Easy to use bait casting set-ups

[David.h19]

So I have been fishing virtually my whole life but I am terrible at using a casting set-up. It seems like every other cast is backlashed and the ones that aren't go about two feet. I do just fine with spinning reels but I've heard that casting set-ups have more advantages. I would really like to get one so I can learn how to properly use it, but  I don't want to spend over eighty dollars on the rod and reel. What are some inexpensive casting reels that are easy to use, and what are some tips that can help me use it properly? 

[the reel ess]

I can't think of a single BC combo I'd recommend for that cheap.The Garcia Silvermax and Promax and the Lews look like they get good reviews. Just remember, if you go too cheap, you still might get one you can't use well.

 

This reel gets good reviews for $60. And that's cheap for a BC reel. http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress™-mettle-mt2-baitcast-reel-right-handed#repChildCatid=903506 What gives this reel the advantage is the 1-piece aluminum frame. It will probably last longer and work smoother

 

You can pair that with a Berkley Cherrywood rod for another $30. Or a Lightning Rod for $40. Lightning Rods get a bad rap, but I have three, two of which are over a decade old.

 

 

[Shanexd9]

Get a cheap one to learn with and then if you like it and want to keep using them then you can get a better setup. 

 

I got the Abu Garcia Black Max combo from Wally World for about 60 bucks.

 

it has an adjustment on it for lure weight. What I was told to do was to tighten that so the lure falls freely but not fast.

 

Once you get the adjustment down you can cast just like normal but when the lure hits the water it's going to slow down from the speed it was traveling through the air during the cast. All you have to do is slightly apply pressure with your thumb when the lure hits the water. Not so hard that the lure stops but enough to slow the spool down so it doesn't backlash on you.

 

This has been a fool proof method for me.

[the reel ess]

I meant to type Lews Laser

[WRB]

Watch some of Glenn's instructional vedio's on this site.

Spinning tackle the casting motion isn't critical, only the release point matters. With bait casting reel the casting motion is critical as is the release point. Success is in learning proper technique with your wrist and not using your arm like a baseball swing or snap casting. 

Lots of good advice on "how to" adjust the reel spool tension and brakes, teaching your thumb takes practice.

My advice is get the highest quality you can afford, cheap baitcasting outfits can be a waste of your time and effort.

Tom

[Porkrind]

I was in the same boat you're in last year. I fished my entire life with spinning reels and that was all I was comfortable with until I finally decided to break down and start fishing out of my comfort zone and I'm glad I did. The first setup I bought was a fairly inexpensive one. I bought a Kastking Royal Legend reel from Eposidon online and a Pinnacle Vertex rod that was a 7' MH. When I got them both in I rigged them up with some 12lb copoly and a frog. I stood in the front yard after watching a bassresource video on YouTube which shows you how to setup the reel prior to casting and then how to cast it. Within 30mins I was having very few issues and loved it. Since then I've been fishing the heck out of that setup thinking that with it being an inexpensive rig I'd start to wear it out, but nope that thing has been rock solid and pretty dang smooth. After a few months using that setup I was so into using baitcasters that I purchased another Kastking reel (Stealth) and put it on a KVD crankin rod. Then I just had to start trying more high end setups and have wound up with 5 rigs. Two Pinnacle Optimus XiHs reels and one Optimus LTE, all of which have changed my love for reels. I know reels are tools and I'm very tough on my equipment but take great care in the maintenance of them. I can't say I wouldn't purchase another Kastking because I absolutely would, however I truly believe my Pinnacles will last longer than I will need them. The Kastking setups with rods were between $60 - $80 bucks but worth every penny so far. Pinnacle setups ranged from $250 - $380.

[Boomstick]

Try something like an Abu Garcia Black Max or Pro Max combo, or a Black Max or Silver Max reel paired with a Abu Garcia Vengeance rod or better yet, a Berkley Shock 7' MH fast action rod. A lot of people also like Kast King for the price point as well. If you know you are in it for the long haul, go grab a Lews Mach II combo, which you should be able to find for $130-140 although I've seen them cheaper. You'll thank me later.

 

I never used a casting rod myself until earlier this year when my oldest son wanted to try it. It took us a while to figure it out, but once we did, we were sold. You can simply get more casts in with a baitcaster, plus it's a fun way to fish. Occasionally I may hit a tree or bush which can cause a birds nest, but short of that I virtually never birds nest it anymore.

[ohtheguilt]

It seems like the Kastking and Abu Black Max are the clear winners here. I learned how to toss a baitcaster decades ago, practicing with sub-par equipment rigged with all sorts of weights in the (big) front yard. My old man used to say that the only way you could really learn how to cast a baitcaster is by tying a rope around a big rock and trying to throw it over your head without getting hit. Maybe that was the case then, but now...well...not so much...

 

I haven't tried the Kastking reels, but the Abu Black Max has always been a fun reel (and rod combo), and I've been able to teach quite a few friends and my wife (all of which had zero experience with anything more than a spincaster) how to cast it with minimal backlash over the course of several outings. At your price point, the Black Max seems like an easy win. Crank up the magnets and practice tossing different weights in open areas.

 

I hate to be cliche here, but in reality, practice makes perfect...it has taken me years...decades, actually...to hone my baitcasting skills, but the fun and enjoyment of the hunt outweighs the early frustrations....

[Andy007]

I myself have been switching and using baitcasters more in the past year. Bought a few (under 30 shipped) used off ebay that come with a good reputation with aluminum frames. Some newer low profile and some round ones from the 90's. I also bought my lady a Lew's tournament MB. They all cast and feel a little different but the overall function and performance are close. You hit something or cast to hard without using your thumb the birdie will give you a visit. The lighter the lure the more your thumb plays a role. I have also played with buddies $300 reel, very nice but in the long run no day or night difference.

Some have mentioned combos in the previous post that are in your price range and have a good reputation.

 

Which ever way you choose keep the brakes on the tight side and train the thumb plus google "removing baitcaster birds nest", watch a few videos and removing the birds nest will be much quicker and easier.

 

Good luck!

 

[NYWayfarer]

Kastking Assassin or Spartacus Plus and a Berkley Cherrywood HD is a cheap, serviceable combo as you can get.

 

Believe the hype about the Kastking baitcasters. They are virtually backlash free. Someone on this forum posted that they are basically like a spincast in the regards that you push a button and cast with no worries. I have 3 Kastking baitcasters and I can say that is an accurate statement. Once I dialed the brakes in correctly I have not had a backlash that is not a freak accident, like catching something on the backswing. The spool will stop spinning when the lure hits the water.

 

None of my other baitcasters (Daiwa Megaforce, Quantum Code, Abu Black Max, Pflueger Echelon, etc.) can make this claim.

[3crows]

On 8/16/2017 at 5:33 PM, David.h19 said:

 I would really like to get one so I can learn how to properly use it, but  I don't want to spend over eighty dollars on the rod and reel.

 

This could be much of the problem. I would think something like the Shimano Caenen ($70+) and a rod in the sub $100 bracket (Falcon SR line, Wright & McGill, or similar) would cast and work infinitely better than some low end combo and be useful even when you upgrade. I have a Caenan and it works, casts, reels and catches fish just fine. In fact, for the $70 I paid for it, it is wonderful.

[Largemouth21]

pro max is decent.

[XpressJeff]

I would NOT suggest a cheap one to learn on!

 

The inferior parts may lead to more confusion and frustration.

 

 

[ThisEndUp]

I learned on an abu orra sx with a bass pro rod (Not sure what the rod was). The orra is on sale on tacklewarehouse for $80. Ive heard that the black max combos are good starters, along with the lews laser combos.