Advanced baitcaster techniques

[fishing_in_israel]

I mentioned in a previous thread that I had upgraded the spool bearings on my Revo Inshore to Boca Orange Seal Ceramic bearings and how I had to stretch the springs on the centrifugal brakes to offset the increased spin speed of the spool.

I have continued to experiment with different lure weights/types and brake settings. I am now down to just one brake in the 'On' position and getting good casting distances.
After reading a post on some forum about baitcasters and brakes I was encouraged to try casting without any brakes and with the tension control knob slackened off so that the spool was without any tension at all. Apparently it all has to do with educating your thumb

So off I go to our outdoor swimming pool for some gentle practice - yes I had some minor backlashes but after a while I was able to cast a 15g lure quite some distance consistently with only the occasional backlash.
I then tried some harder casts and was able to get even further. I did switch back to one brake just to see the difference in results: no brakes > 32m; one brake > 34m. So it was quite encouraging and I'm sure with more practice and a more sensitive thumb, I will be able to improve even more

Anybody else use a baitcaster without any brakes?

Nearly forgot to mention that the Revo Inshore was loaded with Hi-Seas Grand Slam 30lb braid. It really is a nice braid and very easy to get out the backlashes. I should say that I have never had any serious backlashes with it - it just doesn't seem to get nasty, deep backlashes like the PowerPro that I used to use.

Nigel

[omigosh]

Hello Nigel,
I have tried using several of my baitcasters without the brakes engaged. You are very correct with your educated thumb statement. While distance is a much needed advantage in your case of surf fishing, I have elected to use the brakes to prevent the even occasional backlash. I figure I can get at least two or three additional casts in during the time I am cleaning up the birds nest. I also found that I was more successful when using braid over mono. Mainly I suppose due to the tendency of mono to develop memory. I also choose to use the brakes because
it is much more forgiving when a sudden wind kicks up during
the cast.
One statement that concerns me in your post. You stated that you had to stretch the springs on the centrifugal brakes. I am no expert, however I have always been told that stretching springs is a bad thing. Now also granted most of my experience with people stretching springs is in firearms, but if it is bad in one situation I doubt that it can be good in another. My understanding is that stretching weakens the spring and can cause premature breakage. Just sharing some thoughts. If it works for you, more power to you!! That extra distance might put your lure right in front of a trophy!!

[fishing_in_israel]

Nov 26, 2011 20:58:01 GMT -4 omigosh said:

..... One statement that concerns me in your post. You stated that you had to stretch the springs on the centrifugal brakes. I am no expert, however I have always been told that stretching springs is a bad thing. Now also granted most of my experience with people stretching springs is in firearms, but if it is bad in one situation I doubt that it can be good in another. My understanding is that stretching weakens the spring and can cause premature breakage. Just sharing some thoughts. If it works for you, more power to you!! That extra distance might put your lure right in front of a trophy!!

After stretching the springs (they are very small and I only stretched them a very small amount) I asked our mechanical engineer at work and he said that they would keep their stretch without any problems. I have noticed that they, even after some time, are stronger when I push against them than the exact same springs in my Orra SX.
The problem was that with the new ceramic bearings (they spin faster and for longer) the brakes were engaging much sooner and for a greater length of time and my casting distances suffered a lot. Perhaps Boca Bearings need to offer brake spring upgrades with their ceramic bearing kits

Nigel