Most Bait casting reels will have both a brake setting & a spool tension setting. The brake setting usually runs on a scale of 0 to 10 whereas the spool setting is usually not numbered. Let’s adjust the spool setting first.

What you do here is, hit the line release & watch your lure (or sinker) fall. It should free-fall smoothly on its own and when it hits the ground (or the water) your spool should stop spinning. If your spool keeps spinning, then your setting is too loose - if your lure (or sinker) falls very slowly or doesn’t fall at all – then your setting is too tight.

Now we need to adjust your brake setting, if your reel has one. (If it doesn’t, don’t worry; the adjustment above will suffice). Set your brake to the highest setting, which is usually 10. This will help you slow the spool down when it reaches its destination, helping to prevent birds’ nests. As you become more experienced, you can back off on this setting to a lower number, or right down to a zero. But, before you do this, you will need to be a pro at using your thumb as a brake & this takes time.

A Example of a Birds Nest in a Baitcasting Reel
image (c) www.fishingmag.co.nz

Now, you’re ready to cast. When doing so, the key is not to try & cast with all your might. If you do, the spool will end up traveling faster than your lure & this will equate to a major birds nest! Don’t worry about getting far distances from your cast. This will come with time as you learn to use your wrist more & by backing off on the brake setting. Also, if it is windy, do not practice casting into the wind as that adds another element of difficulty.

The only thing left to do now is to use your thumb. You will want your thumb very close to the spool after you cast (almost slightly touching it) & once your lure hits its destination, stop the spool with your thumb. This will prevent back lashes or birds nests.

Follow these tips, be patient & practice, practice, practice. It seems difficult, but it’s really not. Good luck, and good casting!
Ivo

PS: read the first 4 quick tips on using a bait casting reel right here.