Cast Control In Modern Baitcasting Reels

We see a lot of reels coming into our shop with cast-control issues, which is when the cast con-trol cap over the spool is tight but the spool continues to spin freely.

- Mat Hegy

In years past, most reels used the cast control cap to add tension to the spool shaft to add braking to the spool, which helped reduce backlashes. This tension is adjusted by pushing the spool release button and tightening or loosening the cap to allow the lure to slowly drop when free-spooled.

These systems have wear parts and need to have regular replacements to keep them working properly, just like brakes on your vehicle. Many reels still use this form of braking in conjunction with one or all of the cast control systems talked about below, but may not be utilized. I will focus on the cast control systems most common in musky reels and hopefully you will get more from your reel and time on the water.