First time using a baitcaster

[LCG]

I thought I would share my experience using a baitcaster for the first time. I was very hesitant to try it after reading about backlashes and how different it was from spinning equipment, that the learning curve was so steep. 

 

Eventually I stepped out of my comfort zone and bought a used shimano compre 6'10" mh-f casting rod rated for 3/8-1oz lures (jig and worm) paired with a tatula 100 7.3:1 left handed reel (which just feels more natural to me)  and spooled with 40 lb power pro. 

 

Practiced in the driveway for an hour then went out to a pond today for four hours. While there is a learning curve, it's not near as bad as what I anticipated. The accuracy and control is out of this world. I am far from an expert but I am seriously impressed so far. I was able to pitch a jig under an over hanging tree with about six inches of clearance from 20 feet consistently in just a few hours of practice. That is something I have not been able to do in four years of fishing with a spinning rod. 

 

Tried side arm and over hand casting as well, there were a few overspools of loose line and a couple of backslashes but all manageable. Distance was decent and I am sure it will improve in time with more practice. 

 

I would like to thank the good people on this forum for sharing their knowledge and experience. I read a lot about baitcasters and watched a lot of YouTube videos (Glen). Without that help I surely would have had a horrible experience. Thanks to everyone here. 

[new2BC4bass]

Congratulations.  I've got to say you are a faster learner than I was.  Took me that many hours just to get the cast going out straight using a sidearm cast.  My release timing was so far off from decades of using spinning reels that I about had to turn sideways to hit near my target.  

[LCG]

The timing is certainly different, took a bit of persistence to get a feel for it. I have a lot to learn still but I really like being able to cast low to the water with a soft, controlled entry. Focusing on learning pitching first,  side arm secondary, and over hand last. Seems so Wierd to release the spool right above your head

 

How do you guys find switching between baitcasters and spinning? Worried that might be an issue. 

[3crows]

1 hour ago, Luke G. said:

The timing is certainly different, took a bit of persistence to get a feel for it. I have a lot to learn still but I really like being able to cast low to the water with a soft, controlled entry. Focusing on learning pitching first,  side arm secondary, and over hand last. Seems so Wierd to release the spool right above your head

 

How do you guys find switching between baitcasters and spinning? Worried that might be an issue. 

There are a lot of people, especially from down south who have never held or even but casually seen a spinning rig. I find them terribly awkward feeling whereas a casting reel is easy and natural. Now that I have bought my first spinning rig, wow, weird feeling. This idea that baitcasters are difficult is a mindset, even urban legend. A baitcaster is really easy to use and ultimately, more capable and universal.

[islandbass]

3 hours ago, Luke G. said:

 

How do you guys find switching between baitcasters and spinning? Worried that might be an issue. 

It won't be an issue, especially as using your bc setup gets closer to being second nature as your spinning set up already is.  You've got this. I switch between the two just about every time I'm fishing.

 

You know, a little drop shot here (spinning), a t-rigged senko over there (casting), throwing the UL (spinning) with a real night crawler (if I happen to have them) because I haven't caught a fish yet, and I'm running out of fishing time and don't want to go home skunked.  Finally caught a blue gill, with about 10 minutes left to fish, so I throw out a crankbait (casting), looking to hook and land one under the gun just as a 3-point shooter drains one with just seconds left in the game.

 

So definitely no problems switching between the two reel types.

 

 

[RPreeb]

14 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Congratulations.  I've got to say you are a faster learner than I was.  Took me that many hours just to get the cast going out straight using a sidearm cast.  My release timing was so far off from decades of using spinning reels that I about had to turn sideways to hit near my target.  

 

This is sort of where I am right now - I've had my first baitcaster for about a month now, but I just don't get out anywhere often enough to really put in a good practice session.  I haven't spent enough time to find that release point yet... just can't get my thumb to let go soon enough.  I'll keep working on it.  Backlashes haven't been any problem with my Tatula CT100 spooled with 12# Spiderwire mono.

[LCG]

So far I have found that as soon as my arm is parallel with my body I release the spool. This put me on target for the most part. If I release after my arm has passes my body it's way off target. 

[IndianaOutdoors]

19 hours ago, 3crows said:

There are a lot of people, especially from down south who have never held or even but casually seen a spinning rig. I find them terribly awkward feeling whereas a casting reel is easy and natural. Now that I have bought my first spinning rig, wow, weird feeling. This idea that baitcasters are difficult is a mindset, even urban legend. A baitcaster is really easy to use and ultimately, more capable and universal.

What do y'all crappie fish with down there?  Zebco?

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

What do y'all crappie fish with down there?  Zebco?

That's what my friend and his family use for crappie. None of them even know how to use a spinning reel. But it works for them. They also refuse to use any senkos..weird friends I've got!

[3crows]

1 hour ago, IndianaOutdoors said:

What do y'all crappie fish with down there?  Zebco?

Use guys, not with a spinning rig whatever they may have used. Never cared much either what they used in those olden times because I do not crappie fish. Crappie reels, cane poles, Zebcos, dynamite, meh.

 

Nevertheless this concept that a baitcaster is somehow difficult to use and mysterious in proper execustion is a myth. 

[BrianSnat]

I bought my first baitcasting outfit five years ago after almost 50 years of solely using spinning gear. I now have seven baitcasting outfits and find myself using them most of the time.  I now use the spinning rods for certain applications, but baitcasting is my go to.  I can cast farther than I ever did with a spinning reel and I'm gaining accuracy.  After all of those years with spinning rods I could pick out a floating leaf and hit it or come within inches.  I'm still not there with a  baitcaster yet, but I'm getting better.

The learning curve as far as backlashes was a short one.I was quickly able to cast without too many backlashes.  I still get one now and then if I stop paying attention to what I'm doing, or if I fail to adjust the brakes when changing lures  or casting into wind.   If it happens, I tighten the brakes a bit, then loosen them slowly until I can get a good, long cast without a  backlash.

 

[Glenn]

On 9/13/2017 at 5:37 PM, Luke G. said:

and watched a lot of YouTube videos (Glen)

Glad I could provide value to you, and happy you're we'll on your way to mastering baitcasters now!

[TOXIC]

Look at the decks of the pro's boats these days and you will find both spinning and casting.  Both have a time and place especially with certain baits.