Baitcast Rookie.

[Delgado0921]

Starting to fish tournements. Extremely green when it comes to baitcasting. I did a little research and picked up an Abu Garcia SilverMax reel and a 6'6" Ugly Stick litePro medium heavy to start learning. Any tips or comments on equipment are welcome. Trying to become a better and more informed angler.

[JunkYard814]

 

[fl_bass]

Watch the videos and practice. And put in some cheap mono on he reel at first. Just in case you have to cut line. I got a mystery knot in the line so I had to cut it out I think it happened during an untangling exercise.

[mc6524]

It really boils down to practice, but I would also say the rod and reel make a lot of sense. I started out with the old Abu Garcia 5500 centrifugal clutch system years ago but I found that when I switched to a magnetic system it took some getting use to because I thought all reels, especially in my price range ($40.00 back then) were the same. I found out that investing in a good reel made it not only easier,but my casting distance and pitching distance dramatically increased. So, again my suggestion is practice a lot with what you have and get confident with it.

[Delgado0921]

Finally watched the video. extremely helpful. Thanx again. Im gonna have to take my rod to work and practice when its slow. lol. dont get much time off.

[Felix77]

You will love the SilverMax. I own 3!

[new2BC4bass]

As you know, Ugly Sticks are tough rods.  SirSnookAlot says they are the most popular salt water rod.  All I could find on the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design was, "Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for guaranteed strength and sensitivity."  I didn't see an action listed for the rods I looked at.  Didn't know they had so many models.  I don't own an Ugly Stick, but don't see how a tip able to bend like that could be very sensitive.  Ignorance is bliss, tho. 

 

I would think the rods should do well with crankbaits as the rod tips look to be very forgiving.