Using Lighter Weight Lures With A Baitcaster

[VikingsFan]

Hello everyone. I will be purchasing my first baitcasting rod and reel soon. There are some baits, mainly shallow running crankbaits that I use currently. My main question is if it is possible to use lighter weight lures with baitcasting gear? I'm talking about 1/4oz lures?

Now when it comes time to starting fishing with my new baitcasting setup should I start with a heavier lure? If so what size?

Also lure rating on the rod. What range should I look for? How heavy of a lure should the rod be able to handle, 3/4oz, 1oz, etc?

Sorry about so many questions. Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.

[KevO]

Yes, it is possible to cast lighter lures with baitcasters it just takes some practice.  If you are just starting out with a casting reel, I recommend practicing with heavier lures until you've trained your thumb.  I think 3/8oz should be plenty of weight.

As for the rod, since this will be your only baitcasting rig look for a medium power fast action rod with a lure rating around 1/4-3/4oz.  This will be a good "all-purpose" setup.

[islandbass]

Just remember that not all bc reels are equal when it comes to tossing lighter lures.  Reels like the curado and citica make short work of lures in the 1/4 weight range.

The rod is also a very important factor to consider and so are the aerodynamics of the lures.  For example tossing a 1/4 oz spoon will probably be a lot less hassle than say a 1/4 oz spinner bait.

Line choice also influences castibility. Lighter lines tend to toss lighter lures better, but at the same time, lighter lines on some casting reels can be a pain (generally speaking, pixies and chronarchs I imagine would be the exception).

Don't expect a rod rated for 3/8 - 1 oz to toss your 1/4 oz little crankbait too well.

Choosing a rod rated for the weight(s) you intend to cast will make it easier for you.

It can be done. A curado can handle even a 1/8 oz lure when properly set.

[VikingsFan]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

[Catt]

Keep in mind that a 1/4 oz crank bait is the weight less hooks & split rings, so with these added you're looking at 5/16-3/8 of an ounce for a 1/4 oz bait.

[Top]

1/4 oz is too easy... now a tiny rooster tail or something... might take some tweaking on my part but I would still do it

AL

[tennwalkinghorse]

Yes, it is possible to cast lighter lures with baitcasters it just takes some practice. If you are just starting out with a casting reel, I recommend practicing with heavier lures until you've trained your thumb. I think 3/8oz should be plenty of weight.

As for the rod, since this will be your only baitcasting rig look for a medium power fast action rod with a lure rating around 1/4-3/4oz. This will be a good "all-purpose" setup.

He said it all practice,practice and practice it pays off in the long run. Good Luck

[fishntime]

I actually throw really light cranks with my curado 101, you can set it to fit your needs.  Just practice, and you will have it down in no time.