Posted by FishHateMe from spider-th031.proxy.aol.com on March 02, 2002 at 09:12:07:
In Reply to: Just When I Thought It Was Safe posted by Patrick on March 01, 2002 at 22:26:34:
Patrick,
Try tightening the break (the small knob on the left side of a right handed cranking reel) as you become comfortable casting. Typically, the proper setting on the brake is one that allows the bait to drop slowly but freely when the spool is disengaged, rather than a free fall as if it's being dropped off the end of your rod. I'd suggest that as you practice, you find that slow free fall point, then tighten the brake a little more as you practice casting. This controls the speed of the spool's spin or rotation as you cast. Eventually, as you become more comfortable, loosen the brake a bit more.
Of course - don't forget to "thumb" the spool as you cast and always stop the spool from rotating as your bait hits the water or you're bait has traveled as far as you'd like in the air - like right before you're about to get tangled 20 feet up in a willow tree!
Have fun -
FishHateMe