Lew's Carbon Blue - my impulse buy

[The Patriot]

Hey everyone.  I went to Dick's with my father yesterday to help him get setup on a new spinning rod/reel.  He hasn't fished in years and since I've been fishing more the last couple years, he wants in.  I had a coupon and a gift card to dicks so I was going to pick up some new stuff for myself too.  Lures, hooks, couple plano cases.  I realized, I've got some lures I havent even used, others I've used but not enough to be comfortable with them, I should spend more time with those before buying more.  The other stuff, I dont really need.  then I said a Lew's on the shelf, it was the last one and it was on sale.  I decided to bite the bullet and take the plunge into baitcasters.  It seems like a pretty good rod, but being my first baitcaster, I'm not sure how the reel is.  I have nothing to compare it too and cant find much about this combo online.  I've got it spooled with 20lb braid because I had a spool of Spiderwire at home.

Specs are 7' MH/F 7.1:1 gear ratio

my other rod is a F&S Inferno spinning rod, 6'6" M/M (might actually be M/S).

I got the lews 1) because I wanted to try a baitcaster, and 2, I got it because I felt that the specs would be a good compliment to my spinning rod.  

 

I fish mostly ponds and a couple small lakes, laydowns, rocks, pads, grass but nothing super thick.  85% of the time I'm using either a weightless senko, senko+bullet weight, poppers or a jitterbug.  Occasionally I'll use a buzzbaits, hollow body frogs, jigs and dabble with other soft plastics.  I'd use these more often but I dont feel that my spinning rod is capable of properly fishing these baits/lures (hence the stronger casting rod).  I plan to put together another rod in the future, but I want to practice with what I have before spending more money on something else.  

Given the above info, what jobs would you task each combo with?  Also, does anyone have any first hand feedback on the Lews combo or reel specifically?  

 

Thanks!

Eric

[WPCfishing]

I have 11 Lews reels.. I guess you could say I like them over all others. I'm not familiar with what you bought but my guess is it's a good start. 

Can't suggest what to use with them I don't know what the ratings are.

[S. Sass]

I'm a Lew's user as well. I have several different models of baitcasters of theirs and they all seem solid. Like WCP said with no details can't say much but Lew's is a good company from my experience.

[The Patriot]

The reel is model CB1SH.  It's actually a  6'10" rod. Not 7'

line wt is 10-20lb. Lure wt 3/8-1oz

Also, not sure if it's a defect or if I just can't figure it out. I was casting a hallow frog in the yard when one of the knobs on the reel handle came off. I looks like it's riveted on but I'm not positive. Is there a way that knobs attach that I'm not seeing? Or is it truly riveted and I got one with a weak rivet. 

[Big Bait Fishing]

it probably was riveted , take it back for an exchange

[The Patriot]

After some tinkering, i found that theres a little black cap that pops up, and theres a philips screw underneath to tighten down that knob.  problem solved!  Just incase these screws want to loosen over time, I might put a slight dab of lock-tite on the threads.  Going out shortly, we had a lot of rain early this morning that we havent had in weeks.  Its pretty windy as well, I think I might try out the caster with a buzzbait.  

[timsford]

I'd use the bait caster for anything heavier or with single hooks, and the spinning rod for treble hooked baits and lighter plastics and single hook baits you can't throw on the baitcaster. Since the spinning rod is a medium moderate the softer action will help keep fish hooked better with trebles

[The Patriot]

so after some use, I've come to love this baitcaster.  I've been using it for senkos (both weighted and weightless 5" and up), larger buzzbaits, larger spinner baits, ribbit frogs and some hollow bodies.  

Having already stated that its a MH/F, I feel that it might be a bit closer to a M/F.  I dont have much to compare to, aside from a few Abu Garcia rods that are also rated MH.  I've seen mentioned before that AG rods tend to be rated one power level below what they truly are.  Meaning an Abu MH is closer to a H power.  I feel like the Lews has a bit more give than what I expected a MH to have.  Can you guys provide me any feedback on the power ratings of Lews rods?  Should I treat this rod as a true MH (or close enough to it)?  I can get a really great deal on Abu products and I'd like to put together another baitcast combo.  Im trying to decide between a M and a MH.  I ask about the Lews, because if Lews rods are typically a power level below their rating, I'll get a M power Abu.  If Lews ratings are pretty accurate, then I'm not sure I'll get an Abu as I currently dont fish enough lures that would require a H power.  Id like to end up with a M/F and a MH/F, for now.  

 

Sorry for the ramble, thanks for the help!

[sgibby88]

i like using my heavy for frogs and jigs. figured i would put it out their since i see what you use yours for. And i use my mh/f for poppers and t-rigs until my two new reels come in and i figure out what two rods i want to get for them

[The Patriot]

Gibby, do you have Lews rods?  I ask because I feel like although my rod might be a bit less than MH (maybe its not), I feel like its still a bit too stiff to cast smaller lures like poppers or jitterbugs.  Which is why I want a medium power rod to go with it. I just dont want to pull the trigger on an Abu medium power if thats going to still be too heavy power for these applications.  Its rated for 3/8-1oz. It seems to do ok with the frogs, but Ive also never used a heavy power rod so I cant speak to that power.  

Unfortunately, the only stores around me are a couple Dicks stores.  If I make a bit of a drive I could go to Cabelas.  These are the only two places for me actually handle a rod before buying.  Im looking at Abu Garcia because I can order direct from them at almost half off as my buddy works for a company that is owned by Jarden/Newell Rubbermaid (the also own Abu and other fishing brands).  They also own Fenwick, Pflueger, and Shakespeare.  Im not familiar with any of their casting rods though. 

[new2BC4bass]

I have limited experience with Abu rods, but both mine are heavier than rated.  No experience with Lews rods.  I'd use different weights on the Lews until you figure out what it can handle.

Personally I feel Fenwick rods offer a lot for the money.  Especially in the HMG, Smalmmouth and Aetos lines I have used.  I also feel Pflueger casting reels are under-rated.

I think you are already discovering how addicting baitcast gear can be. 

[NYWayfarer]

I was looking at this combo, its a Dick's F&S exclusive. It is on sale now $10 off the baitcast combo and $30 off the spinning. I like my Carbon Fire spinning reel (also a Dick's exclusive) I might have to get one once my wife forgets how much I have spent on the new canoe and accessories.

[The Patriot]

7 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I have limited experience with Abu rods, but both mine are heavier than rated.  No experience with Lews rods.  I'd use different weights on the Lews until you figure out what it can handle.

Personally I feel Fenwick rods offer a lot for the money.  Especially in the HMG, Smalmmouth and Aetos lines I have used.  I also feel Pflueger casting reels are under-rated.

I think you are already discovering how addicting baitcast gear can be. 

The Aetos rod is one Ive heard a lot of good things about, but have no experience with their products.  I won't rule it out just yet though.  If nothing else, I may get a MH Abu rod for the simple fact that I really want to learn jig fishing.  My half ounce jigs, although my rod is rated for up to 1/2 and 3/4oz, seems to be a bit much for my Lews rod.  I definitely believe a MH Abu (or H in another brand) would be the way to go for these applications.  I think for lighter senkos (3"), poppers and jitterbugs, my spinning rod could suffice until I find the right M rod    Yea... the baitcaster addiction is real.  So is hiding the cost lol

[sgibby88]

On ‎9‎/‎27‎/‎2016 at 10:51 PM, The Patriot said:

Gibby, do you have Lews rods?  I ask because I feel like although my rod might be a bit less than MH (maybe its not), I feel like its still a bit too stiff to cast smaller lures like poppers or jitterbugs.  Which is why I want a medium power rod to go with it. I just dont want to pull the trigger on an Abu medium power if thats going to still be too heavy power for these applications.  Its rated for 3/8-1oz. It seems to do ok with the frogs, but Ive also never used a heavy power rod so I cant speak to that power.  

Unfortunately, the only stores around me are a couple Dicks stores.  If I make a bit of a drive I could go to Cabelas.  These are the only two places for me actually handle a rod before buying.  Im looking at Abu Garcia because I can order direct from them at almost half off as my buddy works for a company that is owned by Jarden/Newell Rubbermaid (the also own Abu and other fishing brands).  They also own Fenwick, Pflueger, and Shakespeare.  Im not familiar with any of their casting rods though. 

The patriot I do not. I can throw poopers and spooks no problem. Don't have any jitterbugs to throw so I cant say for that. I do feel though it is possibly a little stiff but I cant say until I pick up a medium action then ill be able to say more. I'm new to the baitcaster scene. first year using them. But the collection is growing rather quickly. Wish I would've made the leap years ago.

[Wurming67]

I got that Lew's blue carbon speed spool combo from Dicks I use as my spinnerbait rod it's 6'10 med heavy fast tip 7:1:1 gear ratio  not a bad setup for the money it gets the job done.