Should I get a Bait Caster

[Jack Hanson]

Hi I’m a fairly new angler, I have a light fast action spinning rod with a 1000 reel, I also have a medium fast action spinning rod with a 2500 reel. I was wondering if I should get a bait caster for throwing jigs, jerkbaits and other heavier lures. I was thinking of getting a abu garcia max x bait caster reel for $50, I already have two casting rods just no reel.

[jbsoonerfan]

Yes

[MyKeyBe]

No. You'll hate it for at least a week and then you'll slowly start to like it. Next thing you know, you'll have at least 5 baitcasters and you'll never want to use your spinning reels. ?

[Tennessee Boy]

If you have the $50 then buy it and see how you like it.  Just know it will take some time.  I know people that only use spinning reels.   I know people that only use bait casters.  I can’t imagine my life without both. ?

[Captain Phil]

The advantage of a bait casting reel is you can use heavier line and the rods tend to have heavier action.   Casting rods and reels are also more accurate.   In the past these reels were the standard in bass fishing.  Modern braided lines have changed some of this.  The disadvantage is there is a learning curve with a casting reel.  I use both because there are times when one works better than the other.  I wouldn't judge all bait casting reels by your first experience.  Higher quality (costly) reels are a lot easier to learn and use.   If you are serious about bass fishing, take your time and learn all there is to know.  Learning new things is a big part of the fun. 

[MickD]

You will add a new dimension to your fishing with a baitcaster.  Some lures and techniques just work better on a baitcaster.

 

But don't worry, you won't likely give up your spinners.  They have definite advantages for some techniques and lures too.

[bulldog1935]

One tried to make an argument on FFR forum that modern spinning tackle made baitcasters obsolete.

Any time tight line and instant retrieve is an advantage, baitcaster is superior 

 

I only use my spinning tackle in the dark, and have set up light-line baitcasters that will out-distance comparable spinning tackle. 

 

I'd add to the $50 ante and start with Daiwa Fuego to get MagForce brake. 

Unlikely, but if you decide you hate it, you can sell it on the forum classifieds. 

[Jack Hanson]

19 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

 

I'd add to the $50 ante and start with Daiwa Fuego to get MagForce brake. 

Unlikely, but if you decide you hate it, you can sell it on the forum classifieds. 

Thanks bulldog1935! I think I’ll get the Daiwa.

[Jack Hanson]

What gear ratio do you think I should get, I’ll be using it for jerkbaits, crankbaits, jigs, spinners, and Texas rigs.

[MickD]

44 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Any time tight line and instant retrieve is an advantage, baitcaster is superior 

I'll add to that: any time you want to instantly, conveniently, and smoothly let out line, baitcaster is superior.  

 

For most of us spinning is superior for very light lures.

[Jack Hanson]

9 minutes ago, MickD said:

For most of us spinning is superior for very light lures.

Luckily I won’t be throwing very light lures

[king fisher]

You might have to. Check your states laws. It may be illegal to own two rods with no reels for them. If not illegal very unethical.

[dodgeguy]

Save 100$and buy a Lew's LFS. It will be much easier to learn on and they are awesome for the money.

[Unk]

Short answer . Yes . But , if you don't heed @bulldog1935 advice , be prepared for a bit of a learning curve . Once you've spent some time with a good baitcasting reel , you'll understand why they're still used by most every fisherman you meet . Just don't try to chunk your lure into the next zip code when you're starting out

 

[casts_by_fly]

Yes, and to bulldogs point there is a fuego in the classifieds for $80. The blackmax abu you noted is a good starter. A slightly higher end reel bought used will be more user friendly and future proof for you, and will also hold more value if you sell it later. 

[bulldog1935]

There will always be a thumb learning curve, just for start and stop. Your thumb should always be close enough to "read" the spool "fuzzies" of incipient backlash. 

 

What's toughest for most spin fishermen is getting jerk out of your cast, since it's rewarded with distance in spinning cast, and MagForce helps with that up to a limit. 

MagForce is the easiest brake system to set up, since you adjust it for light end and wind backlash (mid cast), and the MagForce takes care of start-up and the heavy end. 

 

There's always a bit of pontificating re: thumb training on these threads from guys who began on Ambassadeur - I began there, and don't wish it on anyone with modern reels out there.  If you really want to become a thumb expert, a Meek or Talbot will cast the same distance as any modern reel. 

 

@Jack Hanson just saw your question about gear ratio - stick to 6- or 7-geared reels.  8+ are really fast.  There's usually a sweet spot for lure action. 

 

I also came from the school of spinning rods in right hand, and bait and fly rods in left.  I think the learning was better this way, since there's so much difference between spinning and the other two.  This will always be a case of personal preference.  If you're a switch-hitter, or do different things between right and left hand (tennis, ping pong, etc.) consider my way. 

e.g., my daughter can only crank any reel with her right hand, so we set her up that way. 

[scaleface]

I learned to cast with an Ambassador 5000 . The new ones ,even cheap ones ,  are light years ahead . You will catch on easily enough . The release point will be different than on your spinning outfit . Take your time , use plenty of brake and release earlier . It wont be long you will be using less brakes,  a looser spool  and bombing cast out there .  There will be a sweet spot on your rod that will cast a particular weight lure best . Find it and stick with it . 

[NavyToad]

YES! If you hold your rod in your right hand and crank the reel with your left hand, you might want to consider a left handed reel. 

[Jack Hanson]

6 minutes ago, NavyToad said:

YES! If you hold your rod in your right hand and crank the reel with your left hand, you might want to consider a left handed reel. 

Thanks, I was thinking about whether I should get right or left handed. I think I’ll go with left.

[Captain Phil]

1 hour ago, Jack Hanson said:

What gear ratio do you think I should get, I’ll be using it for jerkbaits, crankbaits, jigs, spinners, and Texas rigs.

 

Modern baitcasting reels come in ratios from 3/1 to 8/1.  What is significant is the amount of line taken up with each handle rotation.  Back in the day, 3/1 casting reels were standard. In the late sixties 5/1 was considered high speed.  Today, I suspect the average angler uses a 7/1 reel.  So far, I have not tried an 8/1.   I prefer 5/1 for spinnerbaits and 7/1 for rattle traps.  I have a 3/1 reel that I use in the winter when I want to slow everything down.   It is possible to overpower the action of a lure by retrieving it too fast.  Every fishing lure has a retrieve speed where it works best. What works for me may not work for everyone in all situations.  

[dodgeguy]

43 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

There will always be a thumb learning curve, just for start and stop. Your thumb should always be close enough to "read" the spool "fuzzies" of incipient backlash. 

 

What's toughest for most spin fishermen is getting jerk out of your cast, since it's rewarded with distance in spinning cast, and MagForce helps with that up to a limit. 

MagForce is the easiest brake system to set up, since you adjust it for light end and wind backlash (mid cast), and the MagForce takes care of start-up and the heavy end. 

 

There's always a bit of pontificating re: thumb training on these threads from guys who began on Ambassadeur - I began there, and don't wish it on anyone with modern reels out there.  If you really want to become a thumb expert, a Meek or Talbot will cast the same distance as any modern reel. 

 

@Jack Hanson just saw your question about gear ratio - stick to 6- or 7-geared reels.  8+ are really fast. 

 

I also came from the school of spinning rods in right hand, and bait and fly rods in left.  I think the learning was better this way, since there's so much difference between spinning and the other two.  This will always be a case of personal preference.  If you're a switch-hitter, or do different things between right and left hand (tennis, ping pong, etc.) consider my way. 

Totally disagree with Magforce being easiest to set up. IMHO externally adjustable centrifugal systems are far superior especially to learn on. You set spool tension then turn to full brakes on dial and start backing off click by click. It doesn't get any easier. A newbie starts out and backlash at the start of the cast. The centrifugal brakes take care of this better than any other. If spool tension it set to slow drop you should not get mid cast fluff. If he's looking for the easiest reel to learn on I'd spend 200$ and get a Lew's tournament pro.

[bulldog1935]

I sold mine.  (and bought another Super Duty G)

This may be one of the best reels for casting big weights (with bad form), but I do fine casting 1 oz lures on my linear-mag reels, and SD blows TP out of the water casting 1/4 oz. 

 

Back to Fuego, this curve explains why MagForce gives the same start-up protection as centrifugal, and is able to cast to greater distance. 

https://japantackle.com/tackle_topics/brake_system.htm

 

I fished nothing but Lew's since Daiwa wouldn't support parts on my 7-y-o Millionaire 6H in 1985, 

2019 Steez SV TW was my first Daiwa purchase since 1978.  If others could copy Daiwa's patents, there wouldn't be any other casting brake on the market. 

[NHBull]

My son is a “very part-time” angler but wanted to use a BC’er. I got him a DC and we are both less frustrated.  I wanted him to learn with a standard one, but hated all the vulgar language when he birdnested. ?

[MickD]

My teen-age granddaughter learned quickly on a Fuego.  I think for those of us who are knowledgeable but not expert will find the Daiwas very good.  I've not owned a Lew's.

 

One thing that I would strongly recommend for a beginner, start with mono line, about 12-14 pound test.  Braid has issues that might slow you down, and FC most likely will be very costly (fragile, birdsnests don't often come out without damaging the line) and frustrating.  

[Captain Phil]

31 minutes ago, MickD said:

One thing that I would strongly recommend for a beginner, start with mono line, about 12-14 pound test.  Braid has issues that might slow you down, and FC most likely will be very costly (fragile, birdsnests don't often come out without damaging the line) and frustrating.  

 

Amen Brother.....