newbie to baitcasters

[bearessentials]

hi guys, looking for a bit of advice..
about a year ago i bought a second hand curado, it is a b5.1, one of the green bantam ones..
it has fireline on it, i think it is 10 pd. ive got it matched to a 2-4 kg live fibre texallium rod..
can someone explain to me how or what the brakes should be set at, or what they affect? i am learning to cast it, and getting better with my accuracy, but about every 4th cast the spool just fluffs up with birds nests. it is as if the spool is spinning quicker than the line is going out..
the birds nests clear easy enough, but this isnt real good if i have an expectant barra on the other end...
the braid was on it when i got it, but am happy to change to a different variety if anyone thinks it will help, i am a big fan of finns, but not sure if this will make my problems worse...
any tips or tricks will be greatly appreciated..

[snodger 08]

Hi mate. The Bantum was a good real from all accounts, but I am no expert on them. I know this may sound like a silly question, but are you thumbing the real when you cast?
I also got told that when you release the spool with the spool release trigger that the lure should slowly drop to the ground. If it runs too fast the brake needs to be on a bit more. If it doesnt drop then it needs to be loosened. If you use that guide it should work for whatever weight lure you put on.
If your going to chase Barra with it I reckon you should probably upgrade to 40 or 50lb finns or 50lb (yellow) tuffline. A lot of tackle shops will spool it with finns if you ask them. It usually ends up cheaper than buying a spool and doing it yourself, and the line gets packed on to the reel with the right tension.
Dont forget to use some mono backing before putting the braid on or the braid may spin on the reel under pressure. Its like having a drag working all the time and you cant tighten it up.
Hope that helps.
Steve

[Steve B]

Steve (Snodger) has pretty much explained it all. Only thing I will add, is get rid of the fireline. Fused super lines (ie fireline) are great on spin gear and not really good on baitcasters for some reason. Try 30-50lb Finns, tuffline, or whatever takes your fancy that isnt a fused line.

CHeers Steve

[bearessentials]

thanks guys, yea snodger i am thumbing the spool, but didnt know about that trick, will definately have to adjust the brakes then as my lure just falls to the ground like a bag of shite....

cheers steveb, i will definately go a different braid, i really like finns on all my spin gear so will give it a go. i dont like the fact that the fireline is so stiff..
cheers again guys, hopefully will be pullin in some nice hinchinbrook barra in a couple of weeks..

[snodger 08]

Good luck Bear. Hope you smash em.

[Red_Nut]

Absolutely agree about offloading the Fireline. I had some on a baitcaster a couple of years ago, it only stayed on for one trip. I use Platil and Platypus Super Braid, both have been good.

If you get the reel spooled with braid at a local tackle store, ask them to give you a quick baitcasting lesson. I find most local tackle stores are pretty happy to help out customers, particularly how to throw a cast net or use a bait caster.

It really helps to have a good relationship with the local stores, particularly if you find people that know their stuff.

Cheers.

Ed.