New Year, New Reel ...

[-HAWK-]

I plan to start the New Year with a few new goals. I decided to purchase a Bait-cast setup and learn to throw it without getting a birds nest every cast. So I purchased the new 2009 Shimano Citica 200E and paired it up with a Uglystick 7mh Baitcasting rod. My question is, I plan on practicing for a few hours each day, What is a good lure to try casting with? Should I use soft plastics, wire baits or hardbaits? Also if anyone is familiar with the Citica 200e, what is the best way to set up the Variable Brake System? Lastly The uglystick is temporary, what will be a good rod to pair this up with?

[Steven Ladner]

As for as what to cast with, practice with the baits you plan on using the most. That way you can really be able to cast them well once you start back fishing. Also, pair it up with the BPS crankin' stick. It is a great rod that is very versatile, and it is at a good price.

[Jake.]

Like M and M said, practice with your favorite lures. Crankbaits, topwaters, and Texas rigged plastics would all be a good start. Just make sure they are not too light because you are just starting. I would start out the VBS at 3 brakes on and 3 off to start with. Once you are able to cast well with those settings you can turn more brakes off which will give you better distance, or just keep those settings if you want to. As far as the rod goes, I would pair it with a 6'6"-7'0" M or MH rod depending on what you plan to use most on it. If you want to use it more for lures with treble hooks I would go with the M, and if you want to use more jigs and heavier Texas rigs go with the MH. The brand would depend on how much you want to spend on the rod.

[-HAWK-]

Good info guys. I will go out tonight and spend a couple hours practicing. Another question, What are the Pros and cons of a Baitcast set-up vs. Spinning Setup? Basically trying to see what I should be using the Bait cast setup (technique/lure) for and what I should use the spinning setup for.

[roadwarrior]

Finesse: Spinning tackle

Power fishing: Baitcasting gear

8-)

[Brute]

I got my first bait caster this year and am still getting used to it.

It does take practice, but I would recommend that you first start with something on the heavier side.

You can crank the brakes down on it and not get any backlashes.

After you get used to it, you can go to lighter baits.

Brute

[auburn bass man]

Generally when I use spinning tackle for bass fishing I'm fishing light jigs and t-rigged plastics.  Also great for jerk/slash baits IMO.  The power and action of the rod will determine more specifically its purpose but as a general rule spinning tackle is used for lighter lures for more finesse type purposes.  Hope this helps.

[-HAWK-]

Finesse: Spinning tackle

Power fishing: Baitcasting gear

8-)

Perfect, thats exactly what I wanted to know.

[NBR]

I wouldn't use a lure at all. I'd get a practice plug or plugs from 3/8 to 5/6 ounce. The heavier the easier to start off and you can drop down to 1/4 oz. as you develop skill. I'd go to Reel Mechanic's web site and review his tutorial on set up and getting started with a bait caster.

There is nothing majic about bait casting success is spelled practice.

[JonU]

... after you've practiced a bit, dump the Ugly Stik and get a better rod. I switched to a 6'6" mh BPS Bionic Blade and I can't believe how my casting distance has improved (both w/a Curado E7). I can just about double the distance of the Ugly Stik.

-JU

[Muddy]

Hey Hawk I do not know how to set that reel up, you have to ask someone with experience

I do have a lot of experience learning how to bait cast, as I went to it 2 years ago. Catt,Raul and LBH were very helpful in the process

My Suggestions as to what worked for me

1. Only bring the bait caster, if you don't use it you can't fish MY NUMBERONE MOTIVATOR

2. Less brakes in the beginning is a macho notion, the brakes and ESPECIALLY THE SPOLL TENSION KNOBS ARE YOUR FRIEND D

3. Fish on water, it is much better to learn than on your lawn

4. Put at least a 3/8 TO 5/8  ounce lure or plug to start with

5. Set the spool tension knob: so that when you hold the rod at a slight angle the lure ( in free spool) moves in a slow and steady drop to the water and once it hits the water the spool stops VERY IMPORTANT TO ME FINALLY GETTING THE HANG OF IT

6. Do not try to throw to right field, slow lobs, with thumb feathering the spool, go for 15 yard accurate throws and keep doing it until you get minimal overruns. Then increase your range in 5 yard interval, until you can toss it around 30 to 35 yards

7. THIS TAKES A LOT OF REPITIVE PRACTICE BUT REPITION PAYS OFF BIG TIME, AND once you get it you will be surprised in the scope of thins how little time it actually took to learn it

8 to 100. EDUCATE YOUR THUMB. In the long run IT"S ALL THE THUMB PRESSURE, no brake can take the place of a thumb!

good luck and keep at it

Dominick

[-HAWK-]

Thanks for the info Muddy. I was thinking about your #1 rule before you posted it. But that's probably a good idea because I have very little patience. Ill will try everyones tips and report back.

[-HAWK-]

... after you've practiced a bit, dump the Ugly Stik and get a better rod. I switched to a 6'6" mh BPS Bionic Blade and I can't believe how my casting distance has improved (both w/a Curado E7). I can just about double the distance of the Ugly Stik.

-JU

My first post..

Lastly The uglystick is temporary, what will be a good rod to pair this up with?

As far as rods go, Im leaning towards either the new Shimano  Cumara Cast Rod 7'2" Med Hvy http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCMCR.html

[Jake.]

... after you've practiced a bit, dump the Ugly Stik and get a better rod. I switched to a 6'6" mh BPS Bionic Blade and I can't believe how my casting distance has improved (both w/a Curado E7). I can just about double the distance of the Ugly Stik.

-JU

My first post..

Lastly The uglystick is temporary, what will be a good rod to pair this up with?

As far as rods go, Im leaning towards either the new Shimano Cumara Cast Rod 7'2" Med Hvy http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCMCR.html

Good choice.  

[von]

... after you've practiced a bit, dump the Ugly Stik and get a better rod. I switched to a 6'6" mh BPS Bionic Blade and I can't believe how my casting distance has improved (both w/a Curado E7). I can just about double the distance of the Ugly Stik.

-JU

My first post..

Lastly The uglystick is temporary, what will be a good rod to pair this up with?

As far as rods go, Im leaning towards either the new Shimano Cumara Cast Rod 7'2" Med Hvy http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCMCR.html

Good choice.

X2

Also if you have your lure/practice plug up closer to the tip of the rod, instead of leaving a foot of line, it'll help you feel when the rod loads up before you cast.  That helped me when I first started.

[RWHusker.]

Start with something heavy and when your comfortable reduce weight.  As you reduce the more proficient you will become.  Same thing with wind.  Throw heavy into the wind and as you get more comfortable reduce your weight. Practice the wind in the yard before you have to work against it in the water.

My 2 Cents

GO BIG RED

[roadwarrior]

GO BIG RED

Nice bowl win.

CONGRATULATIONS!

8-)