Lure Weight Limits of a BC Reel

[padlin]

Is there any way to tell what lure weights a BC reel can successfully cast? A little background.

 

This is my 1st year using a BC’er regularly due to hand issues while trying to cast heavier lures on my spinning gear, lose control of the pinched string. So I picked  a hand me down A G PRM Rev0 on my old St Croix Permier MH from a previous try at it. Much better for control, just slow and only used for heavier lures, jigs and spinnerbaits. So now, getting late in our season, the hand is starting to have problems with lighter lures like 1/2 to 5/8, so I’m thinking 3/8 and up.
 

So how can I tell if a reel can cast these weights without issues, for a sort of rookie. I’m figuring a M or MH 6.6 ish rod, I primarily fish very weeded shallow ponds.

 

If you know of another thread on the issue pls point me to it, I couldn’t come up with search terms that did the trick.

[webertime]

Basically every 50 to 200 sized reel (your Revo included) will have no issues up to an ounce.  Even over an ounce shouldn't be a big deal.  Guys use 200 sized reels (Basically your Revo) on swimbait rods up to 4 ounces.

 

 

So let the rod determine the baits and don't sweat the reel.

[padlin]

Thanks, I’m interested in the lower end, I know the baits I throw, 3/8 thru 5/8 +/-.

[Tennessee Boy]

It really depends on the reel.  I’ve never owned a modern bait caster that didn’t perform well at 1/4 ounce.   My Diawa Silver Wolf can throw 1/16 ounce further than my spinning reels but it’s a different animal than a Revo.
 

Queue the music and let the BFS discussion begin.?

[MIbassyaker]

31 minutes ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Queue the music and let the BFS discussion begin.?

 

Theme song for me trying to cast with BFS tackle:

 

[padlin]

I’m taking it that as I thought, there is no way to know a reels lure capacity other than word of mouth. Doesn’t seem like it’d be to tough for manufacturers to do.

[Jrob78]

Your questions is confusing. What weights are you trying to throw with a baitcaster? If you're trying to go light with a MH St. Croix rod, the reel isn't going to make any difference. 

[padlin]

3/8 is the lightest. I’m looking at the Dobyns Sierra line for a rod. I have not tried the light ones on the Rev0/St Croix.

[VolFan]

That reel will do 3/8 with no problem with the right rod. Getting it cleaned and properly lubed helps a ton with ease of casting.

 

FWIW - most any 50-200 sized modern baitcaster will handle those weights. Even down around 1/4 oz. 

[dodgeguy]

I throw 1/10 oz. On a Dobyns Sierra 734 with a Lews custom Lite no backlash. 30 lb vicious no fade braid.

[Lead Head]

Pretty much any modern baitcaster that isn't labeled bfs or finesse should handle 3/8 and up no problem. 

[islandbass]

Any bc reel worth its salt should be able to cast 3/8oz without a problem. For all intents and purposes, 3/8oz is practically 1/2oz and I don’t view these two weights as light, kind of “just right,” like the baby bear.  There is only a 0.125oz difference. Even a Walmart special rhino casting reel can handle this. 
 

Imho, the rod is the more critical factor. If the weight of your lure falls within the weight range of the rod, you should be good to go.

 

If you are experiencing casting troubles still, it may be an issue of casting mechanics and/or the reel settings. 

[WRB]

17 hours ago, padlin said:

Is there any way to tell what lure weights a BC reel can successfully cast? A little background.

 

This is my 1st year using a BC’er regularly due to hand issues while trying to cast heavier lures on my spinning gear, lose control of the pinched string. So I picked  a hand me down A G PRM Rev0 on my old St Croix Permier MH from a previous try at it. Much better for control, just slow and only used for heavier lures, jigs and spinnerbaits. So now, getting late in our season, the hand is starting to have problems with lighter lures like 1/2 to 5/8, so I’m thinking 3/8 and up.
 

So how can I tell if a reel can cast these weights without issues, for a sort of rookie. I’m figuring a M or MH 6.6 ish rod, I primarily fish very weeded shallow ponds.

 

If you know of another thread on the issue pls point me to it, I couldn’t come up with search terms that did the trick.

Here is how to solve your question.

St. Croix  Trigon JOC68MXF......6’8” Medium XFast rod $175.

Shimano SLX MGL 70...7.2:1 reel $150

Sunline Armilo Deifer 13# mono...$21

10% off total @ ALF 

Tom

PS, keep your current rod/reel combo.

 

[bulldog1935]

Inshore, the only time we fish more than 3/8 oz is winter 7/8 oz corkys and 1 oz topwaters.  

Most often, we're fishing 1/4 oz and 1/8 oz - heavier lures haul up grass v. fish.   

While a BFS-mod reel gives into-next-week casts with 1/8 oz, basic linear mag brake like Lew's Super Duty also takes that light weight to town.  You simply use more mag brake dialing out mid-cast backlash with light weights, and of course, dial-out end tension to zero.  You can improve the spool mass/inertia by backing a bit more than halfway with heavy mono (20-lb) and using a light working line.  

 

 

I've mentioned before, in 1980, I was fishing weightless with Ambassadeur variant, and could blow spinning tackle out of the water, but this was done with no brakes, a fancy centrifugal cast and all about thumb.  

 

[padlin]

Thanks folks, I’m all set. Ordered a Sierra 703 and SLX MGL, the rods are on sale at ALF along with 10% everything (thanks Tom). Hopefully this works.