Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: cabro on September 18, 2013, 06:08:02 PM
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I just purchased a Daiwa Luna 300 and i'm having major problems with bird's nests/backlash. I've been using an Abu Garcia 6500 without issue for years so i'm fairly sure it's not user error.
I adjusted the spool tensioner to where the line won't come out during free spool unless I give it a light flick (which is what my Aby Garcia user manual said to do) but that didn't seem to make it any better. The line seems to come out ok during really light casts but if I give it the beans I get a major bird's nest.
Should I be adjusting the Centriflex Backlash Control System?
EDIT:
I should also add that i'm casting a 1/4oz croc connected directly to my main line. Not too sure if it being so light is causing an issue. Maybe it's normally setup from the factory to cast a float, pencil lead and lure (something heavier?
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What kind of line are you using?
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What kind of line are you using?
Maxima Ultragreen 15lb
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EDIT:
I should also add that i'm casting a 1/4oz croc connected directly to my main line. Not too sure if it being so light is causing an issue. Maybe it's normally setup from the factory to cast a float, pencil lead and lure (something heavier?
I think there's your problem.
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I just use my 400 for driftn springs but a couple years ago when using a 3 oz ::) I noticed it didnt handle the weight well. Try a swinging motion always keeping tension in the reel.
This reel once I fixed it does not see the Fraser
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trick to casting lighter lures with a level wind is actually to loosen the tensioner (not totally but you want the lure to drop quickly when you let go of the thumb), leave your lure hanging a 1-2 feet below your rod tip and don't use a snap to cast like you do with a spinning rod but instead gradually accelerate through the cast.
what your trying to do is the quick snap which causes your spool to spin way to fast instantly causing a birds nest right away.
To cast lures with a level wind it does take some practice playing around to get it right. once you get it right you will be able to cast well but never as far as a spinning reel will with lures.
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When I am using bait casters, the lightest lure I use is 3/8 oz. Anything lighter and I would go with a spinning reel.
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Thumb control, put it just over the spool when line is going out and use it to stop a nest, slow your cast speed down.
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When I am using bait casters, the lightest lure I use is 3/8 oz. Anything lighter and I would go with a spinning reel.
x2
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I experienced the same problem when I first got my Luna 300. Follow Hook's and M-M advice. Start with shorter casts (it was the long toss that really messed me up) working your way up to longer casts. After a little more tension tuning and practice, you'll be casting smoothly the majority of the time - I can't promise you that you will never birds nest again :D
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1 word...."Practice!"
Floatfishing with a baitcaster is all about thumb control and attention. Yeah I used the tension control in the beginning but it just got in the way casting different rigs so I stopped using it and focused more on feathering the spool with my thumb.
I rarely use baitcasters anymore but when I do I am confident enough from countless times before that I easily switch back with out fear of backlash or birds nests.
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I think the size of the Luna 300 may be a contributing factor as to why you're having difficulty. My buddy had a similar problem with a Shimano Calcutta 400B while trying to cast light presentations, while Stratocaster and I were having no issues at all with the smaller Calcutta 200B. I've also got a Luna 253 which I use for coho, and it can also handle light presentations quite well, although I really like my Calcutta 200B for light presentations.
I guess my point is, larger reels need more weight to cast properly. I know you mentioned that you previously used an Abu Garcia 6500 without issue. My buddy had the same experience as well until he switched to the Calcutta 400B, then he was having all sorts of birds nests and problems casting. The Luna (and Calcutta) is a much higher quality reel with higher precision and tighter tolerances than your Abu Garcia. My guess is that you will be able to manage once you figure out the "feel" of the reel and develop muscle memory, but the larger sized reel just adds a level of difficulty for casting light tackle. Good luck!
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You might want to check if the line coming off the spool lines up directly with the pawl. If it is at an angle it could be causing all of your problems. It can get out of alignment if you reel your line directly onto the spool. Easiest way to fix it is to take your side plate off and turn the gear on the worm shaft to move the line guide over without turning the main spool. Once they line up again put the reel back together and try it again.
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Or maybe you have too much line on your spool? Sometimes, esp. with the mono lines, too much line gives you a backlash.
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trick to casting lighter lures with a level wind is actually to loosen the tensioner (not totally but you want the lure to drop quickly when you let go of the thumb), leave your lure hanging a 1-2 feet below your rod tip and don't use a snap to cast like you do with a spinning rod but instead gradually accelerate through the cast.
what your trying to do is the quick snap which causes your spool to spin way to fast instantly causing a birds nest right away.
To cast lures with a level wind it does take some practice playing around to get it right. once you get it right you will be able to cast well but never as far as a spinning reel will with lures.
I just bought the same reel and I feel your pain. There is definitely a knack to tossing spoons wih it. Hook is completely right, took me a few tries to figure it out. I kind of watch my spoon and when it swings forward I smoothly pendulum it out there. Similar to if you were casting a float rig set very deep.
Also I noticed, when using float and light weight even with the spool tension tight the weight would fall. (With my abu it was quite easy to adjust) another angler I was fishing beside thought this was strange and wanted to play around. We figured out if you REALLY tighten it (finger tight) it works and makes a world of difference. the daiwa spool tension is really touchy where one mm turn can make or break it.
Once I figured that out it was a whole new reel. This reel is so smooth and easy to cast when set properly. Good luck! Let me know if you figure it out Bc man was I frustrated after spending that money.
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Having had these problems in the past I feel the pain. The advice given by others is excellent. Interesting that nobody mentioned adjusting the anti-backlash setting. I have always found the instructions so cryptic I just tried various settings and get bye but I have never known if I was doing the best thing.
Anybody with guidance on how to set the anti-backlash on the Daiwa Luna?
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One other thing to check is making sure that the lighter lure is adding enough tension to the line coming in. If the line isn't tight coming in you are just asking for problems too.
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Maverick while you make a good point about the line possibly not lining up, you are actually adjusting it the harder way. easiest way to get your pawl to line up again is to take out the pawl itself, strip off several turns of line to make sure its following the line side to side, then replace the pawl and its cap and your good.
tip - place the pawl in and strip a bit of line to make sure you got it into the teeth going the right direction otherwise you will be making things even worse. then just put the pawl cap back on
Vagabond - you mention Anti-backlash setting. Do you mean one of those goofy Abu's with the anti backlash gizmo or are you talking about the spool tension knob on the side of the reel ? the tension knob has been mentioned many times in this thread
My dad and I both have an anti-backlash Abu but we don't use it and just thread the reel regularly. We did however test it out when we first got them and they decrease your cast distance greatly
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After reading through all the advice in this thread i'll definitely be changing my technique a little as the Luna 300 is definitely not as forgiving as the Abu Garcia 6500.
1) I'll leave 1-2ft. of line from my rod tip to the spoon. I was reeling it pretty much right to the tip before
2) I had the spool tension set so that the lure wouldn't drop unless I flicked the rod lightly (as per the Abu Garcia manual, Daiwa didn't mention any tips on setting this). After watching a few videos, i'll loosen this up so it's a fairly quick drop
3) My casting technique was to really whip the rod, instead I will gradually accelerate the cast
4) Spool might be a little full, i'll strip some line off
5) Guy from Berry's Bait & Tackle said to unscrew the side plate and tighten up the backlash control system until I get more used to the reel
Can't wait to get out there this weekend and give it another go. Hope the weather clears up even a little bit. :(
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More I use the reel I learn how it's all about finesse. Cast just As far with a light swing
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Another thing is to maybe consider trying a different line. I started with Maxima, like everyone, and then I was told to try Stren and gave it a try and haven't gone back. It's a much softer line, less stiff than the Maxima and found that it didn't birdsnest as much.
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Another thing is to maybe consider trying a different line. I started with Maxima, like everyone, and then I was told to try Stren and gave it a try and haven't gone back. It's a much softer line, less stiff than the Maxima and found that it didn't birdsnest as much.
I find fishing line that's a little more rigid exhibits less birds nest problems than line that is more limp. I recommend Silver Thread - it's old school mono. copolymer line, but it's the toughest one I've used so far!
However, it's very important to adjust your brake settings correctly. It should be adjusted that your lure falls to the ground without excess line popping out of the spool like a minor birds nest.