What You Wished You Knew When Buying Your First Baitcaster?

[BrianinMD]

My big mistake on my first one was buying a cheap one to learn on. Grew extremely frustrated and almost gave up until I read some post on here about people having the same issue. Bought a used Citica, it was a night and day difference. So my advice would be to get a quality reel, doesn't have to be expensive.

[RF813]

Really good to hear that while things like backlash will just happen, with practice (and the help of a better quality reel) it's not as big of a headache with some practice.  I'll definitely be reviewing different models and will probably go the route of spending a bit more and invest in quality.

 

Thanks to everyone for adding their insight. It's great to hear about the experiences from people when they fist picked one of these up.  I'm sure it helped me avoid a couple pitfalls I was probably going to walk into.

 

As for this just being some sort of glorified "how do I use a baitcaster" thread, I did do research before posting this, which is why I decided to ask those more experienced than I am.

 

Thanks to everyone who took the time to add their advice, I appreciate it.

[lmbfisherman]

Number one rule.  DON'T BUY A CHEAP BAITCASTER!  Buy a quality reel and learning will be a lot less frustrating. 

[mjseverson24]

probably the biggest regret I have with beginning baitcasting is why I did not switch from primarily spinning to primarily casting long before I did. the advantages you get with a caster are incredible, the precision casting, the power, the reliability, and the space saving properties(try and fit 30 spinning combos in your rod locker). I personally learned on cheap daiwas (strikeforce) and abu's(black max), I didnt have any issues learning within a week of playing in the yard i was no longer backlashing, and i was relatively accurate. take this to the flip side I have been converting my father(who is my tournament partner) to casting equipment and he has been having issues with the lower end casting equipment, backlashes, distance and accuracy, so in his case I set up on his rods mostly mid range reels ($125.00-$200.00), he is now able to cast pretty well with minimal issues. now not knowing your age or ability to learn new things quickly and easily this in my opinion is how I would suggest, if you can catch on to things quickly and or you dont get frustrated easily try like the abu max series or the daiwa laguna, or even easier one of the evercast horizon reels(military or college) they are centrifugal breaking and extremely easy to cast(less than $80.00). If you dont typically pick up on new things easy i would suggest at the minimum the shimano Citica, or a lews tournament MG. 

 

Mitch

[Fishes in trees]

I'm in the don't buy a cheap reel camp.  I can tell you that if you buy a reel that says "Shimano" on the side of it, over time your self-esteem will improve and you will be a better person.

 

Decide if you like round reels or low-profile reels.  If you like round reels, purchase a Calcutta.  Purchase a size that fits your hand the best.   If you like low-profile reels, purchase a Chronarch or a Curado.  No need to go MORE expensive to start.  Pick one with a medium gear ratio - 5 something or 6 something.  Pick one that fits your hand, where your thumb most naturally falls on that thin space between the spool and the frame.  Remember that for most consistent results, you don't thumb the line, you thumb the spool.  Be mentally prepared, because you are going to backlash the reel so that that the easiest fix is to cut all the line out and start over.  EVeryone who has ever owned a bait caster has done this whether they want to admit it or not.  Begin your practice with cheap mono and upgrade to a better line once you gain some confidence.  There are some videos out there on how to detangle a back lash.  You should watch these, because there is a knack to it.  BE SURE AND PURCHASE A LINE PICK!!!!   This tool makes detangling a backlash much easier.

 

Good luck with your bait caster experiences.   Like other guys have said on this thread - you don't NEED one.  You DO want one.  Like many fishing tools, they are fun to use and certain applications/techniques work better/easier with bait casting equipment.  So - what are you waiting for?  Bust out your VISA and your cell phone and order one right now.  Don't wimp out and "think about it."   DO IT NOW

[The Young Gun]

That a 30$ baitcaster vs a 100$ one is rediculas. Buy something of quality not crap

[BrianinMD]

There really is not a need to go the expense level of a Chronarch or Curado unless you got extra money laying around. A Citica or Revo S works great and can last a long time if taken care of. Once you get comfortable and you want to keep doing it then figure out what aspects you like and upgrade

[21farms]

my top two things i wish i knew then that i know now:

 

1) buy quality first. the single most important thing to look for is a solid, one-piece metal frame...those will last longer and feel smoother and smoother longer.

 

2) don't overlube. in fact, even on new reels, remove the bearings and see if they spin freely on the tip of a pencil. if they don't, flush them of grease and lube with just one drop of a quality reel oil.

 

you didn't ask but if this question were about spinning, i'd wished i knew the advantages of braided lines on spinning reels.

[tomustang]

Nothing. I did my research before I bought

[Chris186]

I would also say buy a quality reel. Dont go cheap. $80-$100 range is good, alot of guys on here like the Bass Pro Pro Qualifier. I have no experience with that one, but I do like the Bass Pro Extreme reels. Make sure you hold some reels before you make your decision. Believe it or not, not all reels feel the same in the  hand. I would say 10 or 12lb test mono, stay away from braid right now. A braid backlash can be a &^$%! to get out. Most importantly, practice practice practice. You absolutely will get backlashes, but dont be afraid of them. It happens to everyone. Good luck!

[Zach P]

Biggest mistake I made when purchasing my first was not doing enough research. Don't simply believe that just because a reel is more expensive that it is always better. Just read reviews and ask questions (like the one you have asked) and you should have no problem finding a great reel that is priced appropriately. I personally love the BPS Pro Qualifier. It's a great reel and for 80 bucks on sale you can't beat it.

[Dave P]

To get a "good" reel with a graphite frame you will spend very close to the money that you will spend buying a PQ or something like it with an aluminum frame on sale. You will be spending that 70-100 dollars again within a few years if you buy a graphite framed reel because it will wear out quickly. Buy the aluminum framed reel.

 

I learned on a reel magnetic brakes. My second and third reels had magnetic brakes. My fourth reel had centrifugal brakes. Big difference. If you are stuck with just one type of brake, I preferred the magnetics because it suited my style. More pitching and less heaving, if you get my drift. If you can, get the best of both worlds and get a reel with both.

 

Mono is cheap. Use 12-14lb mono until you get where you can cast with few backlashes. Leave the braid and floro alone for now.

[bass1980]

I was in your shoe not too long ago. My advice is to not go with the suggestion like I got. I was told to buy something cheap and learn from it. What happens is those reels doesn't really perform well and it could sway you away from BC reels. Plus when you realize you really like BC reels and want to upgrade it's hard to sell that cheap reel. IMO if money is a concern save and go right at the $100 and up price point. BPS pro qualifier is nice, Daiwa Tatula at Valley Sports for $117 are great choices. Better quality reels just feels more refine and performs better. Plus it's easier to sell when you want to upgrade to even more expensive reels.

 

Another suggestion is to watch plenty of youtube. How to set your BC reel and get rid of a birds nest. Don't be like me and only watched a video on how to set your BC reel and went to the lake to try it out. Got to the dock, my first cast birds nest like no other. Hummmm now what? Oh yeah didn't watch the video of how to get rid of a birds nest. So eager to try it out after one cast went straight home like a loser lol.

[Sam]

How to balance the baitcaster with the rod's specifications.

 

Learned how to do this very fast and have balanced the rods and reels on all setups.

[Jrob78]

Start with a decent, aluminum framed baitcaster, expect to spend between $80-$120 for quality reel.  Get a 6'6"-7' med or med hvy baitcasting rod.  The rod doesn't have to be expensive but you might as well start out with something you can use for years.  Expect to spend $60+ for a reasonable baitcasting rod.  Spool up with 10-12lb mono, don't use braid or fluoro to start.  Start practicing with a 3/8oz casting plug or aerodynamic bait.  This will be the ideal weight to start with.  Turn the brakes all the way up and don't loosen them until you feel really comfortable with what you're doing.  Loosen them a little at a time until you are casting a good distance with no backlashes.  It isn't difficult at all but don't expect to figure it out overnight.

[IowaHusker28]

The purposes for line, ratio, length of rod, and power. It was a combo deal and knowing what I know now I have no clue why I was doing what I was doing. If one thing makes up for it, learning from trial and error is not always a bad way to learn! Also though have a purpose for buying it, when I bought my first it was complete spur of the moment buy and yet I still blame my first baitcaster for my addiction to this thing they call bass fishing.  That part I wouldn't do different!

[RF813]

There is so much great information on what has worked in the past (or didn't work) will really help me go in the right direction.

 

 

I truly value the experiences of those here, thanks to those who have added their insight.

[roadwarrior]

Start with a decent, aluminum framed baitcaster, expect to spend between $80-$120 for quality reel.  Get a 6'6"-7' med or med hvy baitcasting rod.  The rod doesn't have to be expensive but you might as well start out with something you can use for years.  Expect to spend $60+ for a reasonable baitcasting rod.  Spool up with 10-12lb mono, don't use braid or fluoro to start.  Start practicing with a 3/8oz casting plug or aerodynamic bait.  This will be the ideal weight to start with.  Turn the brakes all the way up and don't loosen them until you feel really comfortable with what you're doing.  Loosen them a little at a time until you are casting a good distance with no backlashes.  It isn't difficult at all but don't expect to figure it out overnight.

 

This is great practical advice! I would tweak it just a smigin and use 1/2 oz weight to start with.

 

 

 

 

[DogBone_384]

I tried using bait casters about 20 years ago but was too impatient to really learn, so it didn't work out very well.

Two years ago I gave it another go with a BPS Pro Qualifier paired with a 7' MF Vendetta but took the time to read the instructions & recommendations you'll find within this forum, started slow and practiced and less than a Summer's time was casting as fat with my BCs as with my spinning gear. Now I'm hooked on BC reels and only use my spinning gear when it's too windy for my BC abilities.

So, bait casters are great and are easily learned with time and practice, which is what I wished I'd done 20 years ago.

Best of luck.