Can’t decide on first baitcaster. So confused

[new2BC4bass]

MediumMouthBass:  If spool tension is loose, and brakes are 7 or lower, and you are casting 3x further with the Shimano, then I am suggesting that you send the reel back for a new one if possible.  Or send it to a professional to go through.  Your reel is definitely performing subpar.

 

OP:  I think you can get away with one combo if you ignore swimbaits, and keep the other lures to a total weight of 3/8 oz. maximum.  You don't mention the lowest weight you cast.  3/8 oz. might be too high if lower weights are below 1/8 oz.  But as Tom stated, the rod is an important part of the equation.  You're going to have a hard time with the lower weight lures if the rod doesn't load up.

 

I've fished with a young man that was able to cast a 1/8 oz. lure (stated, not measured) with a MHF St. Croix.  Two things: 1) I've never personally witnessed anyone with a more powerful cast, and 2) his Shimano was set to where it didn't backlash even with that weight.

[bgaviator]

29 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

MediumMouthBass:  If spool tension is loose, and brakes are 7 or lower, and you are casting 3x further with the Shimano, then I am suggesting that you send the reel back for a new one if possible.  Or send it to a professional to go through.  Your reel is definitely performing subpar.

 

OP:  I think you can get away with one combo if you ignore swimbaits, and keep the other lures to a total weight of 3/8 oz. maximum.  You don't mention the lowest weight you cast.  3/8 oz. might be too high if lower weights are below 1/8 oz.  But as Tom stated, the rod is an important part of the equation.  You're going to have a hard time with the lower weight lures if the rod doesn't load up.

 

I've fished with a young man that was able to cast a 1/8 oz. lure (stated, not measured) with a MHF St. Croix.  Two things: 1) I've never personally witnessed anyone with a more powerful cast, and 2) his Shimano was set to where it didn't backlash even with that weight.

I currently have a Dobyn’s Fury medium heavy and a Daiwa AirdX medium. I like my Daiwa more even though it’s cheaper. I like how light it is. But the Dobyn’s allows me to feel the bottom of the lake more.  I’ve thought about getting a Daiwa Tatula or Tatula XT rod. I’ve heard good things about them. I don’t think I need anything more than medium for what we have around here. 

 

[MN Fisher]

6 minutes ago, bgaviator said:

I don’t think I need anything more than medium for what we have around here. 

The rod power is more about what lures you can cast with it rather than the fish you'll be catching on it.

 

BTW: Despite having St Croix Mojo and Victorys, and Dobyns Furys...I still have two Aird-X in my lineup...great rod for the price and perfect for what I use them for.

[r83srock]

6 hours ago, MediumMouthBass said:

I have the Daiwa Tatula SV and its very underwhelming to me, its great for skipping and casting heavier baits but for lighter stuff the much cheaper Shimano SLX MGL is 10x better (i own both) i can cast lighter lures around 3x farther than with the much more expensive Daiwa. Do some research on the SLX MGL, at $150 MSRP but on sale a few places between $100-120 its an excellent choice. With a rod and line change i can go from throwing 1/8oz baits on Monday to Flipping/pitching 1/2oz jigs on a Tuesday and it handles it great. For your squarebills, t-rigs, curly tail and swimbaits on a ball head jig itll be a good fit, but minnows and a bobber i think anything but a spinning rig would be a challenge.

So say you can get the reel on sale now for $120, buy an extra spare spool and some line and for under 200 you have a great reel thats very highly praised here and within minutes you can change your setup depending on what lures you are fishing.

Edit. Im using braided line on my MGL and i dont even have to thumb the reel when casting, its very hard to backlash this reel. Very beginner friendly casting reel too.

This is my thought exactly! I liked my Diawa’s but much prefer Shimano. I had the same issue with both SV reels I had. One of them was an older model and it seemed to perform better. The SLX MGL is a sleeper that is so friendly to use and quite versatile. If you like lighter mono/flouro or braid it is excellent! 

[new2BC4bass]

Wasn't the Fury line dropped for awhile?  I read years ago that there were better rods at that price for bottom contact.  Maybe that has changed with the newer models.

 

None of the current model Tatula rods shown on TW are listed for weights below 1/4 oz. (including the MLR).  However, the only way to know for sure what weights will work, is to try it yourself or find a reputable reviewer that has tried lower weights with the model you are looking at.  You can always ask on here.  Someone will be familiar with your chosen rod.

 

I've no experience with Phenix rods, but really would love to try a couple.  From reviews I've read, one of them should fit the bill for you.

[mcipinkie]

You can go on and on ad infinitum about which rod/reel is best.

 

The sad truth is no matter what you decide, YOU are going to have to learn to use it.  Using a bait caster requires skill.  You get it only one way.  As Mr. Swindle says, "It takes years of excessive practice."  At least to cast as well as he does.

 

Buy yourself a medium quality rod and reel and practice, practice, practice.

 

You are going to get frustrated, but until you develop the basic skills, spending lots of money on high dollar toys is a waste. 

 

I'd buy a $125 reel, which ever brand feels best to you.  They are pretty much the same in that price point.  Buy an $80 - $120 rod.  7'-0 MH/fast. 

 

Once you get the basics under control, then you can think about burning up your credit card.

 

FYI, I am retired, relatively affluent, fish at least 20 days a month, moderately serious tournament angler.  What I have suggested is what I use.  Fish can't tell the difference between a Steez and a LFS.

 

Look at Kast King.  I'm impressed

[txchaser]

On 4/2/2024 at 5:25 PM, MediumMouthBass said:

What are you guys doing with your SV reels that im not? Ive tried several different lines, rod powers/actions light and heavy lures, works great for flipping pitch skipping but i can hardly get distance with the heavier stuff and can barely get distance with the ligher lures?

Did you set the spool tension to "loose enough to click" with the spool free? If you set it up like a regular baitcaster it doesn't work very well. It casts a little shorter than the non-SV but like 2-3 meters. 

Also the comment about a smooth cast is important vs a whippy one - basically don't try hard - you don't have spool friction to overcome and when you whip it the magnets just get to work. Set yourself on "lazy" and see how it goes. 

 

[MediumMouthBass]

@txchaser Many people ive talked to before buying it said the Zero Adjuster usually comes where it should be from the factory (why Daiwa doesnt want us to adjust it) but it seems to have slight side to side play in spool.. Ive tried to adjust it in the past but with how recessed they made it i wasnt able to change it while on the water. But next time im using it ill try before getting my hands wet/sweaty.

[Bigbox99]

The Daiwa elites don't want you to know this but all your reels are supposed to be set up with no spool tension.  The zero adjuster doesn't actually exist and Daiwa just got butthurt and made the knob difficult to turn so you would stop turning it.