Need Advice From You Vetrens

[davi754]

I've fished open faced reels all my life. I had some questions?

First of all I don't know how to use a bait caster, but I just got one to learn on.

What are some advantages of baitcasters over open face reels?

What are some technique tips?

Best beginner baitcaster?

Are there adjustments to reduce backlash?

Thanks guys any gals

[Wbeadlescomb]

Buy the best cry once.

Get a curado hard to beat will be able to hand it down to your grand kids one day or if you don't like it you can sell it here to get most of your money back. Check the flea market tons of great deals.

[davi754]

Please click on the pinned topic, How to cast a baitcaster by Glenn. That is the best place to start.

I did click on it. It took two minutes to play 10 seconds of it. I have high speed internet and live barley a half mile from the tower. I tried it on every device in the house. But thanks for the answers!

[livetofish28]

Bps pro qualifier good quality reel attractive price tag dual braking system. If you can go more the Lew's tournament mg is an awesome reel

Tight lines

Andrew

[ak47soulja22]

Buy the best cry once.

Get a curado hard to beat will be able to hand it down to your grand kids one day or if you don't like it you can sell it here to get most of your money back. Check the flea market tons of great deals.

Agree, get a really good reel. Dual breaking system. There are a ton of great reels out there. I would personally go to a place where you can handle the reel, and if you have the rod you know your gonna use mount the reel on the rod for the best fit. Good luck great place to find help

[Long Mike]

Do not rely upon the advice given on this forum to determine your ideal reel.  Almost all are biased.  Read the articles in our Fishing Articles section, and watch the videos, then find a rod and reel that feels good in your hands, and is in your price and buy it.  There are a host of rod and reel manufacturers out there that will fit your criteria.

[Wbeadlescomb]

I'm not biased at all shimano just makes an excellent product. I sold reels for several years and saw what worked and what didn't. If you fish a handful of times a year then it doesn't really matter what you get. But if you are serious about wanting to learn to use a baitcaster then I say shimano a citica wouldn't be a bad choice but I'd go with a curado g you can find them for 99 right now because the new curado I just came out.

It's been my experience that pfleuger makes a good reel but they don't hold up in the long run.

The new Abu Garcia revo's are nice but the ones I had took a lot of fine tuning when changing baits. So I got rid of them. The round reels while they aren't cool last forever. Or atleast they used to.

H20 express mettle from academy is an okay choice if you don't fish much. But don't expect it to be running 5 years down the road.

Quantum makes a good reel the 500 accurist were work horse reels I've still got a couple that are ten years old that are on loaner rods that still work well. But I feel like you have to get into the 150+ price range to get a good quantum these days.

Okuma no experience but I never sold enough of them to get a good baseline on them. They make a decent budget price spinning reel though.

Daiwa makes a good product but I steel feel like you need to get into the 150+ range to get a quality reel that will last you.

I fish shimano because they work and I know I can get parts for them 5-10 years down the road.

It's hard to pony up 150 for a good quality reel. But you need to look at it as an investment. How long will a 50 dollar reel last you and work well? Two years maybe if you take good care of it? But if you get a curado you might say dang this reel was 150 (or on sale for 99) but that reel taken care of can last you 10+ years so instead of spending 50 every couple of years which over a 10 year period means you've spent $500 on cheap reels that won't do half of one reel you spent 150 on will do in the long run.

It's just my opinion if you aren't satisfied with my advice I'll refund you what you paid me for it.....

Good luck and make a smart informed purchase

[gripnrip]

No need to get upset Wbeadlescomb.  Long Mike doesn't mean anything by his statements. There have been brand posse's on here that want to cram a certain brand down someones throat.  davi754 was not specific on a brand of reel for any of us to comment about.  He left it open.  

 

So I will put my 2 cents worth on this. I suggest a BPS Pro Qualifier for your first reel.  It has a dual braking system and if you can watch any of glenns videos, he will also show you how to adjust both internal and external braking systems.  Brakes will help you out tremendously while you learn.  When Bass Pro has these on sale they are 80 bucks.  Go there now and trade in an old reel you don't use and I believe you can get it down to 65 bucks.  An awesome reel in that price range.  I think they are worth the 100 retail they have on them.  Check out this thread that another member has done a 4 year test of a 5 year test on the PQ.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/126636-bps-pro-qualifier-bc-reel-–-5-year-challenge-–-4-years-down-1-to-go/?hl=%2Bpro+%2Bqualifier+%2Byear

 

I am going to purchase my first Shamano bait casting reels this year.  I am going to go with a Curado.  I do believe based on my research and what has been said on this forum that Shimano is one of the best reels money can by.  

 

Like Long Mike said "Read the articles in our Fishing Articles section, and watch the videos, then find a rod and reel that feels good in your hands, and is in your price and buy it.  There are a host of rod and reel manufacturers out there that will fit your criteria." That is sound advice.

 

When you get one and need help, start another topic or PM me.  I have a few tricks to help you out. 

 

Good luck.

 

 

Darin

[Wbeadlescomb]

No need to get upset Wbeadlescomb.  Long Mike doesn't mean anything by his statements. There have been brand posse's on here that want to cram a certain brand down someones throat.  davi754 was not specific on a brand of reel for any of us to comment about.  He left it open.  

 

So I will put my 2 cents worth on this. I suggest a BPS Pro Qualifier for your first reel.  It has a dual braking system and if you can watch any of glenns videos, he will also show you how to adjust both internal and external braking systems.  Brakes will help you out tremendously while you learn.  When Bass Pro has these on sale they are 80 bucks.  Go there now and trade in an old reel you don't use and I believe you can get it down to 65 bucks.  An awesome reel in that price range.  I think they are worth the 100 retail they have on them.  Check out this thread that another member has done a 4 year test of a 5 year test on the PQ.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/126636-bps-pro-qualifier-bc-reel-–-5-year-challenge-–-4-years-down-1-to-go/?hl=%2Bpro+%2Bqualifier+%2Byear

 

I am going to purchase my first Shamano bait casting reels this year.  I am going to go with a Curado.  I do believe based on my research and what has been said on this forum that Shimano is one of the best reels money can by.  

 

Like Long Mike said "Read the articles in our Fishing Articles section, and watch the videos, then find a rod and reel that feels good in your hands, and is in your price and buy it.  There are a host of rod and reel manufacturers out there that will fit your criteria." That is sound advice.

 

When you get one and need help, start another topic or PM me.  I have a few tricks to help you out. 

 

Good luck.

 

 

Darin

I just wanted to expand on what I said earlier so It didn't come across as buy this or I'll go stomp a baby duck.

[Zimobass]

Buy the best reel for the money you can afford. Seen too many beginners buy cheap, only to trade up a few weeks later, once they had the hang of a baitcaster.

 

Practise, practise practise and you will never regret changing.

[gripnrip]

It's cool.  I stopped even coming to the site for a while.  The posse's got so bad.  Finally the mods got it under control.  If someone asks "Lew's or Diawa?"  I don't comment. I only comment if I have either one or have had one of them. They would come in and say you want "insert brand here"  those 2 are junk.  These are the best.  And then the piling on came.  

[WRB]

Open face reel as in spinning reel verses closed face spin casting....haven't heard that term in a few decades!

With today's spinning reels you can bass fish without a bait casting reel Gary Yamamoto uses spinning reels only for one example.

Like everything in fishing balance is the key to casting. The most expensive reel on the wrong rods doesn't perform good.

What weight and type of lures, line do you use and what rod do you have?

Tom

[Wbeadlescomb]

It's cool. I stopped even coming to the site for a while. The posse's got so bad. Finally the mods got it under control. If someone asks "Lew's or Diawa?" I don't comment. I only comment if I have either one or have had one of them. They would come in and say you want "insert brand here" those 2 are junk. These are the best. And then the piling on came.

Those two reels suck whatcha need is a stratavata mastacasta

[edfitzvb]

I have Shimano, BPS Pro Qualifier, Lew's, Quantum, Okuma, and Daiwa. MY personal favorite maker is Lew's. I don't worry about anything except what feels good to me. Let me emphasize that you get what you pay for. The 2 best no trouble reels I ever owned were the original Lew's Speed Spool and the Abu Garcia 5500C. Had both for double digit years service, did NO maintenance on them except to change line every few years, and they always worked. Great reels. For you, as a beginner, I would suggest any reel that has easy access side plates to adjust the internal brakes. Go with something that normally retails starting around 100-150. If you are like me you will buy others once you have acquired the skills necessary. I have 2-1 baitcasting reels to spinning reels, and spinning reels are in assorted sizes (mine are primarily medium and ultralight.)

As to the advantages, you can pretty much do anything with a spinning reel that you can do with a Baitcaster. However, the baitcaster handles larger line, is more comfortable, and for me is more accurate. There is a reason that most pros use a baitcaster as their primary reel. A baitcasting reel is a tool that every serious fisherman needs. You are doing the right thing, grasshopper.

[gripnrip]

I have Shimano, BPS Pro Qualifier, Lew's, Quantum, Okuma, and Daiwa. MY personal favorite maker is Lew's. I don't worry about anything except what feels good to me. Let me emphasize that you get what you pay for. The 2 best no trouble reels I ever owned were the original Lew's Speed Spool and the Abu Garcia 5500C. Had both for double digit years service, did NO maintenance on them except to change line every few years, and they always worked. Great reels. For you, as a beginner, I would suggest any reel that has easy access side plates to adjust the internal brakes. Go with something that normally retails starting around 100-150. If you are like me you will buy others once you have acquired the skills necessary. I have 2-1 baitcasting reels to spinning reels, and spinning reels are in assorted sizes (mine are primarily medium and ultralight.)

As to the advantages, you can pretty much do anything with a spinning reel that you can do with a Baitcaster. However, the baitcaster handles larger line, is more comfortable, and for me is more accurate. There is a reason that most pros use a baitcaster as their primary reel. A baitcasting reel is a tool that every serious fisherman needs. You are doing the right thing, grasshopper.

It stinks that sometimes it costs us a bunch of money to find that out.  But on the other hand, it can be a lot of fun while doing so!

[Bankbeater]

I would get a good reel in the $150 to $200 range.  I would also get a spool of the cheapest mono you can find.  While you are learning to cast a bc reel you are going to have a ton of backlashes.  Some you will be able to untangle, and some it will be quicker to cut the line and respool.

[new2BC4bass]

I am similar to edfitzvb....although he is a bit younger.    I have BPS Carbonlites, Abu (round and LP), Pfluegers, Shimanos, Lews (although a newer model), and various Daiwas.  I am partial to Daiwas....especially my 50th Anniversary Zillion and Purple Alphas, but like all brands I have tried.  A failing of mine. 

 

Although partial to Daiwas, I normally suggest a centrifugal or dual brake reel to learn on.  Seems to me they are easier to set up for a beginner, and can be less backlash prone for a newbie.  I could be wrong tho as I learned on a Fuego and Gen 1 STX-L.  By the time I tried other styles of braking systems, one style didn't seem any harder than another style.

 

Here is a link that explains some of the diferences between different braking systems.  http://japantackle.com/Topics/brake_system.htm

 

 

It is often suggested that for deep cranking you want a 5 something or lower ratio although I don't see anyone buying the old Shimano 3.8:1 reels on the classifieds.  Normally a 7 something is suggested for bottom contack lures.  Reels in the 6s are regarded as all around reels.

 

EDIT:  I would suggest a 6'6"-7'3" MHF as a first rod.  It will be very versatile.

[BobP]

I've fished open faced reels all my life. I had some questions?

First of all I don't know how to use a bait caster, but I just got one to learn on.

What are some advantages of baitcasters over open face reels?

What are some technique tips?

Best beginner baitcaster?

Are there adjustments to reduce backlash?

Thanks guys any gals

Hey guys, he said he's got a reel already!

 

Advantages:  You seldom need to worry about line twist.  When you get familiar with it, a baitcaster can cast with pin point accuracy, especially if pitching lures into shoreline cover.  You can use heavier line with less drama and cast heavier lures like jigs and C-rigs better.  It has more direct cranking power.

 

The biggest fault I see with new users who have been using spinning reels is that they whip their casts when they want to get distance, a recipe for instant backlash.  Baitcasters demand a smooth consistent casting stroke.  The second biggest fault:  after a couple of backlashes, they crank up the cast control and brakes so far that the reel won't work anymore.  Then they revert to whipping the cast again, causing even more backlashes.  Check You Tube for how to set up a baitcaster, then practice with heavier mono line, at least 14# test, and a heavy compact lure like a 1/2 oz jig that won't sail in the wind for awhile until you get the hang of it.  It won't take long.  Side arm casts are easier to control than overhand casts when conditions allow.  You can add more centrifugal brakes until it will cast with no thumb control on most modern baitcasters, but learning a little judicious thumb control will help to get much longer casts with less mechanical control.  In the long run, there's no substitute for hours on the water.

[davi754]

Open face reel as in spinning reel verses closed face spin casting....haven't heard that term in a few decades!

With today's spinning reels you can bass fish without a bait casting reel Gary Yamamoto uses spinning reels only for one example.

Like everything in fishing balance is the key to casting. The most expensive reel on the wrong rods doesn't perform good.

What weight and type of lures, line do you use and what rod do you have?

Tom

I guess I used the Name open face because I herd my daddy say it when I was a kid. ( I still am ). I'm just getting into fishing again, and starting to take it more serious. Proboly will need something for general jerkbaits/crankbaits. And a set up maybe for jigs/plastics

Thanks

[AQUA VELVA]

It's true that you will usually get what you pay for. I started out with an entry level Quantum baitcaster in the late 80's and it was a good trouble free reel to learn on. As I got better, my reels got more expensive. My first $100. reel was a Quantum Ti 600. Now Im slowly replacing those reels with Quantums in the $130. to $150. range. It's not likely that I will ever own reels over $200., Im 66 and this last batch will probably outlive me although I must admit I wonder when I see reels for $400. and up with more bearings than I have fingers and toes, what they would be like. Good hunting!

[gripnrip]

Hey guys, he said he's got a reel already!

 

Advantages:  You seldom need to worry about line twist.  When you get familiar with it, a baitcaster can cast with pin point accuracy, especially if pitching lures into shoreline cover.  You can use heavier line with less drama and cast heavier lures like jigs and C-rigs better.  It has more direct cranking power.

 

The biggest fault I see with new users who have been using spinning reels is that they whip their casts when they want to get distance, a recipe for instant backlash.  Baitcasters demand a smooth consistent casting stroke.  The second biggest fault:  after a couple of backlashes, they crank up the cast control and brakes so far that the reel won't work anymore.  Then they revert to whipping the cast again, causing even more backlashes.  Check You Tube for how to set up a baitcaster, then practice with heavier mono line, at least 14# test, and a heavy compact lure like a 1/2 oz jig that won't sail in the wind for awhile until you get the hang of it.  It won't take long.  Side arm casts are easier to control than overhand casts when conditions allow.  You can add more centrifugal brakes until it will cast with no thumb control on most modern baitcasters, but learning a little judicious thumb control will help to get much longer casts with less mechanical control.  In the long run, there's no substitute for hours on the water.

Yes he did say that. I can read.  What I was referring to was he asked "Best beginner baitcaster?" 

[roadwarrior]

Some reels are simply more "user friendly" than others.

Both the Citicia and Curado series fit this description.

The Curado G on sale for $90 - $100 is a no brainer.

[Teal]

My suggestion, put some mono on that thing and tie a 1/4 oz weight to the end and go out in the back yard and practice after you watched the videos. When You get done practicing, eat a sandwich and then go out and practice some more. Learn the nuances of your tension

And you brakes. read all you can also.

[OnthePotomac]

This site may be of help to you.

http://pages.infinit.net/fishing/bait101.htm