One of the most consistent comments and questions I get in the Shimano booth at sportsman shows year in and year out pertains to the use of bait casting reels. They are the ones that give you the bird’s nest. Well … if you’re getting a bird’s nest you’re not setting the reel up properly. Don’t stop reading. Setting the reel up takes less time than it will take you to read this. Here is what you do: Obviously, the reel needs to be on a rod and a lure attached to the end of the line. Hold the reel with one hand. Find the free spool adjustment – usually a small knob on the same side as the reel handle. This controls how free the spool will spin upon casting. Don’t confuse this with the drag. Press the thumb bar releasing the spool so the lure will fall to the ground (don’t cast – just let the lure fall to the ground or floor of your boat). As the lure falls, tighten or loosen the free spool adjustment so the lure falls slowly. It should take about two seconds for the lure to fall to the ground from shoulder height. Here is your measure for consistency – when the lure stops upon contacting the floor the spool should stop spinning. You are now ready to cast your bait casting reel without a bird’s nest
