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This is a two part question for anyone who would like to help me out?

First, I've been fishing for almost a year now. Up until now I've been using a spinning reel set up. I am considering purchasing a baitcasting set up so I can fish with some heavier baits. Can anyone comment on what would be an ideal and versatile set up for my first baitcasting set up:

What type of rod (size, action, lure weight)?
Any suggestions on a good reel? (I am on a limited budget.)

Second, besides being able to throw heavier baits, what are some of the other advantages of a baitcasting set up?

Rob, you can't go wrong with a Shimano Curado teamed up with a BPS Extreme rod. I know they pack these two together in a combo. Great reel and the rod is no slouch either. A 6-6 medium action is quite versatile and will allow you to fish many different types of baits.

Rob- Think seriously about MMT's suggested Combo. The Shimano Curado is a first rate casting reel and the Extreme casting rod is about as good as you can get for the money
(plus the cost of the combo will save $50 off the price if purchased separately)

You don't have to hurry. Prices are good until New Years Eve. But if you want it now, go for it. Also, ask about the 6 Pay Plan. JoeMo

If you don't mind spending a little extra coin the Shimano Scorpions are beefed up Curados. I have two 1001's and just sold off my Curados. They are worth every penny.

MMT- Too costly for me. Fixed income.

I have read a zillion good things about the Scorpions. Now, "If I had a million dollars"
("I'd be rich!" lol)

BTW, yours are left-handers?

Thanks again for good posts. JoeMo

The best baitcasting reel I have ever used (so far in my short bassfishing career) has to be the Shimano Bantam Chronarch. This reel is close to $200, but it is soooo smooth!

I also have a more expensive Calcutta, but I always find myself reaching for the Chronarch when I'm on the boat. It's simply a more comfortable reel, and with a solid 6 1/2 foot custom rod I picked up at a fishing expo for $50, it's a dynamite combination!

One of the biggest benefits of fishing with baitcasting equipment is that the reel is like a small winch. This results in more power for the fisherman, and less of an advatage for the big fish!

With heavy line (14 to 20 pound test) and a good hook-set, a big bass has almost no chance of getting away when using baitcasting equipment.

rob, i don't want to tell you what i use because everbody likes differnt brands, one thing i will say as it was told to me about 7yrs ago about baitcasting gear. if you buy cheap you get cheap. when i first set my self up with baitcasting gear i went on the cheaper side, it was s#$t. about a year later when i started tournament fishing i upgraded to a reel about $80-$100 and what a difference it was.

so go to the tackle stores and put the reels in your hand and feel what is right for you. if your into tournament fishing like most of us on this site, your are going to spend a little more.

and as for rod action a med or med-hvy action would be fine for anything you are doing w/12lbs spooled on it. hope this helped.

ray

I don't usually promote anybody specific when it comes to tackle, but this time I am. A lot of expensive reels have been listed and although they are quality products and silky smooth, I think when you start out, the fewer bells and whistles the better. Learn to pitch and distance cast with a solid, all round, durable reel and if baitcasting is to your liking you can up grade to reels that meet your particular need ie: fast retrieve. When someone asks me about starting out baitcasting, I recomend the Ambassador 5500C3. Left Hand retrieve if you cast right handed. Garcia has a great service and repair policy and the reel is a tank. Its got a middle of the road retrieve and none of the magnets and other space age crap to distract you from learning about an educated thumb. It will fit any hand and at $65 -$70 dollars doesn't kill the budget. After you master the basics, any of the reels recomended in the posts above would be a suitable upgrade. And by learning the basics, you will be able to enjoy the upgrade, push it to its limits, and appreciate the fine piece of craftsmanship and engineering that you are holding in your hand. And for the umpteenth time 6'6" med action will do fine. Good Luck.
Just curious how many guys out there still have and fish there first baitcaster?
Frank

Frank- Excellent post. That should help Rob in deciding what to do. The bells and whistles sure act like a "cloaking device" when you are trying to get your arm, hand and fingers coordinated. Another good feature of this choice is that if he ever decides to go Spinning Only again, he isn't into big money on the shelf. Heck, I'd buy it.

My first baitcaster? Still have it and it still works. It's the red 5000 that came in the leather box. Bought it at the Gem Gun Shop in East Islip in 1972. I think I paid $22.50 I could use it but arthritis annoys my thumb too much.

Thanks for posting. Much obliged. JoeMo

Frank- I too am new to bass fishing. What you said makes a lot of sense. I am definitely going to take your advice and look into that rod.