How to Cast a Baitcaster/Levelwind Reel

Learning to cast with a baitcaster/levelwind reel is difficult at first. Watch here to see how to prevent backlashes/birdsnest. And always remember to practice, practice, practice! Fish to Learn, Fish for Life!
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• How to Cast a Baitcast...
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Chatt Cats Fishing encourages Freedom of Speech. But please be mindful, respectful, and appropriate with your comments; otherwise, the comments will be removed (i.e. foul language, vulgarity, etc.).

[@Capt_Billy]

8 foot American Spirit rods help with casting a lot too! The spool tension helps with casting a ton. Adjust it every time you cast bait out since bait is a different weight every time. Slow and steady drop to the ground. Not hanging and not dropping like a rock.

[@ChattCats]

+Panfish Thanks for the tip.

[@Ralphieisthegreatest]

Thank you! Finally someone who can explain/show you how to do it! I knew how but I had bad childhood memories from fishing Nebraska ponds and cutting out 3000 miles of birds nests.

[@ChattCats]

Glad to help, Ralph! FISH ON!

[@temptingfate759]

Thanks for the video I generally only troll with my reel but casting tomorrow...I wasn't sure you could cast with these reels...thanks!

[@ChattCats]

Glad I could help!

[@beybladedraco15]

This was a giant help cause I just started with these reels and i want to start using them for now on cause i like to catfish thank you very very very much i really appreciate it

[@jimbilbrey298]

I have always used spincast reels now I own bait casters. Can't wait to go practice okay thanks for the videos keep them coming my friend

[@ChattCats]

+Jim Bilbrey Glad to help!

[@stargazer2756]

I did this but I kept forgetting to put my thumb there and got a huge mess. It was very windy also so I am sure that added to it. I do like the reel but when you get a birdsnest, its pretty maddening! I will keep on practicing with it.

[@ChattCats]

Yep, just keep practicing. Soon it will be second nature.

[@dovnse]

I have the same reel but left handed, ive tried adjusting and still get backlash and it makes a weird buzzing sound when casting. Can you explain how to adjust for any oz lure? Ex: Tension, drag, lever and the silver switch on the left side.

[@ChattCats]

Turn off the bait clicker to get rid of the buzzing sound. It's the round silver button on the side of the reel. Should be able to push it up to turn it off. The other silver button on the other side is the spool tension. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose.

[@Hunter-dy7my]

thanks man ! most helpful video ever! ive never been good with levelwind reels and always wanted to master them at casting and now im good thanks!

[@ChattCats]

+hunter00357 Glad it helped.

[@kevinyang743]

Awesome Vid! I am new to these Reels and I felt so dumb playing with my reel! I tied a 8oz sinker and my line wouldn't drop and I thought my reel was broken until I saw your video. Thanks a bunch and super helpful!

[@ChattCats]

Glad to help!

[@feralgoat3771]

since I use a baitcasster for bass regularly will it be easy to catch on I just got one for an ocean rig I ain't tryna nest first trip

[@morelhunter3966]

I've used spin casters my while life. Just recently switched to level wind conventional reel. It's a blast to use. I already prefer it to a spincaster.

[@Shurmash]

I know this is an old comment but have you picked up a baitcaster yet?

[@morelhunter3966]

@@Shurmash yes switched to baitcasters years ago. 😄 I like Lews personally.

[@withinthishour08]

Thanks for the tips from maybe catch the biggest bass ever of the year

[@phillipbeaver209]

I have no problems casting my bait caster, it's a matter of how you adjust your tensioner.

[@brynnallen9744]

I got a big cat fever rod and penn squall to go with it took me a bit to figure out how to cast that thing

[@ChargingActive]

but just before the weight lands on water shouldn't you stop it

[@ChattCats]

I typically let the sinker hit the bottom and then I push the spool lever up

[@ManuelGuzman-df7jk]

Hey I’m new to these reels and I did seem to notice there’s a small switch/button on the left side but I wasn’t sure what it does 🤔

[@ChattCats]

That's the bait clicker/bait runner

[@blindghost69]

can i use it for surf casting and bottom jigging with 2 different rods ? (long distance casting from a beach)

[@ChattCats]

Yes.

[@imoises1]

How far would you be able to cast with that reel?

[@ChattCats]

Probably 50 yards at most

[@jayyy_24]

So that lever on the right actually works the same as a thumb bar on a normal baitcasting reel?

[@ChattCats]

You still need to thumb the spool when you cast it. The lever engages/disengages the spool if that makes sense.

[@joshuajohnson3386]

Thanks for this. Very informative. -current bird nest owner 😢

[@ChattCats]

Thanks for watching! I've had my fair share of bird nests too.

[@iangodfrey4518]

Hey man, sorry to hear about the birds nest ... never mind. I bought a Blue Daiwa 4HM Millionaire ... *at least* 30 years or so ago. maybe more. Anyhow, I was just a kid in my mid teens, and birds nests galore. I was disappointed. I tried using it on and off but it became more just an object to look at and get out from time to time and lament the money I spent on it. I never used it. Long story short, 20 years ago or so, my parents moved to another state in Australia, and as I had practically given up fishing, I gave my dad my fishing gear to add to his collection. Well he passed in 2019, and I got my mother to send me his fishing gear, which arrived a couple of weeks ago. In the collection was a bunch of stuff, and of course some of my old gear - a Mitchell reel, and the Daiwa 4HM. Well I have been fishing last week with one of my boys, but I am going fishing tomorrow with two of them this time, so I have spent the past couple of hours setting up a few rods, including one for me - with that old Daiwa 4HM Millionaire baitcaster, that was mine, went to my dad, and has now come back to me, all those years later... We're going to fish off the Jetty at Semaphore in Adelaide South Australia tomorrow. I have bought a couple of crab nets too for the occasion.

[@iangodfrey4518]

@@ChattCats See my other message in this thread. I'm going to give that 4HM a descent work out - hopefully with no birds nests. Thanks for the video.

[@jrol8370]

With level wind reels you don’t have to guide the line back with your thumb ??

[@timothyturner9134]

Is it Just like a bait casster but you don’t have to push the actual spool in you just use the little lever? Never used either I’m a open face spinner type of lad

[@ChattCats]

Yes.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi is that a combo like it a lot thanks

[@acytoh]

Good explaination Thanks! Even though it is a trolling reel, is it good for other kind of fishing too ?

[@ChattCats]

I use these reels when anchor fishing and fishing from the bank. They work good for me.

[@bosesebi6685]

is Okuma Classic CLX that same type of reel ? and what length of rod goes best for that sort of usage ( for max distance ), thinking of 12 ounce lead and bait weights

[@ChattCats]

Yes, it's the Okuma Classic CLX. You can use it on a 7-10' rod.

[@johnwarden4645]

Thanks for the heads up .God loves you mate .He made you. HAPPY FISHING

[@ChattCats]

Thanks 👍

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi how is that reel was thinking about getting one myself thanks

[@ChattCats]

Very good. I still use them.

[@j4ckzilla615]

I am planning to get one of these so i can catfish a river and pond that i know has catfish. I have a big driveway so i will just throw on a 2 oz weight and practice.

[@seanytoyguns8638]

When I try to cast my level wind reel, The lever clicks back to the lock position a lot and my bait ends up coming off from the force. How do I prevent this

[@ChattCats]

Maybe try loosening the spool tension adjustment knob

[@cody7141]

I'm having the hardest time with this reel. Was told it would work for bass fishing and lighter weights. Using a light bullet weight the lure goes nowhere and it backlashes everytime.

[@ChattCats]

I don't recommend this reel for bass unless you are trolling for striper. Keep practicing. Casting with a baitcaster or levelwind reel takes time and patience.

[@rock3times]

If you can afford, buy a new baitcaster...NEW one has TWO " braking" systems: the line tensor and replacement the thumb with a second " centrifugal brake"...play with BOTH with EACH lures will minimize bird nests..I like the Kastking Speed demon baitcaster..there is the spinning version as well but that is another kind of reel.

[@Habitation2023]

Is the tensioner the same as the drag? How do you set the drag?

[@ChattCats]

No. The tensioner controls how fast the spool spins when casting. The drag on this particular reel is the star knob on the right side of the reel. When you move it forward it tightens; move it back it loosens.

[@Habitation2023]

@@ChattCats thank you!

[@rajk5085]

always find somewhere with power lines overhead to practice casting that's what the pros do . honest..

[@andycliett3346]

Raj K ha

[@connorhall4427]

Also with bushes behind you

[@Maxim.Teleguz]

Hahaha

[@penpenstraveldairiesptd34]

i actuallyhave the same reel as yours but my problem is as i pull the line the handle keeps on rotating but the lever is pointing at a no sign..please ehlp me thanks

[@ChattCats]

Have you tried tightening up the bolts on the reel?

[@penpenstraveldairiesptd34]

sorry om just new in fishing what do you mean bolt? the drag ?

[@christiancaballero4143]

What’s the little silver button on the left side of the reel used for?!!

[@ChattCats]

Bait clicker

[@alonsoluna6326]

What is the reel you are using

[@ChattCats]

Okuma Classic XT

[@rondellperry8320]

I love my spinning reels baitcasters scenes like they're always butterflying and difficult I might try one just for kicks

[@Kylewhilecrocodile]

What kind of level wind reel is that?

[@ChattCats]

Okuma CLX 300La

[@brandonnunez2600]

What case do you use to pack it in?

[@ChattCats]

I don't pack it in a case.

[@brandonnunez2600]

Okay I was just wondering, wanted to take it to Belize

[@gabrielarellano4356]

Can you tell me the proper use of clicker? Thanks!

[@ChattCats]

The clicker serves as a bait alarm. When it's on your line is in free spool mode. The fish will run with the bait and you will hear the line go out.

[@gabrielarellano4356]

@@ChattCats Thank you!

[@demigawdz6770]

I can’t get mine to cast it’s my first level wind/baitcaster in general I followed every step. I believe that somethings too tight. I loosened the drag but it still won’t cast.

[@ChattCats]

Maybe check out the spool tension adjustment.

[@LOUDFARTNOISES]

Between the 9' rod, all that line capacity, a fugoff big sinker, and the ridiculous amount of powerlines nearby I'm having a hard time concentrating on what you are trying to explain.

[@ChattCats]

Lol.

[@zachwilsonsburner2037]

Are these reels any good for surf casting?

[@ChattCats]

I recommend a spinning reel if fishing from the surf.

[@nedoscarsandfishingvideos5500]

No

[@blindghost69]

@@nedoscarsandfishingvideos5500 why no tho (just asking)

[@nedoscarsandfishingvideos5500]

@@blindghost69 I just get used to using spinning reel don’t have to worry about bird nest much easier

[@knight5188]

Should i start out with a side cast ?

[@ChattCats]

Sure. That's usually how I cast these reels.

[@knight5188]

Thanks

[@patrickhamilton4943]

Good stuff!!!

[@Popcawnn]

When I push the lever down the line doesn’t drop. Can someone help please?

[@ChattCats]

Loosen the spool tension knob.

[@Popcawnn]

Chatt Cats Fishing thank you man! It turns out that the spool tension knob was actually broken. I returned it today and got a new one and it works great. Thank you!

[@reefgratos2035]

Thats an old video. Are you still using conventional levelwind ? People doing surf fishing are using old school conventional that don't level the line,, they use their right thumb to cast..and they use their left thumb to level evenly the line as their bring back the line.. which one cast the longest distance with or without autoleveling?

[@ChattCats]

Yes. I'm still using the levelwind reels. They do great for me. Not sure if they cast farther compared to the non-levelwind.

[@jordanbanks2836]

How bigs your rod

[@ChattCats]

8'

[@jordanbanks2836]

Thanks

[@socalfrijolito]

Do you fish that pond w that setup? That looks like a setup for medium saltwater game.

[@ChattCats]

No. I use this set up fishing for big catfish in the river. This was just a demonstration on how to cast it.

[@foundbygod2190]

Thank you for this video

[@FatherHogg86]

Awesome video definitely gonna practice a lot 👍🏻👍🏻definitely two thumbs up

[@f.e.a.rforcatfish5745]

What kind of reel is it?

[@ChattCats]

Okuma Classic XT 300-L

[@arnaldomartin6844]

Need help. I bought a similar reel like yours. I have always used spinning ones. My silly question is: the 2 position buttom on your left hand, what is for?. Please. Don' t laugh at me so loud.😅

[@ChattCats]

Can you please be more specific? You say 2 buttons on my left hand. Please clarify.

[@arnaldomartin6844]

Sorry. My handle is on the left, also the drag star and the release line buttoms.... in the right side of the reel, there is a small 2 position buttom that goes up or down.

[@ChattCats]

I think you are referring to the bait clicker. If you push it down it will make a sound when you pull out your line. If you push the lever down while the button is pushed down then it's in free spool mode. Hope that makes sense.

[@fishinginthehood]

Is it call a conventional reel?

[@ChattCats]

Yes.

[@DatNguyen-ek5pk]

that's very helpful. Thank you.

[@ChattCats]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williampedroza8877]

TY very usefull

[@ChattCats]

Glad to help!

[@victorhugooliveiramarcelin2134]

Fala ae nobre seu review foi super útil

[@ChattCats]

Glad to help!

[@cardrips1414]

Very helpful

[@ChattCats]

Glad it helped!

[@rubenmartinez2011]

Right on thanks

[@RWONIN]

Thank you

[@ChattCats]

Glad to help.

[@seedsoutdoors3721]

Make sure you cast over your showder

[@madvtecyoboostin4870]

Derek S lol

[@derek6284]

Chowder

[@seedsoutdoors3721]

@@derek6284 for showder

[@derek6284]

Cast ova ya schowder

[@seedsoutdoors3721]

@@derek6284 haha I actually laughed out loud

[@deanmiller6177]

I cast my levelwind just like I do my baitcast reel.the practice helps though.

[@zdrummero1]

This is helpful.

[@Dmitry69_RUS]

🔥

[@FloridaMarlinWrangler]

Actually you really don't need to use your thumb at all. Tighten the spool tension knob until the spool doesn't rotate. Then cast in that fashion and you won't get a bird nest. But you will notice a significant decrease in distance. Besides, who needs distance? Especially from a boat fishing for channel kitties.

[@IlMangustaKMRUTEAM]

How to kill the ball bearings

[@riponart01]

Nice

[@yungcubez8617]

Dude are you fishing for sharks in that pond 😂

[@ChattCats]

Haha. This was just a simple instructional video, not a fishing video.

[@yungcubez8617]

Chatt Cats Fishing 😂

[@Fishing-bq2so]

I’ve always wanted to learn how to throw a (bait caster).

[@ChattCats]

Good reels!

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

Really adds something extra to fishing. Bringing more control to your cast. You can slow it down and stop it where you want. Spinning reels you can but it is not as easy on a bait caster. Yes, will need to practice but once you got it. Your love it.

[@virusthewolf]

@@phdyoutubedegree1939 that is not true with spinning reel you have almost 100% control versus Conventional reels. not to mention you can out cast any conventional reel with a spinning. That why you throw lures for big game fish you don't use conventional reels.

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

@@virusthewolf this been so long but yes you can do same with both reels. Both have specific features.

[@Ronan_McIntyre]

Thanks

[@ChattCats]

Glad to help!

[@ethanmilligan6772]

Thanks buddy

[@ChattCats]

No problem 👍

[@Dill0n1]

Nah thumbing the spool is much better unless you want to mess up your thumb

[@ChattCats]

You are right. Thumbing the spool is good, but not too much pressure.

[@nothingtoseehere293]

No clue

[@nothingtoseehere293]

Has a go pro!!!

[@ronc.615]

And turn your clicker off. You'll get more distance.

[@Jacob-ld6ms]

how?

[@NotMitch69]

There’s a notch on the left side you can engage/disengage. That’s the clicker.

[@sebastianstewart8542]

dude your going to get the worse burn on your thumb if you try this with anything bigger than a 20-40 lb ...you can not... repeat can not do this with a big ld 40+ ...you will burn the holy hell out of your thumb

[@ChattCats]

I've never had any thumb burns. I use monofilament line but braided line could be a different story. I use heavy line due to the high current/flow in the TN River.

[@sebastianstewart8542]

I'm using 60+ pound on a squal ld60 ...added im using 9 oz sinkers durring casting but....yeah you get burns...a lot...I'll be posting a video shortly about casting

[@XloMotion]

Sebastian Stewart I don't put my thumb on the line it self but on the edge of the spool. Learned it the hard way 👍

[@sebastianstewart8542]

XloMotion exactly! Big reels are the worst tho

[@10-7blue8]

Tape or a band aid on your thumb takes care of the burn.

[@dvk323]

The video starts at 1:05

[@ad78]

i have the white one, they are the beast.. downside with these vs spinner with baitcast is you have to manually flick the bait switch. but im not going to switch with spinner reel. they are ugly as hell lol

[@jlai18]

Come closer i cant hear you

[@Alan-io2ew]

This could be a shocking experience.

[@ChattCats]

Practice. Practice. Practice. Haha.

[@fdyhdfhy]

Trolling reels are for trolling not casting. Baitcasters are for casting. There not the same

[@ChattCats]

You are correct. They are not.

[@youngdalto7576]

Bought this reel the other day... Very first cast. FUCKED. But this was helpful aff i did not know how to properly use it😂

[@ChattCats]

Takes a lot of practice and patience with the big baitcaster/levelwind reels.

[@youngdalto7576]

@@ChattCats it definitely does. I took it back out last weekend and did alot better with your tips it went alot better than my first attempt

[@sung6079]

🙏🙏🙏