By Dave Brown

How to Cast with a Low Profile Baitcast Reel

In this weeks Tune-Up Tuesday, we will be talking about using a Low Profile Baitcast Reel.  

What is a Low Profile Baitcast Reel?

There are several styles of fishing reels.  There are spinning, low profile baitcast reels, round baitcast reels, conventional reels, lever drag reels, star drag reels, fly reels, centerpin reels, etc.   The list goes on and on.  But the reel you see the most when watching any exciting bass fishing on TV is low profile baitcast reels.  If you really want to dive into the Anatomy of a Baitcast Reel, check out the article all about it HERE.

A low profile baitcast reel is a little different than a spinning reel.  For one, it sits on top of your rod rather than below.  The main difference is that the line comes directly off of a spinning spool, while on a spinning reel the line comes off of a stationary spool.  Confused yet?  

The easiest reel to use and cast is probably the spinning reel.  But as you become more advanced as an angler, you will naturally want to branch out and try different reel styles.  The baitcast reels are sleek and sexy and just have an overall cool factor.  That said, it is usually the next step in your progression as an angler.  

How do you Cast a Baitcast Reel?

As mentioned earlier, a baitcast reel has a constantly moving spool when you cast.  This can cause a lot of difficulty in casting.  I'm sure you've heard of a "birds nest."  Or as some anglers like to call it, a "professional overrun."  This is when your spool lets out line faster than is needed.  This is where casting the baitcast reels can get difficult.  

There are several ways to help you prevent that from happening.  Most reels will have some sort of breaking system.  A couple ways to help prevent the backlash are the spool tension control knob, then the breaking system, either external or internal, and the last resort....your thumb!

In this video, Dave walks through some basic techniques on casting a Low Profile Baitcast Reel.  

Using all of these in conjunction takes a lot of practice.  But once you get this down, you'll love using the baitcast reel.  Head down to the park and tie on something without a hook.  A rubber bait without hook works well, or if you can find one, a clothes pin.  (You might have to google what that is..:) ) 

I hope this explains a bit about low profile baitcast reels and how to cast them.  We appreciate you checking out this weeks Tune-Up Tuesday.

See you on the water!

Dave Brown- Okuma Fishing Tackle