Why a Baitcaster.....Snaps- Leaders

[Numpty]

I apologize if this has been answered...I did a couple of searches and found nothing.

My question is two fold.

I just started fishing and went out and bought myself a half decent Spinning Rod Combo.

I do not use leaders or snaps and find it to be a pain in th (_!_) as well as the pocket to always cut my line and tie on a different lure or T-Rig a worm. this coupled with cutting a foot of line after every 3 fish or a bad snag is making go through line like crazy.

I would like to have 2 rods...one for soft bait and one for lures.....therefore if the fish misses the topwater I can throw the worm and/or trying different presentations without having to be constantly change my setup.

Firstly....Do people use Leaders or snaps...I have seen conflicting posts.

Secondly.....What if any is the advantage of a baitcasting Reel?

Thanks in advance

[lubina]

I apologize if this has been answered...I did a couple of searches and found nothing.

My question is two fold.

...one for soft bait and one for lures.....

Firstly....Do people use Leaders or snaps...I have seen conflicting posts.

Secondly.....What if any is the advantage of a baitcasting Reel?

Welcome.

1) I don't know what you mean by   "...one for soft bait and one for lures....." they are lures too.

2) Leaders. Always when using braid line. Rx, rod protection and less visibility. But a lot of people don't  

   so it come to preferences.

3) Snaps. With treble hook lures that I'm going to change frequently like crankbaits and jerkbaits.

   Rx Speed, specially on tournaments, saving a couple of feet of line is not in my considerations. Never

   with soft plastics.

4) Baitcasters. 80 % of my presentation are with them. Rx. Speed and Power over spinning gear.

I hope it helps.

Keep shooting questions....there are always well received in this forum.

Good luck.

 

[roadwarrior]

Only sissies use spinning equipment!

Okay, that was suppose to be funny.

Some people only fish one style of equipment. My take is:

Spinning equipment = finesse fishing

Baitcasting gear      = power fishing

I don't use snaps, but lots of guys do.

I think lighter lures and lighter line are easier to work with on spinning gear. I use this equipment for all soft plastics, too. On the otherhand, heavier line works well on baitcasters and they are much more user friendly when fishing "moving" lures. In general, baitcasters are stronger and feel more stout than spinning tackle. As I noted, I use both and like them equally, but I do have a STRONG preference for one over the other for specific techniques and lures.

[lubina]

I think lighter lures and lighter line are easier to work with on spinning gear..

RW you just need good baitcasters.....through away all this obsolete Curados and get a Pixy or an Alpha. ;D ;D

Please don't   but I couldn't pass it

[roadwarrior]

I know...

Today's high-end equipment gives everyone the opportunity to fish EXACTLY what they like.

[Daniel My Brother]

I like using baitcasters and spinning reels.

The biggest benefit of a baitcaster is that your line doesn't get as twisted as it does with a spinning reel. Twisted line is more likely to become unmanageable, or worse yet, break while fighting a fish.

I enjoy spinning reels for throwing lightweight lures, but for everything else I prefer a baitcaster.

Equipment, and especially line, are so much better today that you could use either one exclusively and still be successful.

If I remember right your lake is filled with lilly pads. If so, you might want to consider switching to braided line. It will cut right through those pads and not damage the line.

I don't use leaders, except on one rod that I use braid on. I also don't use snaps, but I've been considering trying them on my crankbait rod based on what I've been reading here.

I know it's no fun to keep retying every third fish, but you'll be glad you did when that 4th fish is a monster.

Good luck!  

[Numpty]

Thank you all for your replies......I greatly appreciate it.

What I meant for soft bait vs. Lure....I meant leave a worm T-Rigged on one rod...then just use the other for lures.

Reading your responses...I think I will look at a baitcast reel, put braided line on and use a leader.

Would this work?

Is there a half decent baitcast reel for around $60 or so....and if I was to look for a used one, what should I stay away from?

BTW....Danielle...I was fishing this evening...caught 3 fish...retied my line and put on a new hook...next fish was 6 lbs....My biggest fish ever...

Thanks again all

[.dsaavedra.]

hey! the daiwa procaster is a not bad reel for around 60 bucks. but for a quality reel, youre gonna have to pay 100. i know...baitcasters arent cheap, but in the long run you'll be glad you paid extra. i have a procaster and then i have a 120 dollar shimano citica and there is literally no comparasion between the two. i hardly ever use the procaster any more.

[Numpty]

I just looked on ebay....for the Shimano...there are a few there that I am watching.....

Is there a difference in the models of the Citca?

I just don't have a whole hell of a lot of cash to spend on new stuff.....Wife is sick and on disability......just started my own business ...YADDA YADDA YADDA.....

I have to find one on the cheap for now until my business gets established and don't mind laying out a few hundred bucks for an outfit.

I will also keep checking the Flea Market section for one too.

Thanks again all

[Daniel My Brother]

There are a lot of servicable baitcasters in your price range.

The Abu Garcia C3 is as durable as a tank and will serve you for years. It is a round baitcaster as opposed to a low profile baitcaster, but it works the same way. Some folks with smaller hands don't care for round reels. I have small hands but they don't bother me. They are  $75 at BPS, cheaper on ebay.

Right now Bass Pro Shops has all of their store brand reels on sale. The BPS Extreme is a good value for $65.

Also, check out the flea market section of this website. If you find a reel in your price range you can look it up at Bass Pro's website and read customer reviews. Or post a question here and get plenty of feedback.

Happy Hunting!

Dan

(not Danielle :)

[Numpty]

oops sorry Dan...I will certainly look all those up....as well as check through the Flea Market on here.

[Daniel My Brother]

oops sorry Dan...I will certainly look all those up....as well as check through the Flea Market on here.

No problem. I laughed when I read it. ;D ;D

I picked a stupid screen name, but I've used it for so long that I don't even think about it anymore.

By the way, 6lbs is a MONSTER fish for as far north as you are! Congrats.

[roadwarrior]

Keep an eye on our Flea Market and you'll probably find a deal. Here's one for sale right now:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1189532604

[Jeff H]

Only sissies use spinning equipment!

Okay, that was suppose to be funny.

Made me laugh, it did!  Let me clarify that for you though.  Only sissies use "light" spinning equipment, as in anything lighter then medium power.  If it says "light" on it anywhere (and this goes for spinning OR casting) it likely comes with a free pack of french cut panties.  By contrast, medium heavy and heavy action rods come with extra chest hair etc.

[MickD]

I use small crosslok snaps for most of my fishing, tie direct to tubes, other finesse plastics.  Many cranks will work better with a snap as long as it is not too big.  Also, I rarely use swivels-only use them when using spoons for a long time like casting for salmon or pike.

I agree with Roadwarrier on his assessment of casting vs spinning but would add that if you are going to be casting for hours and hours, like on a trip to Canada for pike or casting for Kings that have just come in from the Great Lakes, then the ergonomics of casting outfits will make a believer of you.  With spinning your casting hand wrist takes the whole load when retrieving and most of the load when fighing fish.  With casting you cradle the rod in a way that shares the load more of the time.  After many hours of casting/fishing/fighting fish with a casting outfit your casting hand wrist will be much less strained/tired.

[MickD]

Oops!  Forgot to suggest EBay-there are usually some good deals there, especially if you are patient.

Check out the sellers ratings-should be 98-100% positive-anything less would be suspect.

Better to save up and get a good casting reel rather than settle and be displeased with it.  Check out what you are planning to purchase on this site-there are a lot of knowledgeable people who can help you avoid mistakes.  

With spinning it is 80% about the rod, with casting it is 80% about the reel.