Need Opinions

[aquaholic]

Hey guys first post here but i need some input on my first baitcaster. I love my spinning reel setups but I cant help but feel i need to get into baitcasters. I've never used one so I'd like to start off with a pretty basic one that I can learn with before I drop a big chunk of change on one. I have a 10% off coupon at dicks sporting goods for an order they screwed up and while i dont normally get fishing equipment from them i figured what the heck. 

 

 ive been looking at that one and it seems to have decent reviews on it. Of course its not going to be great but does anyone have any experience with it or advice on an issue they could see ? Also I fish my spinning reels by casting right and reeling left, is there any reason i should switch on the baitcaster? 

 

Sorry for the newb questions! Im sure you guys get them a lot, but I would really appreciate any advice!

[Crestliner2008]

You do not really say what your budget is? Baitcasters can cost a little or a lot. I'm partial to the Ambassadeur series of baitcasting reels. Have been using them for over 30 years with no problems. Tough, reliable and cost effective. You can pick up a 5500-C for about $70.00. And you will be able to pass it down to your grandkids.

 

If your budget is limited, I'd go with one of the BPS rods in the cost range you need to be in. I'd suggest a med-heavy 6' 6" or 7' model. They are quality built rods and will last a long time. Again, this is a wide open field of both quality and cost. But sticking with some basic gear to start with, as I've suggested, will not impede your casting ability and will teach you a lot. JMO.

[Dyerbassman]

If you like spinning set-ups and feel comfortable with them, I see no need to change. Just my opinion...

[Arv]

I think getting a BC set up is a good idea. I used to be solely spinning and now the majority of my set ups are baitcasters. I wouldn't recommend switching your hands in your transition to casting gear. Stay with what's comfortable.

 

As far as your first baitcaster goes, I would recommend getting something with an aluminum frame and centrifugal brakes. A 1-peice aluminum frame is much more sturdy. I'm not sure what the Black Max has. I recommend centrifugal brakes because, in my opinion, it will be less frustrating to learn on. From my experience, learning on a baitcaster, my nasty backlashes would come at the beginning of the cast because I was not used to the touch/technique involved in the casting method. Centrifugal brakes affect the spool more in the beginning of the cast, when the spool is spinning the fastest. Magnetic brakes will affect the spool more towards the end of the cast. Now, I'm not bashing magnetic brakes. I just feel, from my experience, it will be easier to learn on centrifugal brakes.

 

Its not at Dick's, but I will recommend it anyways. I really like the Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier. It is on sale now at BPS for 80 bucks. Most will say that its a steal at retail price - 100 dollars. On sale, it is hard to find a better reel for the price. The reel not only has a 1 peice aluminum frame but it also has a dual braking system (both cent and mag brakes). I have 2 and I think they perform just as good as my other higher end reels. Then maybe take your discount and buy a rod and line or something like that at Dicks. Just my 2 cents.

[dodgeguy]

if you are going to buy at dicks get the promax or the orra combo.if you are buying at bps get a falcon bucoo rod and a pq reel for 200.

[new2BC4bass]

Post #3 in this thread says the reel is an excellent one for a beginner.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/118367-casting-reels/

 

 

I've never used a Black Max.  I did pick one up at my local DSG and gave the spool a spin.  Was amazed at the length of spin time.  Better than most of my reels, and many of mine were in the $200 range when new.  Of course this has nothing to do with reel longevity, but the only way to stay around the $100 range (total for both rod and reel) and have an aluminum frame reel is to buy the reel used and put it on a Berkley Lightning rod.

 

H2O Mettle has an aluminum frame.  Don't know about the side covers.  It and the Lightning would keep you at the $100 limit, but then it isn't available at DSG either.

 

I will agree that a centrifugal brake reel is easier to learn on.  Or one with dual brakes.

[aquaholic]

Thanks for the quick responses! Basically i'm looking to get my feet wet in baitcasting. Last year i started fly fishing, i bought an inexpensive setup from cabelas and so far its worked out great. I'd like to be good at fishing with all types of setups which is why i want to begin with baitcasting. I'm not looking at anything i could pass down.  Just something i can get a few seasons out of before I upgrade and know what i'm doing. Getting it from somewhere other than dsg isnt a big deal. I just had 10% off and they have a 20 dollar rebate on that setup so it seemed like a good deal with the reviews ive read. My budget is right around 100 give or take 20. Thanks for the help!

[derekxec]

you dont have any friends or family that use a baitcaster? if so you should try to borrow it for a couple of hours and see if you like it...i use only spinning except when im bottom fishing saltwater then i use conventional...really i havent found the need to use baitcasters except on really heavy rods but even then i use conventional(no level wind)

[SirSnookalot]

you dont have any friends or family that use a baitcaster? if so you should try to borrow it for a couple of hours and see if you like it...i use only spinning except when im bottom fishing saltwater then i use conventional...really i havent found the need to use baitcasters except on really heavy rods but even then i use conventional(no level wind)

 

 

Exactly the same.  B/C aren't real popular here, have seen maybe 6 of them in the last 10 years, don't see many conventional with level winds either.

[Trailer]

BassPro Pro Qualifier or Abu Garcia Orra with rod of your choice.

[skeletor6]

Get an h20 mettle with a berkley lightning shock 7 foot mh. You will have under 100 invested and it will give you a good idea of the benefits of a casting combo.

[aquaholic]

Alright so this is what im thinking, Bps pro qualifier in 6.4:1 with a Berkley Lightning rod shock series in 6'6" medium  (can get a 15 dollar rebate if i order something else from berkley). Should this do the trick? Also i prefer using braid line but im worried that with just starting out im bound to get some backlash. i dont want to throw 15 bucks down the drain, so should i start out with mono?

[JunkYard814]

I think that's a good setup to start with. I first learned using 17lb mono throwing 1/2 to 3/4 ounce spinnerbaits and bigger cranks. Heavier lures are easier to cast. Don't be afraid to tie on a heavy sinker and just practice casting in the open water or even in your backyard. 

   

Casting reels are addicting. I only start using one about 3 years ago and now I have 5 different ones that I use regularly. 

[derekxec]

find the cheapest mono you can and use that to practice that way if you have to take it all off you didnt waste much...once you are confident with it then put the braid on...but even seasoned people backlash(accident or other factors) so you just have to get comfortable 

[new2BC4bass]

Braid can be cost effective because 1) backlashes are easier to pick out 2) Kinking the line is not going to cause it to break.  However, I use braid on only a few reels.  I am old fashion as well.  Most of my reels get mono.  Definitely avoid fluorocarbon to start.  Co-poly lines should be fine to start with as well. I wouldn't go above 17# to learn with.  I started with 12# because that is what I planned using on most of my MH rods.

 

Read the sticky on learning to use a b/c reel.  Stay on the high side of the rod's lure range.  Don't try for distance.  Being smooth on the cast is important....especially on the reversal.  A mag only reel will teach you to be smooth on the reversal in a hurry or you will spend the majority of your time picking out backlashes.  Casting accuracy will suck at the beginning so don't become upset because of it.  Practice will improve accuracy once you learn the difference in timing (when to release the spool).  Pull out enough line to be a bit more than your longest cast.  Put tape on the spool here.  It will avoid deep backlashes.  Something I know, but never did....to my occasional detriment.

 

Baitcasters are addicting to many of us.  I used spinning only until about 4 years ago.  Now I have about 30 b/c reels.

[Trailer]

As many people have stated, spool up with some cheap mono as backing then tie into some braid and finish the spool. In reality I don't think you would need 150 yards of braid on the spool for one outing. Take up some of that spool capacity with cheap mono like Shakespeare Omniflex mono. Something of similar diameter to the braid of your choosing.

[cajunpapi]

BPS Pro Qualifier with 14# green big game and Castaway Med casting rod.

[aquaholic]

Just put in my order! thanks everyone for the help!

[aquaholic]

Well my baitcaster came in the mail today (rod came last week). Took it to my local shop and they threw on some 12lb mono. After a couple birds nest i seemed to get the hang of it. Im having most of my touble trying to cast short distances. There was 0 wind so that probably helped a lot. Over all i love this thing..... Its like weaving a beautiful tapestry when i cast it. A+ work guys. 

[Bassfink86]

_{any of the combos they sell at basspro are a good place to start, i bought a kvd signature series setup that was originally $200 on sale for a $100 and it has worked out great for my first bc rig ever, and i have been fishing for over 20 years with only spinning gear}