baitcasting reels

bassangler23 · Post by **bassangler23** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:16 pm

I have a few spinning rods and reels and can fish fine with them. But recently I have started to look at baitcasting reels, what advantages do they bring as they are more expensive. are they worth getting. also what kind of rod should i get with it (length, action, etc.)

RW-reeler · Post by **RW-reeler** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:07 pm

Well where do we start? It is a better winch when fighting bigger fish. If you get in a area with big fish you can't beat a baitcaster (bc).
You can get longer casts from a properly set up bc, setting the tension knob for the lure weight and wind conditions.
More accuracy after you have educated your thumb. You will need practice but when you get the hang of it you can feather the spool with your thumb and help your distance control and it makes for a quieter entry in the water.
There are 3 things off the top off my head. Hope this is helpful.

RW-reeler

Fishnj · Post by **Fishnj** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:46 pm

I recently bought my first one about 1.5 months ago. I was instructed on how to set up the tension for each lure etc as well as thumbing it. i practiced for days and then hit the water. Things went well for a bit, then acourse i miss thumbed it once and it was all over from there birds nest everywhere. i could not clear it and had to pass on using that reel for the rest of the trip as well as getting new line put on it. I was told to try using fireline as its a bit stiffer, so i did and again after using it for a while with no problems i again slipped up and was left with a tangled mess. So i am going to give it one more shot to see how it goes. This time i going light weight with mono line prob 8lbs i will report back. If this does not work it is going to either go on ebay or its going to become a trolling reel.

RW-reeler · Post by **RW-reeler** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:38 pm

A common early problem with bc reels is when you practice in the yard you always cast easy and think about your target. When you get on the water and things are going fine, then you think a little farther on this next cast, and oops a nest. It is tough but at the beging try to stick to short targets that will help.
Make sure you get to practice long cast before you get on the water.
Rod lenth is depending on what lure you will do the most with. Worming- 6'6" to 7' med hev, cranking maybe a 6'to 6'6" med or med lt.
Shorter rods will increase accuracy, longer rods cast farther.
Remember set up your tension knob a little tight at first and practice a bunch.

Fishnj · Post by **Fishnj** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:25 pm

Thanks for the tips, going to get new line put on on practice alot befor using it on the water again. it has a mag. brake assit also besides the tension knob so it takes alittle getting use to i guess

Capn jack duggins · Post by **Capn jack duggins** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:23 am

Also remember this, you "load" a spinning rod but you "sweep" a baitcasting rod. If you "load" a casting rod you usually end up with a mess.

TIP: When you first get out on the water, make a decent cast with your casting rod then take out 20+- feet more. STOP. Now get out your electrical tape and cut a strip as wide as your casting reels spool and tape down the rest of your line. Now grab your line where it comes into the reel and crank the rest of your linein.
What this will do is keep the birds nest from involving the 'base' line and makes it a lot easier to get nests out!

Fishnj · Post by **Fishnj** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 3:29 pm

Also remember this, you "load" a spinning rod but you "sweep" a baitcasting rod. If you "load" a casting rod you usually end up with a mess.

Capn. can you explain furthur what its ment by this are you talking about casting overhead etc i am not sure as to what you mean. thanks

bassangler23 · Post by **bassangler23** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:01 am

thanks for all of the replies.

Capn jack duggins · Post by **Capn jack duggins** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:54 pm

Fishnj, Usually when you cast a spinning rod, you do not stop between the back cast and for-cast thereby "loading" the rod tip with energy during the cast. Loading the rod allows for farther casts and it is easier on your arm over the long day of fishing.

When you cast a (bait)casting rod, the 'norm' is to NOT load the rod but sweep it forward allowing the spool to come to speed and *hopefully* not have a professional overrun!

If you attempt to load the casting rod and instantly release your thumb from the spool (as you would release the string on a spinning rod), you will almost always have a mess!

I hope this explains it better.

Fishnj · Post by **Fishnj** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:25 pm

Thanks capn i understand what you mean and think that this may be part of my problem. I will have to try this new way and see if it makes the differance for me. Whats your true feeling on line weight for a general use i know this is wide open but for running hard baits mainily rappalas etc floating and diving? on a bait caster that is.