Baitcaster Help

[Texasangler22]

I just purchased this rod and reel combo and i wanted to know the best setup for it? what pound line, what type, color, etc. and what it would be good for as far as what your fishing on wether it be softbaits to jigs! And if you personally own one, how good is it like pros and cons! here is the desciption. thanks for the help

-The Abu Garcia Black Max 7' Low Profile Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo is new and more compact, featuring a lightweight graphite frame and body, stainless steel guides with Zirconium coated inserts and only weighs a mere 7.9 oz. This Abu Garcia Rod features a smooth retrieve bearing system and Power Disk drag system for smooth drag performance with the durability to stand up to hardcore fishing. In addition, the compact, bent handle and star provides a more ergonomic feel during retrievals. With the extreme exposure reel seat, producing increased rod contact and sensitivity, anglers can make the big catch with the Abu Garcia Black Max 7' Low Profile Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo.

Abu Garcia Black Max 7' Low Profile Baitcast Combo Rod:

24 ton graphite for a lightweight balanced design

Stainless steel guides with Zirconium coated inserts

Extreme exposure reel seat for increased rod contact and sensitivity

4 stainless steel ball bearings

1 roller bearing provides smooth operation

Power Disk drag system for smooth drag performance

[lmbfisherman]

In order to help you, we would need the power action of the rod.  Unless I'm mistaken this wasn't listed.

 

For instance my personal favorite all around rods are a Medium Heavy Powered, Fast Action Rod. They can be used for many applications.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

I have that combo in 6'6'' medium.  I use it for pretty much everything.  For line I use 12 pound mono.  I'm pretty sure its rated for 1/4 to 5/8 oz. lures but I throw 3/16 oz. spinnerbaits with no problem.  I've caught fish on it with cranks, spinnerbaits, T-rigs, topwater, and I'm learning to flip and pitch smaller jigs as well since its my only baitcaster.  It may not be the ideal combo for every technique but I do just fine with it.  Maybe if I get a boat I'll buy a rod for every different kind of lure but since I fish from the bank I don't want to have to carry more than 1 or 2 rods.  The video posted above is a good one for casting.  Here's another one showing how to properly setup a baitcaster.  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/adjust-baitcasting-baitcaster.html  Remember to set it up again every time you tie on a different lure and if your still having problems with backlashing, turn your brake up a little more.  You'll sacrifice a bit of distance but it will make learning a lot easier and once you get the hang of casting you can back the brake off bit by bit.  If you do get a bad backlash, don't start picking at the spool.  You'll only make it worse.  The best way to clear it is to pull line from the front of the reel til it catches.  Then thumb the spool and turn the handle once or twice.  Then pull line from the front again.  Sometimes you have to do this a few times if the backlash is really bad but I have yet to meet the backlash that couldn't be cleared with this method.  Good luck with the new baitcaster.  It can be frustrating at first but after a few trips you should start getting a feel for it.