Backlashes can be frustrating, particularly when they happen at the wrong moment. Few fishing experiences are more disappointing than hooking a good fish and then losing it because your spool develops a tangled bird's nest during the cast. That happened to me while fishing for steelhead on Vancouver Island. A powerful fish took my presentation and immediately took off while I was dealing with a backlash. The line eventually snapped, the fish was gone, and I learned a lesson that many anglers learn when they start using baitcasting reels: they require some preparation, adjustment and practice.
Baitcasting reels offer excellent casting accuracy, lure control, power and line management, but they also require more attention from the angler than spinning reels. Spool tension, brake settings, thumb control and casting technique all affect how quickly the spool rotates. If the spool is turning faster than the lure is pulling line from it, the result can be a backlash.
The good news is that today's baitcasting reels are generally easier to learn than many older models. Improved braking systems, smoother spools and greater adjustability give anglers more ways to control the spool. Once you understand how spool tension, braking and thumb control work together, you can use a baitcasting reel effectively for bass fishing, inshore fishing, swimbaits, flipping, pitching and fishing around heavy cover.
- The Reason for My Debacle
- What is a Backlash?
- Get to Know Your Baitcasting Reel
- How to Adjust Spool Tension
- Baitcasting Reel Braking Systems
- Centrifugal Braking Systems
- Magnetic Braking Systems
- Digital Braking Systems
- Adjusting the Braking System
- Develop Your Technique
- How to Make a Sidearm (Roll) Cast
- How to Make an Overhead Cast
- Common Beginner Mistakes
- Choosing the Right Line and Lure Weight
- How to Prevent Backlashes
- How to Remove a Backlash
- Conclusion
- We’re Here to Help!
The Reason for My Debacle
Of course, the reason for my debacle was that I was still learning how to use a baitcasting reel. Like many anglers, I had to learn that baitcasters require some adjustment and a little more attention during the cast than spinning reels.
Well, I've learned a bit since then, and in the interest of saving you some frustration, I'm going to explain how to adjust your baitcasting reel and cast with fewer backlashes. The three keys to successful baitcasting are understanding your reel, learning how to adjust it and developing a consistent casting technique through practice.
When anglers have trouble with baitcasters, the problem often comes down to spool speed, lure weight, reel settings or thumb control. Fortunately, these are all things that can be improved with proper adjustment and practice.
What is a Backlash?
A fishing reel backlash, also known as a bird's nest, occurs when fishing line becomes tangled into loops and overruns on the spool of a baitcasting reel. This happens when the spool rotates faster than the line can leave the reel during the cast.
Backlashes can occur at different points during a cast. An early backlash may result from an overly aggressive cast or insufficient spool tension. An overrun in the middle of the cast can be caused by wind, lure resistance or brake settings. A backlash near the end of the cast can occur when the lure begins to slow down but the spool is still rotating.
The basic idea behind preventing a backlash is to keep spool speed under control so it remains reasonably well matched to the speed at which the lure is pulling line from the reel. Spool tension, the braking system and thumb control all play a part.
Get to Know Your Baitcasting Reel
As mentioned above, backlashes can result from casting technique or from the way the spool tension and braking system are adjusted. Before making adjustments, it helps to understand the major components of a baitcasting reel and what each one does.
The spool tension knob controls resistance on the spool, particularly when it starts and stops. The braking system helps control spool speed during the cast. The thumb bar disengages the spool for casting, while your thumb provides another means of controlling the spool as the lure travels toward its target.
Understanding how these controls work together can make baitcasting equipment much easier to use.
Why Baitcasting Reels Offer Better Control
Baitcasting reels are particularly useful when casting accuracy, lure control and power are important. They allow anglers to pitch around heavy cover, skip lures beneath docks, control spool speed with the thumb and fish heavier line effectively.
Because the spool rotates as line leaves the reel, baitcasting equipment can also provide a direct connection between the angler and the lure.
How to Adjust Spool Tension
The adjustment knob for spool tension is usually located on the side plate of the reel near the cranking handle. Proper spool tension can help make learning to use a baitcaster easier.
- Set up your rod and reel and tie on one of your preferred lures.
- Tighten the spool tension knob by turning it clockwise.
- Hold the rod parallel to the ground with the lure hanging a few inches below the rod tip.
- Depress the thumb bar or release button to disengage the spool.
- Loosen the spool tension knob by turning it counterclockwise until the lure begins descending slowly toward the ground.
- When the lure hits the ground, the spool should stop turning immediately. If the spool continues spinning, increase tension slightly and repeat.
Many beginners loosen spool tension in an effort to gain more casting distance. When you're learning, however, starting with a little more tension can make it easier to control the spool and develop your thumb technique.
How Lure Weight Affects Spool Tension
Spool tension may need to be adjusted when you make a significant change in lure weight. Heavier lures pull line from the reel more readily, while lighter lures require more careful control and a smoother casting motion.
Changing from a relatively heavy lure to a much lighter one without making any other reel adjustments can increase the likelihood of a backlash.
Baitcasting Reel Braking Systems
Along with spool tension, most baitcasting reels use a braking system to help control spool rotation during the cast. Modern braking systems have made baitcasting reels considerably more user-friendly than many older designs.
There are three primary types of braking systems used today: centrifugal, magnetic and digital.
Each system controls spool speed in a different way, but they all serve the same basic purpose: helping prevent the spool from overrunning the line.
Centrifugal Braking Systems
Centrifugal braking systems use small brake shoes or weights that move outward as spool speed increases. The resulting friction helps slow the spool, particularly during the faster part of the cast.
Centrifugal systems can provide a good combination of free-spool performance and spool control. Depending on the reel, the brakes may be adjusted by removing the side plate or through an external adjustment.
When Centrifugal Brakes Work Best
Centrifugal systems can work particularly well with heavier lures, faster casting styles and situations where spool speed is high at the beginning of the cast.
Some experienced bass anglers prefer centrifugal systems because they provide spool control without adding as much resistance later in the cast.
Magnetic Braking Systems
Magnetic braking systems use magnets positioned near the spool to create resistance as spool speed increases. One advantage of these systems is that the braking level can usually be changed externally with a dial.
Magnetic brakes can be a good choice for anglers learning to use a baitcaster because adjustments are quick and straightforward.
Increasing magnetic braking adds resistance to the spool and can help reduce backlashes. Reducing the braking allows the spool to rotate more freely, which may help increase casting distance as your technique improves.
Why Beginners Often Prefer Magnetic Brakes
Magnetic systems are convenient to fine-tune while fishing. An angler can increase the braking when casting into the wind or with a lighter lure, then reduce it when conditions and lure weight allow.
That adjustability can make magnetic systems relatively forgiving while you're learning.
Digital Braking Systems
Digital braking systems use electronics and spool-speed sensors to vary braking force as the spool rotates. Rather than relying on a fixed braking setting throughout the cast, the system can respond to changes in spool speed.
These systems can make casting easier for anglers who are still developing their thumb control. They also tend to be more expensive than conventional braking systems.
Adjusting the Braking System
Regardless of the type of braking system, beginners may find it easier to start with moderate to relatively heavy braking. More braking can reduce casting distance somewhat, but it can also make the spool easier to control while you're learning.
As your technique improves, you can gradually reduce the braking and see how the reel responds.
Experienced anglers often adjust their braking according to lure weight, wind conditions and casting style.
How Wind Affects Brake Settings
Casting into the wind increases resistance on the lure and can make a backlash more likely. In those conditions, adding some braking or spool tension may help. When casting with the wind, you may be able to use less braking.
Wind can also contribute to mid-cast overruns, particularly when casting lighter or more wind-resistant lures.
Develop Your Technique
Like many skills, becoming comfortable with a baitcasting reel takes practice. A smooth casting motion is generally more useful than simply trying to cast harder. A sudden acceleration can cause the spool to spin quickly before the lure has picked up enough speed to pull line from the reel.
The two most common casts used by anglers are the overhead cast and the sidearm roll cast.
How to Make a Sidearm (Roll) Cast
For low, controlled casts beneath docks, trees and overhanging cover, the sidearm roll cast is extremely effective.
- Hold the rod parallel to the water with the lure hanging 1–2 feet below the rod tip.
- With the reel disengaged and your thumb lightly controlling the spool, smoothly draw the rod back sideways.
- Accelerate the rod forward in a smooth rolling motion and release thumb pressure around the 10 o’clock position.
- Feather the spool lightly during flight and stop the spool completely just before the lure touches the water.
Sidearm casts are excellent for skipping lures under cover because they maintain low trajectory and controlled spool speed.
How to Make an Overhead Cast
For long casts over open water, the overhead cast remains the most common baitcasting technique.
- Hold the rod parallel to the water with the lure hanging 1–2 feet below the rod tip.
- Draw the rod backward over your shoulder smoothly.
- Accelerate forward and release thumb pressure around the 10 o’clock position.
- Feather the spool during flight and stop spool rotation just before splashdown.
Proper overhead casting relies on timing and smooth acceleration rather than brute force.
Common Beginner Mistakes
New baitcaster users often encounter the same basic problems. Casting too aggressively, using too little braking, failing to feather the spool and trying to cast very light lures on equipment better suited to heavier lures can all contribute to backlashes.
Another common mistake is concentrating on casting distance before developing control and consistency.
Why Smooth Motion Matters More Than Power
Baitcasting reels respond well to smooth acceleration. A sudden, forceful motion can cause the spool to accelerate faster than the lure can pull line away from it.
A smoother casting motion generally makes it easier to control the spool and avoid backlashes.
Choosing the Right Line and Lure Weight
Line type and lure weight both affect baitcasting performance. Heavier lures generally make learning easier because they maintain tension on the line as they travel away from the reel.
Braided line can provide good casting distance and sensitivity, but it can also dig into itself on the spool if the line is not properly managed. Monofilament can be a more forgiving choice for someone learning to use a baitcaster.
Starting with medium-weight lures is a reasonable way to become familiar with the basic mechanics of baitcasting.
How to Prevent Backlashes
Reducing backlashes comes down to proper reel adjustment, smooth casting technique and thumb control.
Feather the spool during the cast and be prepared to stop the spool as the lure approaches the water. If you're learning, start with more conservative brake and spool-tension settings and gradually loosen them as you become more comfortable.
Practicing in an open area without obstructions gives you a chance to concentrate on the reel and casting motion rather than worrying about where the lure will land.
How to Remove a Backlash
Even experienced anglers occasionally backlash a baitcaster. When it happens, it helps to avoid pulling aggressively on the line, which can tighten the loops and make the problem more difficult to resolve.
Apply light thumb pressure to the spool, pull the line gently and slowly rotate the handle as necessary to help free buried loops. With a moderate backlash, patience will often allow you to clear the tangle without cutting the line.
Conclusion
Becoming comfortable with a baitcasting reel takes some patience and practice. Once you understand the basic adjustments and develop a feel for controlling the spool with your thumb, baitcasters can provide excellent casting accuracy, lure control and power.
Proper spool tension, brake settings, a smooth casting motion and thumb control all work together to reduce backlashes and improve your casting. With practice, a baitcasting reel can become a useful and versatile tool for bass fishing, inshore fishing and fishing around heavy cover.
We’re Here to Help!
West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next fishing trip. From the latest in fishing reels, to free line spooling and locally assorted tackle in most of our stores, we have the expertise you need to get ready. Use our store locator to find a store near you.
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