Tobin Strickland – Special Correspondent:
Many highly engineered and precisely built casting reels come ready to rock right out of the box. But why is it that we still see owners of new reels continuing to cast mediocre distances and getting backlashes? Let’s take a look at fine-tuning that new rocket launcher on your rod to get the most out of it.
Many who are upgrading a reel from an out-dated model will find the new reels look a little different on the inside. While the newest centrifugal braking mechanisms look a little different, they are easy to adjust and provide more range of braking power and a more “feathered” or precise brake setting. If you are not routinely casting beyond the 25-yard mark, then its time to look at some settings, proper lubrication or a new reel.
First, the simplest adjustment to make is the spool tension knob. The knob adjusts the amount of friction placed on the end of the spool shafts. With the lure just hanging from the end of the rod tip, first tighten the knob, then release your thumb and slowly unscrew the tension knob until the lure just begins to fall.
Next, moving to the left side plate you’ll see the centrifugal brake external setting. The newest Lew’s LFS (Lighter Faster Stronger) reels have an entirely different braking mechanism. If you are new to throwing lighter lures, start with a setting of about 4-6. If you are fine-tuning for distance, slowly begin to lower the setting. If you get any over-run then increase the setting 1 or 2 clicks.
Make a cast and see how the brakes control the spool speed without thumbing the reel. With lighter lures, I find that I get the most cast distance by just barely backing off the spool tension knob 1 click; I call this “opening up the real.” Heavier baits and casting into the wind will require a higher brake setting. Lighter lures and casting with the wind will allow a lower brake setting. From here, I’ll slowly adjust the external brake setting to maximize cast distance. If you want the most distance, the LFS system and others like it can be fine adjusted to only impart the slightest amount of braking while still adding a precise cast-control. In the end, I find that I can still adjust l click lighter and only slightly, manually feather the spool edge with the thumb. This is where you’ll get your longest cast distances.
Finally, one last note to fine tuning your new reel. If you ever have a need to lubricate your reel, it’s imperative that reel grease only be placed on gears. Never use more than one drop of oil on the bearings, and always allow it to wet and then wick through on its side. Many times some of the best reels have reduced cast distance due to improper lubrication. Now with your new reel tuned and lubricated properly, you should see your cast distance on the increase along with your catch.
Tobin created TroutSupport.com – Tech Support for Speckled Trout and Redfish anglers to catch more and bigger fish, more often, and more consistently.