Throwing big baits brings a new set of problems, especially the combination of big swimbaits and bait casting reels. Adjusting your reel properly will save you a lot of grief and problems with backlashes. These are the simple steps that I follow to keep me fishing and avoiding problems on the water. Adjusting your reel for swimbaits is getting the proper setting of brakes and spool tension.  

The first step is the brakes. I set the brakes at a ¾ setting and this helps with the control of the spool once your lure hits the water. The spool brake is the next part of your reel that needs to be adjusted and the most important step, due to the heavy nature of big baits. I set the brake at the point, that when you release the spool the lure doesn’t move. I then slowly adjust the brake to a slow controlled fall. In this fall the spool should stop spinning when the lure reaches the water or the ground. At that point, I release the brake just a little more to fairly quick fall. This is the ideal fall rate for me when throwing big baits.

This is by far not the only way to do adjust your reel for swimbaits or big baits, but it is one that works for me. Comment below if it helps or not. Also, if you have a different way, please share so we can all learn! As always, if you ever have any questions ask below.

Check out my Youtube Video! Click Here

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler.

hem

 $50 Beginner Swimbait Rod 

Just this year I got started back into big baits. Especially swimbaits, and I’ve seen so much discussion on getting a starter rod that won’t break the bank. This is really hard for the hardcore swimbait throwers out there. I get the idea, “you get, what you pay for”, but for people on a limited budget and trying to figure out if this is something for you. Well, this rod is the cheapest I could find and it’s really growing on me. I’m also going to use this rod for catfishing as well. So, if you buy this rod and don’t like it for big baits or throwing big baits is not for you…well then you have a perfectly good catfishing rod to use!

This is also a part of my series Swimbait and Big bait Mayhem. Follow along with me as I learn a new fishing technique. Have ideas for new articles or videos, please comment below!

Check out the YouTube video. Click Here

Here is the link to the rod. This is also not an affiliate link as well, and I’m not associated with Bass Pro Shops.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Muskie-Casting-Rod/product/2232466/

Bass Pro Shops Musky Graphite Series, 7’6” X Heavy, Fast Action, Line 30-80lbs, Lure Weight 4-10oz.

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler