Got My First Baitcaster, What To Throw With It?

[mayer74]

Hi all! I've been strictly a spinning rod angler while learning how to fish (over a year now, still a rookie

[new2BC4bass]

I'd use it for everything you mentioned with the exception of crankbaits.

[tholmes]

Sweet combo! 

 

That combo, IMHO, would be great for jigs, and soft plastics. I would also use it for frogs and buzzbaits, 

 

Have fun! 

 

Tom

[roadwarrior]

Your new rig will make a fine all-aroung combination. If you are going to add another,

I suggest getting a Medium Power/ Moderate Action rod for treble hook lures.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/

 

 

 

 

[Fisher-O-men]

 Should I add a second setup?

Are you kidding?  Of course!!!

[Fishes in trees]

Should I add a second set-up?  What a silly question.  You should only buy as many rods & reels as you can afford.  Now that I'm done being snarky, seriously, another rig or two gives you more presentation options.

 

For me, fishing gear, rods, reel and so forth can be bought, but fishing time cannot, I only get so much fishing time each year.  For me, saving time buy not having to stop and tie knots, just pick up a different rig for a different presentation, that is worth it.  You get to decide if it is worth it for you.

 

You don't have to buy them all at once.  Buy a good new rig once a year, take care of your stuff and in a decade you will have lots of options.  I've got half a dozen bait casters that are more than 10 years old that work perfectly, actually they are better than new because they have been well maintained properly oiled, greased, etc and now that they have been used for a while, they are "broke in" and have a smoothness that just doesn't happen for a while with new reels.

 

Don't ever feel like you have to buy all the gear at once.  Your fishing habits will change and evolve and your gear choices and purchases will reflect this, over time.

[Smokinal]

All good answers above. If I may add a suggestion it would be to try out this setup first, then see what you like to throw on it and what doesn't feel so right. Then buy your 2nd one to fill that gap. Basically, don't buy a rod, then wonder what to throw on it; choose a bait or 2 that you want to throw on a baitcaster then research the best rod for those baits.

Most of all, have fun with it and don't get frustrated.

[wnspain]

I believe your rod is designed for baits 1/4 to 3/4 oz.  When new to bait casting, most find it easier to learn control with a bait near the middle of that recommended weight range. Try to ensure that your setup is adjusted properly, and that your cast is smooth and fluid. Most that are transitioning from spinning rigs tend to overload the rod by snapping the rod forward too quickly. Like others have said, you can throw almost anything with your new rig, it's just that rod characteristics favor one technique over another but casting the lure should not be affected too much. Light finesse baits favor spinning equipment, but once you get comfortable you can throw those also. I've not used a clarus MH/F so I can't speak for the stiffness of that particular rod but if you find that the rod isn't loading properly, increase the weight of the bait. Good luck and enjoy your new rig! 

[new2BC4bass]

Should I add a second set-up?  What a silly question.  You should only buy as many rods & reels as you can afford.  Now that I'm done being snarky, seriously, another rig or two gives you more presentation options.

 

For me, fishing gear, rods, reel and so forth can be bought, but fishing time cannot, I only get so much fishing time each year.  For me, saving time buy not having to stop and tie knots, just pick up a different rig for a different presentation, that is worth it.  You get to decide if it is worth it for you.

 

You don't have to buy them all at once.  Buy a good new rig once a year, take care of your stuff and in a decade you will have lots of options.  I've got half a dozen bait casters that are more than 10 years old that work perfectly, actually they are better than new because they have been well maintained properly oiled, greased, etc and now that they have been used for a while, they are "broke in" and have a smoothness that just doesn't happen for a while with new reels.

 

Don't ever feel like you have to buy all the gear at once.  Your fishing habits will change and evolve and your gear choices and purchases will reflect this, over time.

 

Excellent answer.  I have been buying fishing paraphernalia for the last 6 years.  Now my wife is giving me a hard time about all the rods.  If she is going to be mad at me for something, too many rods is one reason I don't mind. 

 

I have the same problem.  I can get gear over time, but time on water is limited.  I have as many rods set up with different lures as I can carry with me before leaving the house.

[WIGuide]

Sounds like a pretty good multipurpose rod. Will do fine with anything you said you're looking to throw on it as long as those baits are within the weight range. If you're throwing a bait with treble hooks on them with it I'd suggest backing the drag off. Almost to the point it slips on a hookset and that will help keep your landing percentage up.