Conventional reels

[Bigfisherman]

All,
What's the best way to learn to cast conventional reels. I've used spinning outfits all my life and would like to try out conventional. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[mdram]

buy one, and go for it :)

just over mag/brake it the first few times
well thats what worked for me, but im still learning

[notso]

what mdram said, plus underfill the spool, & you can use a little heavier line too. All those things will help make a reel a little more controllable until you get a feel for it

[Bigfisherman]

Thanks,
That's the types of inside info I'm hoping to hear.

[ffemtreed]

As I have said before, when you get one don't be afraid of it. Make a few wussy casts just to see how it works and then lay into a cast. I farted around with mine for a couple weeks making those wussy casts, it wasn't until I got mad and really laid into a cast that I got the "bug".

You will blow it up a few times, its all part of the game at first. As other have said bigger line (30lb mono) on a Mag 525 not quite filled up will be a pretty safe cast. Make sure the mags are on in force!

Gradually decrease your natural braking, fill to the top with 30lb mono instead of short spooling it.

Then drop down to 17 or 20 and short spool it, then fill it all the way up once you are comfortable.

Then start backing down the mags until it just starts to get out of control.

Take you time and don't be afraid!

[SEA DOG]

Just Practice Every Chance You Get

[Digger]

I would recommend to check your form 1st. Check out John Holden's site or Blackbeard's. Make sure your form is proper and you understand the fundamentals of the cast. Things will be allot easier since you probably have some bad habits from spinning gear.

[basstardo]

DIgger is spot on. Good form will add distance to your cast long before better gear will. You can buy good gear, but you can't buy distance.

[Charlie2]

The guys give some good advice.

Mine is to spool it with mono to start. Don't you dare put braid on that sucker.

Practice. I've been practicing for some 60 years.:fishing:

[FishinMortician]

There advice is sound.

I cast one my first time last March. :D The Penn 525Mag was what was recommended to me, for a starter reel that fishes well too. Spinning gear was all I would use, kind of intimidated by conventional gear. Now I cast three of those reels. Two penns and an abu.

Ask for assistance matching up a rod for the reel you choose.

The first thing I noticed was how smooth the cast was. Keep your spinning gear, but at least try a conventional reel.

The learning curve can be as steep as you choose to make it. But... you know where to look for assistance.

[Bigfisherman]

Well the birthday coming up and I think I have the wife talked into letting me get a 525mag paired up with a suitable rod. I appreciate all the advice. I'm realling forward to getting some line spooled and heading to the park.

Thanks all
:fishing: