Baitcasters are one of the most popular fishing reels, but they are also one of the most difficult to master, particularly for newbies. In addition, many anglers are sometimes hesitant to use this baitcasting reel part due to the fear of a baitcaster birds nest (backlash).
However, with our guidance and helpful tips today, you can quickly solve this common problem.
Read until the end to acquire valuable advice to be a productive fisherman when using this fishing reel and avoid the bird’s nest condition.
What Causes The Baitcaster Backlash?
If the lure slows down after casting, but the spool does not, it will lead to a tangled mess of lines known as a “birds net.” When you cast a lure with your baitcaster, the reel’s spool begins to rotate when you swiftly push the thumb bar (which releases the clutch). All of this is fine, as you want the spool to release the line for the cast.
However, when the spool rotates faster than the lure pulls the line away, a problem emerges. In this scenario, the spool throws off the line too quickly, and the line isn’t pulled off quickly enough, resulting in backlash and bird nesting.
There are various reasons for this, some of which you can control (such as the settings on your reel) and others you cannot (such as an unexpected headwind slowing down your lure in the air).
How To Prevent Baitcaster Birds Nest?
Backlash is the most common reason why beginners avoid using a baitcasting reel. However, there are several advantages to utilizing a baitcaster rather than a spinning reel, including casting with more precision and control. Below are several points that you can do to prevent baitcaster backlash!
Adjust Spool Tension
First of all, make sure you know the most crucial baitcaster reel components and properly spool a baitcaster. However, the baitcaster reel is quite different from spooling a spinning reel because it’s difficult for beginners. This step is necessary to avoid introducing line twisting during spooling, which can cause birdnest.
Accordingly, you must ensure that the spool tension is precisely appropriate. You want your lure to drop at a moderate speed, not too fast or too slow. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Adjust Braking System
With the same importance as spool tension adjustment, anglers should also set the brake system to its highest level. This helps you practice with better control and less movement. As you gain confidence, you can gradually reduce tension to accommodate longer live bait when using a baitcaster.
Baitcaster brakes come in two varieties: centrifugal and magnetic. Some baitcasters have only one of them, but most latest models include both, which is better for preventing backlash. Both braking devices are necessary for decreasing spool spinning throughout the casting process.
Cast Your Lure Away From The Wind
Cast your lure with the wind rather than against it when you start. Moreover, using the wind to your advantage might aid casting accuracy by propelling the bait forward. If you can’t find a position with the wind at your back, you might want to try a few test casts on dry land. When casting lures to throw on a baitcaster against the wind, your lure will slow down, but your reel will not, resulting in backlash. You can start casting into the wind as you get more comfortable with your reel and gain experience.
How To Remove Baitcaster Backlash Quickly?
The backlash from a baitcasting reel is a frequent fishing annoyance many anglers want to avoid. Such an experience would be messy and intimidating for both professional anglers and beginners who consider fishing with the cast as a personal interest.
Fortunately, you may resolve this issue in a relatively straightforward manner. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in the sport, learning how to eliminate backlash from a baitcasting reel is a crucial skill to acquire.
Pull It Out First
Apply pressure to the spool with your thumb, then continue to take all the lines off the spool until there are no more backlashes. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue; however, if it does not, continue reading.
Remove The Tag Ends
Probably, you’re wondering what tag ends are. They’re just like loops wrapped around the fishing line’s running end. Remove the tag ends by pulling them to untangle the backlash.
In addition, you can remove birdnest by reeling with your thumb firmly placed against the spool. This approach will push all the tags to the line’s running end. Pull the backlash out to complete the task.
Keep in mind that for this to work, you must tighten your drag. And before casting, make sure your drag is back to its original setting.
Break Out The Tweezers
When removing blowback from a baitcaster, tweezers come in helpful. However, they are more suited if the fishing line is made of more rigid materials like fluorocarbon or monofilament. Braided lines are flimsier and more tightly retracted than fluorocarbon and monofilament lines.
Pulling braided lines with tweezers can exacerbate the backlash by causing the line to kink on the spool. This will make detecting the backlash even more difficult. Other instruments, such as crochet needles or dental picks, can replace tweezers.
Cast The Line Out After Reeling It In
For many people, this is considered an advanced technique for removing backlash. However, some blowback is so minor that it can be eliminated by simply pulling or casting the lines out of the spool and then reeling them back in. As you gain expertise casting fishing lines with baitcasters, you’ll know when it’s time to do it.
Conclusion
Baitcaster birds nest is a common fishing nuisance for every angler, no matter how experienced you are. However, these pro tips above will help you eliminate all kinds of backlash from a baitcasting reel. Should you get into these unwanted circumstances, don’t forget to apply our tips and show us your results!
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