Small cranks on casting gear?

[nralover]

Do you guys have a tough time throwing small cranks on casting gear? I have some difficulty with stuff much lighter than 3/8 oz or so. Are those tiny baits better suited to spinning gear?

[Gone_Phishin]

With the right rod/reel/line, a 1/4oz crank is no problem.

[Hammer 4]

Depends on the rod, reel and somewhat the line.

Some baitcasters are built for tossin lighter baits, same for rods.

What are you currently using..?

[PondHunter]

I used to use spinning gear for my small crankbaits until i got a Curado 201. Now, its no problem to throw small cranks. Cheap reels won't cut it.

There are plenty of good reels out there that will work just fine.

[nralover]

Depends on the rod, reel and somewhat the line.

Some baitcasters are built for tossin lighter baits, same for rods.

What are you currently using..?

Well, actually that may have been my problem, I got by using my MH fast action rod. Now I have a dedicated rod- a 6'6" St Croix glass crankbait rod. I haven't fished it, but I have thrown a practice plug with it and it seems to load up and really peel line off. I am using a Citica 201e. Do you think the rod will make that much of a difference?

[Hammer 4]

Don't know about the st.croix's possibly the mh is a tad to much..? I have a 7' mf Rick Clunn  BPS rod with a Chronarch 101 that can toss a 1/4 oz fine. That's not to say I can cast a mile with it, but I can get it in the zone.

Also I use 8lb line, you might try using the same in a limp line like Trilene XL..

How is your reel set up..? i.e. brakes, and spool tension..?

[nralover]

My spool tension I keep pretty conservative, but my brakes are usually 3 on 3 off... maybe I'll drop to 12 pound test...

[Hammer 4]

I would go to 8, unless you have structure/cover that prevents it. Also, try (practice) with 2 brakes on. And try loosening the spool tension just a bit at a time, this will help tossin the lighter cranks.

You really at this point need to train your thumb to control the reel. I.e. I have No brakes on and my spool tension is non exsistant..lol and yes, I do get minor overruns if I don't pay attention to what I'm doing.

My spool tension I keep pretty conservative, but my brakes are usually 3 on 3 off... maybe I'll drop to 12 pound test...

[Blue Streak]

Spool up with Yo Zuri 6 lb test and back off the brakes and spool tension and let your thumb rule. You don't need an expensive reel or rod to git r done.

[Gone_Phishin]

Depends on the rod, reel and somewhat the line.

Some baitcasters are built for tossin lighter baits, same for rods.

What are you currently using..?

Well, actually that may have been my problem, I got by using my MH fast action rod. Now I have a dedicated rod- a 6'6" St Croix glass crankbait rod. I haven't fished it, but I have thrown a practice plug with it and it seems to load up and really peel line off. I am using a Citica 201e. Do you think the rod will make that much of a difference?

Without a doubt.  Most MH fast rods will not properly load with a 1/4oz crank.

[A-Rob]

I had a cheaper reel that would not throw a jerkbait b/c it was too light. Frustrating! I ended up getting a better shimano reel and now I can barely backlash it if I tried. So I think that is a big step.

Also, a trick I learned was don't lob your cast or any kind of curved trajectory. Try firing a line drive cast. Sorry to get into physics, but when you throw a lob the lure actually stops accelerating at the peak of the lob, so basically it stops pulling line off your spool, but the line keeps running at the spool and backlash!

The line drive will keep the lure pulling off the spool longer as long as you thumb the spool before it hits the water or stops moving forward (ie in the wind).

[roadwarrior]

Sure, but why?

Spinning tackle is much more "user friendly".

I use a Fenwick Techna AV AVS70MM/ 2500

Sustain.

8-)

[flippin and pitchin]

I throw 1/8 ounce Speed Traps with bait casting all the time.  I even threw Cordell Little O's on BC gear years back.  I do use spinning for balsa shadraps if it's windy.  A limber rod,  Lamiglas XC661 or Loomis CBR843 makes loading the rod easier.

[J Francho]

St. Croix Avid AVC70MM + Daiwa Sol.

[Paul Roberts]

I would go to 8, unless you have structure/cover that prevents it. Also, try (practice) with 2 brakes on. And try loosening the spool tension just a bit at a time, this will help tossin the lighter cranks.

You really at this point need to train your thumb to control the reel. I.e. I have No brakes on and my spool tension is non exsistant..lol and yes, I do get minor overruns if I don't pay attention to what I'm doing.

My spool tension I keep pretty conservative, but my brakes are usually 3 on 3 off... maybe I'll drop to 12 pound test...

Ditto, and add to that the softer rod action.

However, I use spinning tackle for light cranks. I don't carry more than 4 or 5 rods, so I reserve my BCs for heavier applications. In early season, when my CB rig is spooled with lighter line, lighter CBs cast better. But, spinning is what I generally use.