Baitcast Reels and their Lower Weight Range Limits

[islandbass]

I was just thinking that this could be helpful for newbies looking to getting their first baitcast reel(s) and not be surprised that some reels may not fare as well as others the lower a lure's weight is.

So making things equal, let's leave out line and rod action by noting that these two are given factors that need to be considered by the angler and assume that the right line and rod are used for the baitcaster.

What is your lower weight limitation with the reel(s) you use for 1/4 oz and below?

I know all of us will have different answers, but the information given could give others an good idea of what to expect for different reels.

In my case:

Curado D tosses:

1/4 oz - Easily, no problem

3/16 oz -  Easily, no problem

1/8 oz - It can do it but maybe 70-80' max before trouble

Pflueger Trion

1/4 oz - Easily, no problem

3/16 oz -  Getting Iffy

1/8 oz - Asking for trouble, especially with wind

Round Abu

1/4 oz - Okay, definitely excels at 1/2 oz and greater

3/16 oz -  Getting iffy

1/8 oz - Asking for trouble, especially with wind. Forget about it.

CardiffA

1/4 oz - Easily, no problem

3/16 oz -  Fair

1/8 oz - Getting Iffy

Curado BSF

1/4 oz - Easily, no problem

3/16 oz -  Easily, no problem

1/8 oz - It can do it but maybe 70-80' max before trouble

[Jimzee]

I can throw a 2 gram Imakatsu Rock Vader jig pretty easily with my modded Daiwa Liberto Pixy. (Pixilla) That translates to about 1/16 oz.

That is about as light as I have tried to throw. I don't think I own anything lighter for bass.

[Chad.]

I can throw a 2 gram Imakatsu Rock Vader jig pretty easily with my modded Daiwa Liberto Pixy. (Pixilla)  That translates to about 1/16 oz.  

That is about as light as I have tried to throw.  I don't think I own anything lighter for bass.

You got D.R. to do it?

[Castamasta]

what would you say a BPS extreme should be able to throw well?

[islandbass]

what would you say a BPS extreme should be able to throw well?

That would be good to know. And the hope of this thread is that people who own different reels can chime with the the lower weight limits of the reels they use. Hope more folks contribute.

As for the Pixy, I know I'm getting one soon.

[Alpster]

Shimano Chronarch 100BSV - 1/8 oz you have to be carefull, but it's doable.

Shimano Chronarch 50Mg - 1/8 oz is no problem

Shimano Calcutta TE200DC - It has no lower weight limit. I have some Rapala F03 floating balsa minnows that weigh 1/16 oz. No problem.

I have 3 ABU reels that I only use for live bait so I don't know about them.

Ronnie

[TeamBerettaGold]

Quantum TE 1170/1160 PT- 1/4 oz not a problem, 1/8 oz yep (tube jigs).

Quantum E770/E760 PT- 1/4oz no prob; 1/8 oz yes (again tube jigs)

Mind you this is all with a rod rated for these weights, and mono.

[Raul]

Alphas Itö 1/16 oz no problem

Alphas Type F 1/16 oz no problem

TDZ 105 1/16 oz no problem

Chronarch 50 Mg 1/16 oz with a little thumbing

Scorpion 1000 and 1000 Mg pretty much like the Chronarch Mg

Pixy ( stock ) 1/16 oz no problem and a country mile away ( which translates into pretty darn far my man.   )

[dodgeguy]

pflueger trion =weightless trickworm with a hook.

same for my president and my 2 rick clunn reels.

[Infidel.]

I have an Abu Morrum 1600 UM Forrel that will throw a 4" weightless Fin-S fish no problem.  Don't know how much that weighs but I know it's not a lot.  Also thrown 1/16oz crappie jigs without an issue.  

[Jimzee]

I can throw a 2 gram Imakatsu Rock Vader jig pretty easily with my modded Daiwa Liberto Pixy. (Pixilla) That translates to about 1/16 oz.

That is about as light as I have tried to throw. I don't think I own anything lighter for bass.

You got D.R. to do it?

No, I did it myself. The first one was a little slow but I was afraid of messing up so I took my time. Nothing to it now.

D.R. should get the credit for the great idea though.  I followed his diagram and his parts list.  He's a good guy for sure.

[Chad.]

I can throw a 2 gram Imakatsu Rock Vader jig pretty easily with my modded Daiwa Liberto Pixy. (Pixilla)  That translates to about 1/16 oz.  

That is about as light as I have tried to throw.  I don't think I own anything lighter for bass.

You got D.R. to do it?

No, I did it myself.  The first one was a little slow but I was afraid of messing up so I took my time.  Nothing to it now.  

D.R. should get the credit for the great idea though.  I followed his diagram and his parts list.  He's a good guy for sure.[/quote

What drag system setup did you revert to?

[Laurentino]

I'd like to chime in on the Pixy also.  I have three.  Two are the Pixilla version, the third has just the bearing and drag upgrade (yes, D.R. did the work, he's great!).  These are very much at home with 1/16 oz stuff.  I tried a couple of them stock before they got the Pixilla treatment and they did fine with 1/16.  With the drag upgrade these little reels are amazingly versatile.  The handle normal bass size baits just as well as they do the little guys.

[bigreddog]

Shimano Calcutta TE200DC - It has no lower weight limit. I have some Rapala F03 floating balsa minnows that weigh 1/16 oz. No problem.

That's awesome!  Although my skill level doesn't come close to yours, I could use some tips on how to optimize my setup for casting light-weight presentations.  (Practice is a given.)

What's your rod/line setup?  What have you set your brakes to?

[NICKJ]

I have the BPS Pro Finesse and it can throw an 1/8 oz Kastmaster a long ways on 10 lb. Never tried anything less.

[Alpster]

Shimano Calcutta TE200DC - It has no lower weight limit. I have some Rapala F03 floating balsa minnows that weigh 1/16 oz. No problem.

That's awesome!  Although my skill level doesn't come close to yours, I could use some tips on how to optimize my setup for casting light-weight presentations.  (Practice is a given.)

It has way more to do with the DC reel than with my skill level. The digital cast control on the Shimano TE-DC reels is phenomenal. Very expensive, but it works (I can only afford one).

What's your rod/line setup?  What have you set your brakes to?

I use the Calcutta DC for cranks and topwater (treble hook lures). I adjust the brakes according to lure weight/size and wind conditions. Lighter weight and higher wind=more braking. The Calcutta DC is one of the few Shimano reels that has the brake controller on the outside, just have to turn a dial. For all other reels, no brakes at all. I just use the cast control knob to adjust for different baits.  Line is #10 Yo Zuri Ultra Soft and rod is a Lamiglas, all fiberglass custom cranking stick. I use #12 Yo Zuri Ultra Soft and 50lb Power Pro braid on all other baitcasters.

I hope this helps.

Ronnie

[thetr20one]

I have some BPS Extremes I can throw 4 inch senkos pretty far. I use 15# line and have never really tried to throw anything smaller. I have spinning tackle for the really light stuff.