Outdoor Blog
How to Use a Baitcaster

Baitcaster reels can be intimidating. They’re often seen as advanced reels, for more experienced anglers. Most people start out fishing on spinning or spin-cast reels, and if you’re not used to using these kinds of reels already, we would recommend you become accustomed to them before trying the more challenging baitcaster reel.
But if you’re already proficient in using these reels, and you’re building up the courage to try a bait caster for the first time, we’ve put together our top recommendations, and a step-by-step guide, on how to use a baitcaster. Baitcasters may be outside of your comfort zone, but this article will help you prepare mentally for the step!

Baitcast reels can typically handle heavier line and actually allow for longer casts than spinning gear in the same size range.
What is a baitcaster reel?
As we all know, fishing reels are cylindrical devices that are attached to a fishing rod. Their purpose is to wind and stow line. Modern fishing reels usually have fittings to aid you in casting for distance and accuracy, as well as retrieving line.
A baitcaster reel, which is also referred to as the conventional reel, is an advanced reel that is used by experienced anglers. One of the main reasons to graduate from spinning or spin-cast reels to the baitcaster real is that it offers you more control and accuracy when you’re casting. Baitcaster reels are the big daddy of fishing reels. Proficient, and professional, anglers all around the globe choose them because of their unparalleled durability, strength, and cast accuracy.
Because of the durability, strength and cast accuracy of baitcasters, and with the right amount of training and experience, you can target even bigger and stronger fish than before. If you’re looking to impress with your catch, and want to keep bettering yourself in your fishing game, then the baitcaster is a reel you should consider graduating to. Even if you’re not ready to start using the bait caster all the time, it’s good to get starting with practicing with it, as bait casters can often take some time to get used to and perfect.
Baitcasters are not just the most accurate of fishing reels. They are also often much more durable. This means they can handle much heavier, much stronger forms of line. As the more experienced anglers amongst you will know, this is necessary for when you’re targeting much bigger or stronger fish, such as monster fish, or when you’re fishing thick cover.
The main reason why people are intimidated by bait caster reels is because of the backlash factor. With a baitcaster, the spool speed is controlled just with your thumb. This can be quite tricky to manage. If you don’t control the spool speed properly with your thumb, or if you release the lure at the wrong time, the line will try to come off the spool while the spool is still spinning. This then creates what is known as backlash or a bird’s nest.
A backlash or a bird’s nest is something you definitely want to avoid, and can result in a big, tangled mess of line. While the line is wanting to come off the spool while it’s still spinning, it ends up staying on the reel, creating an overrun of line that gets tangled. Just like with a ball of yarn, if you pull one end and don’t control the rest of the line, the rest of it is bound to get tangled up in a big mess. Consider taking a camping multi tool with you, for any repairs or cutting tasks.
However, if you follow our step-by-step guide below, and follow some of the basic rules and tips of using a bait caster reel, then you should be able to avoid the annoying tangle of a backlash or a bird’s nest.

Baitcasters can typically cast farther and with greater precision but you have to practice a lot.
How to spool new fishing line onto your baitcaster reel: a step-by-step guide
1. Before you spool your new fishing line, you need to select the right kind of fishing line for your baitcasting reel. Although you may have been using braided fishing line on your spinning or spincast reels, it doesn’t work so well with bait caster wheels and can cause bad backlashes or bird’s nests. Our recommendation for fishing line to use with your bait caster reel is monofilament fishing line, preferably 12 or 15lb mono line, to avoid those pesky backlashes.
2. Firstly you need to run the new line through the line guides. You’ll find the line guides on the underside of the rod: they are the little hoops hanging off. Always start this process at the far end of the rod, pushing the line through the loops and towards the reel. With baitcaster rods, there’s a little hole in the reel that you should be looking for, that you won’t find on other types of reel. You’ll also need to run the line through this guide to get it into the bail.
3. Next what you need to do is knot the line on the reel spool. You do this by: wrapping the end of the fishing line over the spool (the indentation in the middle of the reel). Then you must bring the end of the line back towards you and tie the line together in an arbor knot.
4. But how do you tie an arbor knot? An arbor knot is done by first tying a simple overhand knot. Then you tie a second overhand knot at the free end of the line. All you need to do now is pull both knots tight against the reel, and you’re done!
5. The next step in spooling your new fishing line is to close the bail by lowering the wire arm. Then you have to pull the wire arm as far down as it will go to lock the line in place. If it so happens that the line comes undone, what you’ll need to do is lift up the bail and redo the knot, repeating the process again until the line is securely in place.
6. Next, crank the rod’s handle to find out which way the bail rotates. Then you should mentally make note of the direction that the bail rotates in, as the line must be loaded in the same direction. Drop the spool of new fishing line on the floor with the label facing upwards and adjust the position of the rod so the line can be loaded correctly. For Baitcaster reels, this process is slightly more complicated than for spinning or spincast reels. You’ll need an extra bit of kit: a spooler. You can make a DIY spooler by sticking a pencil through the reel, and having someone else hold it for you, so you can properly spool your new fishing line. Or if you’re fishing on your own, or want a more permanent solution, you can purchase a spooler, or make one yourself by placing the spool on a screwdriver, pushed through a cardboard box on either side.
7. The next step to spool your new fishing line onto your bait caster reel is to hold the line between your thumb and your index finger. It’s important here to make sure you’re holing the line properly, maintaining constant pressure. If the line isn’t taught, and is tangling, then you’re holding it wrong. Use your free hand as you hold the rod in your other hand, and make sure the line feels taut and doesn’t tangle going onto the reel.
8. Once you’re holding it in the correct way, turn the rod’s handle around 15-20 times, ensuring that you’re continuing to grip onto the line as you crank the handle. 15-20 rotations are enough to load the line into the reel, so don’t overdo it! Make sure you keep an eye on the line, and that you’re maintaining constant pressure, so it doesn’t load with knots or tangles. If you do find yourself with knots or tangles, you’ll have to unspool the line to fix them. What you’ll need to do is gently pull the line back off the reel. Then tug on the loop of line in the tangled part and it should unknot easily.
9. As anyone who has any experience in angling knows, tangles are your worst enemy. So before you start casting, you’ll need to drop the line to test it for tangles. This is how you test the line for tangles: let go of the line and let it drop towards the ground, watching it as it goes. As you watch, you’ll be able to immediately notice any twists or loops in the line, that might come back to bite you later. To undo any of these annoying twists, flip the spool of new fishing line so that the label faces the ground. You also must ensure that the line continues to load in the same direction that the bail is rotating in.
10. So, we’re nearly there! The next step is to fill the rod’s spool until it’s almost full. Then you should pinch the line again between your thumb and index finger so it stays straight and taught, then rotate the rod’s crank. Once you have rotated the crank, load the line until the reel is almost full. Ideally, the line should be about 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) below the spool’s rim, so try to aim for this measurement when you’re loading your line. Then, cut the line to detach it from the new spool to finish, with a camping knife, for example.
11. The last step in spooling your new fishing line onto your bait caster reel is to secure the line to the reel with a rubber band. All you need to do is simply place a rubber band around the line on the reel to hold it in place. If your reel has a tab on the side, wrapping the line around it will also hold everything in place.

Often times baitcasters can throw further than spinning reel and with great precision.
How to cast the reel: a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Set the spool tension
The tension knob on bait caster reels is the small dial on the side plate, usually on the same side as the handle. If you set this up, and the tension right, then you’re far more likely to be able to get your bait caster reel to cast properly. Every time you change fishing baits and lures, you’ll need to reset the spool tension. He’s how you do it:
- Hold the rod tip up and reel your lure up so there’s a foot of line out.
- Tighten the tension knob so you feel some pressure.
- Push the thumb bar to let the lure fall.
- Loosen the tension knob until the lure starts to fall on its own.
- Reel it up and do it again until your lure can fall as fast as possible without overrunning the spool when it hits the ground.
Step 2: Reel in the line
Firstly, what you need to do is reel in the line. Reel the line in until your bait or lure is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the rod tip. If you have a sinker or bobber attached to the line, it should be 6 to 12 inches from the rod tip instead
Step 3: Hold the reel properly
There’s a bit of a science to holding your baitcasting reel properly. You should be holding the rod behind the reel with your thumb resting over the reel spool. Mainly people cast with the same hand they retrieve with. If you’d rather hold the rod behind the reel when you retrieve, switch hands when you cast. To give you more control over the flow of the line during the cast, rest your thumb at a slight angle on the spool.
Step 4: Turn the rod so the reel handles point up
As with spincasting reels that you may have gotten used to, doing this lets you use your wrist when you cast. If you’re left-handed, or you cast with your opposite hand, the handles should point down.
Step 5: Press the reel spool release button
More modern baitcasting reels have a mechanism to disengage the reel spool from the handles so they don’t turn during the cast, meaning you’ll get longer casts. Some more vintage models might have a slightly different way of operating, but most models today feature a release bar behind the spool. Just press it with your thumb when you rest it on the reel spool.
Step 6: Make sure to bend your casting arm
There’s also a science to how you bend your arm with a baitcasting reel! Bend at the elbow so that the crook of your arm is almost a right angle. Then raise your rod until the tip goes slightly past vertical. This is the right position to cast.
Step 7: Sweep the rod forward
Sweep the rod forward until it reaches eye level: about 30 degrees above horizontal. Lift your thumb off the reel spool enough so that the weight of your bait or lure pulls line off the spool as it is propelled toward the target: but don’t totally lose that pressure! If you want to learn how to use a long-handled baitcasting rod, often used in saltwater fishing, when you cast use your opposite hand as a fulcrum, to pivot the rod as you cast to the exact right angle.
Step 8: Press down on the reel spool
Press down on the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait when it reaches the target. This will feel similar to pressing the button on the spincasting reels you may have been practicing on, to break the line. But with baitcasting reels, there’s an extra element of risk! If you don’t press your thumb down soon enough, you risk creating a backlash, or tangled line. This is because, if you don’t press down your thumb in time, the spool will continue to turn after the bait hits the water, leaving you in a bit of a pickle!

Now that you’ve learned to use a baitcaster it’s time to get out on the water.
Final Verdict:
So there we have it: a step-by-step guide to spooling and casting your new baitcaster reel and rod! There are a few other ways we would suggest you preparing for your first baitcasting fishing experience. Firstly, you need to choose the right baitcasting reel. The main thing to remember when doing this is to find one that feels right, and is balanced well, in your hands.
After all, you’ll be holding it for a while, potentially, waiting for the perfect catch. You could even take some heated socks with you, to stop your feet from getting cold as you wait! We would recommend going to a store that sells baitcasting reels, and hold a few in your hands, to see what works. Also use the opportunity to get some advice from the staff there, and let them help you choose the right reel for you.
Before you cast your baitcasting rod for the first time for real, we would also recommend you practice your casting technique away from water. You can replace your bait with a rubber practice plug, and have fun in your garden, getting accustomed to your new piece of kit. This will not only improve your effectiveness while you’re casting, but will make you feel more comfortable with the new piece of kit, reducing the likelihood of having a backlash. You should also consider the best time of year to go fishing.
We hope that these guides, and tricks and tips, on how to use a baitcaster will get you prepared for your first time, and feeling less intimidated by this reel. Don’t be intimidated, practice away from the water, and when you’re ready, happy fishing!
Bonus tip: While you’re at it, check out this awesome video on how to use a baitcaster for beginners!
Outdoor Blog
Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.
Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement
The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.
The psychological thrill
In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.
The benefits of embracing the edge
Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.
The balance of risk and reward
While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.
Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.
Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.
Outdoor Blog
Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.
The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.
Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.
Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?
Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.
The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.
These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.
Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:
- Allows for sustainable rural development
This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.
- Test new technologies
Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.
- Improving the effect of climate change
Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.
Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.
- This leads to job creation
Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails
Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.
Embracing the Use of Green Technology
Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.
By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.
The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.
Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors
Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.
Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.
Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty
The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.
Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.
Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.
Providing Health and Wellness Benefits
Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.
Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy
These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.
This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.
Conclusion
Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.
From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.
Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.
Outdoor Blog
Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.
If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.
Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool
Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.
Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.
Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks
Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.
Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.
Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions
Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.
Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner
A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.
Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight
A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.
Endnote
Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.
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