Buying my first baitcaster....

[patriot_fisherman]

     I am in the market for my first baitcaster. After growing up on blues and stripers, my college roommate got me hooked on the freshwater game about a year ago, and needless to say I am hooked. I have done pretty well with my basic spinning rod/reel to date, but now I want to buy a decent baitcaster before the warm weather hits us here in MA.  After a lot of research I have all but decided to buy the following combo from Cabelas (price was a big factor):

                 reel:  Quantum Accurist® AC500CX

                 rod:  Cabela's Tourney Trail graphite rod 6'6", suitable for 1/4oz to 1 oz lures, medium high power, moderate fast         action

                - I will primarily be using this baitcaster for spinnerbaits and crankbaits ranging from 1/4oz to 1/2oz, while also tossing some frogs/topwaters, fishing primarily from shore in reservoirs and large ponds

          What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger or what? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The sooner I get this thing into my hands, the sooner I can start trying to hit my neighbor's license plates from my driveway. Thanks again.

[georgiabassfisherman]

that deal doesnt sound too bad to me which im not a pro on baitcasters but i do use them uh i would probably do that deal and the way i got good was tossing plastic worms into my moms circular flower beds so just practice is all it take.  good luck and good fishing

Gary

[patriot_fisherman]

Thanks for the help Gary.

[NEBassMan]

i have 3 of the Accurrist AC500CX's.  I love them.  Great reel for the money.  I'll be buying a couple more this weekend.

Jason

[vicdotcom]

Hey Patriot fisherman

  I just went for the purchase of my first decent baitcaster also and I have to say it is one of the best purchases I have made.  My first one was actually when I first started fishing for bass and it was a 20$ combo special.  It kept backlashing and I used strictly spinner reels for the next 4 years.  After learning more, I decided to try again with some qualilty baitcasting gear and I never looked back since.  I get MUCH more accurate casts and the backlashes have since stopped : )  

 But as I was shopping I got some good advice to get a lower ratio reel.  I am not a tournament fisher and I love to use crankbaits and finese worms.  So I was recommended against a 7:1 or a 6:1 gear ratio.  Instead I went for a quantum energy 5:1 gear ratio for more control in my slower retrieves.  This was the best advice I was ever given.  So if I can pass along that advice I would recommend going for a lower gear ratio.

Vicdotcom

[patriot_fisherman]

Thanks for the input guys.....it is much appreciated. I just wish all the water in MA wasn't frozen! I need to get out on the water soon or I'm gonna go crazy.