Advice needed on first baitcasting set-up

[deep]

Hi, newbie here. Started fishing for bass this March, and haven't been doing too bad so far. I stuck to spinning gear so far, and am looking to get a baitcasting set-up for my birthday (in September). This will be my first baitcaster, so I probably need a "beginner" sort of set-up.

This is what I've got (all spinning) and I am not looking to replace these. Please tell me what I haven't got covered.

#1. Quantum superlite PT 7'4" MH, XF with a shimano sonora 2500 6.4:1. Bought it last month and have been using it exclusively for worms so far. But I think it can be used for other single hook applications like frogs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits? (Haven't thrown these in a long time)

#2. Team All Star 7' M, MF with a browning citori 2500 5.8:1. I use it for cranks and the heavier treble-hook topwaters. The reel is probably a bit fast for cranks, but I have managed so far.

#3. Abu Garcia Cardinal 6'6" ML, F with Cardinal 1000 5.4:1. Use it for basically all light lures, but mostly smaller topwaters.

I fish 2-3 days a week from the shore, and maybe once a week from my kayak. I will probably be good with a one-piece, 7' rod.

I was thinking about buying the Shimano Compre heavy crankbait rod (3/8 to 1 oz cranks) with a Citica, but haven't really decided yet.

For the reel, I'm more or less decided on the Citica LH retrieve, but as always I'll be glad if you suggest something else.

And I am looking to spend <200 $ for the rod.

Thanks.

P.S. And thanks to everyone for everything (and that's more than a lot) I've learnt from this site.

[roadwarrior]

Sounds good to me!

I don't know much about the rod, but you will like the Citica.

8-)

[deep]

Thanks RW.

Allow me to stress my point. I want to know which application(s) I haven't got covered with my current set-ups. Heavier cranks for one. What else could I be wanting another rod for?

[bandsr4me20]

Powell 7' mh with a a revo s

[Stasher1]

Thanks RW.

Allow me to stress my point. I want to know which application(s) I haven't got covered with my current set-ups. Heavier cranks for one. What else could I be wanting another rod for?

Think about the lures you typically throw. Are there some that you feel would work better on a baitcast setup, for whatever reason? If not, you really don't need another setup.

I think that far too many of us waste inordinate amounts of time trying to think of reasons to add more equipment to our "arsenals" instead of focusing on getting the most out of the gear we already have.

But, it's your money. 

[burce]

Thanks RW.

Allow me to stress my point. I want to know which application(s) I haven't got covered with my current set-ups. Heavier cranks for one. What else could I be wanting another rod for?

Think about the lures you typically throw. Are there some that you feel would work better on a baitcast setup, for whatever reason? If not, you really don't need another setup.

I think that far too many of us waste inordinate amounts of time trying to think of reasons to add more equipment to our "arsenals" instead of focusing on getting the most out of the gear we already have.

But, it's your money.

Is there somewhere that describes what kind of setup is good for what type of fishing / what lures? I know absolutely nothing about this

[deep]

Stasher1, thanks for the input. Being on a grad student's stipend doesn't leave me much free cash to spend anyway

My cranking stick (the team all star one) is rated for 1/8 to 5/8 oz lures, and it performs pretty well with shallow and medium cranks and rattle traps. I am not so happy when bumping the bottom with 1/2 oz deep diving cranks with it though, like the 14 ft cranking rap or a 16 ft + strike king crankbait I got.

Now, honestly I don't know if the Compre/ Citica I am looking at will be any better. I did read somewhere that baitcasters are better for cranking. This is where all you guys' experience comes in.

As for the lures I usually throw; I got the topwaters covered, and the worms and spinnerbaits and light cranks as well. Which leaves me with the deep-diving cranks. I am making do with the rattle-traps instead; it's a real chore to pump a deep-diver with my cranking stick. My muscles complain, and so does my set-up. Will it be any better with a proper baitcaster?

[Locked]

On this very site, there are a few articles about rod actions and applications. just go to Fighing Articles > Fishing Equipment Tips .... scroll down a bit and you'll see a lot of articles about choosing the right equipment.  There is also some good info about fishing lines, there are things you need to know about line on a baitcaster.  I can only direct you to that info, because I'm new to this myself and have avoided a lot of mistakes because of the articles on this site. 

I recently bought my first baitcasting set up.  It's a St Croix 6'6" MH Fast tip Mojo bass trigger rod, with a 7.0:1 Johnny Morris signature series reel.  They both seem to be pretty high quality pieces, but we'll see how they hold up.

[guitarkid]

Falcon original and a BPS Pro qualifier

    -gk

[deep]

Thanks for all the replies. Now I am more confused than when I started the thread.

I have more or less settled on the Shimano Crucial crankbait casting rod (7'2" MH, MF).

I am not sure on the reel though.

Is it advisable to use a lower ratio reel? I read something about more "winching power". Not sure what it means.

If yes (lower ratio), then I found 2 reels to my liking, the revo winch and the BPS pro qualifier. Which one would be a better match? Too bad the Curado with the low gear ratio doesn't have a LH retrieve.

I'll be throwing 1/2+ oz cranks only with the rod.

[BossHoss]

Tough to beat the Revo Winch.  I don't personally own one, but I have fished one of my buddy's on several occasions and loved it.  It is tough to explain, but that whatever they did with the gears makes a big difference when your cranking all day.  Abu Garcia just makes good stuff too.  I started out with a 5600 Rocket as my first baitcaster and that thing would throw anything all day long with no problems.

[jerkw8nonajerk01]

I have been throwing a BPS pro qualifier for about 9 mos. my first one. I love it. I have used my fishing buddies citica which is great....if you know how to throw...opening the reel to make adjustments in the beginning will become frustrating. Granted once you get it down you should be able to make adjustments on the spool tension dial. but you'll be doing the centrifugal dance for a minute. I found that the centrifugal and magnetic combo on the P.Q. to be easier to use. Again I love the citica my buddy has...just not when i first started. Don't waste your money on really good line yet either...you'll be eating up line for a little while.

[deep]

Thanks folks. I'll be hanging around waiting for replies a few weeks more. (My birthday is in September anyway.)

Meanwhile, I will try to check out a few rods at the stores.

[I.rar]

my first bait casting setup was a citica 201d and a 6' m/f compre. i would recommend them to anyone.

you may want a lower gear ratio for deep divers , no? maybe a curado e5?

[adclem]

The Winch is good for your bigger heavier crank baits and does all right with smaller lighter cranks.  But it really excels with the heavier crank baits.

Later,

[deep]

my first bait casting setup was a citica 201d and a 6' m/f compre. i would recommend them to anyone.

you may want a lower gear ratio for deep divers , no? maybe a curado e5?

The Curado E5 has a right hand retrieve only. I was looking for a LH reel

[deep]

The Winch is good for your bigger heavier crank baits and does all right with smaller lighter cranks. But it really excels with the heavier crank baits.

Later,

I am looking to throw 1/2+ oz cranks only with this set-up.

Revo winch owners/users, is there anything in the reel that a beginner can't handle (with a little practice)?