Thumbing Conventionals

[Sweetwater]

I use Abu Garcia 7000 C3 and 7000 CL reels on 10' Lamiglass rods. I've removed all the brakes. My technique is.

Make sure the reel is slightly wet (I use a bit of fresh water) but your thumb is dry for the first cast.

Lock down on the spool tightly when loading up on the rod, then release the spool completely on the cast.

Then I thumb the spool lightly and only as I feel even the slightest amount of "fluff" coming off of the spool. This is what some call having an "educated thumb" and it just takes practice.

As soon as the weight or lure hits the water, I lock the spool down with my thumb immediately...since the line is no longer running but the spool is still spinning.

Other hints: Use mono as you get used to it. I've found braided to be much more susceptable to overspool..and much harder to detangle. Find a weight that loads the rod nicely whether it's 4, 5, 6, or 7 oz. Some weights are harder to handle than other depending on rod loading. Practice with the wind at your back where overspool is less likely. Practice using less tension and fewer brakes to increase your distance as you get more used to your equipment.