Two rods - best set up for each

[Hooked_stl]

Hello,

I'm looking for suggestions on how to set up my two poles and which lures to cast from which.

I'm pretty new to fishing and have been trying to soak up as much info as I can about it via YouTube, this forum, magazines, etc.  I recently got my first spinning combo (a Lew's 7' with a tcs300) and a friend had given me a baitcaster setup (Falcon 6'10" and Shimano citica).  I fishing mostly local small lakes and ponds.  I use some topwater lures, crankbaits, chatter bait, and have recently starting learning soft plastics, whether they are t-rigged, c-rig or wacky rigs.

Wondering if I should use braid, mono, fluoro for one, the other or both.

Thanks

[Caliyak]

spinning set up should be used for the plastics and baitcaster for the cranks, chatter and topwater. mono for the spinning reel and braid for the baitcaster if you want to pitch and flip. 

[Hooked_stl]

Thanks.  What size braid would you recommend?

[Chris at Tech]

If you're new to fishing and just figuring things out, start simple with mono.  8 lb on the spinning, 12-15 lb on the casting.

As you get more comfortable with the techniques, presentations and casting motions, then you can explore the other line options.

[Fish4bigfish]

Depends on where and how you fish. I fish 3 rods on my float tube. A 702 spinning rod for drop shot, a 734 casting rod for worms and jigs and a 795 swimbait rod for my blue gill swimbaits! My point is. If you are only fishing two rods I would trailer those rods to your style of fishing and the body of water you spend the most time on.

[Caliyak]

4 hours ago, Hooked_stl said:

Thanks.  What size braid would you recommend?

8lb mono for spinning, I like 30 lb braid for my baitcaster. I tie straight to lure or hook. Just a little extra, if you decide to do braid on spinning, 6-8lbs. 

[Fishin' Fool]

18 hours ago, Hooked_stl said:

Hello,

I'm looking for suggestions on how to set up my two poles and which lures to cast from which.

I'm pretty new to fishing and have been trying to soak up as much info as I can about it via YouTube, this forum, magazines, etc.  I recently got my first spinning combo (a Lew's 7' with a tcs300) and a friend had given me a baitcaster setup (Falcon 6'10" and Shimano citica).  I fishing mostly local small lakes and ponds.  I use some topwater lures, crankbaits, chatter bait, and have recently starting learning soft plastics, whether they are t-rigged, c-rig or wacky rigs.

Wondering if I should use braid, mono, fluoro for one, the other or both.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum. Keep reading and you'll learn a ton. The only bad news is the forum will cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the latest lures, and rods and reels that are on sale. Best of luck.

[Hooked_stl]

Thanks for the advice.  I think I'm going to start with mono for now as suggested, the baitcaster was given to me with fresh 12lb mono on it and I'll load the spinning with  6lb.  I need to really practice casting.  

On a related note, I was out yesterday at a nearby lake practicing with a 1/4 jig trying to get my accuracy better with the baitcaster, just casting and reeling it back it in, not even thinking about catching fish when a bass nailed it.  He hit it so hard I forgot to set the hook, so he got off at the shoreline, but it sure livened up my half hour of casting.  

  

[fishnkamp]

Those pesky interruptions... Just a observation. Throwing lite baits is harder with a baitcaster. If you look at you rod it will give you a lure rating like 1/4 to 3/4 for example. While learning to cast, I would try to stay closer to the middle of that rating. So if that is a Falcon Buccoo,  I believe it is rated 3/16 to 5/8.  A 1/4 ounce jig and a plastic trailer is okay but to learn I might throw a 3/8 jig and trailer. Good luck and welcome to the board.

[Hooked_stl]

It's a 6'10" bucoo, I will check out the rating when I get home from work.  It seemed like the 1/4 oz was going pretty good.  Going to try and sneak out tomorrow again so I'll try a 3/16 jig with a trailer.  I'll make sure I pay more attention to those pesky interruptions and maybe land a fish too.  The best interruption possible.

[fishnkamp]

Try a little heavier jig like a 3/8 ounce not a lighter one like a 3/16 or maybe you had one of my brain farts which means your brain said 3/8 and the fingers typed 3/16. I understand I often have to retype stuff.  Thank goodness they let us edit here!. Hey go catch a big one!

[Hooked_stl]

My brain is extremely flatulant.  Yep, meant 3/8 not 3/16.  Thanks for the advice.  I'll be hitting it early tomorrow. 

[fishnkamp]

One way to adjust a baitcaster is to adjust the spool tension knob until a lure falls slowly or evenly and then set your break system accordingly.  Try this to get a little extra distance in your cast. Loosen the spool tension knob up until your thumb can make the spool move a bunch from side to side. Now tighten the tension knob up until almost all or all of that side play is gone.  Now you have freed the spool up as much as possible, any extra side play will lose distance and any tighter and you will lose distance. Now open up the side plate and engage at least 3 breaks ( if I remember it has 6 little brakes, if it is 4 then engage 2)  Now cast the bait and remember your thumb should begin to slow the bait at the end of your cast and see how you do. If it over runs a little then try all of the brakes. If it is worse then try adding a little more spol tension. Ideally as you get experience you will run the spool loosened up to that original point (just a tiny bit of side play) and half or fewer brakes engaged. Good Luck.