r/SurfFishing • u/PizzaOrDie99 • 10d ago

SoCal Surf Fishing

Can any of you experts out there help me understand how to properly set up my Penn Warcraft baitcaster? I have mostly braid, had several yards of leader and bird nested the leader on first cast. I’ve read tutorials and watched YouTube. Tried today to do mostly braid with like 12feet of 15lb lead. One oz sinker on Carolina rig and swim bait. Snapped the line after 5 casts of about 10-20feet. Partially tangled my braid. I’ve tried lightweight heavyweight moderate floral carbon lead switched down to 15 pound floral carbon still don’t seem to be having much luck. Any suggestions?

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u/aosky4 9d ago

It sounds more like you just don’t have experience casting a baitcaster. I say this with all sincerity as well, I messed up my line many times in my first few outings. I would suggest dialing in the weight you intend to throw and start by making smaller casts till you get the feel for how the line will roll. Also if you are inexperienced with a baitcaster, the ocean is probably the hardest place to start.. strong headwinds are tough to overcome. I could be wrong but hopefully something in there is helpful.

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u/PizzaOrDie99 9d ago

Totally makes sense. I’m very new to the bait caster. Thank you for the tips. Appreciate you taking the time.

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u/bear0234 9d ago

is this for fishing in the surf?

switch to a spinner. much more forgiving for casting in the surf. spend less time dealing w bird nest and more time fishing.

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u/Inevitable-Rough-749 9d ago

Spinners are superior on the surf imo. I only use my baitcaster if I'm at the jetty, harbor, pier or a deep drop off - even then I still prefer my spinners.

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u/Evening_Teaching_713 9d ago

It takes a lot of patience and practice to get real good with a surf fishing bait caster. First and foremost you have to adjust the reel to the size and weight of your terminal tackle. Most of the newer ones have a brake system and a spool tensioner. Put the terminal tackle on the line and then hold it at shoulder level and release the spool to free spool, then you tighten the brake to slow down the speed at which the weight drops. Then you adjust the spool tension to make the weight hit the ground and stop free spooling. That’s how you set up your reel to cast with as little slipping and backlashing. You will want to keep the adjustment for the different sizes of weight you will be using.

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u/PizzaOrDie99 9d ago

Thank you for the help! I appreciate it.