Quote Originally Posted by Devils Horse View Post
When you whip a lure out there, brakes 'dampen' the spool's rate of spin to help keep if from getting too far ahead of how fast the lure is pulling out string as it flies through the air. They help a lot, but do not prevent backlash. If you're a beginner, I recommend a reel with the brake adjustment on the outside of the cover. Then it's a simple matter to adjust the brakes with the twist of a dial.

Every baitcaster has a spool tension knob. Tighten it and the spool spins less freely, loosen it for the opposite. Set the tension by clicking the spool release with your bait hanging loose. Adjust the spool tension so the bait drops slowly. If you're a complete beginner very slowly.

Start with the brakes all the way on and the spool pretty tight. Set up like that, casts will be short and nose dive pretty hard. Slowly loosen things, and keep casting. Accuracy is just as important as distance, so no need to sling it hard at this point. Educating your thumb to stop the spool at the right time is vital, and takes a while. Practicing dry is okay, but practice by actually fishing for the sharpest learning curve.

When you think you're pretty good, and start to get cocky, cast a crankbait into a nice stiff wind a few times. After you pick the backlashes out, practice some more.

Remember you will always get a backlash now and then, everybody does.
I like the Johnny Morris and Lews reels.........they have 3 "braking" controls.

1). Spool tension know. All casters have this.
2). Centrifugal brakes. Some have this, not all do.
3). Magnetic brake.........Some have this , not all do.

I set the tension to the conditions, and bait I'm using.
I set all my reels to 3 on 3 off on the centrifugal brakes......

Then I use the Magnetic brake to dial in the differences in condition changes. Wind, or as the reel "heats" up, or the line wets, or whatever.......the magnetic brake can take care of all that.

Later,

Geo