Bail snapping back prematurely

[MCS]

I've never had this problem before. I'm fishing with a 10 ft Okuma pole and a brand new Penn Captiva 5000 spinning reel from the beach. The pole is rated for 8 oz. I have 20 lb test on the reel. I'm slinging between 4-6 oz lead and for some reason the bail snaps back, depending how much "umph" I put into the cast. I've lost about 4 or 5 rigs the last two times out. I find myself setting the drag loose, just in case the bail snaps back.

Any suggestions?

[RuddeDogg]

First, welcome to the family. I have 3 Penn captivas, All of mine did the same thing when I first got them. It appeared to me that when you set the bail back ya had to really set it. Sort of like a "breaking in" kinda thing. After a while they worked and still work fine. If it continues, I would send it to Penn or take it back for a new one.

[big brother]

hi sarge,
i don't throw a spinner very much, but everyone i know who does tells me you have to tighten down the drag before casting to prevent the problem you are having.
charlie

[Lipyourown]

On the older Penns that were better quality than the captivas, you had to postion the bail just right before you casted so the bail would hang and not fall over mid cast. Play with it.

[Wilber]

Just a little tip, make sure the reel handle is in the return position, ie not going forward. Sometimes the power of a cast will put the handle in moition and trip the bail. Kinda hard to explain, but easy to show someone.

Good luck.

[MCS]

I appreciate everyone's suggestions. And thanks for the welcome.

I figure if I'm not out fishing, I might as well be talking about it.

[Shoebag22]

I had a similar problem with a new penn 2 years ago... lost $30 worth of lures and finally brought the thing back... got a shimano spheros and haven't looked back....

[sand flea]

Your bail spring may have weakened. It's worth taking it to a local shop to have them take a look.

[MCS]

Your bail spring may have weakened. It's worth taking it to a local shop to have them take a look.

I've only taken it out twice. Just got it from Bass Pro. I know Penn has been putting out some shoddy products since they've moved their operation to China, but...... ah, a lemon is a lemon is a lemon.

I might take it to one of the shops in Emarld Island.

[Hat80]

I've only taken it out twice. Just got it from Bass Pro. I know Penn has been putting out some shoddy products since they've moved their operation to China, but...... ah, a lemon is a lemon is a lemon.

I might take it to one of the shops in Emarld Island.

It's a new reel, take it back to BPS. Better yet buy a Daiwa, you won't be sorry! ;).....Hat

[Big Worm]

This may sound stupid pr elementary but do youmake sure that the bail is at the bottom when you go to heave it? I always make sure it is at the bottom so there is no chance it will "snap" closed on me. Just a suggestion.

[Big Worm]

Unless that is what Wilber is talking about.

[USEF THE MAG]

its probably your handle moving and engaging bail on hard cast. pay attention to wehre handle is on every cast so that it can swing down during cast.........

[rattler]

tighten the drag put the bail away from the rod...and make sure the screw that holds the spring(if it has a spring) is tight...i haven't used that reel but have had the same problem...hope this helps