Phil...when you get the knot out..just use your baitcaster as a flipping rod..You don't ever have to cast it when you flip..if you have that big of a knot in it your spool is too lose..you need to hold your rod straight out and push the botton on your baitcaster..I can count to 10 before my lure hits the floor..if yours is hitting the floor ssooner it's too loose..now if you ever get good with it maybe sooner than 10..oh heck..let me get my reel and see how fast the lure really does drop..wait right here..
OK ..i apologize..I tried 2 baitcasters...one has an1/8th ounce weight the other a 1/2 ounce crankbait..NEITHER lure drops at all when the button is pushed and both of these reels cast a mile..SO..if your bait is dropping ..tighten up the spool until it stops dropping..
Hope this helps..
C7