Won An Inexpensive Baitcaster For Christmas... Opinions On What To Use It For?

[Jay Ell Gee]

Hey everyone. To be fair, I actually won a combo rod and reel for Christmas, but I don't really need that type of rod in my lineup, so it will be held for a spare.

 

I won a Bass Pro Shops MegaCast rod and reel combo, 6'6 MH/F. The reel is 6.3/1.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-MegaCast-Baitcast-Reel/product/104117/

 

Braid is out of the question. However, I really lack any type of dedicated treble setup. Considering how I fish, I don't toss them as often as I would like.

 

Would this reel be serviceable as a treble bait reel? I don't mind putting a free reel to work, but I figured that I would just put it on light duty, at least until I see how it holds up.

 

Any suggestions on a fairly (universal) treble rod? I throw poppers, zara puppies, squarebills, rattle traps, and am starting to take an interest in fishing hard jerkbaits. I know that those are a lot of different techniques, but I am mainly just looking for a rod that is light enough to walk poppers and spooks without wearing me out, as well as light enough (tip wise) to keep trebles planted on the rare occasion that I actually catch a bass. If it helps, I also really like the rod to have some flex because I feel like it is easier on the wrists to actually pop and walk lures, if that makes sense. Stiff rods simply feel like they create more resistance or drag, and seems to make working lures harder than it needs to be. Short and easy handling enough to bank or kayak fish with would be amazing as well.

 

Maybe some line recommendations? I'm thinking mono.

 

I really appreciate the help guys. It's just hard to turn down a free reel, as I only have four other setups and a dedicated treble setup simply wasn't an option between those four. However, I can certainly justify putting this one to use, assuming I can find a decent price point on a rod.

[Bluebasser86]

A friend of mine got a couple for really cheap when they went on sale. He tossed spinnerbaits and traps on them for awhile before he upgraded and gave them to his boys to learn with.

 

As for a cheap rod to put one on, Berkley Lightning Rods are tough to beat and the Shimano Sellus is supposed to be really nice for the money. 

[tbone1993]

I suggest 12lb fluorocarbon and a fenwick hmg. It will not break the bank and it is a great rod. The 6'6 m  is a great crankbait rod for smaller 1.5 sized crank baits.

[Sam]

You can always take it with you as a backup reel.

 

Do you know the gear ratio????

 

Also, you know to stay within its specs so you can use it for any application within the specs and gear ratio.

 

Congrats on winning the combo.

 

As for a treble bait rod I like a 6' 6" to 7' medium heavy fast tip graphite rod. The more graphite the better.

[Fishes in trees]

I'd use the rod it came with for now,  you literally have nothing to lose.  I don't see any reason one couldn't throw medium cranks and squarebills with that set up.

[Hanover_Yakker]

According to the specs, it is a 6.3:1, so that would equate to a variety of presentations depending upon true rod power and action.  If you find the power to be too strong (more of MH than a M), then you will need to either use a line that stretches, use a soft hookset with a slow sweep to the side or set your drag looser than normal to avoid ripping the treble hooks out of the fish' mouth.  You could use it for small cranks though.

[lmbfisherman]

I agree that you should just try it out with the rod it came with and see how it feels.  I would definitely suggest mono as the line as the rod is a MH/F (That is of course if it's stiff).  Other than that, it was free might as well check to see how it works with any application you want to try. 

[ccummins]

That is the exact same one I bought to learn how to use a baitcaster.  I first tried 12 lb flourocarbon but it was just too slick for me and I hadn't set the centrifugal brake correctly so just setting it up and trying to use it the first time was a nightmare....  I then went with 20 lb Suffix Siege Mono and read an article by KVD about setting the brakes on a baitcaster.  The instructions were much clearer and easier to follow.  Had only 1 more bad backlash with it and that came because i tried to cast into the wind...  It will work for just about anything.  If you already have better ones then maybe you might want to leave it alone and consider "regifting" it or donating it to a youth group or using it to teach a young angler how to use a baitcaster.

[retiredbosn]

Just fish it, it's serviceable for the techniques described. I would use mono, I think you mentioned this is the first bait cast reel you've owned. I suggest mono cause it's cheap and easier on the wallet when respooling after the inevitable birds nest. Floro lines are crystalline in structure and a kink in it should be treated as a cut, the inside of the line is broken and it will break under load.

[roadwarrior]

Don't give this reel to a rookie, it will be a nightmare. 

If you are comfortable with baitcasters fish it with any

tackle for any technique. You certainly don't need

special line.