Shimano DC Reel - Tips for Beginners - Reel Setup and Adjustments

This video is aimed at the beginner learning how to cast a baitcasting reel. Dont beat me up of the length and simplicity. Be cool and remember when you were just starting out...
DC Reel Links:
DC 150 Curado: amzn.to/2RxKTzD
DC SLX: amzn.to/3a2VzfO
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Shimano DC 150 Reel amzn.to/2OioHqd
Scorpion DC Reel amzn.to/2NwMbta
Lewes Tournament MB Reel amzn.to/2oLIVN8
Excellent Kastking Baitcaster amzn.to/2JygIqf
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[@FishingWithDL]

Hands down the best tutorial on this reel. Awesome job. Great, clear presentation and straight to the point. Thank you 🙏

[@capitolbassfishing]

Yes sir, my pleasure!

[@gamingchair526]

Agreed watched 10 other videos (yes actually ten) and this one was by far the best even though I’m not new he just explains it so well

[@lotsofink1183]

I know this is an old video, however, the information is accurate and very helpful to anyone with little or no experience with a casting reel.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Oldie but goodie. I am glad it helped...I was awful at first so when I figured it out I wanted to share.

[@mrcl92rs]

This is the best video I’ve watched for beginners. Thank you for making this process so easy for me to understand 😊

[@kensimkins839]

This helped a bunch and hit on all of the areas I needed learn. Simple and effective presentation. Thank you!

[@myarascavitch]

Brilliantly clear educational video

[@patrickvang2608]

I just bought my first bait casting reel and rod. This help a lot. Thanks for sharing!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad I could help!

[@khrisG4420]

Hands down best video on setting up a dc reel. Awesome job man.

[@capitolbassfishing]

I appreciate that!

[@gratefuljoe9252]

Thanks a million for this video. Just making my first forays into bait casting and this helps immensely. I'm grateful.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Great to hear!

[@TheFishingMommy]

I just ordered my first DC reel & this was really helpful! Thanks so much for this video!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timl9495]

Thanks, I was about ready to send mine back. Great video for me as a beginner bait caster

[@MrAntihero1001]

Beautiful step by step guide. Thank ya sir 🤙🏼

[@tiptongrisham9139]

I just bought a SLX 150 and appreciate the tutorial. Looking forward to getting out and putting your training into practice. Thank you!

[@capitolbassfishing]

catch some bigguns

[@darrinbarker4991]

Thanks 🙏. Best presentation out there.

[@lauramurray3577]

This is the best tutorial on KZbin for stetting up and using the Shimano Curdao DC ! Shimano should refer buyers to this site. Vey well done !!!! I just bough 2 DC's watched this video and went out on the water and had no issues with casting as a first time user of a bait caster. Congratulations and thank you Joe Simpson

[@capitolbassfishing]

Damn Laura! Thanks! I appreciate that. :-)

[@ianhocking8261]

It took me a while to find this , but this is by far the best description of not only what the pieces are but what they actually do. Thank you

[@capitolbassfishing]

Thanks man!

[@robnolte2547]

Just got a curado dc yesterday and its my first baitcasting reel. This is huge help, thanks!!!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Good luck! Glad it helped!

[@ChalleEk]

Thank you so much for saving me Have had so many problems with tangles. after seeing this it works flawlessly. Thanks again Charles

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@velomomjen]

Thank You! I just bought a DC Curado, my first bait caster. I blew it up pretty bad on my first cast, lost probably 1/2 my line cutting out the mess then found your video. All is well so far now!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Good stuff!

[@jonathang8303]

Best video I’ve seen, thank you

[@kevinleach9631]

Nice great lesson on these shimanos!🤘

[@synaptik111]

Really good info Joe - I wish I'd have had this specific an overview when I first started using a baitcaster!

[@capitolbassfishing]

thx

[@zachstrickland7350]

Finally a tutorial that actually helps! Thanks man keep up the good work 👌

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@benifyager7349]

Saving this so when I get my reel i can watch it again and again. Thanks for the vid 👍🏼

[@capitolbassfishing]

Any time! Thanks for watching

[@chrislefevre5315]

Nicely done and thanks. Just purchased a Curado 150 and your video was perfect.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@scottbarnes7268]

I learned on a lews speed slp. But I've been interested in these reels. You did an amazing jobs explaining this reel. Appreciate the great video

[@capitolbassfishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@sethcardwell5480]

Just picked up a shimano slx dc 150hg for my first baitcaster. This video is the most helpful tutorial I've seen! Thanks Joe!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@sonnco]

Exceptional content! I just got one of these reels and had a massive backlash bc I didn’t understand the concept. You helped me so much - thanks!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@Philip-mr9ed]

Excellent video and precise explanation I’ll be setting up my new Dc 150 based on this video- awesome job thanks

[@capitolbassfishing]

So happy if it helps!

[@bassman769]

No joke Bro! I wish I had this vid when I first started! Learning the hard way took some time just to be able to cast 20ft lol. Very informative and great work buddy!

[@capitolbassfishing]

ha!

[@TerryCandler]

Just upgraded my baitcasters to two new Shimano Curados and wanted to make sure I was casting them correctly. This video was perfect! Thank you!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@ugodthis7477]

I just bought the Shimano DC Curado and Sir you just instantly saved me from 3 headaches 🤕 and a migraine thanks 🙏🏿 excellent video

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad I could help!

[@MAYHEMSCO]

I second that. Thank you very much Joe

[@wolfpacak47]

me 3 slx dc 150 hg lol I'm trying I got fluro 12 pnd on mine any tips? seems like that fluro wants to backlash more I usually run braid on my piscifun torrent with no problems what am I doing wrong with the slx dc? I'm getting birds nest on 3 setting

[@MAYHEMSCO]

@@wolfpacak47 might need to adjust the tension knob...and honestly it does just take practice on how to hold your thumb. You'll get it. Adjust the tension knob for each bait as you throw it. Give the line some time to break in also

[@wolfpacak47]

@@MAYHEMSCO ok thanks I'm used to thumbing my reg baitcaster the video I had watched before yours said to not touch the spool with a dc because if u thumb it the dc brakes would not do thier job correctly.... so your saying I basically just need to thumb the DC like I would any other bait caster?

[@randyusmc0131]

Great video. I've fished my whole life and just bought my first bait caster (Shimano DC) and this is by far the best video explaining the reel and breaking down the functions.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped! I am so happy it helped...I sucked at baitcasting when I first started.

[@cbthrasher]

This is the best explanation I have heard

[@capitolbassfishing]

thanks!

[@Mickey_Z]

Just Found this and hands down the best and most informative video on starting out as newbie to bait cast reels. Thank You

[@capitolbassfishing]

hey thanks man!

[@kaneraphael1638]

Thank You Sir. Buying myself a birthday present(bait-caster) tomorrow and I believe this is going to help me! Hands down best tutorial video I’ve seen yet!!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Happy birthday!

[@sasqwatch00]

This is the best instruction video on DC reels. Thank you for making this. I was frustrated when I was still getting bird nests but now I know what I was doing wrong. I'll watch this again before my next trip.

[@capitolbassfishing]

glad you liked it, glad it helped

[@WJ6FRadio]

Great video! Just picked up a Curado DC 150XG. This video will surely save me from spending the day fixing birds nests!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@joeurban3332]

Thank you so much for the help man

[@nomerjobs2374]

best bait casting 101 so far!

[@timeintheoutdoors]

Great intro. Well edited. Thanks for the info on the DC.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Any time!

[@faenol100]

Great Video, best i've seen on baitcasting 👍👍

[@capitolbassfishing]

Wow, thanks!

[@leviiijoseph6792]

Killer video man!! Awesome tips!

[@capitolbassfishing]

right on thanks man!

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thanks dude! very helpful video!

[@capitolbassfishing]

awesome - glad it helped

[@jamessheldon3060]

Bro! Hands down the best setup video for beginners. I worked my way from a setting of 4 down to a 2 in about 30 minutes. No backlash and no issues. This reel is amazing. Thanks for taking your time to put this together. Big props!!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped! Dude that kicks ass awesome!

[@gratefuljoe9252]

Thanks very much for the great info. Really appreciate your advice.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it was helpful! My Pleasure!!

[@ConeyIsland1952]

excellent demo helped me a lot thanx

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped!

[@scottcarver6113]

This was so informative! Thank you very much.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luckylucky9006]

my scorpion DC just came in about 4 days ago and man do I luv this reel. Caught dink pike on it..

[@AlwaysApproved]

i only use baitcasters (3+ years) and this video was still useful and enjoyable to watch. good shit man great information for the community

[@capitolbassfishing]

dude, thanks! I know how frustrating starting out can be. I was bad at it at first.

[@Agapenutrition]

Absolutely perfect instruction

[@capitolbassfishing]

thanks man, Appreciate it!

[@exitar1]

Well done a really really great explanation of how to use a baitcast reel.!

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MJ-1981]

Thankfully not a beginner anymore but a refresher course always helps 💯

[@capitolbassfishing]

Most definitely!

[@micahbazill2549]

Thank you for this video. It has helped me understand how to use a dc bait caster.

[@capitolbassfishing]

glad it helped

[@ethanmott9785]

Thanks for this man.

[@luxr3148]

Best DC info so far, I have a Curado DC on a Dobyns Fury 735, FINS 40G 25lb and use it to cover large areas of water. Get the occasional bird nest but nothing that doesn’t come out easy.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Thanks for the info!

[@luckylucky9006]

Thank you video I'm looking into these DC reels.. now I wished I was hip to em last summer..

[@capitolbassfishing]

Any time!

[@SuPaHDomE]

Three years strong!!! Thank you because I just bought a curado DC

[@capitolbassfishing]

Wonderful!

[@bubbaforresterfarm491]

Thank u so much this really help. I just got the slx dc and it would not go 50 foot if that now I know what to do. Great video

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped

[@michaelcanedo2748]

Thank you very much for the tip I’ve learned a lot from watching this video.

[@capitolbassfishing]

glad it was helpful

[@blakepotter8415]

Been fishing bait casters for years, lews, Walmart special, Diawa bought an slx dc few months back, fully expecting to be able to cast without any thumb brake. This video really helped me. Tried it today with a snenko with 12lb braid setting 2 and no slop with the spool. Perfect every time. Thanks, man.

[@capitolbassfishing]

thats awesome man, I am so happy it helped someone, I know I struggled bigtime when I first started.

[@Urgfbsf]

Just got mine this week and watched 4-5 videos and this is the one man

[@capitolbassfishing]

hahaha I get so hyped on this video everyone loves it...I am so happy it was helpful cuz when I started I sucked at setting them up.

[@Urgfbsf]

@@capitolbassfishing haha same I literally watched this one went out and got it down in one day

[@andreas7048]

Very nice vid, just started out after being a hardcore spinn dude, got a insane backlash today becouse i wanted to try some settings! But after this vid i think it got the brain for it ;) TY

[@capitolbassfishing]

Awesome it was helpful

[@joonakankainen9352]

My first baitcaster is coming tomorrow. Curado DC. I've been loving my Abu Garcia Sorön STX 10 and 20 for many years now, but it's time to try something new. I'm sure this video helps me to avoid those bird nests!

[@boon4945]

Thanks for a very informative video for beginners...which is what i am. Thanks once again.

[@capitolbassfishing]

My pleasure!

[@craighaught3501]

Each one of my friends ask me how I can cast so good w/ a bait caster. I say time really, but mostly I send them to watch your videos 👍🏾‼️

[@capitolbassfishing]

damn thats really nice man!

[@gamingchair526]

New subscriber this guy is the best fishing teacher on youtube

[@capitolbassfishing]

Welcome aboard! thanks for the vote of confidence!

[@deanmentjes7774]

Great video, thanks

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@jackallen83]

Thanks sir! Very much appreciated 👍 greetings from Holland 🇳🇱

[@capitolbassfishing]

You are welcome! Hope it helped!

[@peterpan8483]

loved it,just loved your tutorial!!!!thanks... :)

[@capitolbassfishing]

So glad!

[@user-gr7tr3bx8r]

This was a great video, and it helped me tune up my new reel. I was doing incorrectly till I saw your presentation.

[@capitolbassfishing]

good, baitcasters are the best but frustrating at first

[@edstewart7688]

What more can I say seems like everybody out there has said it already thank you very much.😊

[@capitolbassfishing]

always glad it helps.

[@horstbuhl3032]

After using my dc for almost 6 months with a lot of frustration due to birdnest and backlashes….i found the „ONE“ video. I will follow your guidelines as a beginner , hoping to improve soon without getting frustrated , thanks from Germany for you effort.

[@capitolbassfishing]

did it help?

[@horstbuhl3032]

@@capitolbassfishing absolute ! And I am using now Berkley X9 on my Aldebaran BFS and Curado DC 201hg.

[@horstbuhl3032]

Slowly approaching and practicing with the Shimano, DC 201 helped me a lot. I now use the different brake settings specifically. However, I noticed that at least with the German reels, Shimano included cheap parts to keep the price down. My Worm Gear has only broken 20 times while fishing, it would no longer move and I could no longer pull the line onto the reel. The plastic replacement part costs €0.70. Shimano repaired the reel for me, but that also means I won't be able to fish with it for three weeks. I'm now curious when the new Metanium DC will be available on the German market; they haven't skimped on the part there (at least according to my first information). I was shocked that this expensive roll broke so quickly.@@capitolbassfishing

[@kmlckd]

This was very helpful for a noobie bait caster. 🙏

[@capitolbassfishing]

we were all noobs at one time, glad I could help

[@TheHunterFisher]

Nice editing my man.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Appreciate it

[@bidkid2020]

Just got my first baitcaster today the SLX d.c. very good information on your video I greatly appreciate it thank you the number 3 work better for me about fifty or sixty cast no birds nest :)

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it helped

[@joshuavanscoyk9404]

Very nice, thank you sir!

[@capitolbassfishing]

My pleasure!

[@unrepair1340]

god this is such a helpful video. thank you

[@capitolbassfishing]

Hope this helps new baitcasters...

[@capitolbassfishing]

I wold have loved a tutorial like this when I was starting...

[@daffamaulana6794]

@@capitolbassfishing it's not a curado DC what you'd perform with, but another DC reel, scorpion DC ?

[@gnem6245]

Thanks really informative. My first baitcaster a Slx Dc will be here in 2 days . Can’t wait 😊💯

[@caterpp]

Hi Man, I have a Shimano Shimano exsence dc ss. And even if I set it in the full break and tight spool I still have to thumb a little or it will overrun. Do you think there is an issue with my reel or it's just like that? this is my first DC reel. Thank you

[@daffamaulana6794]

@@caterpp no sir, you're really have fined no problems, I also kind of man who'd missed a spot (particularly with the new dc brake) where I shouldn't have any problem with small weight of lure but yes, I did certain mistake that I even can prevent it as if it likely I am a beginners, if you're experienced any kind of detail missed or something not sure please let me now what you're facing with

[@philbrown8244]

Excellent information on setting up the DC reel. There isn’t much information from Shimano.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mogojan1]

Thx sir....salut from Romania.

[@capitolbassfishing]

+mogojan ciprian Mulţumesc mult pentru vizionare!

[@whateverbitefishing9535]

Love the intro

[@capitolbassfishing]

thank you!

[@soonerfan1675]

I’ve been using baitcasters since 1958, so I do know how to use them. I own the whole alphabet soup of Curados and Chronarchs. However, I bought a DC 150 and never really liked it much. This excellent video taught me two important things about this reel. Number one is; don’t believe some of the hype about being able to cast a number 6 Shad Rap into a 20 mph wind without backlash with this reel. The other lesson learned was that I never got this reel set up correctly. Thanks for the tips.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Very cool!

[@mickmouse5715]

excellent. thank you.

[@capitolbassfishing]

sure thing

[@ratanatep3630]

Thanks for good video

[@capitolbassfishing]

Most welcome

[@peanutskustomz2466]

Late to the party but definitely a great video for beginners 👍

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad you think so! Never too late!

[@tlt2005]

Awesome video and great pointers. Got some poker winnings and decided to go all out on my first baitcaster. Ordered the Curado DC. Can't wait to take mine out for a spin for some bass. The question I got is would it be ridiculous to use my new setup for just normal pier fishing? Chucking out a bottom rig with a 2oz weight as far as possible with it? I have a spinning reel set up for that but I never see anyone say anything about using a baitcaster for anything other than "bait casting". Your thoughts? Thanks for the video and thanks for the advice up front.

[@capitolbassfishing]

why not try it...its a tough reel but it shines in normal bass bait casting style fishing.

[@scottb5096]

Thank you!

[@capitolbassfishing]

You're welcome!

[@alecmcmahon]

Great Information! Ive got a Curado on the way and this has taken some of the mystery out of a DC BC

[@capitolbassfishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fndrplayer13]

Thanks!

[@cheezyridr]

i bought a curado dc a couple months ago. it's a nice reel. i like the noise. it's not my favorite though. i also have a lews mach 2 and a daiwa jdm sv lite ltd. i like the daiwa best because i do alot of creek fishing for smallies, and i throw lighter, smaller lures there. the daiwa is also smaller and lighter, and somehow, a little smoother. but it's $100 more. i smile every time i throw a tiny bait for a mile and a half. the lews is an amazing reel for the money. when it comes to bang for your buck, i dont think it can be beat. i've had mine for 3 yrs, and it's stood up to abuses i should be ashamed of. i started using casting reels in the 80's. my first was a garcia 5000. reels have come a looong way since those days

[@capitolbassfishing]

Yeah my buddy pat throws Diawa and he loves them. I didnt like the curado DC nearly as much as I like the Japanese version (very important) the japanese version of the SLX DC. Its the SLX DC 70 series found on www.digitaka.com its really smooth, smaller than the Curado and throws lighter stuff better. Honestly I think its better than the scorpion.

[@cheezyridr]

@@capitolbassfishing that's awesome! thanks for the heads-up on that.

[@popaki9484]

@@capitolbassfishing i went to their website. Is this an authentic reel? I want to order the curado 150 dc but I’m afraid since I throw a lot of light weight senko (weightless, wacky, Texas) that it may not work for me. The one you mentioned the SLX dc 70, is it authentic? How do you tie line to spool and it not keep spinning? I don’t see any grooves in it. Also in the pictures the piece that attaches to the rod looks like it’s made of polymer resin. Is that typical? Thanks!

[@jeffreyriddle4645]

Ty I needed these tips. Bought a new slx 150hg and blew it up soooo bad . Took me 2 hours to dig out brand new 10lb flouro! 🤬🤬

[@capitolbassfishing]

Sorry to hear. Hope I helped! Once you get it down…you’ll love it!

[@jamesrc1942]

as a beginner to bate casting what size line should I be using on this reel ,weight and diameter and as for your video it is the best I have viewed to date on bate casting Thank you JC

[@capitolbassfishing]

30lb braid works well

[@hammer9856]

The technology on baitcasting reels has come so far since the days when I began using them and your thumb was the only brake. (Yes, I'm that old).

[@capitolbassfishing]

age is realative...I think...

[@GerStudio4]

What fishing line are you using? Looks like Floro, but I love the way that blue looks.

[@capitolbassfishing]

12 lb mono maybe flouro...

[@sethwilsonn]

Great tutorial man. But this is off topic what kind of line are you using? I got some 12LB fluorocarbon to go with mine

[@capitolbassfishing]

no completely ON TOPIC. the line makes a difference. I think braid is the easiest to get used to standard 30lb. Flouro and Mono work fine just have to keep an eye on it a little more and tougher to pick out when you backlash...I use 12lb flour on my commonly so that should be fine.

[@alexdashevsky2180]

I have recommend for beginners to use a heavy lures like 1oz . Like a popper.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Yeah, heavier more compact for less wind resistance and better weight...smart.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Great Video Joe Shimano DC reels are great reels however, few beginners are going to buy a $200.dollar reel starting out. Most of us less wealthy anglers might buy a less costly reel from KastKing or maybe E-Bay. What rod and reel would be a good one to look at for a lower cost? What is the best line to use for a beginner? You don’t need water to practice casting. Practice plugs come in different weights and sizes. Everyone has backlashes and if you don’t fill the spool full, it is easier to fix boo-boos. If you fill the spool, you can pull out 50-feet of line and put some tape on the reel spool that reduces having to fix real bad backlashes too. It is easier to cast a while without water before going on your first fishing adventure. If you hit yourself with a rubber casting pug, it stings a little, if hit yourself with a lure with hooks you might be going to urgent care. Something to think about.

[@capitolbassfishing]

Gizmo Carr actually made this video for my friends son who is a first timer and he got the DC for Christmas. That said, you can apply these strategies to a normal reel too. Maybe I will do a general bait caster set up for a follow up video.

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@capitolbassfishing That is what I hinted about in the comment. You did a great job talking about casting and demonstrating what you were explaining. People who are experts or think of themselves as one often confuse new anglers with too much information at once. Few anglers cast the same way. However, the results are what are important. Making a long cast is not as important starting out, as learning to hit where you want is. The best directions come in the box with the reel and no one reads them.

[@borbin0818]

what poundage of line are you using also what kind of line is it? BTW great video

[@capitolbassfishing]

12-14 I think, THANKS!

[@plinkspot8750]

I love my slx dc but having a really hard time casting light baits

[@capitolbassfishing]

yep, they are not great for that...

[@longpointfishmaster947]

what to learn. set number to type of line, eliminate side to side play. and send it. thumb when it hits water.