Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I got my 1st bait caster in '86,a Bantam 10xSG & had backlashes galore while educating my thumb. FF 40 years I have acquired nicer baitcasters with dual brakes that are very had to make backlash,BFS reels,so the Bantam was in the shop attic. Just collecting dust for 8 years at this house probably 20 at the previous house just waiting to be used. I added ball bearings over the years & got it down the other day & mounted it on a different rod that is the perfect match. I started using it lately & realize what a great reel is it. Now I can cast sidearm & it seems to do better if you don't try to cast it hard, just a flick of the wrist & the rod action gets it on out there easy.

I don't know why but my bantam gives me more backlashes than any other reel I try to fish with, regardless how the brake is set. Probably user error.

It seems mine backlashes more if I try to force it, if I let the bearings & rod do their thing it's better maybe on a more limber rod? This is mounted on a graphite MH Shimano "Catana" rod from the 80s, but seems to have a little flex to it . I got 2 words "side-arm" also helps if you have room to do so.

Yeah I almost never throw overhand casts with a baitcaster unless space is very limited. Especially not with a light lure. And it's just funny that I seem to be ok with ceramic bearings on other reels, but this one with brass bushings seems to get away from me. Again, probably user error.

One of my favorite reels ever. I have a bunch of them. !5SXG's, 250's and 350's.

Some brand new in boxes.

I think a windmill cast opposed to snappy jerky delivery like you would on a spinning rod might be a better description of what I do.I try to keep my arm straight like an extension of the rod.

I understand exactly what you are doing. Great explanation.