Conventional Reels Question

[tomahawk]

I havent shopped reels in a while so I looked this up. It is a conventional reel not a baitcaster... I have never adjusted a conventional reels spool for cast control, just use the thumb. Baitcaster is a different story. I am I in the minorrity?

[vincentek9]

Originally Posted by tomahawk

I havent shopped reels in a while so I looked this up. It is a conventional reel not a baitcaster... I have never adjusted a conventional reels spool for cast control, just use the thumb. Baitcaster is a different story. I am I in the minorrity?

completely with you on this one. i depend on my thumb for the furthest and most accurate casts now. i even try to do this with my larger baitcast reels (shimano calcutta, tica caiman, daiwa luna, etc). the purpose of the spool tension knob is to prevent backlashes due to the spool still spinning rapidly even though the bait/lure has already hit the water. a downfall is the tension knob also reduces your casting distance by quite a bit (cast controls also reduce cast distance).

[skrilla]

Nothing wrong with your reel. The spool tension knob is not an "ebrake". Use the spool tension knob to adjust the sideplay of the spool and don't rely on it as a cast control device. Besides, on the Squall 25N the spool rides on bearings and spins independently from the shaft anyway. Tightening down too tight may bind or damage parts.

To prevent the 2oz sinker from dropping simply apply pressure onto the line with your thumb when you go into freespool. Hold the spool in place until you are ready to release on the cast. When you cast let your thumb glide above the line... applying slight pressure as needed to prevent overruns and backlashes.

Depending on where you are I'd glady check your reel for you for any tampering it may have experienced during it's demo model life.

[ccacher1]

Well sounds like most people are in agreement that there is nothing wrong with the reel then. I just need to get better at casting it and holding my thumb with some pressure on the spool.

So my next question is...is there a better conventional reel for beginners? I've heard some good things about the daiwa sealine and seagate...?

[skrilla]

The smaller size Squall 12 and 15 have magnetic cast control. The Daiwas have the centrifugal brakes. Both types help control overruns but still wont make casting fool proof.

Best bet is to practice, practice, practice. Distance isn't as important as line control. Try slower lob type casts and master controlling the line. Then add more umph as you progress. Wind the line on tight. Wet line helps prevent thumb burn. Good luck.

[MarkT]

The spool tension knob should be set so the spool can barely shimmy left/right. For cast control, when you let the weight fall, the spool should stop when the weight hits the ground and not keep spinning. It shouldn't be set to keep the weight in the air. When the bait hits the water, stop the spool with your thumb. Also keep your thumb lightly on the spool when casting and apply more force if you feel the line starting to raise (a birdsnest beginning to form),

[alanw]

Watch out for that thumb burn!