Just learned how to use a baitcasting reel!!!

[WRangler506]

I watched the video on here, and also a minute long youtube video on how to set the reel up. I already have 2 cheap black max combos i tried for bottom bouncing last year that worked great for that.

 

The setup was the key. Wow. Awesome!!!!!!!

 It took all of 5-6 casts to start really throwing them well, with a little more comfort. Im good with spinning reels since Ive used them for 25 years or so, but the backlash thing got me a couple times years ago when i picked one up. Its all about the reel setup, which took about 10 seconds after i knew what to do. I just used a 1/2 oz weight, and it was almost dark so i just thumbed it when i knew it should be close to landing in the yard.

 

I broke both wrists a couple times racing motocross years ago, and pulling heavy spinnerbaits and cranks always hurt my wrist after a while with a spinning setup. Thats one big reason for trying it, since I noticed my wirst is at a much better angle with the casting rod/reel. 

 

I dont know why Im posting this other than I am TOTALLY pumped seeing how easy it was after taking the time to set it up and try with patience. I have no idea why it was so fun, but man im glad took the time to learn. Wish i hadnt waited so long!!!

[new2BC4bass]

Awesome!    Wish I had done that before teaching myself to cast. Would have saved a lot of time. 

 

Started with a spinning reel 64 years ago.  Switched to baitcast reels 9 years ago and haven't looked back.  I enjoy them a lot more than spinning.  Couldn't really say why either.  Hope the baitcast reels are easier on your wrists so you can spend more time on the water.

 

Be careful, tho.  It can get costly. 

[Boomstick]

It took me weeks to get it. Once I did, I never looked back.

[MN Fisher]

Depending on how I'm presenting, I'll still switch between my BC (Ambassadeur 500R) and one of my spinners (Cardinal 562 (old reliable) or Plueger Trion 30 (new this year)) - all depends on what I'm tossing.

 

It does take a bit of getting use to a BC if you're an old Spinning user (20yrs vs 40+yrs here), but for certain presentations the BC is superior - I still prefer a spinner for some circumstances, however.

[FryDog62]

2 hours ago, WRangler506 said:

I broke both wrists a couple times racing motocross years ago, and pulling heavy spinnerbaits and cranks always hurt my wrist after a while with a spinning setup. Thats one big reason for trying it, since I noticed my wirst is at a much better angle with the casting rod/reel. 

I’m about 2 years ahead of you bro’ ... Have had 5 wrist surgeries and I know EXACTLY what you mean about the angle of a spinning reel.  When you get a big fish on (or a snag!) it puts a ton more torque on your wrist than a baitcaster...

 

Been an expensive process but I’ve gradually replaced all my spinning gear with baitcasting... yes, even the finesse stuff. 

 

Glad its working well for you too, good luck with the healing process and good for you for learning how to adapt!!

 

 

[JustJames]

The hard part is done, now time to enjoy fishing.

[desmobob]

Congratulations on becoming a more versatile fisherman.

 

I really enjoy baitcasters.  I learned to use them late in my fishing life.  Now, I enjoy them so much I'm even outfitting my arsenal with light baitcasting rods and reels meant for casting small baits so I can use them in place of some of my spinning gear.

 

Have fun!

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[LCG]

I just started using baitcasters late last year. Spent the winter practicing pitching. It's not near as intimidating as I examined it was. Still won't get rid of spinning gear yet.

 

I do think that using a baitcaster has somehow made me a better caster with spinning as well. It's something about dissecting the casting motion that triggered it for me. 

[Falkus]

Same here - I started out with spinning set up ..

 

Then I went to the dark side --- I love it more ! 

[FishDewd]

10 hours ago, Burke said:

Same here - I started out with spinning set up ..

 

Then I went to the dark side --- I love it more ! 

Nothing wrong with the dark side- the cookies taste much better, and the light sabers look a lot cooler! In this case, light sabers = fishing reels!