Questions about a baitcasting reel?

Question

I just recently got my first baitcasting reel. I absolutely love it. I still haven't perfected it, but I hardly ever get birds nests, and can cast it pretty well now. But I do have a few questions that I need answered and I haven't been able to find it anywhere I looked. Any help you all can give me would be appreciated.

First of all, the type of reel I have is a Pennacle Platinum Plus Baitcasting Reel with 6 Stainless Steel Bearings, 8 Magnets with Ten Position Adjustable Cast Control, High Speed 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, Unlimited Anti-Reverse, and 12lb./120ft. Line Capacity.

(1) What type and length rod should I be looking for. I currently have it on the same rod my old spin-cast reel was on (Zebco 1845C 7' Heavy action Z-Glass rod, it doesn't say on the rod or on their website what line capacity it has but the combo was pre-spooled with 20lb mono). Is this rod okay, or do I need to get a different one? Any suggestions, because it doesn't seem strong enough or sensitive enough to me?

(2) What brand, type, and weight of line do you suggest. I am mainly targeting catfish right now and have been using Spiderwire 10lb Braided line with a Trilene 8lb Flourocarbon leader. What do you think?

(3) Any suggestions on how to get it to cast farther. I know a lot of it is in just practicing and getting the settings right, but no matter what setting I have it on it doesn't seem to improve the cast distance. I don't have much of a problem with birds nests because I have good thumb control, so I can put it on any setting. Is there a specific way to get it to go farther, or do you think my rod may be having a negative effect on my cast?

(4) Playing the fish. I've had this reel for about four days and we've gone fishing three times since I've gotten it. Two of those days I hooked up two really big fish but lost both of them because I had trouble playing them. How do you play a fish with a baitcasting reel? Do you have to press the button down so they can pull out the line to run, or will it come out automatically? They don't seem to be able to pull it out without the button depressed, so do you think my drag is just set too high? I've never been too good with getting the drag set properly, so any tips on this would help me significantly. How do you know when you need more or less drag?

Thanks. I know it's a lot of questions, but PLEASE try to answer all of them when you answer if you are able to. I appreciate any help that you can give me.

Answer 1

6-6 to 7ft graphite med. to heavy

10 to 14 lb mono-filament stren is what i use

rare back and let your bait load up on your rod when you do it you'll know it

always keep pressure on them but also keep your drag loose

Answer 2

As for the rod - you're going to want something that compliments the type of fishing you're doing.  The line weight that you WANT to use, and the type of fishing determine the rod.  For bait fishing for catfish, I'd suggest something like a 7-7'6 rated up to 15 or 17lbs.  If you want to continue using 10lb braid, which is no problem, then you'll want to have a rod that's a little on the soft side.  This is to cushion the braid since it will have no stretch to it.  So a rod like - (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa... the GC704 model on this page.  

As for the line you're using, that's fine.  I wouldn't worry about using flouro on catfish though.  They're not that picky.  The point with flouro is that you can up the line weight you're using because the fish "can't" see it.  You can even just to 15/20lb braided line, since it's only about 6lb diameter, and gain a little strength and save a little money since it will take a little less to fill up the spool.  Any 8-12lb mono/flouro will do fine as a leader.  

The rod can have a lot to do with how far you're able to cast.  If the rod is too stiff, then you're not going to get enough flex in the rod to "spring" your cast very far.  The length of the rod also plays into the casting distance, but in your case, I wouldn't worry about it too much since you obviously are able to cast far ENOUGH to reach fish.  If you're looking for a longer cast, then a slightly lighter rod with more flex will help you.  

And then there's the drag....yeah, if you have to depress the free spool/thumb bar just to let the fish have some line, then you're WAY too tight.  The fish should be able to put some flex in the rod before the drag kicks in.  However, the way I set my drag is to tighten it little by little, as I test after each tightening by puling on the line.  Once it get's almost difficult to pull, you're just about right.  you can always tighten the drag a little more (or loosen it) when you're fighting the fish.  Then you'll be able to dial in the right setting that you feel comfortable with.  And once you get a new rod, that setting might change some.  

Answer 3

Congratulations on your aquisition. You will find precise casting becomes more easily acheived with each cast.

1) rod length and hip and tip strength is not a given. It is solely based on the type of baits you will be throwing. I (as many do) have nine bait casters mounted on different length and strength rods I use long 7' heavy hips medium taper (lighter to medium strength tips) for crankbait fishing and conversely rods for jig and worm fishing more up and down I use a heavy action pitching stick of 6' length. NEVER buy a two piece rod! (for a baitcaster)

2) I (because of years on waters all over the western U S) like fishing lite lines almost always green lo vis but strong and abrasion resistant. I use 6 pound test for halibut yeh I loose some big ones but I catch over 25 legals a year too. I use 8 pound for crankbaits and 12 pound for fishing jigs off rocks and deep water. I landed a 54pound white sea bass on 18 pound

3) I had the captain of a chater boat tell me he had never seen anyone cast further with a levelwind than I was one day. (secret # 115) I rip it by barely thumbing the line as it wants to exceed the spools speed during the cast you slow its spinning speed and it allows the spool to catch up. Also use shimano grease (only) it is the best!

4) the rod plays the fish the rell brings in the line the line keeps you in contact with the fish. if your line broke, bad line. If you just unsnapped your rod tip wasn't strong enough to set the hook through the hard jaw of the fish. but setting the drag to the perfect tension allowing for line to come out when those big fish turn away from you and want their freedom back is all in practice.

(secret # 116 ) never.... ever... drop the tip of the rod. never listen to anyone talking when fighting a fish and never ever loose your concentration on boating the beast. loose concentration ... loose fish

Answer 4

when catfishing i use a 7 foot medium-heavy action ugly stik cat rod and stepping down to a medium-heavy action will help your casting distance a little. for line use something around a 30 pound braided line (braided so you can fit more line). as far as drag goes, i determine by the type of fish im fishing for and you dont have to press the release down to let out line some baitcasters dont make any noise when fish are doggin it to cover. if im fishing for catfish ill set my drag to where its a little bit of a pull on my part to get it to move.

just remember if fishing was easy everyone would do it  

Answer 5

Really good question.  It sounds like you're doing everything right to me.   I would try some mono like Berkley Big-game Trilene in 12 pound test.  Spiderwire usually cast further in smaller diameter on some reels, I've had some baitcasters that just don't cast it well.  I always tell beginning baitcasters to practice with mono first before going to braid.  Loosen your reel tension k**b on the right side of reel to loosen the spool, it will help you cast further if you can control backlash.  That's the trade-off.  I would also get a good quality graphite rod, they are lighter and easier to handle.  Stick with a 6 1/2 or 7 footer to cast further.  Bass Pro has some nice and affordable rods.  They won't wear you out and you'll be able to put some swing into your cast without loosing strength.  In the end, practice, practice, practice, practice.......you get the point.  Practice in the yard when you're not fishing.  Do your homework before game-day.  Fish everyday you can and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.  No one can go out on the water and cast in every situation confidently without practicing.  And you won't be able to outcast someone who's been on the water longer with the same drive as yourself.  But it will come, your casting will improve with time.  You sound like someone who is serious and that's the right attitude to take it to the next level.  As for playing the fish, make sure your drag is not too tight to prevent a break off.  Also the Berkley mono is the best for the money and you get a lot of it.  I use 15 pound mono on my baitcaster, but I would start with 12 pound.  Tight lines and good luck.

Answer 6

call me a cheater! I would send you straight to youtube and search for catfishing tips and tricks--look at what the pros are using and follow their advice!

I grew up on southern california, catfishing the colorado river and many many lakes with some lunkers in 'em.

1. ditch the heavy action fiberglass rod, this is too much for the average catfish. You want something that will flex and make it fun to land the smaller fish and it will make it a challenge to the the LUNKERS! I dont want a winch on a stick--theres no fight. Stick with the rods 7-8 ft in length, go longer and you can score much longer casts--I used to have a 12 ft shorecaster--that was fun to throw with.

2. the reel will work like its designed to. Like the others have said--practice practice practice. I would get an extra rig, go to the lake or river throw one line in to fish with and take the second line to throw for practice. I would start with using your thumb to slow the spool down to prevent that nasty backlash rats nest. use your typical rig and weight and you'll get the feel of the rod/reel combo. Use the spool tensioner on the side of the reel, also known as the sissy drag! You can tighten it down lil bit to keep that spool from free-spooling on you and minimize the backlash. The fishing veterans will call you a sissy if you have to use it though...haahaa. Practice your accuracy, length and use landmarks to measure your casting ability. dont forget to have fun!

3. fishing line??  catfish could care less what you use, they are nocturnal feeders for the most part and arent line-shy-- I loved using the green P-line, 10-20lb test..the smaller the diameter fishing line the further it will FLY! LOAD your reel, you want it an 1/8inch for being over-full...the line flies of the spool faster with less resistance giving you further casting ability.

4. adjust your drag...thats the star shaped gear nest to the handle. This is what you use plus the rod to fight the fish. Good sharp hooks will help get better hook sets which will keep your fish from spitting the hook. Loosen the star drag, catch a fish and start tightening the drag--you want a firm tension on the line but not too much that the line will stretch and eventually break.  

Answer 7

for the reel that you have, i would suggest that you read the booklet that came with the reel or contact the manufacture & get the booklet.

as far as rods, i use medium weight casting rods, of 6-7' in length.

as far as line, i, prefer power pro braid, in 30#, with a 10# - 14# leader

you adjust the drag, using the star wheel, next to your reel handle