Actually you should loosen the tension knob on the side so the lure starts
to drop. then slowly tighten it until it just stops. It is easier to
practice with a heavier lure or 1/2oz to 1oz lead wieght. Just remember to
watch the lure and stop the spool with your thumb when it hits the water.
John
"max_fischer" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hello. I'm very new to fishing so please excuse me if this is a dumb
question.

I bought a Shakespeare Alpha 310B baitcaster recently. It was on sale
at Walmart and I thought "what the hell I'll try it". It only cost $20.
I have been told baitcasters take a little getting used to, but I
can't seem to get this one to cast very well. I realize that it's very
cheap for a baitcaster. My question is this: After I release the spool,
shouldn't the lure just drop easily? How heavy does it need to be?

I'm thinking that a higher quality baitcaster would do this a lot
better. OR maybe I just don't know what I'm doing?

thanks in advance

Max