How do you setup a baitcasting reel?
I have a Pinnacle baitcaster. I understand that the star wheel is for the drag and the thumb wheel right behind that is a brake but what is the dial on the other side that has the numbers on it for? How do you set all these? Thanks.
The star drag is to keep the line from breaking when you catch a big fish. If you have it too loose the fish can get the line wrapped around something under water and break it. I set mine until no line slips until it is almost at the breaking point.
The round knob behind it and the dial on the other side are both adjusted to eliminate the backlashes that sometime occur when you are fishing these type of reel
The best way to adjust them is to take a lure and tie it to the line-hold out rod and put setting on the dial to it's highest setting-push the casting button on the reel and let the lure fall to the ground- if it falls slowly and hits the ground and there is no overrun of line on your reel it is adjusted about right- if it falls fast and there is some overrun of line on your reel you need to turn the knob on the right side until it falls slow and their is no overrun- you can fine tune it while fishing with the magnetic adjustment on the left side of the reel. It will take a good bit of practice to get used to this type of reel if it is your first time. Just remember that if you adjust it too tight it will not backlash but your cast will be short- it is better to start out this way until you become adept at the casting bit- You can always lighten up on it when you get better at casting . Good luck!
As for the star drag, you will need a portable weight scale to set it correctly. Whatever pound test line you use, the drag should be set to 1/3 of the breaking strength rated for that line. For example; 12 pound test line should be set a 4 pounds of drag. 3 x 4 = 12. Why does this formula work? Because when line is out in the water, it also creates drag and will put additional strain on the line. This formula compensates for this to help alleviate premature line breakage. Used by pro fishermen and tourney guys all over the world. After awhile you get a feel for adjusting the drag to match your needs like forcing a fish (horsing) to go where you want it to or keeping it from going into structure. A simple way to do this is to mark the reel at the 1/3 mark and you will always have that as a refference while horsing or letting loose ( decreasing the the drag) on the fish. ONe problem with this is your drags itself. After time, that mark will not stand for much so test frequently and change drag washers when necessary to keep your reel in top shape ( as far as trhe drag goes.) Hope that helps ya out.
