Is it worth it to switch to bait cast?

[the reel ess]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Not under normal circumstances.  Line twist with braid is possible, tho.  I had to change out the braid on my STX do to excessive line twist.  Twisted like you wouldn't believe.  I messed it up in about 5 hours of fishing.  Line had been on the reel for about four years before that with no problem.

What lure were you using? I ask because I use straight 20 lb PowerPro braid on both my spinning combos because of the lack of twist inherent in braid. I've been using the same braid on both combos for almost 2 full years with no twist. Try that with mono or floro.

I have 50 lb braid on 2 BC combos, but I'lll probably switch them to 30 when I replace.

[halfpint33]

First off let me say I own 2 Abu Garcia Black Max combos and love them. My spinning reel is also an Abu Garcia. They take some getting used to but I enjoy the bait casters most of the time.

 

Now for the ones that think you catch more and bigger fish with bait casters. There is a local elder fisherman that fishes whenever he can. He catches bigger and more bass than anyone I know. His setup? A few old Daiwa spin cast reels on Eagle Claw poles. So as the old saying goes it's not the size of the worm but how ya wiggle it ;-)

So if you want to add a bait caster to your arsenal go for it. Personally I don't think it will make anyone a better fisherman. Technic and learning the bass' habits where you fish will help more than anything in my opinion. Good luck.

[new2BC4bass]

4 hours ago, the reel ess said:

What lure were you using? I ask because I use straight 20 lb PowerPro braid on both my spinning combos because of the lack of twist inherent in braid. I've been using the same braid on both combos for almost 2 full years with no twist. Try that with mono or floro.

I have 50 lb braid on 2 BC combos, but I'lll probably switch them to 30 when I replace.

3/4 oz. saltwater spoon tied direct.  40# braid.  Caught a few flounder that day.

[the reel ess]

5 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

3/4 oz. saltwater spoon tied direct.  40# braid.  Caught a few flounder that day.

Yeah, a spoon will cause line twist. Mono can lose its line memory and adhere to the new twist after a while, especially if you use a spray made for that. But braid can't.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Both do what needs to be done...its like the differance in a 19oz framing hammer and a 20oz  framing hammer.main thing is learn to use both with the same intentions.

[edfitzvb]

I have both types of reels in many configurations. From what you say, I would upgrade your spinning reel first. You said the reel wasn't cutting it and felt like it was about to explode. Because you already said that you didn't pay much for the other reel, I would recommend a Pflueger President spinning reel in either 30 or 35 size. You could pair that up with either a Pflueger M action, a Berkley Shock M action, or if you have a little more cash, a St.Croix Premier ML. For under $200.00 you have a spinning setup that is a serious upgrade from your current setup, is reliable, and won't break the bank.

Now that you know that you can fish without things falling apart on you, I would look at a bait casting setup. Generally speaking, I would suggest a low profile reel for comfort. I learned on an old Daiwa BW and got reasonably good on that before I bought any more. It was an inexpensive (read cheap) reel, but it taught me the basics. As I began to try nicer reels it QUICKLY became obvious to me that the more expensive reels were proportionately that much better than the entry level reels. I buy almost exclusively used reels because I am not a wealthy man. I have more reels than I need, but fishing is not something that I NEED to do. I have tried Black Max, Silver Max, and Pro Max, and now have an old Revo STX that I kept. Abu makes fine reels and is a reputable company. My personal advice, based on my experience, would be to find a Lew's BB-1 speed spool. They retail new for under $100.00. It is a really nice, serviceable reel that is easy to learn on, and I have found Lew's customer service to be a pleasure to work with. I would pair that reel with a 6' or 6'6" M or MH rod.  Again, I would look at Berkley Shock, St. Croix Premier, or keep your eyes open for a nice used high end rod at fishing flea markets and pawn shops. I have picked up some real nice G.Loomis rods at pawn shops for 25-30% of original cost.

Bottom line is, do you NEED to upgrade? Of course not. Do you WANT to upgrade? Sounds like it. Let us know how it goes. Tight ines

[*Hootie]

On 5/31/2016 at 2:40 PM, Yudo1 said:

Holy cow!  

That's what I would call them...lol. 

Hootie

No need to switch to one or the other. They each have their place. 

Hootie

[Rick Howard]

I grew up fishing spinning gear.  Last summer I decided to finally get a bait caster.  It was worth it to me.  I use a spinning rod for light baits and a casting setup for heavy baits.  I also have a casting setup just for flipping and pitching.  Between these three or even minus the flipping setup I feel I can cover every situation without a lot of clutter in the boat.

[Jaderose]

I went straight from Zebco's to baitcasters, but I actually did something smart for a change.  I bought my first BC in WINTER.  I did NOT try to learn it on the water.  I bought a BPS Pro Qualifer ( I still use it...in fact, I tore it down yesterday and cleaned and lubed it) and had it spooled up with the cheapest bulk mono that BPS had.  And I practiced.  And I practiced.  and I practiced.  Nothing better to do in Winter any way.  I backlashed it...dug it out, and backlashed again.  I tied on different size plugs, fiddled with the brakes and backlashed it again.  Until one day I didn't backlash it.  then I worked on my accuracy.  I pitched into coffee cans, went out in the yard and tried to land one next to a bush or rock, took it to my favorite ponds and dinked around with it, casting out on the ice, etc.  Now I can land just about anything just about anywhere and I LOVE my BC's.  I use my ONE spinning reel for the real light finesse stuff and I'm not nearly as proficient with it, nor do I need to be.  They don't get a ton of love but I HIGHLY recommend the PQ as a first BC.  They are built like a tank, are easily adjustable and just flat out work.  They are not super highly refined but I haven't found much they can't do any worse than my "better" reels.  In the meantime, get you a Pflueger President in the size most comfortable for you, put it on a better rod (I've heard good things about the Berkeley Lighting Rods), string it up with  some lighter (I like 20lb) Power Pro Slick 8, learn to tie on a leader, and enjoy your fishing.  In the meantime, go to places like BPS and Cabela's or wherever you like and feel some BC's.  Do some research.  Grab a BC and actually put it on different rods.  See how it feels in your hand.  See if you want a righty or a lefty.  There is no "right" one.  Just the right one for YOU.  I'm the type of person that will NOT use something that isn't comfortable for me....no matter how expensive it is.  Kinda like that old PQ of mine.  I have waaaay "better" reels that I enjoy using but I always find that old PQ in my hand.  Spend some time now to enjoy what you get later.  It will make a world of difference.