Thumbing Conventionals

[eelman]

Originally Posted by Maine Guide

I picked up a Penn 975 with a Lamiglass 10 ft. 3-8 oz. I do love it already.

While I have used conventionals quite a bit in freshwater - there is quite a bit of difference when you take into account the distance you are trying to achieve and the weight you are throwing.

I did backlash quite a bit as I experimented with the internal brakes, as well as various thumbing techniques. Saturday was mainly a testing process.

It seems to me that you really need to apply the most thumbwork at the beginning of the cast - and then can back off a bit as the lure gets out there. Is that correct?

For you guys that use the Newells (no brakes at all?) how/when do you do your most thumbing?

Finally, are there times when you don't bother at all with the conventional - and stay only with the spinning reels? Perhaps in the surf with the wind coming right at you?

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

It takes a while to get used to so have patience! The thumb is your best tool, better than the brakes etc.. after awhile it becomes second nature, you are correct in that the start of the cast is very important and the end of the cast, these are thye two times when the most pressure is needed, if you feel a backlash starting. pull the rod back and keep you thumb on the spool. During the whole cast, never take your thumb off the spool in fact, just vary the pressure. The brakes are ok but after awhile you wont even use them, I have removed all mine, however in the begining use the brakes its better than backlashing.

IMO, Once you get proficient with casting gear you will love it and be able to fish any plug or lure that the spin crowd does but, it takes time. When I started I always had a spin rod with me as a backup.

One other tip, make sure the spool is wet before you cast! it cuts down on the friction and really helps the cast go smooth. I always wet my thumb before my first cast of the night, so never lay into a dry spool.

Practice , practice, practice..is my best advice once you get the hang of it you will love it.

As far as wind, It doesnt matter I fish conventional all the time regardless of conditions, once you are used to it its just a natural way to fish, I acually have trouble with spining gear now and feel very funny casting a spin rod.

So, practice and dont get lazy with that thumb! its your best friend ! The feel will come in time