BC rod/reel to complement spinning rod

[drmevo]

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to bass fishing and I'd like to try my hand at a baitcasting setup. I currently have a Daiwa Fuego 6'8" medium fast rod paired with a Daiwa RH2000H-AB spinning reel. I'm interested in a Tatula CT reel and would like to find a rod that would serve some different roles from my spinning rod. Does that approach make sense and if so what would you all recommend? I mostly fish a dammed section of river that varies quite a bit - some parts have weed mats, some parts have a decent amount of submerged logs/structure, and some parts have a lots of reeds and weeds.  Thanks!

[Chance_Taker4]

I would pair it with a 7' Med Hvy Fast rod. There are tons of rods that meet that spec you can choose from.

[islandbass]

51 minutes ago, Chance_Taker4 said:

I would pair it with a 7' Med Hvy Fast rod. There are tons of rods that meet that spec you can choose from.

Solid choice and option. I second that. With the MH casting and M spinning you've got a lot of ground covered in a minimalist way that is pocket friend. Well, at least until your bait monkey wakes up and starts talking in your ear about getting technique specific rod's to fine tune your arsenal, lol. 

[Chance_Taker4]

7 minutes ago, islandbass said:

Solid choice and option. I second that. With the MH casting and M spinning you've got a lot of ground covered in a minimalist way that is pocket friend. Well, at least until your bait monkey wakes up and starts talking in your ear about getting technique specific rod's to fine tune your arsenal, lol. 

I fish co angler tournaments or from the bank for fun. I bring at most 5 rods with me when I got fishing but my bait monkey has made me has 14 setups right now. He is so hard to control.

[islandbass]

2 hours ago, Chance_Taker4 said:

I fish co angler tournaments or from the bank for fun. I bring at most 5 rods with me when I got fishing but my bait monkey has made me has 14 setups right now. He is so hard to control.

I used to bring 5 rods for fishing from the bank too before I realized that most of the time and places I fished, 3 rods were used more   than the other two so I started leaving the 2 least used at home.  14? Only 14? Just kidding. I have about the same number. Those bait monkeys are silver tongued and beguiling critters. 

[drmevo]

4 hours ago, Chance_Taker4 said:

I would pair it with a 7' Med Hvy Fast rod. There are tons of rods that meet that spec you can choose from.

 

3 hours ago, islandbass said:

Solid choice and option. I second that. With the MH casting and M spinning you've got a lot of ground covered in a minimalist way that is pocket friend. Well, at least until your bait monkey wakes up and starts talking in your ear about getting technique specific rod's to fine tune your arsenal, lol. 

Thanks guys, makes sense. How about line? I have 10lb mono on the spinning setup. Based on what I've read I'm guessing braid would be a solid choice? Maybe 30lb?

[islandbass]

Let the conditions you face influence your decision for line choice. For example one place I fish has little cover and relatively clear and because I primarily finesse this area, I know I can get away with 6# fc or mono. My rule of thumb is to use the lightest line I can get away with. I also notice more bites the lighter the line. If you're fishing pads and heavier cover, 20# test might be the lightest line you can get away with. 

 

Braid is a decent choice because of its strength to line diameter and its ability to transmit information to you. It would make an ugly stick act like a loomis in your hands. However, compared to mono it is pricier. If you truly are a newbie to bc reels I strongly recommend using mono for practice sake.  I wrote in another thread about using my first casting reel and filling it with braid. First cast I trashed all my power pro in perhaps my most glorious birds nest. It is so messed up I had to cut off much the line. ?

 

 

 

[drmevo]

On 8/12/2017 at 2:15 PM, islandbass said:

Let the conditions you face influence your decision for line choice. For example one place I fish has little cover and relatively clear and because I primarily finesse this area, I know I can get away with 6# fc or mono. My rule of thumb is to use the lightest line I can get away with. I also notice more bites the lighter the line. If you're fishing pads and heavier cover, 20# test might be the lightest line you can get away with. 

 

Braid is a decent choice because of its strength to line diameter and its ability to transmit information to you. It would make an ugly stick act like a loomis in your hands. However, compared to mono it is pricier. If you truly are a newbie to bc reels I strongly recommend using mono for practice sake.  I wrote in another thread about using my first casting reel and filling it with braid. First cast I trashed all my power pro in perhaps my most glorious birds nest. It is so messed up I had to cut off much the line. ?

 

 

 

Thanks! If I go with mono for learning, what # test would be good for a MH rod, assuming I'll be using it for a variety of things? 20#? There are quite a few weeds in some areas and others have a lot of submerged logs and branches.

[J Francho]

20# is a little thick for learning.  15# is probably a good all around size.

[fishnkamp]

Lets start with some questions and simple answers.  What is your budget for a rod?

You have already made a great choice in reels.  The Tatula CT is just one of the reels in the Tatula family. The brakes used on the entire Tatula family are designed VERY different than ever other brand of reels!

If you adjust a Tat CT properly you will learn to cast it very well very quickly.  Start buy reading the brochure it comes with for a few minutes. Learn how the star drag is tightened and how it affects the tension a fish must put on the line to make the drag give line. Nest you will see the spool tension knob. Tighten it down till the spool has no side to side play within the frame of the reel.  Loosen it up a touch till there is a little side to side play, like a 1/16 of inch side play. You will feel it when you can move it back and forth with your thumb.  Now look at the brake adjustment dial. It goes from 0 to 20. Set it to 10.

Look at the rod you choose, it will say what lure weight it is designed to throw. Most MH rods will say 1/4 to 3/4 of an ounce.  Learn by throwing a bait like a jog that weighs close to the middle of the rods spec.

In the case of a 14/4 to 3/4 rating I would learn while throwing a 1/2 ounce jig.

 

I personally would try a copolymer line like a P Line FloroClear or perhaps I would spool some Suffix 832 in 30 pound test.  That line plays nice on that reel. I have it on a few of my combos here.  Power Pro Spectra in the same pound test would be fine.  Many of the anglers that have casting issues try to heave to hard in their casting. This is not needed with a CT.  Try to use a nice smooth casting motion and your results will surprize you. It has to do with the movement of the inductor and the weights that move it automatically.

 

 

 

[drmevo]

5 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Lets start with some questions and simple answers.  What is your budget for a rod?

You have already made a great choice in reels.  The Tatula CT is just one of the reels in the Tatula family. The brakes used on the entire Tatula family are designed VERY different than ever other brand of reels!

If you adjust a Tat CT properly you will learn to cast it very well very quickly.  Start buy reading the brochure it comes with for a few minutes. Learn how the star drag is tightened and how it affects the tension a fish must put on the line to make the drag give line. Nest you will see the spool tension knob. Tighten it down till the spool has no side to side play within the frame of the reel.  Loosen it up a touch till there is a little side to side play, like a 1/16 of inch side play. You will feel it when you can move it back and forth with your thumb.  Now look at the brake adjustment dial. It goes from 0 to 20. Set it to 10.

Look at the rod you choose, it will say what lure weight it is designed to throw. Most MH rods will say 1/4 to 3/4 of an ounce.  Learn by throwing a bait like a jog that weighs close to the middle of the rods spec.

In the case of a 14/4 to 3/4 rating I would learn while throwing a 1/2 ounce jig.

 

I personally would try a copolymer line like a P Line FloroClear or perhaps I would spool some Suffix 832 in 30 pound test.  That line plays nice on that reel. I have it on a few of my combos here.  Power Pro Spectra in the same pound test would be fine.  Many of the anglers that have casting issues try to heave to hard in their casting. This is not needed with a CT.  Try to use a nice smooth casting motion and your results will surprize you. It has to do with the movement of the inductor and the weights that move it automatically.

 

 

 

Thanks, that's very helpful. I'll definitely refer back to this once I get it. For a rod, I'd say $100 max but I'd like to stay closer to $70-80.

[22hertz]

You can get a Cabelas Tournament ZX rod for $70 on sale.

I have 2 of the TZXC-71MH rods.

IMO you cant find a better rod anywhere near this price. Great warranty too.

 

One of those rods has a Tatula CT spooled with 10lb Yozuri Hybrid. 

If you're just starting spool with inexpensive mono.

Pick up a big 1/4lb spool of Sufix Superior mono 10lb or 12lb at Academy Sports.

Be careful not to overfill a Daiwa reel with the T-Wing when spooling. Better to go a little lower than higher if in doubt.

[fishnkamp]

Okay let me give you a few nice rods to look at. 

 

One of my favorite rods I fish with ( and I fish with 12 baitcasters ) is a Powell Max 683CEF

You are welcome to go on Tackletour and read about that rod  http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html

Now that rod has been upgrade in the Powell Max 3 D and duplicated in the Powell Inferno line.

The Inferno is very similar to the rod I own.  Those rods run $90.  My powell rod is the most versatile rod in my arsenal.

 

Next take a look at a rod like the Dobyns Fury FR 734C. It is rated as a heavy but fishes more like a MH/H. That is a super versatile rod as well. It will run you around $110, but fishes more like a $200 rod.

 

Lastly I am going to surprise you a little. One of the rods I fish with is a Quantum only available from Dicks Sporting Goods. It is called a Quantum Escalade.  It is available in a 6'6 and as 7 footer. I fish a 7' and it rates for 1/4 to 1 1/2 oz baits. This is a IM8 rod that regularly sold for $99.00 but has been on sale for quite some time.  They sell for $50 on sale.  It has pretty good sensitivity, decent guides and reel seat handles big fish well ( I often use it to catch stripers as well as bass) and it is affordable. It is not a super pretty rod but it works well.   I use mine to throw spinnerbaits, worms, jigs, and you could even handle a carolina rig with it.

Personally if your budget was $150 I would go with a Powell Max 3D 683CEF.

Next I would choose between the Powell Inferno 683CEF , he Inferno 703 MH CEFor the Dobyns Fury.

If money is tight the Quantum s a fine rod for the money.

 

 

[drmevo]

Thanks @fishnkamp, I m really like the sounds of that $50 Quantum and I think I have a coupon for Dick's.

 

Another question I just came up with is getting back to the reel - RH vs. LH. I see plenty of threads debating this but opinions seem fairly split. I'm used to spinning gear and the thought of switching hands seems awkward. When I'm eating a steak my fork stays in left hand   Both of my parents are lefties so I do some things left-handed already even though I'm really a righty. Is it a toss-up? I can try in-store but not sure it will tell me much.

[MIbassyaker]

8 hours ago, drmevo said:

Thanks @fishnkamp, I m really like the sounds of that $50 Quantum and I think I have a coupon for Dick's.

 

Another question I just came up with is getting back to the reel - RH vs. LH. I see plenty of threads debating this but opinions seem fairly split. I'm used to spinning gear and the thought of switching hands seems awkward. When I'm eating a steak my fork stays in left hand   Both of my parents are lefties so I do some things left-handed already even though I'm really a righty. Is it a toss-up? I can try in-store but not sure it will tell me much.

 

Here is what I did to decide whether to go RH or LH on my first baitcaster -- I just went into the store (in fact, it was a Dick's), found a left handed combo and right handed combo. I held each one in my hands, waved them around for a bit, worked the thumb bar and reeled a few times. After about 3 minutes of that my mind was made up: one felt awkward and one felt natural. And that was that. As far as I can tell, there is no criterion more important than which way feels better.

[islandbass]

2 hours ago, MIbassyaker said:

 

Here is what I did to decide whether to go RH or LH on my first baitcaster -- I just went into the store (in fact, it was a Dick's), found a left handed combo and right handed combo. I held each one in my hands, waved them around for a bit, worked the thumb bar and reeled a few times. After about 3 minutes of that my mind was made up: one felt awkward and one felt natural. And that was that. As far as I can tell, there is no criterion more important than which way feels better.

Very excellent advice. Place your bets now. I'm betting drmevo is going to choose the casting with the handle on the same side as his spinning reel. ?

[Boomstick]

I run a 6'10" Tatula MH fast action rod with a SV reel myself and a 7' M/F spinning rod. They make a very versatile duo if you only have two rods. I would think something MH/F would be the way to go here. Also the St Croix Mojo Bass are pretty good and a Lews Mach II combo would be a decent cheaper option too.

 

I also cast left handed but I cannot reel with my left hand to save my life, it's just awkward to me, so I use a right handed reel and the rod never leaves my left hand. A lot of right handed people also do the opposite. So there is no right or wrong here, just preference; do whatever suits you.

 

The advantages you will find with a casting rod is they let you throw larger baits more accurately, and once you get by the learning phase, more accurately.

 

Finally, there is line. I currently have braid on my casting rod but have ran 15 and 17lb mono as well. I bought another spinning rod for my girlfriend but she rarely joins us so I put 8lb mono (may try fluoro) on that and 12lb mono on the other one, although I may switch that to 15lb or 20lb braid to avoid line twist and add a leader as needed. It really does work to avoid line twist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fishnkamp]

Broomstick gave you some good advice.

Here is my take on the lefty and righty thing. I am right hand so many lures I cast two handed for distance. That is one reason I like the longer handles ( including split grips).  My right hand is definitely my dominate hand so if I am pitching, flipping, fishing a jig or texas rigged worm or creature bait, and even a carolina rig, than I prefer to keep my rod in my right hand. That means I use a left handed reel on the rods when I fish these baits.  It works best for me.  

Now I am totally comfortable with using a right handed reel for most of the treble hook baits I fish. This includes crankbaits, square bills, and many single hook baits like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and even buzzbaits.

Jerkbaits and topwater baits I prefer a lefty because once again most of the action is imparted by the angler.  I also enjoy changing hands to relieve any cramping I get. I have been using my hands for over 35 years as a mechanic. I have beaten them up enough over time.

 

In your case you are not setting up a huge arsenal like I have so if you choose the Quantum rod it will work fine for you as an all around rod. Remember if you coupon is not available there is a quick way to save $10. Go to the store and purchase your line or anything cheap. I like the house brand of jigs called Jawbone. I get 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 ounce jigs for around $3.00. Come home and go online. Fill out the customer survey and then print a $10 off coupon. You can do this any time you want, there is no limit of how many times you may do this. Each time requires a new receipt.

[drmevo]

Thanks everyone. That's great to know about the survey coupon but I still had a coupon from the mail so I picked up the 7' Quantum tonight at Dick's. It feels nice in the hand but I'm used to slightly shorter rods so that's partly why I didn't want to break the bank - if it turns out I prefer shorter rods it's no biggie.

 

I also tried RH and LH casting reels. I tried LH first and it felt totally comfortable. Surprisingly, to me anyways, so did RH and I couldn't really say one was a clear winner over the other, so I'll order a LH reel so I won't have to switch hands. Now I just order some 15# mono and I'll be good to go. Thanks again for all the advice!

[fishnkamp]

That longer rod will help you gain casting distance and control the line netter during both the hookset and fighting the fish. You aill get used to it quickly.  15 pound mono is fine but you might consider 30 pound braid also. I use a lot of braid and leader combos and they fish very well.

[drmevo]

My Tatula CT arrived the other day as well as line (ended up going with 12# Trilene XL) and I had a chance to spool it up and try some casts in the yard. It went pretty well! No major backlashes, just some minor over-runs a couple times but nothing I couldn't easily get out. Biggest thing I noticed is that I have to time the release of the line much earlier than I'm used to with my spinning gear to get the direction I want. 

 

I can see it will take some more practice to get accurate with it, but despite that I'm going to take it out on the water tonight and see how it goes. Once I'm a little more confident with it I'll probably switch to 30lb braid as I'd like to be able to hit some of the lily pads and lighter weedy areas and just get some of the other benefits that braid offers.

 

Thanks again for all the help! Now if only I could avoid spending $20+ on tackle every time I step foot into a Walmart...

[drmevo]

Update: Well, as could be expected, I had some frustration last night but nothing disastrous and it all came down to me not referring back to @fishnkamp's advice on setting up the reel like I said I was going to. I followed some YouTube videos I had watched at some point that were not specific to the Tatula that advised loosening the spool tension until the bait just starts to drop at a consistent rate. The result was, I couldn't get any distance to speak of. I started casting too hard to try to get my baits out there and ended up with some overruns but thankfully no huge backlashes.

 

Today on my lunch break I remembered to check the advice in this thread and it was right on - I just needed to loosen the spool tension until there was a slight amount of side-to-side play and set the brake adjustment to 10 or a little less and I was getting the same distance or better as my spinning reel with 1/4 and 3/8 jigs. Can't wait to get back out on the water to try again, but I will keep practicing in the yard as my lateral accuracy needs some work.

 

[fishnkamp]

drmevo If you notice there are a lot of threads where I have linked into those videos. These reels really do not play like any other reels. I know I say it a lot but it is really true.  Once they have the right side play the "automatic" activity of the inductor movement takes over and allows much greater success with much less effort.  If they are not adjusted that way we overpower the cast and well sometimes even the ospreys are jealous!!!

[drmevo]

10 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

drmevo If you notice there are a lot of threads where I have linked into those videos. These reels really do not play like any other reels. I know I say it a lot but it is really true.  Once they have the right side play the "automatic" activity of the inductor movement takes over and allows much greater success with much less effort.  If they are not adjusted that way we overpower the cast and well sometimes even the ospreys are jealous!!!

Yeah, once I made the adjustment it became so much more natural, more like how I imagined it would work.

 

By the way, took it out Thursday night even though I only had about an hour and got my first bass on this setup! It was also my first time using a swim jig, which I paired with a Rage Tail craw. Got a nice 2-pounder:

 

 

 

Edit: Sorry, can't figure out how to get rid of the smaller picture. If a mod sees this please remove.

Edited August 26, 2017 by drmevo