How to Cast a Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel - Baitcaster for Beginners

[@yorkshirelad2]

Im subscribed! Your tutorials are great bro. Short, sharp and straight to the point. Too many youtubers spend 15 minutes chatting shit just to show how to tie one knot

[@FishingwithNat]

I like efficiency. No need to waste my time or yours. I agree that too many videos are full of unnecessary fluff just to try to get more watch time.

[@Rustyshackleferdish]

Can you help? So if you are right handed. You hold the pole in the left hand now? ​@FishingwithNat

[@yorkshirelad2]

@@Rustyshackleferdish No hold it with your right and wind with your left hand

[@swish3814]

Nat is the best! None of that gatekeeping of knowledge thats so common in the fishing community nowadays. Simple, easy to grasp, and accesible for all!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thank you for the comment and I'm glad you enjoy my videos.

[@dominickdetore8480]

Baitcaster mystery solved thanks again Nat!

[@FishingwithNat]

Excellent. Glad I could help.

[@iwasfixin2b]

You have no idea how much I appreciate this video.

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for the feedback.

[@CaliFishing5]

I recently started fishing and I binged all of your videos. You inspired me to start fishing and sometimes I play your videos on the tv in my living room and my whole entire family watched!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - I appreciate the nice comment. Glad you enjoyed the videos!

[@Vulthoomdagon]

I've recently started fishing weekly with my friends, I binged your videos and I've been catching more than my other friends which is making them jealous. Thanks for your help with everything, appreciate how direct your videos are, unlike most that are trying to catch that monetization by drawing stuff out super hard.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't like to waste my time or yours on long videos full of fluff! Glad I could help you catch more fish than your friends! 😀

[@andrewdelk9876]

Nat, you make the best videos. To the point and knowledgeable. Keep it up man!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - I appreciate the comment.

[@Essoterra]

I got a baitcaster because i wanted to switch it up from a spinning and it confused the heck out of me. I was absolutely destroyed by backlashes. Thank you for the guide ❤

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@micograal182]

Thanks for the video, I’m quite new to fishing and bought my first fishing rod as baitcaster 😂 I had no idea and thought they operate the same like the spinning reel mechanism minus all the technical brakes, tension knob and drag but I’m having fun and been playing around with it in my backyard, got a few backlashes but I’m getting there. Now I can’t wait to put it in the test in the lake.

[@FishingwithNat]

Baitcasters are the hardest to learn on but once you master the baitcaster, the other types will be a breeze to learn!

[@davidwilliams1805]

More good information for those new to throwing a baitcaster. Keep up the good work buddy! Thank you!

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad you liked it! 🙂

[@eclipsesmoonshine405]

You really deserve more subscribers- This channel is so underrated. I just started fishing to connect with my grandpa who passed away last year. Got some old High School buddies to help teach me. It was the most fun I’ve ever had. I’m binge watching all your videos as often as I can so I can learn more without having to go out and fish since I don’t have my own rod yet.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thank you - I appreciate the comment. Good luck fishing and don't be afraid to ask questions.

[@labronmiller9150]

Nat you do a great job both informing me and entertaining me. I have been fishing for about 60 years now and have almost always used a baitcaster, both traditional round and low profile. But one thing I have always wondered about. When casting, I find I get more back lashes casting overhand and fewer when using a side arm method. Could you address why this happens in a future video? I would appreciate it. Thanks again for your awesome videos, especially the under water ones.

[@FishingwithNat]

I'll see if I can work that into a future video. To answer your question, you get more backlashes from overhand casts because the long arc of the lure causes a drastic decrease in speed that the line is being pulled out, but the spool continues to spin quickly. That causes a bunch of extra line to pile up on the spool and create a backlash.

[@docjohnson3980]

Straight to the point love this video

[@FishingwithNat]

Excellent - thanks

[@Cornelius798]

Your casting tips help a lot, thanks!

[@FishingwithNat]

Great - I'm glad to hear you found the video helpful. 🙂

[@gav1937]

I have been binging the beginner fishing videos and they have been a great help! Could you do another short video like this one about fixing birdsnest on the fly?

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have a list of upcoming video topics but I'll try to work that in too.

[@macc12cj]

Thanks for the lesson I enjoy your videos I got a few pointers 👍💯

[@FishingwithNat]

Thank you - I appreciate your feedback

[@chrischrist7982]

Totally awesome video

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks!

[@Greg0948]

Can you please show how to tie your line to the bait caster? I always struggle to figure out which knot I should use. thank you, and I love your videos.❤️

[@FishingwithNat]

Yes, thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate your comment.

[@ZacharyWilli-ge4qh]

Just use a uni knot! Easy to tie and it tightens on itself

[@rubberbandzz186]

Great video! I just started fishing with a 90 dollar abu garcia rod. Ive been thinking about the switch the spin cast I use right now seems less effective.

[@FishingwithNat]

Spinning reels and baitcasters will definitely give you better control/accuracy and longer casts, as well as better sensitivity.

[@pauls2731]

Great video. Super helpful!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@menace3726]

Just got into fishing the past few weeks and have caught the fishing fever. I just started using a baitcaster and this video was very helpful, but i do have one question. When casting with a baitcaster do you have to throttle the spool with your thumb? Or do you just stop it with your thumb before it hits the water to prevent backlashes/birdsnests? Love the video and the content as well

[@FishingwithNat]

Thumbing/feathering the spool is a good idea if you're casting into the wind or if you're aiming for a very specific spot. You can slow the lure down as you approach the target and get it to drop in just the right spot. If you're casting downwind or on a calm day or not looking for a precise cast, you don't need to feather the spool with your thumb. Just make sure to get your thumb back on it before the lure hits.

[@TheKboy-22]

Yo this is a great tutorial, is there any possibility you can make one for fixing back lash/birds nest?

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm working on several other videos right now but I'll add that to my list.

[@sohammane4893]

Man I finally fixed my spin reel and went fishing and I actually caught some fairly sizable blue gill. Next time I’m gonna aim for trout with my in line spinner.

[@FishingwithNat]

Excellent!

[@uniepc8433]

Amazing and very informational video! I just wanted to know what setup you are using?

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. That's an Ugly Stik Carbon 7-foot medium-heavy casting rod with an Abu Garcia Revo reel. Both are excellent. amzn.to/3ZIg1jw alnk.to/e76N9SY

[@petergargis9936]

Thanks Nat! Do you have any suggestions for rod/reel to get for my first baitcaster. I’m going for bass and smaller pike fish.

[@FishingwithNat]

I've been very happy with my Abu Garcia Revo. It's a nice reel at a reasonable price. I would just caution against buying a cheap one - they are more prone to poor casting distance and other problems. Here's a link to the Revo alnk.to/e76N9SY

[@HoboDude51]

Thanks for the tips! Went out trying my first baitcaster but I still got a couple backlashes. Quick question, do you have to slow down the spool with your thumb as it is mid air or just thumb it straight to a halt right before it hits water?

[@FishingwithNat]

Either. If the cast looks to be going well, just let it spin until the bait gets just about to the water. If it looks like it's going farther than you want (like into a tree or past that spot you're aiming for), you can slow it down at any point.

[@HoboDude51]

@@FishingwithNat got it, thanks for the help.

[@FishingwithNat]

@@HoboDude51 Glad to help

[@stephenhumphrey1767]

You got any idea of how to skip under docks without birdsnesting? Seen people do it before, but I can't even wrap my head around how to approach it let alone practice. Great vid!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. A skip cast is most often done with a roll cast where the bottom of the roll puts the lure within inches of the water, and there is enough speed to cause the bait to gently bounce off of the water repeatedly. This works best when the water surface is really calm, otherwise the waves may cause the bounces to be too high. Those bounces will also slow your lure suddenly, while your spool continues to spin, causing a backlash. Practice on really calm water with a flat-sided, soft plastic lure. That will give you the best chance to get better at it without a lot of backlashes.

[@stephenhumphrey1767]

Incredibly helpful, thanks!

[@FishingwithNat]

@@stephenhumphrey1767 Cool - good luck!

[@nofcereal]

Thank you for all your advice ! I just noticed that you hold your rod and reel in the same hand. Are you doing this for a specific reason or is it just a habit?

[@FishingwithNat]

Baitcasters come in both right-hand and left-hand retrieve designs. I have both and don't really have a preference. It's really up to the individual angler to decide which way they prefer. Some like to switch hands after a cast and others don't.

[@Bragaul]

I've got a medium heavy rod with 20lb mono to learn how to use my new baitcaster that I eventually want to use for shore fishing for salmon. I'm doing well casting heavier lures, but I'm really struggling with the light ones, like topwater frogs. Any tips? Should I use a different setup or keep practicing until I get it right?

[@FishingwithNat]

I think practicing with heavier lures is good to get you comfortable with the casting motion. 20lb mono is pretty stiff so it will reduce your casting distance because of the friction of the line within the reel. A lot of people use braided lines for this reason because braid is 1/2 or less of the diameter of an equivalent-weight mono line, which allows for much farther casting. 20lb is a good strength for shore fishing for salmon. I hauled in 5 chinooks this week from my kayak and I was using 15lb braid, but I also have the ability to chase them down a bit to get line back in. When you're on shore, you need to have strong line and tight drag to battle them. I'd suggest putting 20lb or 30lb braid on the baitcaster or on a sturdy spinning reel. Medium-heavy is a good weight rod for salmon.

[@davila713]

You are a beast 👍👍

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed the video

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

How long should it take to get the hang of this? I'm still new to baitcasters (I got my first one a couple months ago, I've taken it out twice. Yesterday (13 July 2024) I spent about 20 minutes trying to get it right. I got a couple good casts but for the most part I looked like a total noob. I can work a spinning reel well enough, but this thing... I changed from a frog to a small spinner bait and I had to start all over again. Are there baits I just shouldn't use? I did the reel tension adjustment for the spinner, too. That much I have picked up, that I might need to reset the tension for each different lure. Most of the casts, but for those few I mentioned, went SPLOOSH right at my feet almost. Yes, I was releasing the lure when I was still pointing like you're suggesting. Before I'm pointing the rod at my target. Anyway, I got it on sale at walmart so no big loss if it's just a bum reel. Thanks, DC

[@FishingwithNat]

I would suggest using a heavy lure to practice and learn, and honestly, just go out with the goal of getting practice and NOT catching fish. Focus entirely on your casting technique and getting better at it. After a couple of hours, you should be really good at it. What kind of line is on it? If it's thick monofilament or fluoro, that could also impact how friendly it is to casting.

[@sky1army423]

Hey, fishing with Nat, what type of line to use for pike and bass fishing, braid or mono??

[@FishingwithNat]

I like braid with a mono/fluoro leader for both of those. I don't like using mono over 12lb strength as a main line, and pike teeth will easily cut that, so you'd need a heavier mono leader anyway. I like the small diameter of braid for better casting distance with the abrasion resistance of a mono or fluoro leader.

[@Swataia]

My extra advice to beginners is that at first start with a heavier bait that doesn't care much of the wind, like a 10-20g jighead or spoon. Then smaller the weight of the lure once you have started to learn casting. Then you also want to gradually take off the brakes. You will eventually find yourself with a backlash but not many times. Hardest to master are light crankbaits for me, because they have a lot of wind surface but not weight. Happy fishing to everyone!

[@FishingwithNat]

I agree. Wind can really be an enemy to a person learning how to use a baitcaster.

[@ryanb82]

Do you absolutely HAVE to keep your thumb on the spool when casting? If you don't, I assume the spool would spin faster than the line can be pulled off of it. Seems like you'd loose a bit of casting distance by keeping your thumb on the spool.

[@FishingwithNat]

You don't keep your thumb on the spool when casting - you lift it just barely above the line. This allows the line to come out easily (a.k.a. free spool) and you can lower your thumb to either stop the lure entirely or "thumb the spool", which means to gradually slow the spool.

[@Fishcatcher22]

Can you show me how to do a overhand cast

[@FishingwithNat]

I demonstrate an overhand cast in the How to Cast a Spinning Reel video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6DEpoN_pN2Ha6c

[@Redneck.channel22]

Oh my God, thank you so much. You help me

[@FishingwithNat]

Happy to help!

[@JoshMedrano-nr6nj]

What rod and reel combo are you using in this video? I’m looking to buy my first baitcaster setup and and wondering if the one in the video is a good one.

[@FishingwithNat]

It's an Ugly Stik Carbon medium-heavy 7ft rod and an Abu Garcia Revo baitcaster. Both are great. Here are links to both if you want to check them out: Reel alnk.to/e76N9SY Rod amzn.to/3VD0XS0

[@iBLaYnE17]

As a beginner looking to get into fishing, this feels like learning to drive a manual car. Ima just go with the spinning reel, seems easier.

[@FishingwithNat]

A spinning reel is easier, yes. But manual transmissions are fun and baitcasters can be too. 🙂

[@micograal182]

Does having less brake means you should be good at throwing or casting so it doesn’t end up with bird nests?

[@FishingwithNat]

Once you get good with a smooth casting motion and feathering the spool with your thumb (precisely slowly it down as needed), you can dial the brakes and tension knob down more for more casting distance.

[@pgnhrybc7321]

I know in the video before this about how to cast a spinning reel you only did the overhead cast. Can you use that same cast for a baitcaster and vice versa?

[@FishingwithNat]

You can do lots of casting techniques with a spinning reel. Overhead casts are not the best with baitcasters because of the large arc that the bait takes, which effects the amount of line that the lure is pulling out of the reel. If your spool ends up spinning faster than the lure is pulling the line out, you'll end up with a nasty bird's nest in your reel. Keeping your lure low when casting with a baitcaster is better to avoid tangles, as long as you get your thumb back on the spool before the lure hits the water.

[@irishoc17]

What would be your recommendation of left hand vs right hand retrieve? I have spinning rods with left hand retrieve but seems most people use right hand for baitcasters, not sure why?

[@FishingwithNat]

Baitcasters all used to be right-hand retrieve. Now you can find just about every baitcaster available with right or left-retrieve. It's really a matter of preference - whatever feels best to you. My spinning reels all have the handle on the left side. I have baitcasters with left and right-retrieve. I still don't think I have a preference one way or the other.

[@Darnakas]

I've noticed that when i started watching baitcast videos that americans do switch hands after casting. Why not use reels with the handle on the left side? Always wondered if this is something for better handling 😅 Sry for bad english, greetings from germany ✌️

[@FishingwithNat]

I have left-retrieve and right-retrieve baitcasters and don't really have a preference either way. Left-retrieve baitcasters have become more common, especially when people are used to spinning reels with the handle on the left and they want to stick with that setup with baitcasters too. I'd say it's still more common for baitcasters to have the handle on the right side.

[@nsselite]

So when do you need to use the brakes that it has? I just remember hearing the more weight on the lure more tension on the brake the lighter the lure the less you do.

[@FishingwithNat]

What you said applies to the spool tension knob. If you switch from a heavier lure to a lighter lure, you'd have to loosen the spool tension knob or your light lure will hardly be able to cast at all. You should turn up the brakes when casting into the wind or when using heavy lures. But once you get a lot of experience with baitcasters, you can use just your thumb to regulate the spinning speed of the spool and turn the brakes most or all of the way down.

[@gregory3108]

Baitcasting is long shot lessons🙄 adjusting its mechanism is one thing, casting = practicing is another , I recommend an open field first, with just 1/ 4 ounce weight, and then switch to a lure / each lure must be calibrated ☝ with your baitcaster reel , it is a lengthy process still its casting range is far better compared to any traditional reel ...especially while fishing on a boat or kayak , again be patient 👍

[@FishingwithNat]

Casting in a field with a sinker is a good idea to practice.

[@mannyg9059]

How do I bait cast lighter unweighted plastic worms. I just bought an Abu Garcia's Black Max bait caster, and I am trying hard to learn the braking system with very little success. I don't get too many back lashes, but I can't cast over twenty feet. I've used spinning reels all of my fishing life. I'm trying to transition to bait casters. Help, please!!!

[@FishingwithNat]

Baitcasters are not great with light lures. The newer "bait finesse system (BFS)" baitcasters are intended to be used for light lures and they do a better job. I still absolutely prefer spinning reels for small lures though.

[@jpeischen4788]

Would you be able to show how the drag works on your rod, and when you turn it up or down?

[@FishingwithNat]

Specifically on a baitcaster or on other types of reels as well?

[@jpeischen4788]

@@FishingwithNat other types would be awesome

[@FishingwithNat]

@@jpeischen4788 OK, thanks for the feedback. I'm working on a few others right now but I'll add that topic to my list.

[@wirdanrafi]

Reason why i hate baitcaster reel : 1. It cost more than Spinning Reel 2. Prone to backlash 3. Handle is fixed / unable to switching left or right 4. Harder to maintain due it has lot small part 5. More prone to get rust from saltwater than average spinning reel spinning

[@FishingwithNat]

I use both but I use my spinning reels more often. There's something special about a smooth and silent spinning reel on a calm day.

[@stephenhumphrey1767]

In my experience there's very little that a baitcaster can do that a spinning reel can't, but some things are just easier to with a baitcaster (and ofc, vice versa). I find myself being far more accurate, casting faster, and overall have a higher chance at bringing a fish in due to the higher gear ratios. I also just find the skill ceiling of them satisfying. Lots of people hate them, and they do have a lot of drawbacks so I understand. I really enjoy using them.

[@FishingwithNat]

@@stephenhumphrey1767 Good points. They definitely excel in how quickly they can retrieve a bait due to the high gear ratios. I prefer the feel of a spinning reel but I use both for different purposes.

[@unclemao3473]

I have this exact reel lol diffrent pattern on the cord but essentially the same

[@FishingwithNat]

It's a nice reel. Smooth and affordable.

[@unclemao3473]

@@FishingwithNat it was a pain in the ass the line that came with it was tsrrible but a fun learning curve

[@FishingwithNat]

@@unclemao3473 When a reel comes prespooled with line, it's usually not great line and you'll just have lots of problems casting.

[@contest_void]

I was taught to use a baitcaster first so I’ve always thought that spinning reels required a lot more skill😂

[@FishingwithNat]

Funny how that changes depending on what you learned on first!

[@IsaKhan-tz6lc]

Hi I'm 14 just got my first bait caster it the ugly stick baitcaster and I need to spool It i have 10 pound florucarbon 15 pound braid 20 pound Berkley mono can u plz tell me what to use in gonna spool it in a hour

[@FishingwithNat]

It really depends what you're going to use it for. A frogging rod would be better off with 30lb braid. 10lb fluoro would be good for crankbaits or general open-water fishing. 20lb mono is pretty thick stuff. I don't really use 20lb mono for main line because of the thickness and the amount of memory that it has.

[@IsaKhan-tz6lc]

@@FishingwithNat so what do u think I should fill it with

[@FishingwithNat]

@@IsaKhan-tz6lc Use the 10lb fluoro if you are planning to fish more in open water, or the 30lb braid if you're fishing around heavy vegetation or other dense cover.

[@IsaKhan-tz6lc]

@@FishingwithNat ok thank u

[@matylda3367]

How long can cast

[@FishingwithNat]

The length of your cast depends on the weight of your line and lure, and the rod you're using. With a heavy jig, spinnerbait, or chatterbait, I can probably launch it 100-120 feet with 20lb braided line and a 7-foot medium-heavy rod.

[@matylda3367]

@@FishingwithNat thanks

[@eastonheflin-sv4qs]

do hold the the when it hits the water or before

[@eastonheflin-sv4qs]

do u hold the line when it hits the water or before

[@FishingwithNat]

@@eastonheflin-sv4qs You need to put your finger on the spool just before it hits the water. As soon as the lure hits the water, it's going to slow down dramatically but your reel is going to take longer to slow down unless you put your thumb on the spool.

[@jeffbezos9677]

how to tie up a baitcast reel

[@FishingwithNat]

I'll make a video demonstrating that soon

[@belkaletyaga2021]

Купи цветы - праздник победы- 9 мая

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for watching