Questions on BaitCasting Reels...

[Juicebox20002]

I currently own 3 Shimano reels, 2 Curados and 1 Chronarch. I bought them after I purchased my Abu Garcia Revo SX, and I consistantly have trouble with backlashes on the Shimano's. I understand that they both (the different brands) have different brake systems and that maybe the reasons why I backlash more times with the Shimano's then the Revo. Anyways I'm thinking about selling all my Shimano's and try and pick up 3 Daiwa Exceler's just in different gear ratio's but i keep reading mixed reviews on them and I'm unsure what I should do. I know I don't prefer the Shimano's after using em' and I'd like to stick to a similar breaking system to the Revo. Any suggestions on Reels $100.00 or less? Anybody have or use the Daiwa's? I'd like to get 3 of the same reels just different gear ratio's, so i could be more used to the same reel everytime I switch rods. Thanks for the insight guys...

[tmoney]

What kind of line are you using on the Shimanos? I never really have backlashes, and like to run the reels fully open. Never have to thumb the reel. Maybe you could just invest in better bearings, and that would help? Just a thought.

The only reels that I like under $100 are the Lews.

I hope you find something that works for you.

[Juicebox20002]

Backlashes are definitely user error, but if you want to unload those Shimanos cheap, lemme know.

I completely agree which is why I said I don't prefer them because I backlash with them more then the Revo, I'm not saying that the Shimano's aren't great reels because they are, But me personally I have trouble with using that type of breaking system, which is why i want to go with something else. But I will let you know when i'm ready to sell the shimano's only thing is they are left handed not sure which side you prefer.

[Juicebox20002]

What kind of line are you using on the Shimanos? I never really have backlashes, and like to run the reels fully open. Never have to thumb the reel. Maybe you could just invest in better bearings, and that would help? Just a thought.

The only reels that I like under $100 are the Lews.

I hope you find something that works for you.

I use 12lb Seaguar Red label. I usually try and have 4 out of the 6 breaks on and even then I have to thumb it. If I get better bearings wouldn't that speed up the spool? causing more backlashes? i'm asking because I'm not sure...

[tmoney]

I'm just guessing here, but if the spool is spinning faster, I would imagine that you would get less backlashes. It seems like it would help, since the line would be shooting out smoothly. It's also possible that you're thumbing too much, and then letting up causing the spool to change speeds quickly, which will lead to backlashes. If you lighten the thumb pressure so it's just barely touching the line when you cast, that may help.

[Bassin' Ted]

If you have 4 brakes on, you shouldn't have a problem. Like Rick, I'm wondering how you have the casting control knob set. Apply it so that the lure barely falls at free spool. You're going to cut down your casting distance but you should eliminate your backlashes. Then you can loosen the casting control and go from there.

I just checked my only two Shimanos- I have 1 brake on my Chronarch MG 50 and none on an older Curado SF. I have no problems on either with backlashes. I don't have to thumb the Chronarch which I use for Chatterbaits and swimjigs but I do feather the Curado since I use that reel for pitching baits and I like a lot of freespool.

I wonder if your casting motion has something to do with it. Are you really "whipping" your rod? Hope you get it figured out.

[1080tommy]

Hey Juice, I am using almost exclusively Shimano reels. I have Chronarch 50E and Core 50Mg7 and I have no problems with backlashes. I am not saying that I never get them however, when I do it is always me trying to over cast or poorly adjusting the reel settings for that individual lure. I ususally have two brakes on and rarely have to thumb the reels. Maybe we can hook up sometime and just see what the difference is in how you are setting your reel for each lure. I don't mean to insult your intelligence but the first time I casted my Core, I got a horrible birds nest and was thinking, I can not believe I just paid what I paid for this thing. I did some research and was not familiar with the VBS system and once I dialed it in, can't believe the way these reels cast. I don't think you should give up on them because they are great reels. Just to back up what I am saying I was out with Skunkedagain last night and did not have one backlash and we were casting into the wind all night. I was also getting good distance.

A side note: Do you set your tension for each lure as Big Rick said because this can be an issue. If the tension is not set properly this can be a major cause of backlash. Just trying to shoot some ideas out there for you. Hope you figure it out and if you wanna meet up lemme know!!!!

[Fluke]

It is definitely user error, and to throw the towel in on the reel being the culprit is not worth it because you will have the same issues or possibly worse issues with a cheaper reel. Like Rick already said and Bassin' Ted...ALWAYS get your spool tension knob dialed in first before you screw around with the brakes. That bait should fall slowly and when it hits the ground the spool should stop turning. The 6 pin brake on the Shimanos are nice because you have 5 different settings...Free spool (0 pins)...2 opposing pins...3 opposing pins (triangle pattern)...4 opposing pins...and all 6 pins. You need to train your thumb to hover over the entire spool during the cast...not just one side which can cause backlashes. Try tilting the reel to the side during the cast also so your reel handle faces upwards towards the sky...it helps to feed the line out at a different angle helping lessen backlashes. Last thing I would look into is getting some line conditioner, it has worked wonders for casting distance and helping slightly with backlashes. New bearings won't do much to the reel because Shimano already puts decent stock bearings in to begin with. Keep at it...you will figure out what you need to do to fix it.

[Winnebasschamp]

I've got two Daiwa's, brand new, I'll trade ya for two shimanos! Lemme know!

[Juicebox20002]

where's your spool tension set? Are you adjusting for individual lure weight?

I do adjust adjust for each lure just as bassinTed had described.

It is definitely user error, and to throw the towel in on the reel being the culprit is not worth it because you will have the same issues or possibly worse issues with a cheaper reel.

I already said this before and getting the sense that you like telling me it's my error. I know this! I admitted it before! I never said the reel was the culprit, I just don't like that breaking system, and if you read before I DON'T have the same issue with my REVO SX which has a DIFFERENT braking system. I understand you know alot about fishing but I know how I fish and what works for me.

If you are over running at the beginning of the cast, your spool tension needs to be adjusted. If it's at the end, it's the brake that needs adjusting.
Run your line out completely and wind it back in. Sometimes the way it spools after a lot of use will have it criss crossed too much and cause the line to peel off erratically

Thank you for the help, this make sense, I will pay more attention to it when I go out next time, I believe it may be towards the beginning, but I adjust my spool tension accordingly(same as bassinTed described) Not sure what I'm going to do with them just yet... I might try and work with em a bit more. Thanks for the help.

I've got two Daiwa's, brand new, I'll trade ya for two shimanos! Lemme know!

Which ones? and trade for which Shimano's also I only use left handed reels.

[Juicebox20002]

when I do it is always me trying to over cast or poorly adjusting the reel settings for that individual lure. I ususally have two brakes on and rarely have to thumb the reels. Maybe we can hook up sometime and just see what the difference is in how you are setting your reel for each lure. I don't mean to insult your intelligence but the first time I casted my Core, I got a horrible birds nest and was thinking, I can not believe I just paid what I paid for this thing.

I wouldn't mind trying to get up and see what the differences are. I might try and go wade the Fox with TrunkMonkey on Saturday morning.

[Fluke]

It is definitely user error, and to throw the towel in on the reel being the culprit is not worth it because you will have the same issues or possibly worse issues with a cheaper reel.

I already said this before and getting the sense that you like telling me it's my error. I know this! I admitted it before! I never said the reel was the culprit, I just don't like that breaking system, and if you read before I DON'T have the same issue with my REVO SX which has a DIFFERENT braking system. I understand you know alot about fishing but I know how I fish and what works for me.

Hold the phone...time out for a sec. I didn't mean any disrespect by what I was saying...we have fished together before, you do know what you are doing. Big Rick initially said that "Backlashes are definitely user error" and I was agreeing because I backlash a lot myself more often than not and it is user error on my part. I know the reels are two different braking systems the SX is 100% magnetic and the Curado is 100% Centrifugal...so I can understand it being awkward switching back and forth between the two if you aren't used to it yet. Bottom line though is I hate seeing someone who knows what they are doing give up on it. If you feel that different reels with a similar braking system to the SX is the better route to go then do what is most comfortable for you...I encourage it! Just in my experience I was almost all BPS reels that had centrifugal and magnetic brake systems. Once I made the jump to all centrifugal I hated it at first...but after practicing with it enough I got a lot better at it. Sorry if I came across putting you down man, that wasn't my intention at all.

[Juicebox20002]

Sorry if I came across putting you down man, that wasn't my intention at all.

it's all good man, it is a comfort thing for me with the Revo. Is the centrifugal braking system better than magnetic? Or is it just a preference thing? That's why I was asking originally about which reels had a similar breaking system (magnetic) to the Revo. I was looking at the Daiwa's mention above but don't wanna lose out too much on the money already invested.

[fishE]

my opinion.. get line conditioner. respool your existing line. pull out all 6 brakes. bring both reels to the water next time.. tie on same lure. cast with the wind... easy cast, try not to over power. then try to make some adjustments again..

side note. I think abu is still giving a 30.00 rebate on revo reels. I have switched to quantum kvd 1000 series it has nice brakes and can be had on ebay brand new for under 75.00 shipped in left retrieve and multiple gear ratios... I have only had one short season on those reels.. I still think you have great reel in front of you that just need some adjustments.

[etanglao]

See below ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HluB1vPg ... ata_player

[Winnebasschamp]

Funny I switched to Shimanos because I prefer the braking system!
I loved my Revos though.. Not sure why I sold em in the first place.. Man some of you missed out on some good deals!
Use what you prefer, a little hint, you always see guys with every different brand of reel, rod. All the pro's have the same rods/reels, yeah I realize they're sponsered whatever BUT it is much easier to switch to another setup if it FEELS exactly the same or real similar to the last one. Makes ya a better cast, more efficient fisherman. I'm amazed more guys don't take advantage of this obvious advantage over the next guy.. AND i feel it's pure B.S. that one reel should be used for this and one for that. They all are great, ideally a reel lineup has all the gear ratios and RH LH. When you start thinking from a tournament aspect towards fishing, I believe you become better overall. Who wants to go out there, catch nothing, and say it was the time of their life? I guess if they got a good BJ from some hot random chick then ya!

[Addicted2Yakkin]

since i am extremely new to the curado and have no experience with the revo take what i say with a grain of salt. i previously used a bps johnny morris reel which had both a centrifugal and a magnetic braking system. that in itself made it more confusing being that it was my first baitcaster. as far as the curado i find myself using either 2 or 4 brakes applied. 2 for heavier lures and 4 for anything lighter (so far, still getting a feel for the reel). as far as what cranked said i think he was dead on. if your spool is blowing up on you in the beginning of the cast tighten the spool tension. if its happening towards the end of the cast apply more of the brakes. this literally jus happened to me the other day as i was trying to get used to the reel. good luck with it.

[Juicebox20002]

Use what you prefer, a little hint, you always see guys with every different brand of reel, rod. All the pro's have the same rods/reels, yeah I realize they're sponsered whatever BUT it is much easier to switch to another setup if it FEELS exactly the same or real similar to the last one. Makes ya a better cast, more efficient fisherman. I'm amazed more guys don't take advantage of this obvious advantage over the next guy.. AND i feel it's pure B.S. that one reel should be used for this and one for that. They all are great, ideally a reel lineup has all the gear ratios and RH LH. When you start thinking from a tournament aspect towards fishing, I believe you become better overall. Who wants to go out there, catch nothing, and say it was the time of their life? I guess if they got a good BJ from some hot random chick then ya!

This is one of the reasons why I kinda wanted to switch to the Daiwa's Exceler's because they offer a 4.9:1, 6.3:1 and a 7.1:1 in LH, it's hard for me to find LH reels with that much variety in gears, still be the same reel and at a decent price. I noticed when I was fishing with the Shimano's and switching back and forth I was spending more than half my time fixing my backlash then fishing. I'm still unsure what I wanna do... thanx for all the help guys.

[Fluke]

Winnebasschamp is right! That is exactly the reason why most tournament fisherman stick with the same setups...that is what I tried to do this year but the gear enthusiast side of me didn't allow it Now I have Shimano's, Abu's, and Lew's reels...

[Bassin' Ted]

Good points Winne.

Guys look at their reels as toys and usually want to get something new each time they get a reel. But if you view your reels as tools, it only makes sense to get the same ones so that all variables of the reels are identical except the gear ratio and line.

Certain times of the year I'll have 3 baitcasting combos set up for pitching. I can go from my Loomis 843 to 844 flawlessly but when I switch to my Croix Tournament Bass 7' er I need a half dozen casts to adjust my pitching. For some reason my pitches with that rod go 10' high in the air after using the Loomis. If I was a tournament guy I would definitely make some type of change but I usually don't have 3 pitching combos with me. Long story short, I agree that having all the same rods and reels models will make you better caster, pitcher, skipper.

[1080tommy]

I get this too! I was out yesterday and picked up a Quantum EXO and have that on a medium heavy acton rod. My other two reels are shimano being a Core 50 Mg7 and my new Chronarch. Those two reels took no effort at all to adjust to. The EXO on the first cast yielded a minor back lash. I tightened the cast control and the second cast was much better but at the end of the cast, the line over ran a bit. I then added a little brake and the third cast was nice. I then had no problem switcing back and forth. Now that I think about it, if I had my choice out of all the combos I have, the Veritas/Chronarch combo is the most balanced combo I have. The Cumara/ Core setup is the lightest setup and great for smaller cranks and finesse style fishing. I can see the benefits of having the same outfits for sure, but as fluke stated, the gear junkie in me will not allow that!!!!

[jaypee the hhf]

lots of good points here.

Why dont you use all revos?

Try the Revo S... all you have to adjust is the cast control knob! (im serious, that reel kicks butt)...it slower gear ratio...makes it great for cranking...and if you need it faster, crank it faster. hehe

[jpatt]

A guy on youtube said to take all of the brakes off then set your spool retention know first. then apply your brakes. It seemed to work for me. On my Revos i did it this way then set my brake to halfway. It seems to work well. I'm not sure about shimanos. I'm also new to baitcasting. I bought a few plastic plugs and practice out on my street at night. Practice makes perfect. Furthermore for me, braid seems easier to control than mono. I also just spooled one of my reels with 15 pound flouro. I'll test it tonight.

[Tikimahn]

Could be the rod/reel combo... a whippy tip will cause more backlashes with a loose tensioner. A friend had the same issue with a different reel, pair it with a stiffer rod and solved the problem.

I'm with you though, I prefer magnetics over centripital pins.

Also, I wouldn't suggest any Casting reel that's under 120-130, that 20 bucks seems to make a world of difference as far anti-backlash. I'm a daiwa guy, they're braking systems great, my reel casts a mile after 6 long years of abuse still. Drags a bit weak compared to other brands, but it's not often your needs 8+pounds of drag around here anyways.

For 120 or something maybe even 100 now you can get the Tierra. Solid reel, smooth, easy to control. Textured paint so you can grip it while it's wet.

[stinkb8]

what I do when I get a new reel is put 30 feet on set the reel tension high and the breaking setting high as it goes (10) with 40 pound line with a 1 oz weight and make adjustments to what I think need to be done in my very own personal opinion this is the way to do it I personally think it's trial and error. I am a beginner with bait casters but this is what has been working for me. side note 3 weeks ago I was fishing with Ron chi and I told him back lashes where easy to get out so I slammed a 3/4 oz lure on the water n got over run like none other and couldn't get out, good god did I feel like an idiot