nelsonperry
 |
| 02 Mar 2008 10:08 AM |
|
I would like some suggestions on what baitcasting reel to buy. I have never owned or used one before. I fish for Bass and occasionally for Waleye. Are the more expensive units worth the price? I am willing to spend $125.00 (rod and reel) but less is always better. Any help would be appreciated! |
|
|
|
|
BUTTERHOOKS
New Poster
Posts:131
|
| 03 Mar 2008 07:13 AM |
|
hey buddy, i have several baitcasters and after years have yet to figure out how to use them. i would highly suggest getting the cheapest decent one you can find and learn how to use it before you spend all kinds of money (the mistake i made). if you're close to northwesr indiana i'll sell you a couple of the ones i have. |
|
|
|
|
deerkill99
New Poster
Posts:1
|
|
Speedomax
New Poster
Posts:1
|
| 04 Mar 2008 07:46 PM |
|
I was also considering a baitcasting reel, what are the advantages over spincasting? |
|
|
|
|
omega
New Poster
Posts:3
|
| 04 Mar 2008 08:44 PM |
|
I own nothing but baitcasters,they are just easier for me to use .I dont like having to hold the line when casting and always seemed to have loops falling off the spool.I just am way more accurate with a baitcaster.Downfalls are the ever popular"birds nests".,but dialing in the brake and cast control take care of that.I use about a half dozen rod- reels each set up for the lure thats on it to save time on the water.Pros are strenght,smooth casting and the ability to fish with a wider variety of lines. Start with a mid price 50-65 $ with a magnetic brake-easier to adjust than centrifical pin types IMO and pass on some of the cheaper clunkier models.Anyhoo just my opinion,hope this helps P.S yes the more expensive ones are worth the extra cost |
|
|
|
|
Storeyteller
New Poster
Posts:195
|
| 04 Mar 2008 08:53 PM |
|
If your looking to buy a baitcast combo Bass Pro Shops is having a big sale starting march 7th I believe Cabelas is also. As for the advantages baitcasters are used when your throwing heavier baits and for cranking fish out of heavy cover because you can use heavier line. If you haven't used a baitcaster there is a difference when casting because of backlashes or birdsnest whatever you want to call them It takes some practice to to minimize them. If you follow the directions that come with your reel it will help to eliminate some of them. I hope this helps some.  |
|
|
|
|
Reelthing13
Advanced Poster
Posts:343
|
| 05 Mar 2008 05:21 AM |
|
one of my first casting setups was the basspro shops exteme combo.........i don't have enough room here to tell you everything great abut it.........if you get it make sure you get the xps weightin system with it too.......it makes casting and retreiving a lot more comfortable if you are doing it all day.......the reel is smooth, magnets are easy to use and work well......it fits nicely in your hands.......the fast action rods have a great feel to them, very sensitive, when you are using senkos, shakeys or small jigs
SGT Christopher Johnson
US Army Presidential Salute Battery
NAFC Life Member |
|
|
|
|
fishingischeaptherapy
New Poster
Posts:16
|
| 05 Mar 2008 12:01 PM |
|
Don't even think about spending that much on a combo, it is bound to end up with you getting ripped off from my hard learned life experiences. To be economical I'd recommend a round Abu Garcia baitcasting reel, I have three C4s by them in my arsenal and they aren't ridiculously priced and are incredibly durable. Buy your reel from a real takcle/fishing store where they can walk you through operation if you don't have a close friend that can show you. I use baitcasting gear more than half the time now, but my transition was not a smooth one. I got one of those sensational new reels that turned out to be crap. I also started with a new rod design that was crap, and got fishing reel that was crap too! Moral of this is start with known factors when getting a new reel so you can isolate the problems you may have. I have no idea of the styles you like to fish so won't even touch on the rod. Should you opt for lower profile reel I'd say to go with Pflueger but the price is higher and you can not fish in the tougher applications that require more line and winching power (I use the C4s for everything from Bass and Stripers to sharks with nothing but a change in leader material). Let me know if you want some more information on maybe putting braided line into the equation with your new investment and good luck! |
|
|
|
|
ArlonC
New Poster
Posts:3
|
| 05 Mar 2008 12:13 PM |
|
Nothing more than another suggestion and hopefully a few thoughts on Bait vs. Spin cast reels. I admit I’m not short winded on the subject I've been fishing bait casting reels since the mid 70's. 99% of my fishing is with them and I Bass fish exclusively. With that said I think there are instances or fishing circumstances that lend positive attributes to each type of reel, and both, with a quality manufacturer, are good. We each work out our own preferences of one vs. the other in lure type, weight, presentation desired, conditions, etc. With that in mind, I can only present my own thoughts subject to these circumstances: Bait cast: More difficult to master, but once learned, offers a tremendous amount of presentation options in all but the lightest lures or highest winds; Very strong with excellent drag systems; Many types of line options/weights with zero line twist induced; Lower gear ratios to work baits in a particular way when presentation requires me to slow down. Lastly, and nothing to do with me; When I see all my fishing Mentors (the Pros) use them, there has to be more than I probably will ever know, of reasons. Spin cast: Easy to learn but much more difficult to present precisely to a wide range of desirable targets; Allows me to present much smaller baits in the wind; Allows me in certain circumstances to make a farther presentations underneath low overhanging obstacles; and you guys may think this off topic, but it allows me to take a novice fisherman and introduce the fun to him/her in way that they catch fish, and not fight equipment all day. After all, the point is to have fun and enjoy our day on the water. Reel (Real) suggestions: Bearings are great but not everything… Price doesn’t solve application. I have used different manufactures from the lowest to the mid range in cost (mid range being $250.00.) I have some in my boat currently that I bought in the 80’s, and a few, honestly, I gave to the first person that wanted them as I never wanted to make another cast with them again. My suggestion; buy “one”, of your best real (or Reel) thoughts and couple it before you condemn it, to several different rods of different flexes and see how it feels and works for you. I know a lot of you think that’s a crappy suggestion, but most of us have several different rods around. Soon you’ll find that flex and reel that just works for you, and has that right feel to you. That’s my best suggestion. For those that just want a suggestion: Favorite $60.00 Reel manufacturer: Quantum for me, without a doubt about it. Favorite $200.00 + reel; Shimano Curado, to date. I’m just fishing like the rest of you and choosing based on my feel of it too. Hope my comments get’s you even a little closer to your thoughts about how. |
|
|
|
|
nelsonperry
|
| 05 Mar 2008 03:42 PM |
|
Thanks for all the help and warnings. Its all great advice |
|
|
|
|
tbgifted
|
| 05 Mar 2008 04:10 PM |
|
I started using a baitcaster last year. I had never used one before but figured that it was about time that I gave it a try. I am 40 yrs old and had never used anything but spinning reels. I had a friend give me a cheap Diawa and it was ok, it taught me a lot. The only problem was that it was right handed. I am right handed but I hate having to switch hands after a cast. On top of that, being right handed, my right arm and hand are more sensetive than my left so I can feel more using my right hand on the rod. The Diawa was a low profile reel which was great but it was right handed. I had a friend that had a left handed Abu Garcia and he wanted the right handed Diawa I had so I traded. The new reel was one of the big round style and I soon discovered that the left handed reel was exactly what I wanted but the big bulky 11.5 ounce reel was not for me if I was going to be doing a lot of casting. It worked great for catfish when I am only casting every 10 or 15 minutes but for casting time and time again for bass, it just wasn't my thing but yet again, that reel taught me a lot of good stuff.
3 months after my introduction to baitcasters, I knew what I wanted and what would work best for me. I hit the jackpot on my very first one and I love it. The Shimano Chronarch MG is only 5.6 ounces, fits perfectly in my hand, casts like a dream, and matched with a medium Shimano Compre rod, it is the most magnificent combination I have ever used. I have it loaded with 8lb test florocarbon and I have caught every species of fish in my part of Kansas. It cost me over $400 but it is the best $400 I have ever spent. I have since bought 9 more Shimano rods and reels. Each one has run $300 all the way up to the 2 Shimano Calias DC reels that cost over $600 each. The Calias is an absolute work of art and an amazing experience to use. The draw back is that it is a little heavier than what I like although I use them often. In the end, the Chronarch MG is the one I use the most. I am considering buying a Pflueger Supreme because I have heard good things about it.
As for you and your quest, I have used cheaper reels and I recommend not going to cheap. Cheaper than what I went would not be a bad idea I suppose. The 9 that I bought last year plus the rods cost me over $4000 but I have a tendency to go a bit overboard. I am not saying it can not be done but I have had some friends that tried my Chronarch MG and then tried to buy one that felt as good as mine but they limited themselves to $200 or less and they ended up with nothing but garbage. Every single one of them has since spent $400 and own one just like mine and they are just as happy as I am. Maybe it would not work well for you but it works great for me and my 20+ friends that have since bought a Chronarch MG and a matching Shimano rod.
|
|
|
|
|
fshnfuol
|
| 05 Mar 2008 11:38 PM |
|
Hi Nelsonperry This is the fshnfuol back at you to let you know that Cabela's has a good Rod, and reel combo for ( $84.98 ) and Prower Pro Red Braided line20lb test, 300 ydsfor ($25.99 ) plus shipping for ( $12.95 ) All for( $124.00). It is the Super7/ Tourney Trail combo; The reel is a 7 Ball bearing +1roller bearing,adjustable mag control, Ti line guide, 6.2; 1 gearing. The rod is a IM7 grafhit, 7ft 2 peace 10 to 20lb test. Combo #C 704-1; As for how to Use It For The First time call me at 1 323 223 3264 any time and I will give you step by step as to how to set it up for your first cast and what too do after words. Happy Fishing and Good Luck fshnfuol member sence 6/2007 |
|
|
|
|
dscates
New Poster
Posts:1
|
| 06 Mar 2008 04:00 AM |
|
The best for the money and easiest to use are the reels made by Pinnacle.
IF IT SWIMS, FISH IT, IF IT WALKS, HUNT IT |
|
|
|
|
gracerev2
New Poster
Posts:4
|
| 06 Mar 2008 07:31 AM |
|
Thr fact is you need to invest in a good baitcat reel or you will be like some of the other post hating them, and missing out on what a baitcaster can bring to you. I would disagree with starting out with a cheapo and graduate out of it. The cheapos, by and large, lack the quality of several of the higher price ones, thus creating the frustrations, and causing the angler to be exasperated. I speak from experience. Trust me. That said, a REASONABLE and yet HIGH QUALITY reel is the Abu Revo. It is the best "deal" on the market. Period. Also, if you are a spinning reel guy and use your left hand, ask for the Revo baitcaster in the left handed version. IF you choose to go to the cadillac of reels, pickup the Shimano Chronarch 101. AH! How wonderful. You just can't know, until you fish it. So- angler to angler, member to member, my advice is to save the $$ and buy a better reel, and save the headaches later. After all- if you hate the cheaper version and have to go ahead and buy a better version...you have now spent unnecessary monies. |
|
|
|
|
rallen3
|
| 06 Mar 2008 10:53 AM |
|
If you are still interested in using a baitcasting reel, I have some advice for you. DO NOT buy the cheapest you can get to start out with. buy the best you can afford (within reason). I was given an old one with only a couple of bearings when I tried to learn it. It caused more harm than good. I would recommend that you start with a 6 or 6-1/2 foot med or med-hvy rod, with a fast action (you can get a good starter at WalMart or SportsAuthority for around $40-50). As far as a reel, as I said before, get the best you can afford. My first one was a Pflueger Supreme. Well worth the $169. There are so many different ones out there it will make your head spin. All I can say is that I own 4 Supremes, 1 Patriarch, and 2 Quantum Tour Pt's. The other thing is, start out with 12 or 14# good quality mono.Sufix seige is a good choice. It will be much easier to get your backlash out than braid and it will happen when learning. Start off with the centrfugal brake pins all on. and the magnetic brake all the way off. Get yourself some 1/4 3/8 1/2 oz bass casting or dropshot sinkers. Start with the 3/8. Tie it on with a palomar, let out about a foot of line, hold the rod at a 45 degree angle and adjust the spool brake until the weight drops slowly and not backlash when it hits the ground, now add about 1/3 to 1/2 of the magnetic brake. Start with about 8-10" of line from the tip, using a sidearm to sidearm/underhand motion just concentrate on "thumbing" the spool, as you get the hang of it your distance and accuracy will come. It took me about 2 weeks in my front yard for an hour or two each night. Play with the different weights as well as overhand and backhand as you get better. I know you will not regret spending money on quality once you learn this art!!! Good Luck |
|
|
|
|
dragonking6595
New Poster
Posts:176
|
| 06 Mar 2008 04:22 PM |
|
I don't how long you have been useing spin reels. I've benn useing them for almost 15 years now and I found it difficult to switch to a baitcaster. I tried about 6 years ago and ended up trading one my buddies for a spinning reel after about 6 or 7 months. As for what you should start with I agree that you should get one the better quality reels. |
|
|
|
|
skatermaner
New Poster
Posts:2
|
| 06 Mar 2008 04:50 PM |
|
i only use baitcasters. I think the best kind is shimano. |
|
|
|
|
B. D. Trent
New Poster
Posts:1
|
| 06 Mar 2008 07:31 PM |
|
I am 48 yrs. old, and just recently started using baitcasting tackle. For 30 yrs. prior, I used only spinning rods and reels. Now, I wish I'd have made the switch years ago. I bought 2 very good baitcast combo's, both from Bass Pro Shops,both cost me about $70.00 each, and both have performed magnifiscantly, and have been a pleasure to learn on. One is the Bass Pro Shops "Tourney Special Combo", and the other is the " Diawa Procaster/Graphite Series Baitcast Combo". They have been great "learners" for an inexperienced baitcasting user, such as myself, and have allowed me to get aquainted with this form of angling for under $150.00. I must admit, there were times when I thought I'd never get the hang of it at first, but with a little persistance, I've become very comfortable with them, and I enjoy fishing with them so much that I hardly ever use my spinning tackle anymore. Hope this helps you out. The most important thing is to not get frustrated and give up. Once you get the hang of it, you'll love using them. I do intend now to purchase a few more baitcasting combo's that are quite a bit more costly, and of higher quality, but I will continue using these as well. They are great to learn on, still great to use, and at that price, you wont be out a fortune should you later decide that baitcasting just isn't for you. |
|
|
|
|
neverdies
New Poster
Posts:2
|
| 07 Mar 2008 04:58 PM |
|
i recomend not getting the chapest baitcaster to start with!!! you dont have to send several hundred dollars to get a decent reel. ***the est system to learn on is a magnetic brake system. its easy to tune and will make it so much easier to learn on. i recomend a quantun e600pt as a good starter reel (i paid $80 for mine) ***spend your money on a good rod!!!!!!1 you can feel a fish fart with the right quality rod. again dont buy the $499.00 steez. but get a moderate st. croix, or shimano. there are many to choose from. good line and good rod matter more than the actual reel. but dont buy a $40 baitcaster and expect it to perform well. A GOOD REEL WITH A GOOD BRAKE SYSTEM WILL REDUCE OVERCASTING(BIRDCAGE) |
|
|
|
|
neverdies
New Poster
Posts:2
|
| 07 Mar 2008 05:00 PM |
|
i recomend not getting the chapest baitcaster to start with!!! you dont have to send several hundred dollars to get a decent reel. ***the est system to learn on is a magnetic brake system. its easy to tune and will make it so much easier to learn on. i recomend a quantun e600pt as a good starter reel (i paid $80 for mine) ***spend your money on a good rod!!!!!!1 you can feel a fish fart with the right quality rod. again dont buy the $499.00 steez. but get a moderate st. croix, or shimano. there are many to choose from. good line and good rod matter more than the actual reel. but dont buy a $40 baitcaster and expect it to perform well. A GOOD REEL WITH A GOOD BRAKE SYSTEM WILL REDUCE OVERCASTING(BIRDCAGE) |
|
|
|
|