Why Does My Baitcaster Not Casting Far?- Tips To Fix It

Baitcasters are meant to cast far. However, it seems that many anglers are incapable of casting more than 30 feet with their baitcaster. This is due to a problem called “casting lag.”

If you are experiencing casting lag and issues with baitcaster not casting far, try tightening the drag. This will make your cast longer. Check if your cast is too long. If this is the case, reduce the cast by winding up more line as you cast and continue to shorten as necessary until it reaches about 18 inches of line. Lastly, make sure that your rod and reel are compatible with baitcasting.

Sometimes the spool on your reel doesn’t have enough inertia to pull back at the same time as you’re reeling in line off of it. As a result, your lure falls short and lands close to you instead of out there by the fish you intended for it to go near.

What Is A Baitcaster? How Does It Work?

A baitcaster is a type of reel that uses centrifugal force to cast your line. It has two spinning spools, one on the bottom and one on the top.

On each side, there are metal arms called “level-winds.” This can control how much line can be pulled off of either spool at any given time by rotating in one direction or another. 

The distance that your baitcaster can cast is determined by how quickly you are able to unwind line off of the spool. If there isn’t enough resistance (drag) in the water, then it will fall short. As a result, it will not go as far out into the open water where you want it to be when fishing for fish like salmon or trout.

How To Properly Cast A Baitcaster

The best method to cast with a baitcaster is to do it in one fluid motion. A straightforward way of thinking about that is: pull back with both arms (level-winds), then let them go in one fluid motion to cast your bait out there.

Doing it in one fluid motion should eliminate casting lag and ensure that your lure/bait goes the farthest distance possible!

First, you want your thumb and index finger of both hands on the line coming off of each spool. When you engage the reel, they’ll provide resistance which will help pull back simultaneously as reeling in line from both sides.

When you cast, it should be done with a sweeping motion away from your body. Then follow through by pointing the rod tip at where you want to throw. Continue until there are about 18 inches of line left on each side (the distance between your hands).

Then, release both level-winds, which will allow all that line to be cast. You should hear a “click” sound as the line hits the spool, and it begins to spin fast. This will allow your lure or bait to fly out there where you want it to go!

Why Won’t My Baitcaster Cast Far?

Baitcasters are meant to let your throw or cast your reel further into the wishing area. But that may not be the case all the time, owing to a variety of reasons.

Wrong Tension Settings

The line may not be spooled on the correct tension. The drag might also need tightening or loosening, depending on how much pressure is required in catching a fish.

Improper Balance

When fishing for larger fish, then the chances of your baitcaster losing its balance increases. Therefore it wouldn’t cast further than expected.

Tangled Spool

If you have problems getting the line to load or spin, make sure that there aren’t any tangles in the line and replace them if necessary. See if all knots are checked for strength as well before trying to cast again.

Incorrect Drag Settings

When your drag isn’t set correctly for the type of fish you are trying to catch, there will be a problem getting it to cast further. This may also happen if the spool is full or not fully rewound on the reel.

Bent Spool Shaft

This might be the most common problem people come across. If your spool shaft is bent, it will not cast your bait correctly. You may have to take it into a shop for repair or replacement.

Improper Reel Size Selection

Make sure that the size of reel you are using also fits your fishing needs and isn’t too big or too small. If it’s the latter, you may not be able to cast properly either because of its size.

Tips For Casting Farther With Your Baitcaster

To get the best out of your Baitcaster, make sure that you follow these tips:

• Carry a spare spool for replacement if needed.
• Use correct line size and test it before going fishing to see how much weight can be applied without snapping.
• Check all knots to ensure they are tied correctly and not weak or loose.
• Tighten or loosen drag according to what you are fishing for and how strong the fish might be. A common mistake is that most people go overboard with it when in reality, they just need a little nudge of pressure to keep their catch on land.
• Know your reel size before buying one! Not all reels have the same size, and you don’t want to have one that is too small for your baitcasting needs.
• Check spool shafts if they’re bent or damaged before going fishing. A replacement might be necessary, depending on how severe it is.
• Keep spare line handy. In case yours snaps from either being tangled or broken, you can tie a new one and go on fishing.
• Adjust your drag settings according to what type of fish you are going after. Consider the size, strength, and weight that it might have before casting with your baitcaster again. This is especially important if you’re using larger reels for bigger catches.

As long as these tips are followed, you should be able to throw your baitcaster further and get the desired results.

Bottom Line

Baitcasting is a technique that sports fishers developed to cast their bait further. This fishing technique differs from spinning because the line is allowed to slip freely off the reel during casting. This creates more power and distance when reeling in your catch.

If you’re struggling with baitcaster not casting far, it may be time to replace the gear. When a line has been cast out for an extended period and is allowed to get wet, salt from sweat or ocean water will corrode the metal components. This leads to corrosion on your reel’s spool shaft, which can cause difficulty in retrieving fishing lines – even if they’re brand new! To avoid this problem altogether, we recommend investing in a more expensive baitcasting rod that won’t have these issues down the road.