How to Practice Using a Baitcaster - Baitcasting 101

In this episode I show you how to practice using a baitcaster in your backyard, so that you can improve your bait casting skills when you hit the water. Pick up a practice weight or a dummy weight, the one used in this video is by South Bend and can be purchased on Amazon for $5.00. I first talk about fundamental knowledge that will help you with your overall casting. I then setup small targets around my casting area that I aim to hit utilizing several style of cast. The ones I go over include the pitch, overhand cast and the roll cast. Practicing when you are off the water will give you the confidence to use your baitcaster when it matters. Be sure to fine tune your baitcaster by using the instructions provided in this video: • Tuning Your Baitcaster...
If you enjoyed this video, please like, share and comment. Thank you!
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The reel I'm using (Daiwa Tatula): amzn.to/2tzFOMa
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[@GulfSouthGene]

You are the "MAN", learning from your videos. Maybe an old 75 yr old, will finally get it right.

[@Saltyscales]

The fact that you are still learning and attempting to learn is all that matters. Kudos to you and thanks for watching!

[@jnsadavis5978]

Great video, Joshua. This is one of the first videos I've seen that actually encourages practice casting skills. I remember my dad years ago setting up the rings from Yard Darts in the yard and spending hours casting to them. I fish in a sitting position in a kayak and practice sitting in my yard in a lawn chair. The neighbors think I'm crazy, but it preps me for what I will face on the water. Thanks again for the video. Top notch.

[@Saltyscales]

Jeff Davis Glad the video had you reminiscing on great times, those are some of the best memories. Thanks for the comment.

[@HolyPlague1]

Thank you Josh! This is the video I've been waiting to see. Very informative. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything. You cracked me up when you hit the two cups at the same time. Keep up the great work.

[@Saltyscales]

C.P Bagley It was an awesome shot lol. Glad you liked this one Chris, how's the recovery coming along?

[@HolyPlague1]

Joshua Thanks for asking. I'm doing good slow but steady.

[@dynasty4851]

Ohmygosh! I did what you said with my baitcaster! I'm acting like I'm playing basketball and overhead casting it into a bucket while watching my bait and thumbing the spool. This was after 6 hours of cleaning up my backlashes. Lol, but it works! Now I'm like " I can't believe I couldn't do this before". Lol. Thank you so much for your teaching videos! Please for people like myself keep your videos going. I'm totally liking and sharing them!

[@mikemcelveen2973]

Dude! you cast like a wild west gunslinger! lol..Seriously this is helpful for the guys and gals who are interested in a baitcaster reel. I learned how about five years ago and it has opened my fishing up to many techniques and improved catch rates. You might want to fill those red solo cups with something strong to keep your frustration level down until you get the hang of it..Thanks for the care you put in your vids and helping others learning to fish! Tight lines!!

[@Saltyscales]

Mike Mcelveen Thanks for the great comment, I find that it can be a lot of fun practicing, it definitely helps on the water.

[@bigal1419]

Mike Mcelvee

[@greenogue10]

Hey josh, im new to baitcasters, thank you for the tips, i went out on our local river here in dublin ireland today, my god i birdsnest more times than expected but i stuck with it, i picked a target in the river and just kept casting towards it on till i consistently kept hiting the exact target, i took all your advise on board from your videos. Keep up the good work buddy. Darren

[@johnbaker4847]

just bought/started using a baitcaster, thanks for the tips. ust need to remember patience and practice... 😊

[@Saltyscales]

Practice and patience. 👍

[@salvadorcisneros]

thanks josh... love the fact that you can give me some great feedback my brotha..... let's keep on fishing....when I catch my first large mouth I'll send a picture your way just to show you my appreciation for all your great feed back thanks again josh....

[@Saltyscales]

That will be great, I have confidence you will catch one in no time!

[@morosso1968]

you have the aim straight as an arrow, awesome! thank you josh! :)

[@Saltyscales]

You are welcome!

[@lookin2kayakandbike664]

Finally some good pointers for learning how to use a baitcaster. Thanks for posting this video. It's given me lot's to work on. I'm learning to use a baitcaster and this will help me. I'm not a young guy but gotta start somewhere. I'm using some old reels that I've had forever but never used. Got good at fishing with spinning tackle and simply never picked them up again, plus never took time to learn how to fish freshwater. So, we'll see how it goes this time around... hahaha. Thanks!!!

[@Saltyscales]

+Lookin 2kayak Never to old to learn or achieve greatness, whether it's a small or big task. Thanks for the comment.

[@c4hI0fo2p]

Dude! Spot on!! Thank you so much, the explanation on the “jerking” on the overhand and how that causes the birdnesting is just what I needed. I couldn’t figure it out. I just recently bought my first baitcaster (a really good one too) and I’ve more or less just put it in the corner not wanting to look at it because of the issues. I think I’m going to get it respooled with mono instead of the braid that they recommended. Thanks again.

[@esquivelfreddy]

That's badass, I never thought about that... makes a lot sense Practice makes perfect....

[@middleagerebirth]

nice shots! overall a great video...gonna jump on Amazon and then get to practicing... I have a bass pro mega caster reel. little cheap reel but for now its working...

[@Saltyscales]

Isaac Malabanan Thanks bud, get those weights and have fun. It's great for the kids to.

[@mikehenderson7170]

Good info on the over head, I just saw what i've been doing wrong. I'm new to Baitcasters and you are right about the mono vs braid . I was doing good with the mono but changed to braid and yes a few bird nest came with that.

[@Saltyscales]

Thank you Mike, glad you could take something from the video.

[@andrewfarrant198]

Practice plugs come in two different weights that I found, 1/4oz & 3/8oz. Thank you for showing better practice techniques, now I can work on accuracy.

[@Saltyscales]

You're welcome Andrew, glad to help. Practice makes perfect.

[@vjazz79]

The BEST practice video on YT, thx for sharing

[@yuureihaiku]

your bait casting videos are the best i have seen. They have taught me a lot. Thanks!!! you have earned a sub!

[@Saltyscales]

Thank you and welcome!

[@koreanohilaw8576]

ThAnk you josh! i learned a lot a technique! Im only a beginner thanks for this very nice tutorial☺

[@dynasty4851]

Your videos are very informative. I'm so subscribing to your channel!

[@crystalarnold5212]

Great information, Thank you for the tips! You're great at casting!

[@Saltyscales]

+Crystal Arnold Thanks Crystal, I get a little practice here and there.

[@leolamaeestabas3663]

thank you josh.... your video is informative.. im just a beginner and start in learning how to use my baitcaster..

[@Saltyscales]

You are welcome, glad to have helped.

[@jaxbrewery]

Great video! Now to the backyard for some practice.

[@Saltyscales]

There you go, keep at it.

[@claymartin9821]

Hey Josh I'm new to bait casters and this video has helped me a lot I'm not getting as much backlashes and I'm more accurate with my pitches and casts thanks so much

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to hear that Clay, keep practicing and you will be sharp shooting in no time.

[@LDavieFishing]

Man this helped me soo much my issue was i kept trying to whip the bait causing the spool to over spin like mad. Thank you soo much!!

[@Coastal_one]

Incredibly helpful videos brother! Absolutely appreciate you! New subscriber 💯

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks and welcome

[@64MrDanny]

NIIIIICE,,, I know what I'm gonna be doing at the park this Saturday... With my new baitcaster combo...😎🤜🤛

[@Saltyscales]

There you go, good stuff!

[@daphnijohnson478]

Thanks man I agree with you I had a Baitcaster and braided line it did not go good together at all

[@Vertchu]

Very good video. I'm just getting into fishing, and your videos are helpfull. Thanks

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to hear that bud, thanks for commenting.

[@ecotecsteve]

thanks for the great video. that was very helpful. keep up the great content

[@MrCCCfitness]

Great job and explanation.

[@polly8220]

I really should have watched a few of your videos before going out with my bait caster for the first time. I didn’t do too bad. But the next trip should be a whole lot better after this. Thanks. UK 👍🏻

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to help bud.

[@fishingwithjb1529]

Great vid im just learning the baitcaster and these vids realy help thank u

[@Saltyscales]

Fishing With JB Glad to help bud.

[@rickloughman4257]

Nice work Joshua. Thanks for the help

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@octaviofuentes7781]

there is always something to learn here josh thanks man

[@Saltyscales]

Octavio Fuentes Thanks for the comment, If we aren't learning, then we aren't growing brother.

[@webbnf]

Thank you! This is helpful.

[@ilarabia]

Captain oh captain you're the best illustrator on the web. So here are my questions, as a long time fly fisher expanding my skills to include bait casting. Incidentally, I am an Oregon trout, steelhead fisher so line size, lure size & types as well as rod type & length change. Can you focus a demonstration for us western waters (Oregon, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana) fishermen. Please!

[@PimpCarv]

Awesome video, thank you so much

[@CaptChrisCanning]

Good tutorial for beginners! 💯😊

[@Saltyscales]

I think so, thanks Chris!

[@bigjgordon]

One tip I try to do is keep the reel turned completely sideways so that my thumb on the spool is not over extended on the back swing. It also gives a bit more range when you allow the rod to pivot in the crook of the thumb and forefinger. With significant arthritis in my thumbs, this really helps alleviate the pain after being on the water for a weekend.

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks for sharing

[@manifestgtr]

Guys, anyone who doesn’t have plugs or wants to get out there before theirs ship...I use old and “getting old” frogs for practice. They have a realistic weight and look for something you might actually be throwing and they don’t get caught up in stuff. You can also throw old, dead spinnerbaits with the hooks clipped or taped up with duct tape

[@dylanmounsey7515]

Very helpful video I just got a bait caster and it came with braided n I did maybe a thirty foot cast this afternoon was my first time out but I think my tension was still lil too low .

[@Saltyscales]

That is awesome!

[@adw4464]

Awesome !! Thanks Again !!!

[@vinfish4697]

No wonder I can’t pich it’s not about a pendulum swing nice video Thx for sharing

[@jamie.777]

I find braided line is perfect for bait casting. Less back lash. I use fluro as a leader. Braided is just so much smoother. I had trouble with mono in the beginning. I stick with braid [a fluro leader.for worms]

[@martyepperly5803]

Great video. Just what the doctor ordered. I got 3 of those casting plugs(different weights) at BPS. I remember using practice plugs on my Zebco 202 many moons ago. I, too, come from the "spinning" community. I've just started working on pitching and side casting. The wrist gets tired from the pitching. 😕 With the side casting, I'm doing something wrong. I'm right handed and I keep slinging to the left.🤔

[@Saltyscales]

Keep on practicing and work on your rod placement and when you let go of the line, you will get it.

[@tshxinsomniac]

I've had more trouble with birdsnests with flourocarbon than I have with braided line. my fluoro would always break after a few birdsnests and personally I find the braided easier to fix when it gets a birdsnest.

[@jamie.777]

Amen. . Braided is SO much easier than mono or fluro. I learned with braid.

[@TannerStark21]

like the video. Love the music you use. Keep up the good work.

[@richardlovett5187]

Thanks for the information dude.

[@Saltyscales]

You are welcome!

[@bradleyroy5110]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@Saltyscales]

You're welcome Bradley

[@MACguely]

i like your tips, i just got my 1st baitcaster. I will definitely practicing with your tips

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks bud, glad to be of assistance.

[@ipod1978]

I honestly thought braid would have been less hassle. I've ordered some braid for a new baitcaster combo set I recently received as a gift and was in fact going to spool on some of that tomorrow evening to practise with but not so sure now. I have a full spool of mono but not so sure now. Great video bud

[@Saltyscales]

I suppose it's all subjective but in my opinion I find it easier to work with mono and flouro.

[@mfyc]

Nice!!!..good info sir

[@markgriggs7415]

Great video and information thanks I need the help.

[@Saltyscales]

You're welcome, more help to come with future videos.

[@cheito72588]

Hey Josh you are a sniper with the rod keep the vids up

[@Saltyscales]

Jose Lucena Thanks Jose

[@jakethesnake4434]

It was very helpful thank you man

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to hear, thank you!

[@jakethesnake4434]

Salty Scales I just got my first baitcaster and it's a bass pro mega cast it's a medium heavy rod and fast action what do you use

[@BenB810]

thanks for the video

[@Jqbigrig]

awesome video josh!

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks Johnny

[@kriswin1146]

New subscriber Very helpful video. Watching from Myanmar.

[@bigo8192]

Nice tutorial. I'm going to get one for my next b day the wife has been asking me what i want. what is a good saltwater baicaster set up that won't break the bank. will 200 put me in a decent rod and reel.I value your opinion! Thanks

[@Saltyscales]

Big O! Absolutely, the Lew's speed spool is $100 and a St. Croix Mojo bass will make for a great setup I'm your price bracket.

[@bassinbeast859]

Also another reminder try to use both hands because it will come in handy

[@txman201]

Fluorocarbon is generally very stiff compared to monofilament line, so I would recommend against fluoro for learning baitcasters. Additionally, spool up with a heavier pound test (mono) line when learning. The spool holds less, and the larger diameter line is much easier to manipulate when that inevitable backlash does occur. Twenty pound test mono is a great choice when learning. The practice plugs are cheaper if you walk into Walmart.

[@jamie.777]

Just use a drop shot lead sinker, wrapped in duck tape.. cheap practice plug

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@YAKMANONT]

Baitcasters got to love them

[@Saltyscales]

YAKMAN ONT I do, my wife says I have a reel addiction, I think she might be right.

[@YAKMANONT]

Joshua Taylor LMOL

[@stephanieguindon7872]

You're pretty good! Cool video!

[@Saltyscales]

Stephanie Taylor Thank you

[@MaryK4242]

Crap, I just loaded my new baitcaster (Piscifun Torrent) with braided. :( Thanks for the video!

[@Saltyscales]

You''ll be fine and you're welcome!

[@pbbass2472]

Yeah i had braid on my reel and had to buy new line

[@fishingwithanthony4203]

Love your vids

[@Saltyscales]

Thank you Anthony, that means a lot.

[@Jordanjordan1]

Great how you’re targeting.

[@rylanbutler3615]

Good vid

[@jimcolberg730]

Ty that's a great vid!

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks Brian

[@crazydman17]

Good stuff thanks capt

[@Saltyscales]

+dubz thedman You're welcome

[@nikosozmorio5912]

Aw just bought a baitcasting reel. Some videos i watched they said braided line is good for these reels and some say fluro is good. Well i just got some trilene braid and im debating if i should put it on or should i get fluro?

[@JoseDiaz-vh9xl]

What about a video to increase casting distance and how line factors in?

[@Saltyscales]

+Jose Diaz I can definitely work on something, thanks for the suggestion.

[@jamescooper2618]

My Wal Mart has those South Bend practice weights for like $1.98 for a 2 pack. I bought a bunch of 'em.

[@Saltyscales]

Nice, can't beat those prices.

[@zanemyers8004]

Good tutorial but for some reason I can't cast mono or fluorocarbon at all but can cast bombs with braid. Just personal preference I guess.

[@willunkraut2613]

I’m planning on getting the abu Garcia Revo X

[@milangabriel2842]

You are a pro bro

[@danielC5592]

Hi Joshua, just wonder why you didn't insert your line to the first ring of the rod.

[@bigboy644]

I started out with braid lol so look many b/n lmao but hey it's what I love to throw didn't take me too long to get the hang of it

[@Saltyscales]

There is nothing wrong with that, especially if you are somewhat patient. I know guys who turn into the hulk if something goes wrong lol. Makes for good video lol.

[@carloscartagena2777]

thanks very helpful as I'm a beginner will go out this weekend to practice your techniques

[@Saltyscales]

Glad to be of help, practice on land and it will be easy on the water.

[@daviddavis8476]

i use an old lure that ive taken the hooks off of it works when you cant get the practice plugs thanks for the casting tips ill be sure to try these tips out is there a way to skip with a baitcaster ive tried several times with no success

[@Saltyscales]

That is not a bad idea either, skipping is all about the trajectory and the lure type. Make sure your lure has a small flat profile for best result. Try and practice the roll cast close to the water.

[@richarddeboer8934]

Fun to watch great quality vid, but the domino stones you turn over behind the stones not right away. Butt even that it was nice in the sun casting, all most winter out here gonna praktisch it here in the snow in few weeks. Just to hold on the feeling untill spring. Lol And for the guys out there, never got a back-lash with braid that i cant resolve never had to buy new line they always come out.

[@frostizz2072]

Is it ok to use a spinning rod for baitcatser

[@longhornsfan1ify]

Also how far is a Good cast for distance casting overhand?

[@Jqbigrig]

o you should do a video on what happens when you put a baitcaster reel on a spinning rod and vica versa!

[@Saltyscales]

Not a bad idea

[@nikosozmorio5912]

What...... thats a thing? Wig

[@fredwest5396]

Why bother

[@Rc-Adventurers]

For a beginner is a medium heavy, or heavy better to learn on? Also on a spinning reel I cast with my right and reel with my left. So for my first baitcasting reel I bought a left handed reel so I can still cast with my right and reel with left without changing hands. Is that wrong?

[@Saltyscales]

I think you will like the feel of the medium heavy much better. I am right handed but I reel with my left on spinning reels, whatever feels most comfortable is the right way.

[@johnbaxter6494]

Question: I am used to a spinning reel with the crank on the left (I'm a right hander). I see that most guys on KZbin have the crank on the right for a bait casting reel. I just bought a bait casting reel with crank on the left like the spin reel....mistake?

[@durgagurung7946]

How many max wgt we can cast in baitcaster?! Can we cast as like spinning reel??

[@lsquare8520]

hey josh, I enjoy your videos, how about a blue crab, shrimp video, in the tampa bay area, ATTABOY!

[@Saltyscales]

I like the idea bud, I am sure I can put some videos together. Thanks for the comments.

[@lsquare8520]

sure thing, thank you

[@luhvpotatoxo]

i hving trouble doing overhead cast. i always ended up hving the lure hitting three feet in front of me, any advise?

[@Saltyscales]

Pull your thumb off the spool sooner.

[@oscartorres1493]

Salty Scales I just started using a baitcaster and I wanted to ask you about the drag. What's it for?

[@outdoorsordie6055]

thanks this is helpfull

[@Saltyscales]

+Luke Outdoors You're welcome Luke

[@claudeyarborough7532]

What are the weights you’re using? Do you have a link?

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

Do you release your thumb at the very end of the throwing motion?

[@Saltyscales]

Very close to the end.

[@krbassin2465]

sweet video

[@Saltyscales]

Thanks bud

[@krbassin2465]

please go check my channel out

[@InfinityFishing]

he is so good that he can force swallow a bait right into mouth of a bass yards away lol

[@inourider8174]

Line weight for practice? Bass beginner here. Enjoy your vids. Thanks

[@Saltyscales]

I'd recommend 10 to 20lb

[@ElChiposorus]

Josh is spot on. I started with 10lb braid. Holy hell was that a nightmare, constant bird's nests. Switched to 12lb floro, huge difference. Make sure you keep your lures weights within the range of your rod. That'll help as well

[@gonzarb93]

Hello sr. I have an really strange idea in mind want to know your opinion. I have a really thin and sensible rod "Okuma arena" 4.2 meters I use it for surf fishing in beach with 6oz sinker and two hooks. I want a small reel, i only cast 130yds with my fathom ii 12 , but is to big for that rod, so I was thinking on a baitcasting reel. Could reach the same distance than mi fathom ii? What you think? I get small fishes in my country so drag wouldn't be a problem to me. Thanks and have a nice day

[@marksayers9968]

Hey Josh, I noticed that you cast right handed and then swap over and reel in left handed. Is there a reason for this ?? I would always have the rod in my strongest hand for both casting and reeling in.

[@MrCgooden]

How much force to you place on your cast? It seems like every time I try to cast for distance I end up with a birds nest.

[@Saltyscales]

If you are casting too hard, the spool will spin very rapidly causing a birdsnest. I would get familiar casting before attempting to cast far.

[@Rich.-]

What pound test line would you recommend for catching 4 to 5 lbs. bass?

[@Saltyscales]

I personally use 10lb test.