. I run 10lb XT most of the time for pike fishing and the odd time I will goto 12-14 XT for laker fishing.

Remember with a bait caster the spool is free wheeling, so the harder you cast the faster it moves. It is very different than a spinning, where the line just runs off the spool, in a baitcaster the spool is moving the line out.

If you want more drag, then turn the wheel behind the crank until you get more spool tension. I wouldn' t suggest setting it at the max, as when you get a fish on you' ll be suprised at how much it will hold.


It does take some time but once you get the hang of it you' ll love it.