What line/reel for my first baitcaster?

[Boomstick]

I would go with 15lb or 17lb mono. I usually go with Sufix Siege for mono, but Berkley Big Game is cheap and not bad either. The fatter line is easier to pull out birds nests, and you'll likely be doing a lot of that at first.

[CybrSlydr]

I'm curious - just out of curiosity's sake...

 

Anyone have experience with the Shimano Curado 150 DC?...

[Joshua van Wyk]

Personally I'd go for a Daiwa Tatula CT type-r. These c

Personally I'd go with a Daiwa Tatula ct type-r. You can find this reel on eBay for under $100 with a 20% off code. I have one paired with a dobyns Fury and it's an amazing combo, I also have a Curado K and I feel like the Tatula is a better reel imo.

[CybrSlydr]

One of my classes was cancelled tomorrow so I'm going to head up tomorrow instead of Saturday.  Wooo!

 

Kinda excited for this!

[CybrSlydr]

So, I know you guys said a 7.*:1 gearing is what I should get.  What if they only have the reel I want in an 8.2:1?  

[burrows]

5 hours ago, CybrSlydr said:

So, I know you guys said a 7.*:1 gearing is what I should get.  What if they only have the reel I want in an 8.2:1?  

Don’t get it. You’ll regret it that reel is to fast for your first baitcaster and is limited to certain techniques where as a 7 speed you can get away with doing almost everything.

[Tennessee Boy]

On 9/30/2018 at 7:09 AM, roadwarrior said:

Start with an inexpensive monofilament like #12 Trilene XL.  Once you have mastered the 

baitcaster you may want to try a braided line such as #30 Sufix 832.

 

I second that idea.  Mono is the best line for learning to cast a baitcaster.  Nothing is worst than a bad backlash with braid.

[CybrSlydr]

I'm back with another question.

 

About the heaviest thing I currently throw is a Whopper Plopper 90.  

 

What about a 733 instead of the 734?  On paper, I'd miss the 1/4 oz at the top.  Any reason to do that instead of the 734?

[CybrSlydr]

Alrighty.  Rod is off and should get there on Monday.  $13 for a 10ft section of 2" PVC SC40 and two endcaps and then $18 to insure it and ship it via USPS.

Interestingly the address doesn't show up in the postal database yet so they had to override to get it there.

Can't wait for the new one!

[CybrSlydr]

Little update for you folks...

 

The Post Office mis-read the label and mailed it back to me instead of to Dobyns, so imagine my surprise when I get the delivery notification that it's sitting at my local Post Office.  lol

 

Called and guy re-routed it for me and it arrived today.  Since the first of the month is coming up, I may have a little extra $$$ to spend and depending on what credit I'm quoted for the rod I shipped them (brand new, un-used), I might splurge and pick up a Champion Extreme rod.  If not, I'll probably go with the ChampionXP.

 

I'm leaning towards the 744 F/H in either rod.

[CybrSlydr]

Just got word back and it appears my upgrade prices for the 744 in either the ChampionHP or Champion Extreme are:

$100 for the Champ
$190 for the Extreme

For that price, I'm not sure I can pass up the opportunity to go into the Extreme line.  

Are we thinking the 744 would be my best bet?

[CybrSlydr]

Finally made up my mind.  Went with the DC 734C F/H.  Used the money I'd have spent extra on the rod to get a Vision 110 in Elegy Bone, 10lb InvisX and a 6th Sense 80X squarebill.

[Tyler.]

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

[onenutinthewater]

29 minutes ago, Captain Hooked said:

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

I use 6# braid on a tatula with DIY spool with no problems.

[Tyler.]

4 minutes ago, onenutinthewater said:

I use 6# braid on a tatula with DIY spool with no problems.

Ya that would be some thin stuff. Thinking about trying that Berkley Trilene XL smooth cast with 8#. See how it does on a 6’ medium BC rod. 

[haggard]

On 10/1/2018 at 9:43 AM, JoshFromBolo said:

A few months back I ordered the Curado K and fished with it for about a week. I instantly had problems with closing the side plate, It would not completely shut and stay open.

Apparently a common problem with the Curado K, and mine does it too. Solution is to release spool tension with the spool tension knob, then the side plate should lock closed; then tighten the spool tension again. While I'm disappointed a reel at this price has this issue, I still find it dependable for my occasional heavier duty applications (thicker cover, deeper water).

38 minutes ago, Captain Hooked said:

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

10 lb test mono but I've settled on 12.

 

[Backroad Angler]

14 hours ago, Tyler. said:

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

About 12lb mono,fluro 30lb braid

[new2BC4bass]

14 hours ago, Tyler. said:

Ya that would be some thin stuff. Thinking about trying that Berkley Trilene XL smooth cast with 8#. See how it does on a 6’ medium BC rod. 

Many of my Medium power rods have 8# mono or co-polymer on them.  No problem.  I have a Falcon Expert 6'9" Light that I may drop down to 6# on just for giggles.  Currently using 8# in Big Game, AN40, Siege and XL on several BC rods.

[MUSLENUTZ]

On 9/29/2018 at 10:05 PM, ratherbfishin1 said:

If you are going to have one baitcaster for now (you’ll probably end up with more) then I would go with 1/4 to 1oz and then put on 12lb big game because it is cheap and you might loose some line from backlashes at first.  Then throw everything you said with that and for your next rod get a heavier action and 50lb braid that is more ideal for frogs and jigs... just my .02 tho

Do you think 50lb braid is to heavy for a 734c Champ? 1oz plopper?

[CroakHunter]

5 minutes ago, MUSLENUTZ said:

Do you think 50lb braid is to heavy for a 734c Champ? 1oz plopper?

Nope. Perfect. 

[CybrSlydr]

I'm currently using 10lb Invisx on my setup.  Worked pretty dang well so far.  Haven't caught anything yet, but it's that time of year.