Does gear really affect proforma nice?

[B1gD4ddy]

I've been looking to get either the LTB or MTB bUT after reading the tips to use the different lures most of what I seen required a 7'+ casting rod..  will my 6'6 spinning rod be able to work the baits the same or at least productively? 

I'm heading to basspro today and thinking of getting a bait caster setup although I have never used one..  I got a standard as a first car never havING driven one before so I could figure this out right? 

I'm so confused with all the options out there..  

[Josh Smith]

What power and action is your spinning rod?

My personal belief is that the baitcaster is superior in most ways for most things, but that a spinning setup is indispensable for certain techniques.

No real difference for most between 6'6" and 7' rods.

Get the length of your choice in MH/F, don't skimp on the reel, and take your time learning. I'd get a baitcasting reel that has both magnetic and centrifugal brakes and start with the magnets cranked to full. Distance will suffer a little like this, but you can slowly back off as you learn. Plenty of us grew up without magnets and we did just fine! Training your thumb gets you distance after the centrifugal brakes kick off.

Josh

[EvanT123]

Don't believe the bc hype! 

I do most of my fishing with a medium light spinning rod. What most would consider a "finesse" rod. I don't consider throwing top waters and crank baits on it finesse though. Tell us where and how you like I fish and you will probably get better recommendations on different type of lures from The members here than you would the mail order services. 

[BiteFiend]

Personally, I don't like using a spinning rod heavier than a medium. The techniques I use a medium powered or lower spinning rod for are generally finesse techniques. For techniques that require a medium-heavy powered rod and greater, heavier line is suggested. That is not to say you can't for example, fish frogs with a spinning set-up. However, one would want a faster gear ratio reel and heavier rod to get the fish out of the slop. 

At the end of the day, remember that what you are dealing with are tools. What sets a baitcaster apart from a spinning reel is that you can use heavier line, have better control of the cast, have faster gear ratios, and the ability to make more casts per hour. Ever try flipping and pitching with a spinning reel? It feels like the process takes years when compared to a bait caster. 

[Yudo1]

If you're wondering if it would worth your while getting bc combo, I say yes.  A 7' mh/f would compliment your spinning combo and give you more versatility.   Now if you want specific recommendations then let us know your budget.

[gim]

  On 7/23/2016 at 5:51 PM, BiteFiend said:

What sets a baitcaster apart from a spinning reel is that you can use heavier line, have better control of the cast, have faster gear ratios, and the ability to make more casts per hour. Ever try flipping and pitching with a spinning reel? It feels like the process takes years when compared to a bait caster. 

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THIS

[Bass Turd]

If you like driving a standard over an automatic I think you will like using a bait caster. Good analogy. I always suggest buying a good solid used bait caster from the flea market here or that big auction site. Do some research and know what a decent price is for your chosen model. If for any reason you do not like the bait caster you can usually re sell it for the same price as what you paid. You also get better value this way. You can get a $200 reel for $100 usually etc...

[hawgenvy]

I have spinning and baitcasters but I use the BCs a lot more because they can handle heavier line for fishing weedy areas and for hauling in large fish out of cover. And I find them to be more accurate as far as distance. You should get one! It's best if you get a high quality baitcaster that has a good cast control system. That means MSRP will likely be over $150. At first it will probably be frustrating, till you get the hang of it and get the reel dialed in right. There are tons of vids on how to do that. After some practice you'll find it easy and will probably love it.

[Molay1292]

I think it is important for every well rounded angler to be able to use both spinning and casting.   I won't enter the discussion on which is best because like others I just view them as tools, much like golf clubs, I won't use a driver to put or a putter to drive.  Sorry for the analogy but you get the point.    I enjoy using both very much. 

[new2BC4bass]

 

You've come to the wrong place if your goal is to become unconfused.  You will get so many opinions and options it will take a month of Sundays to get through them all. 

Personally I grew up using spinning.  Once I started using a low profile baitcast reel, I stopped using spinning except for the rare occasion.

I'd suggest going to FFO and looking at one of the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rods.  List price for these rods was lower than their true value.  At $75 they are a steal.  Then look to ebay for a $95 Tatula.  The $170 will be very well spent and the combo will prove to be one you won't want to part with even after getting more expensive combos.

OR look at the used market.  Some exceptional deals can be found.

[DogBone_384]

I started with a BPS Pro Qualifier and 7' M/F Ugly stick. I put 12 pound mono on it, watched videos and read set up threads in this forum.  

I'm glad I did.  I prefer casting reels over spinning and consider myself proficient, even in the wind.

I started with the brakes cranked up and practiced as much as possible.  I'm almost brake-free now.  It's worth the time/investment.

Best of luck!

[Cgrinder]

Believe the hype. Casting reels are sweet.