Universal Baitcaster Setup

[jmd13818]

Hello.  I just recently purchased a baitcasting rod and reel.  This is my first one.

 

As I only plan on purchasing one for now, I wanted to make it as universal (in the middle for as main uses for bass) as possible.

 

I plan to use casting jigs, senkos, crankbaits (lipless, square bill, medium diving), and jerkbaits primarily, and occasionally frogs and small swimbaits on the BC.

 

I wanted to get some opinions on whether you think this is a relatively universal setup, like I had envisioned:

 

KastKing Royale Select Rod (6' 6", MH, Fast)

KastKing Spartacus BC Reel Left Hand (6.3:1)

30lb Braid to 12lb fluoro leader

I spent a lot of time debating between 10lb and 12lb fluoro.  I had thought 10lb originally, because the diameters matched exactly, but then doing some reading, I found that 12lb seems to be more "middle of the road" to fit my theme.

 

Thanks,
Jay

[MN Fisher]

While it's not ideal for all the techniques, that will work for pretty much everything you listed.

 

You can also add spinnerbaits, chatterbaits to that list.

 

One thing I would be careful of is setting the hook on the treble lures (jerks/cranks) with braid as your main line. Too hard a 'yank' and you risk either straightening out the lighter hooks or ripping the lure through the bass' jaw.

[jmd13818]

Thanks, MN.  I appreciate your input.  I had read the same thing about being careful with setting the hook on trebles when there is no stretch in the line.  Sage advice.  I appreciate it.

[jbsoonerfan]

I wouldn't want to eat cereal with a fork and I wouldn't want to eat steak with a spoon. I would opt for a spork as a universal eating utensil. I would say you are pretty well as close to universal as you can be with that set-up.

[jmd13818]

JB, I love the analogy!  Thank you for your input.

[Deleted account]

It will work fine with most applications. I would forego the leader for single hook baits, a 10-17 lb leader will work well with most treble baits. Get a spool of 12 lb green BG from Wally world for $7 and you'll be GTG. 

[BrianMDTX]

56 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Get a spool of 12 lb green BG from Wally world for $7 and you'll be GTG. 

^^^^^^^this. 

[new2BC4bass]

  Glad to see another member from my area.  I like Leaser Lake, but like any other lake in my area fishing from shore sucks.

 

I have no experience with any Kasking product.  A MHF 1/4-1 oz. is about as all around as you are going to get.  6.3 is  good all around ratio.  It may be on the slow side today (to some), but you have to remember it wasn't all that long ago that it was a high speed reel. 

 

Give a holler if you ever want to start upgrading.  I've got a few reels I'd let you handle.  A few rods too. 

 

 

 

 

[ironbjorn]

If I were to have a "do it all" baitcasting setup, it would be a Dobyns 704C or 734C. These rods are rated as Heavy/Fast, but their rating when compared to most other popular brands in bass fishing fall somewhere between a MH and H and MF and F. I would pair it up with a 7 gear ratio reel since it won't be used for deep cranking. I would spool the reel up with 12lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid (the breaking strength is close to 20lbs and its diameter is closer to 15lbs when compared to other lines) and forego the frogs.

[WRB]

11 hours ago, jmd13818 said:

Hello.  I just recently purchased a baitcasting rod and reel.  This is my first one.

 

As I only plan on purchasing one for now, I wanted to make it as universal (in the middle for as main uses for bass) as possible.

 

I plan to use casting jigs, senkos, crankbaits (lipless, square bill, medium diving), and jerkbaits primarily, and occasionally frogs and small swimbaits on the BC.

 

I wanted to get some opinions on whether you think this is a relatively universal setup, like I had envisioned:

 

KastKing Royale Select Rod (6' 6", MH, Fast)

KastKing Spartacus BC Reel Left Hand (6.3:1)

30lb Braid to 12lb fluoro leader

I spent a lot of time debating between 10lb and 12lb fluoro.  I had thought 10lb originally, because the diameters matched exactly, but then doing some reading, I found that 12lb seems to be more "middle of the road" to fit my theme.

 

Thanks,
Jay

What you are asking is what is the lowest price combo I can buy that is a basic bait casting rod& reel combo?

Tom

[MN Fisher]

15 minutes ago, WRB said:

What you are asking is what is the lowest price combo I can but that is a basic bait casting rod& reel combo?

Tom

 

3 hours ago, ironbjorn said:

If I were to have a "do it all" baitcasting setup, it would be a Dobyns 704C or 734C. - etc

What I got out of his initial post was that he'd already purchased the combo and was asking whether the techniques he listed could be done with it.

 

So suggestions of a combo to buy are late to the gate - let's help him get the most of what he already has.

[Catt]

Basically it's gonna depend on how dedicated you are about making one setup work for all those techniques.

 

Ya gonna have to be good at deciding when to change, ya gotta get good at tying knots flawlessly, ya gotta stay organized.

 

[jmd13818]

Thanks everyone for the opinions and suggestions.  I'll take all comments and suggestions.  My favorite part about being a new angler so far has been learning about all the details of fishing and equipment.  I love detailed stuff like this haha.

 

Yes, I already purchased the KK stuff I mentioned in my first post.  I had had some KK reels on some of my trout fishing spinning rods that I really liked for the cheap price and decided to go with them for the baitcaster setup as well.  With a new baby in my house, and only one income, all my discretionary purchases require wife approval, so cheap is the way to go

 

I will definitely check out the 12lb green BG the next time I get over to Walmart.  The Walmart near me is a little rough and extra crazy during this pandemic, but they do always seem to have good prices on fishing gear. 

 

new2BC4bass I was hoping to come across someone else from the LHV on here.  Leaser Lake really is nice, but you are right, the shore is tough there.  I need to explore more of the perimeter.  I've been visiting the same section most times this past year.  Any other suggestions for good places to fish around our area?  Ever heard of Todd Lake in Ironton or Johnson's Pond in Schnecksville?  I was considering checking them out, came across them on Google Maps.

 

Catt, making the setup work for whatever I make it work for is my main goal.  As I said for now just the one baitcaster I purchased and a 6'6" spinning Medium Fast is all I have right now for bass.  I have been practicing my knots and working on new ones

 

Jay

[J Francho]

I caught a lot of fish with one spinning rod and one casting rod.  The casting rod was a 6'6" Fenwick M/F which by today's standards would be considered a Fast to Mod-Fast 3 power rod.  The reel was a mid level Daiwa loaded with 17# Trilene.  These days, rods are a little longer.  

[GaryH]

36 minutes ago, jmd13818 said:

Thanks everyone for the opinions and suggestions.  I'll take all comments and suggestions.  My favorite part about being a new angler so far has been learning about all the details of fishing and equipment.  I love detailed stuff like this haha.

 

Yes, I already purchased the KK stuff I mentioned in my first post.  I had had some KK reels on some of my trout fishing spinning rods that I really liked for the cheap price and decided to go with them for the baitcaster setup as well.  With a new baby in my house, and only one income, all my discretionary purchases require wife approval, so cheap is the way to go

 

I will definitely check out the 12lb green BG the next time I get over to Walmart.  The Walmart near me is a little rough and extra crazy during this pandemic, but they do always seem to have good prices on fishing gear. 

 

new2BC4bass I was hoping to come across someone else from the LHV on here.  Leaser Lake really is nice, but you are right, the shore is tough there.  I need to explore more of the perimeter.  I've been visiting the same section most times this past year.  Any other suggestions for good places to fish around our area?  Ever heard of Todd Lake in Ironton or Johnson's Pond in Schnecksville?  I was considering checking them out, came across them on Google Maps.

 

Catt, making the setup work for whatever I make it work for is my main goal.  As I said for now just the one baitcaster I purchased and a 6'6" spinning Medium Fast is all I have right now for bass.  I have been practicing my knots and working on new ones

 

Jay

I think your on your way to success. You have a great attitude by listening to your post and you seem anxious to learn. I hope all goes good and congrats on the new addition to your family.

[jmd13818]

Thanks, GaryH.  I appreciate the kind words.

[BlakeMolone]

If you have never casted a baitcasting reel please buy a spool if 12lb big game, run it under warm water before spoiling it, and use a bait in the heavier side of what you normally would and just start slow and train your thumb. Some people say that braid backlashes are easier to pick out but my experience has been the exact opposite.

[Catt]

@jmd13818 Most of us here started right where you are so we'll glady help .

 

I started tournament fishing with one setup this wasn't near as nice as yours.

 

With a kid & bass fishing, you're gonna have fun!

 

[jmd13818]

Catt,

 

Awesome picture.  I wouldn't know what to even do with that thing haha.  I'm sure there aren't the fancy centrifugal and magnetic brakes that I have on that reel to help out a newbie like me.

 

Yes, my daughter will grow up fishing with me I am sure.  She is currently just short of 4 months.  I'll give her a little more time to learn to crawl and walk first, then it's time to fish

Her grandfather (my father-in-law) is eager to get her out too.

 

I'm sure I will have many more questions in the future.  Especially as the weather improves.

[MN Fisher]

2 hours ago, jmd13818 said:

I'm sure I will have many more questions in the future.  Especially as the weather improves.

Well, this is the place - we got lots of experienced guys here.

 

Also check out Glenns videos here and on YouTube - he's got lots from beginner to advanced...good stuff.