Casting reel for the inexperienced

[aaatkr]

I've fished spinning gear all my life.  The only experience I have with  casting reel was an Ambassador 5500 many years ago.  Backlashes kept me from using that type of reel.   I realize the newer low profile reels make the learning curve much easier.   I'm looking at the  Curado DC,  the Tatula Elite , Tatula SV and Tatula SV TW 103.  I'm unsure of the differences in the various Tatula iterations.   Could someone please enlighten me?  It will most likely be an all purpose reel  for applications unsuitable for my spinning gear.   How much line do I need (in Yards) on a casting reel?  I use 12-20 pound Mono.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks for the help.

[islandbass]

To be honest, any of those reels will be good. 
 

I highly recommend you search for all the threads here with advice and tips for beginners learning to use a bc reel. It will speed up your learning curve and show you the subtle differences in the mechanics of the cast. Trust me, as one who went down this road as you are. 
 

Good luck. 

[dodgeguy]

Get a Lews Tournament Pro with 27 point adjustable centrifugal brake. It's almost impossible to backlash. Buy at Sportsmans outfitters for 159. Or get a 4.9 oz Lews Custom lite for 209. It's the best reel I've ever owned or cast.

[Cravin]

I noticed the Curado DC was at the top of your list. I'd suggest The SLX DC to start. It uses the same brake system IDC4 as the Curado and $50 cheaper. Wait a week and see what Fathers days sales happen, you might score something at a nice price.

 

If your willing to wait 10 days or so you can get a SLX DC 70 JDM version from Japan with a nicer paint scheme and two more bearing(handle).

 

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[new2BC4bass]

The Tatula SV both have the TW, but one is TWS.  From what I see on the Tacklewarehouse site, the TWS reels feature CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings).  The SV TW doesn't.  Hard for me to tell if there are other differences.

 

Obviously the SV spool makes it easier to learn casting.  However, from what I've read on here I would suggest the Elite.  Seems it handles lighter lures almost as well as an SV while delivering significantly longer casting distances.  Learn to use the thumb, and be able use any casting reel.

 

Dodgeguy's posts talked me into buying a Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS.  Now he is trying to talk me into a Lew's Custom Lite.    I think the Bait Monkey is his nephew. 

[WRB]

The rod plays a big role in casting spinning or bait casting reels. The casting motion however is different. You can whip cast a spinning reel without any problem, it will over run (backlash) a casting reel. The faster the bait casting rod action is the critical the casting motion becomes.

Practice for a day or 2 using 12 lb Berkley Big Game mono line with 5/8 oz casting plug. Do you have a rod in mind and lures you plan to use.

Daiwa Tatula reels are popular and good quality for their price point in several models. Easy to adjust casting controls.

Watch Glenn’s video’s on how to cast a bait casting reel, good info.

Tom

[dodgeguy]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

The Tatula SV both have the TW, but one is TWS.  From what I see on the Tacklewarehouse site, the TWS reels feature CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings).  The SV TW doesn't.  Hard for me to tell if there are other differences.

 

Obviously the SV spool makes it easier to learn casting.  However, from what I've read on here I would suggest the Elite.  Seems it handles lighter lures almost as well as an SV while delivering significantly longer casting distances.  Learn to use the thumb, and be able use any casting reel.

 

Dodgeguy's posts talked me into buying a Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS.  Now he is trying to talk me into a Lew's Custom Lite.    I think the Bait Monkey is his nephew. 

LOL

[Kenny Yi]

Those are all great choices, I love my Curado DC because it simplifies the braking process for me, but it is a little expensive for a starting reel.  I've heard the Tatulas are very forgiving and have great castability as well.  Each reel should have line capacities on their product descriptions.

 

Casting a baitcaster is about fluid motion.  As @WRB said, a whip cast is not favorable for baitcasters.  A proper cast requires the rod to be loaded properly with weight/momentum from the bait and the angler. 

[CrankFate]

The whole trick is start with the reel too tight, then loosen it up slowly. Also, don’t start by throwing a light or heavy weight. Had my son practicing yesterday. Just started him off with the reel a little over tightened and then told him to slightly back the brakes and tension knob off a little every few casts. After about an hour or so, I switched rods with him and he was throwing my rod which had almost no braking with no issues. Not much more to it. Though, picking the right rod for the weight you’re throwing is really the hard part. That’s more difficult than I could explain here.

[Dash Riprock]

Although I got reasonably proficient with an old Abu Garcia Blue Max combo many years ago, I consider myself a novice compared to the guys here. I upgraded to a Tatula SV TW103 during last year's Black Friday sales and it's been essentially idiot proof for me. It's a joy to throw. 

 

Like you, I was and remain very confused by the various Tatula iterations. 

[Bankc]

That Ambassador 5500 is pretty gnarly, so I'm not surprised you had problems with it.  That would be a difficult reel to learn on.  

 

I'd just get a Daiwa Fuego or Tatula CT.  They're both really easy to cast with and set up, and they're both reasonably priced.  Plus they're both excellent reels.  I wouldn't worry about getting an SV spool of you already have a bunch of spinning gear.  You'll likely find them preferable for lighter baits anyway.  

[Glenn]

 

[Bluebasser86]

Doesn't get any easier than the Tatula SV TWS. I've handed mine over to clients on guide trips who swore they couldn't cast a baitcaster and had them casting it like they'd be using it their whole life in a matter of minutes. 

[aaatkr]

Are any of these reels capable of throwing heavier baits?

[Bluebasser86]

45 minutes ago, aaatkr said:

Are any of these reels capable of throwing heavier baits?

How heavy? I've thrown upwards of 1.5-2 ounces on my Tatula SV TWS. Not a ton of line capacity but if you're not bombing cast, it'll do it just fine. 

[aaatkr]

No more than 1 1/2 ounces.  Thanks.