Can't Skip or Cast Accurately? Reel Adjustment Tricks That Work!

Wonder why you can't skip, flip, or make long casts? Learn how good fishermen are actually adjusting their reels!
Matt explains the "traditional" method of reel adjustment but follows it up with real tips on how he tunes every one of his reels so he can cast farther and fish cover more effectively.
Gear Shown in this video...
Shimano Zodias MH Casting Rod: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Shimano Citica Reel: bit.ly/2dWFHA4
Shimano 6'10" Medium Expride: bit.ly/2czPlZl
Shimano Chronarch MGL: bit.ly/2n8DghB
Matt's Favorite Braided Line: bit.ly/2ae93Ji
Matt's Favorite Leader Material: bit.ly/2ae97J9
Why do the pros cast so effectively? Why can they skip and flip into tight spots but when you try you get backlash after backlash? Some of it is time on the water but some of it is real adjustment. If you loosen everything up and learn to control the spool with your thumb you will become a much more effective fisherman.
We hope you enjoyed this underwater video! If you did please subscribe to the channel so you can see more of our content. From How To fishing videos to big bass catches, we're here to teach you how to bass fish. Have a great day!
Using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
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[@lilymalacon944]

I spooled it with 8 LB test mono for lighter lures, gave it some practice casts and found that it did cast well kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e , except that the anti-backlash setting had to be turned up almost all of the way to keep the "overcasts' ' down. I disassembled it, and found that if I potted some "shim washers" behind that anti-backlash magnet assembly, it got the magnets closer to the spool without rubbing, and I could get better control with about a 6 to 7 out out 10-Max setting. I also noticed that the handle shaft had some internal end play, maybe only 2 or 3 thousands of an inch, but it's still noticeable. If the anti-backlash and shaft tolerances were "tightened up" this would be a fantastic value. I've only used it for 4 days of fishing in a month's time, but I plan on keeping it.

[@ctyakfishin1039]

Finally! Someone who explained it correctly and in a manner that all skill levels can understand. Thanks for sharing Matt

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@johnglenn4433]

Finally! Someone who knows how to teach. I ended up on this video following a search for Curado braking. How ro set the brake. I learned so much more. Thank you!!!

[@ddewjr]

These older videos are so very helpful beyond what to buy.

[@youtubecomments5951]

Love your videos. Took me couple days to get used to a baitcaster and learn the settings. And after watching this and a few others that I’m also subscribed to, I’ve learned how to skip. It’s not as hard as people think. What I did was make the tension so tight that you have to jerk it for the lure to fall a bit. The angle was easy. Birdnested like 10 times today but eventually I got multiple skips without backlash. Now I can fish small tunnels. Now I’m a month in using baitcaster and I’m skipping!

[@youtubecomments5951]

Ohh yeah. My setup Lews custom xp Baitcast combo. 7’ medium heavy, fast action. Strike king weedless jig paired with missile baits D bomb and xps 17lb fluorocarbon kvd signature series

[@reellifebassfishingalexrey1330]

lol ill say it again, your hands down my favorite person to just sit here and listen to, ive learned sooo much from you, thanks soo much

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@lojofishing]

Skipping is definitely tough, so I really appreciate these tips.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching

[@jasonbrisco]

Use a spinning reel... easy peasy

[@demonqb9]

Time to get the skip into my repertoire w/the Bc...just havent forced the rough day of backlashes on Myself..great convo nice vid..thank you

[@theoriginaltech019]

4 years later Lojo still can't skip ;)

[@sergeslariviere6786]

Fantastic! I've been using bait casters for some time and thought I knew how to adjust them properly but after watching your video I immediately went outside and tried it, I could not believe the difference it made. I can actually hit my targets and caste a lot father than I have every been able to. As you said the trick is your thumb. thank you so much for the tip.

[@billfromelma]

Hey Matt, great information, my buddy is Mr thumb. He drives me crazy when I watch him pitch docks. His accuracy is insane. And he always out fishes me. Practice, practice, practice.

[@tacticalbassin]

Its amazing when you watch someone who is really good at it!

[@phillipnewby5283]

This video has been probably the single most beneficial casting reel setup video I've seen. I've been using a casting reel for years using the "beginner" technique and it worked well, but I always wondered how the pros and veterans did it. Now I know, and it instantly changed the game for me. Thanks Matt!

[@fiogalchenko1140]

Just purchased the 2020 metanium mbl and nrx jig rod and now I can actually tune my reel properly; how little I knew about bass fishing before bumping into your channel recently! Thanks for all that you do

[@adrianguajardo8141]

Definitely THE best channel for learning how to do it right. I’ve been watching you guys for just a couple of months and I’ve improved dramatically by applying your tips; and I’m a bank fisherman. Thanks gents and keep it up.

[@nimafari518]

Wow thank you Matt! I am still working on this and have figured it out over time.. but I just Thank You so much! We absorb everything you say because you are authentic and true. Clearlake and the north bay is extremely Lucky to have you. KZbin has been a nightmare to try to learn the ins and outs of why and why not without having to be sold a cooler or a t wing reel. You guys are awesome!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks so much!

[@fyescas777]

Still watching this video 3 years later, even after I watched it 3 years ago.

[@Beanflip]

From 48k to now! Wow. Enlightening reel set up info. It’s like it was information I immediately could understand but couldn’t perceive on my own. I always just went with the “standard”. Thank you

[@shesbitchingimfishing5302]

it's insane u guys don't have 500k subs , best channel by far,

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!

[@realjeffgarrett]

For real!

[@alexfalkinburg7040]

Yeah you guys definitely deserve at least 500k if not a million. I've learned so much of this channel its insane.

[@johnnyk3788]

You appreciate the support but WE APPRECIATE A WELL DONE FISHING CHANNEL!!!! :) Keep it up. You are one of my favorites. Give great tips and tricks. Been fishing all my 36 yrs, but just got my first baitcaster. Friends and co workers laughed because they don't like them, or can't use them. I wanted to try, and at this point (after a few weeks, maybe 20hrs of fishing), I've gotten the spool tension knob down to nothing at all, but I keep my magnets between 3 - 5 depending on the lures. A similar video talking about magnetic brakes would be nice too. One thing I did notice is exactly what you are saying about feeling the bottom. I really did notice a difference between my spinning reels, and my baitcaster. I can feel the bottom so much better with the baitcaster. A video on "baitcaster vs Spinning" would be nice too. Explaining the times when one is better then the other and vise versa. Or why you would tend to use one over the other. Unless you already have those vids, and I just haven't gotten to them yet. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! I'll be watching!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks so much John and that spinning vs. baitcasting idea is a great one!

[@zeppelin1n4]

Amazing video, you have taken my angling to the next level and I appreciate it. When I first starting watching you I got skunked 50% of the time and now I catch a limit almost every time I’m on the water

[@COdrummaCO]

These are pretty key things, when I first started with a baitcaster no one talked about the pendulum effect with the tensioner on but something I very quickly noticed.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Caleb!

[@dcrfishing7561]

This video is exactly what I needed to hear at this point in order to make a personal progression in my skill levels. Thank you guys, awesome information as always.

[@DavidMcArthurFisherman]

Love your grasp of details. I had never considered how my spool tension affected the underwater performance of my baits. Thanks.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching David!

[@bbflbigbellyfishingleague]

One of, if not my favorite fishing channel. I'm decently new to bait casting but for some reason it just came naturally to me. I've been wanting to start pitching and more advanced things. This video is exactly what I think I need to do! Thanks for the help!!!

[@Dusty_D_Adventures]

How on earth are you guys not yet at 100K subs?! Y'all have fantastic content, and your videos such as this one are so so informative for rookie baitcaster anglers like me. Keep the content coming Matt and Tim!!

[@gamezilluh]

can't believe you guys only have 50k subs. That's just plain silly! I love how you talked about mechanical resistance and how it will drive you up a wall. I thought I was crazy. Great video fellas!

[@robertchillcott7669]

The Tension Control Knob and the Pendelum Effect was explained very simple in terms of fishing close to cover

[@r.l.o.646]

I feel better after watching your video, I'm not new to baitcasters but learned the same method of having everything tight on the reel when I started. After I got comfortable with that I felt limited and always heard how much farther you could cast with baitcasters from other fisherman and I wasn't feeling it. Started slowly adjusting the brake and spool tension and I was amazed. Still fish spinning tackle for certain baits but I will never go back to spinning reels only. Informative video, thanks for all your awesome videos Matt.

[@noeldoe4817]

Great channel Im new to using a baitcaster and last season I was backlashing every other cast. I went out yesterday with some education I learned from your channel and I got no backlash and more distance. Keep up the great work

[@antondahl7885]

Excellent advice. Thanks Matt. Baitcasting tackle is my favorite. I started with the Swedish made Ambassadeurs in the 70's. I also have a real nice collection of vintage bait casting tackle,from the early 1900's and some possibly even earlier. Old rods and lures too. This tackle is a blast to fish. These old reels were amazing in quality,nearly indestructible. If you can cast them,you can cast any reel. Love your shows. Fabulous information. Thanks for sharing your hard-earned knowledge so generously. The only way us fishermen get great is by loving it. I've always been crazy about fishing. Bass are delicious too. But I always release all large fish(over 3 pounds) precisely and promptly where I caught them.

[@08mario08]

awesome tips, I was having trouble flipping the other day. now I'm more confident with this tips

[@romanholowka9558]

Glad you posted this. More people should know how to set theirs like this. I do the same thing, but I prefer 2 brakes on with a loose spool. Still falls straight, but easier to cast on those windy days haha

[@barrycrawford5144]

Awesome tip that truly makes a difference, as usual.. Great work as usual

[@projectj3494]

Can’t believe you guys are only at 48k... meanwhile some of these other KZbin guys are at well over 500k and aren’t nearly as good as you guys!! By far one of the best and informative bass fishing channels on this platform. Keep up the good work you’ll get there soon enough I’m sure!!

[@RAHMX145]

This is priceless advice and I agree 100% with wanting to be able to feel everything without any mechanical interference. Thank you very much!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@flikdurbean349]

One tip to add for skipping especially, is to not overfill your baitcaster with line. Leave about 1/4" between loaded line and spool lip. This has helped me alot with skipping, especially when its windy.

[@tacticalbassin]

Great tip!

[@usernamemykel]

@@tacticalbassin What does he mean by "skipping"?

[@tasteetoesOG]

usernamemykel skipping jigs or other lures under docks or above water cover. I skip a lot of wacky rigged worms with a finesse rod. Essentially it makes the bait “skip” across the water. Similar to skipping rocks.

[@scottblow7154]

Or use a spinning rod and skip the lightest baits with no worries

[@rmaley69]

Thanks Matt! I'm a newbie to the baitcasters after years of fishing spinning reels exclusively. It's definitely been a learning curve. This has been the best video out of over a dozen I've watched describing the beginning and progression of using this style of reel. It has helped me a lot.

[@xlxDirtyxlx1]

Matt ive been fishing with a baitcaster for 5 years. After watching this, I now understand how it works. I thought I knew, but now I know.

[@jrutigliano19]

Trying to get into a baitcaster but i feel like i always run into a problem when i use them. Thats great to see that you guys have doubled your guys subscribers in just under year. Thank you for the knowledge that you give to the fisherman who are striving to get better at what we love.

[@andrewhoeft2710]

This all makes complete sense to me. Thanks Matt! I'm still in the loosening phase... but I'm gettin there.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

As usual another awesome informational video from TacticalBassin! A little bit more info than the other one you and Tim did was just enough to explain the why's and why not's for me- Thanks and Tight Lines.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@jmcrawford9]

Good stuff. I just finally took the jump into baitcasting reels and this is great information presented excellently. One of the few youtube channels I subscribe to. It's so easy to see how this channel is one above the rest.

[@donbarbieri]

Excellent video Matt!! Very informative. Been fishing with baitcasters for a long time and feel comfortable with them. But this will help me get even better. Awesome content as always!!!

[@bassintime6879]

Here 2 years later to watch again, awesome information man, started out with brakes locked down, I'm just about at a free spool now.

[@bradduff5898]

49k subs ! Let's keep it going guys! Matt and Tim are awesome, and give great info. Thanks for all the work you two put into it. Looking forward to the future of this channel with you guys. 👍🏻

[@tonyo3742]

Brad Duff It's crazy they don't have more subs such an awesome channel!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks so much Brad and Tony!

[@Silver_Gray]

Hi Matt - I've watched too many of your videos to not be a subscriber, so I hit that button! I am a seasoned novice with a bait caster, used them for years, but I can't skip a bait without backlashing 75% of the time. This past year I mostly used shimano curado I's with my rods. Can you explain how loosening my reel even more will help me skip better? Or to save you time, just tell me that it will if you are confident and I'll change it up accordingly. Thanks!

[@jsmall5297]

67k👍

[@midwestfischerman]

Who else foresaw Matt and Tim hitting HALF A MILLION subs???? Me.🙋🏼‍♂️🙋🏼😁 CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!

[@smithvegasbassassassin9406]

Thanks for the tips! Getting ready to head out to the water right now! Definitely gonna try this on a couple of my baitcasters! Thanks again for the tips, and keep on that grind my man! 🐟🎣

[@brodytwyman5951]

Never thought of it this way. Super helpful

[@vegasvato55]

Finally someone tells us beginners something useful... Thank You !!!

[@jamesmain743]

Great video. You explained it spot on. I gotten to the point where I pretty much free spool all my reels. So much more control and casting distance.

[@aviator1352]

That just explained a hell of a lot about what I am doing wrong. But I knew in the end it would always be in the thumb control. Thanks bud.

[@herbsteiner1013]

Hey guys, greetings from Lake Travis TX... I was intrigued by the title of this vid. My main casting problem is skipping under docks. For me, a spinning reel skips better that a baitcaster, though the BC is my main reel for general use. I'd like to see a video on your approach to skipping, especially wrist position and movement, and target selection.

[@TheLife1100]

You are explaining so simple and clearly.Thank you.

[@dylananderson6649]

great breakdown helped me out a lot

[@mikekane9206]

love watching y'all!! Have learned a lot of new things and how to apply them hear on Lake Okeechobee. Awesome job and keep em coming!!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Thanks for watching Mike!

[@bowtieokie7661]

Great info! Love how indepth you go with the teaching.

[@jamiebrown4507]

of all the video's I've watched this is the best one thanks for the the advice I've been using a baitcaster for 3 weeks so far this just made perfect

[@jesslanders1700]

By far the best explaination I have heard. Thank you for your advice.

[@frankguerra3314]

Thank u so much, I been fishing for years but I started using a bait caster. I love the way u explain things..ty

[@malcolmzoll7613]

Matt, another great video,I have fish along time and it seems that I learn something new or something I forgot every time I watch your video great job

[@gtfishing8117]

You guys deserve so much more subs! Keep it up!

[@WereAllThatBored]

Just bought a Cuarado and these are my exact setting minus the side knock. I can cast weightless senkos with no problem. Great advice,

[@BassYakwards]

You guys are simply awesome. Channel goals right here. Been a fan for awhile because you guys keep things real all the time. If you’re ever in Ohio and want to get on some kayaks let me know!

[@eddieboswell6068]

Great video, now after years of fishing I know the best way to adjust my reels. Thanks for your expertise!

[@brandonwinter1456]

226k + subs now. Great job! Love the content!

[@justincollins8776]

Wow!! That's the most in depth explination I have every dreamed of hearing. If I didnt know what you meant,Id probly think you were nutz,but knowing the feel from experience lets me understand. Thanks for the video man,once again even something as simple as adjusting a reel you find a way to communicate what you mean like noone else.

[@mikegoeller9573]

These guys give most detailed and informative tips on the web. So much so it has inspired me to post something about anything for the very first time. Super job guys. Keep up the good work!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks so much Mike!

[@pengulubantin32]

always find useful information on your vlog man.. keep it up

[@lloydburton8671]

Awesome video. And as one person said you took the time and explained it so everyone could understand. Awesome job Thanks

[@sidneytorresjr7284]

Good tip for a noob like myself. This actually applies to a situation I found myself in yesterday. I was trying to flip into a bed and had a lot of trouble hitting my target. Turns out my reel is way to tight and this video confirmed that. Thanks!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Go back and get them!

[@danbarnes7924]

wow- just found this! great video and info, excellent explanation- Thanks Matt!

[@khristine51]

That you!, you answered every possible questions I had! Nice video!

[@JoeWS54]

without a doubt this is the best fishing channel on youtube!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Joe!

[@MasterGhilieman]

I wish this video was around when I first started using baitcasting reels! Great video guys, I picked up several finer details which I'll be trying tomorrow!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud!

[@Kenforty-i]

Under rated channel, This channel is full of great information and tips. Keep up the good work!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Ken!

[@soulportraits]

Dude, love the nuance of this video! I've been fishing with one break but I haven't known it was okay to loosen up the spool tension beyond a controlled fall rate. I can't wait to loosen it up, gain more control with my thumb and on the bait performance. I'm still looking for the spinnerbait and buzz bait tuning video. After I catch a few fish with one I haven't figured out how to tune them back so they run straight again. Keep the great videos coming. I'm learning a ton.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Bud! Glad to hear it inspired you!

[@kushairiroslei]

The best explaination so far...seriously, this is the truth.

[@gratefuljoe9252]

Great advice. Thanks a million.

[@bassinthegrass876]

awesome video! very in depth and helped explain a lot. I started to loosen my baitcasters a lot more last season, and notice a huge difference in my casting accuracy as well as ammount of fish I had caught. very good points made in this video. keep up the great work! cheers from Canada

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks!

[@mike333h]

Thanks a lot for the tips.

[@scottyharris4454]

Y'all are awesome! Keep up the good work👍

[@JoelFishes]

This is really helpful, thanks Matt and Tim. I'm newer to baitcasters and I feel like these types of videos often skim over parts that they assume are common knowledge, but aren't always common to those new to these reels or equipment. I'm certainly in that newer category after using spinning reels my entire life, and struggling with both ends of the spectrum - lack of control when the reel is tight, and backlashes when it's loose. This video definitely broke it down more than I'm used to seeing and helped me understand where my problem is - namely, thumb control. Thanks again.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Joel!

[@germanaderius4053]

Been watching your videos & realized I never subscribed ! I just took care of that, great channel 👍

[@my71chevro1et]

As a guy that is still using only spinning gear and starting to contemplate that switch to casting gear, this is a lot of positive, practical information. 49760 subs as of this post, awesome growth for the best real fishing channel on KZbin. Hats in stock yet?

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks so much Ian! We're expecting the hats any day... they're late now so we're just waiting on the arrival.

[@garylukas3476]

Awesome tip one of the best channels for all around fishing knowledge. Thanks

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Gary!

[@joshbayless6835]

Good stuff as always Matt. I've been at it for quite a while but you threw some new tips in here for me to try out. I just picked up a Curado 200hg for my smaller swimbaits and swim jigs and plan to experiment a little with it! Keep it coming guys.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Josh!

[@kishorsukumaran7647]

it's a great help indeed after watching your video.thank you very much dude

[@traviswells8180]

Excellent video. 👌

[@madaluna452]

Thanks guys I can't believe how much I have learn by just watching your guys videos thanks 1,000...!!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffcarter3624]

Thank you for explaining this...makes sense.

[@cklspencer]

thanks for those awesome tips. I just started with a bait caster a few days ago and this info help a ton.

[@tacticalbassin]

Enjoy it!

[@wuquanchi]

I am training my thumb for zero brakes! Thanks for the video and for making the difference.

[@Lightworks1111]

Looking at 52k now. Thanks Matt for the pro tips. I'm going to try loosening up more. I do like the idea of the bait free falling- and I tend to just pull the line out by hand a lot to let it..

[@johnhughes3963]

Backlash ducks. Great stuff Matt

[@fredthebasspro2256]

Really appreciate all the good tips. 10/10

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Fred!

[@gonzalesa101]

love all my your videos man love how you guys go in depth when explaining THANKS 🎣

[@tacticalbassin]

You got it, thanks for watching!

[@lazarus822]

Thanks a ton for this video, I picked up my first baitcaster (Casitas) a few weeks ago and this is going to save me some headache. Been out twice since I bought it but still have not thrown a line on it since it has been very windy both times, so stuck with my spinning reel to save the frustration. Will keep these tips in mind for sure!

[@tacticalbassin]

Good luck Cameron!

[@latch360]

Thanks for this!

[@MarkNJBass]

Well done!

[@KENNEY1023]

your knowledge of fishing and equipment is awesome.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Ken!

[@stevebattista6686]

Awesome guys keep up the good work...

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Steve!

[@czykrepublic4323]

Great video Matt!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks!

[@kylehenderson2257]

really like these kinds of videos!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Kyle!