Posted By Bassbum on 20 Jan 2012 05:53 PM
How many of you were pro's the first time you picked up a baitcaster? Thats right, ZERO! Who are you to poke fun at folks who struggle with them? I put my first baitcaster away for an entire season after I got sick of nesting it constantly. Does that make me stupid? Am I a dumb ass because I couldn't use my baitcaster at first? It takes some practice to get used to. Maybe thats just me though.
With that said, I still only have that 1 baitcaster. Except now it has become one of my favorite combos. It's a cheapy also. A Mega Cast by BPS(made by Shakespeare). The combo was only 30 or 40 bux, but I love it. I'm currently looking into a baitcasting ultra light set up. Havent done much research on them as of yet though.

The proof is in the cast.  Plunger just isn't the company it was before it sold out. 

I think one of the main reasons that "folks" who struggle with baitcasters is they give up on them too easily. I don't see why you would put your b/c away for an entire season? That tells me you weren't practicing, or if you were, you weren't giving it your 100%. We live in a day and age were people just want results, they don't want to put in the time or the effort. I'm no brain child or rocket scientist, but I did get my b/c ing down in 3 outings...Bottom line, if you put in the effort, you'll see the results, sooner than later.

Hey Bob...who is Plunger...are you talking about Pflueger? If so, you're right, they aren't the company they used to be. I have a few Pflueger products myself, and the President I fish with is a long way from the Summit(circa 1957) in my vintage collection. While the Summit is truly a thing of beauty, It would be no match for that new President at the lake. Pflueger is currently owned by Pure Fishing, who also owns Abu Garcia, Penn, Mitchell, Berkley, Shakespeare, and a host of others! Pure Fishing has made improvements to all these products, and continues to innovate. Here's a couple of pics...past and present...I love 'em all!
                                                                                    
1957 Pflueger Summit...this one coined the phrase "they don't make 'em like they used to".



This is my Pflueger President...still my favorite way to "git 'er done".

I wasn't real familiar with baitcasters, or how they worked, when I bought mine. I didn't know about adjusting by the weight of the bait, the thumb stop, or anything else. The year I put it away is when I started doing my homework on it. I didn't have anything else to do during the winter, so I started watching videos and how to's to teach myself. Once spring rolled back around it didn't take long to get used to. Spooling with braid helped me alot also.

has anyone tried a pfleuger monarch. My first baitcaster havent got to try it out yet and didn't want to spend a whole lot in case i didn't like it.

This is a great thread! I am currently looking into getting my first bc reel. so I picked up a few things while reading this. I have been practicing on an old Abu Garcia found in my brother-in-laws shed. Got the hang of it, but I have to agree with others on here, a newer one has GOT to be easier to use.
Looking at the Silver Max right now. Falls into the price range i'm ok with and from all reports, a good reel.

When I got my first B/C last season. I had a little bit of an idea on how to work it. But what helped me the most is going on you tube. There is a video on everything. How to work it, fine tune it and ones on how to take it apart and clean it. It’s always a good idea to have a B/C pick. It will still take some time to get it down. I suggest anyone just starting to go and get some cheap line to practice with. I only have one so far and it’s the BPS pro qualifier and it works great. On the BPS site it has almost 500 reviews and it has 5 stars. Haven’t had any problems with it

Happy Fishing

Bassman

Hey RedK71...Thanks for the comment on the thread! Yes...the Sliver Max would make an excellent first baitcaster...good luck!

Bigchip80, that Monarch is on the lower end of Pfluegers scale...but still plenty good enough to learn on...good luck!

RED: the Silver Max is a good starter reel, there are a lot worse out there!!

thanks mo tried it out in yard yesterday weather supposed to be pretty good monday high 40s may try to go to local pond where i usually catch some good ones. Think i got the hang of it pretty good.

Great news bigchip80...just remember...out on the lake the wind will work against you. Just tighten her up a hair if that's the case...and keep those bearings oiled for best performance.
                                                    

Yeah like mo said if you are casting into the wind try to keep it low. Because there is a good chance you could get some backlash. Like I said I recommend getting a B/C pick very handy.

well i just bought one of those curado's it hasnt made it in yet, but im hoping for the best... i havent done much bass fishing with baitcasters mainly spinning outfits but im really fond of my abu garcia 5000 for the big cats...

Yeah there great for all your baits that you want to burn. They really come in handy. I didn’t have one until last season and I love them.

Well, the new rod and reel came today! casting out in the yard. wind rain and 40 degrees make me not want to head to the lake. Getting the hang of it. Can't wait to get on the water with it!

Glad to hear you guys are having a good time with your new baitcasters!