Two Baitcasters, One Rod, and Some Needed Advice

[RushFan2112]

Hey All, I finally took the plunge and purchased my first decent baitcaster (Daiwa Advantage - used). Been fishing with spinning gear and braid my whole life. I plan on using the new caster primarily for heavier spinnerbaits and cranks.

I also have an older Abu 4600c3 and a Shimano 6' rod that I picked up at a flea market a couple of years ago, which I've never used. In researching the rod, it once sold for over $100...I paid $15 and it's mint. It's a Shimano Crucial 6' hi mod graphite. It states 1/8 to 1/2oz, and I would consider it a ML to M rod. It's marked Topwater, Spinnerbait, Crankbait.

Now on to my questions....Which of my two reels should I put on the 6' Crucial and what type of line? I'll be using this rod for the lighter stuff. Next, I'll buy a new rod for the other reel for heavier spinners, cranks, and swimbaits. I'm thinking a 6.5' or 7' M or MH since I have the shorter 6' already. I guess my overall question is rod length, M or MH, and line type. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[ROCbass]

I would start by putting both reels on the rod you already have and fishing with them a bit or at least casting in the yard to see which reel you like better with that rod and the baits you'll be throwing with it. For your other rod, I would go 7' MHF since the one you already have is shorter and lighter, and this is a good all around casting rod length, power and action IMO. As far as line, I prefer mono over braid for the applications you mentioned, and I've not used fluorocarbon  so I can't recommend for or against it.

[AbuGarcia-4-Life]

Like he said throw both on that rod and then decide. But for your second rod, Swimbaits? Most people like a 7'6+ MH or H F or XF rod but I don't know what your price range but I would suggest 7'-7'6 MH-H Fast with 17# Flurocarbon!

BTW you won't be able to throw small crank baits such as smaller bandits, Lil Johms etc.. Because of the bigger sized line.

[FL_Sharpshooter]

Hey All, I finally took the plunge and purchased my first decent baitcaster (Daiwa Advantage - used). Been fishing with spinning gear and braid my whole life. I plan on using the new caster primarily for heavier spinnerbaits and cranks.

I also have an older Abu 4600c3 and a Shimano 6' rod that I picked up at a flea market a couple of years ago, which I've never used. In researching the rod, it once sold for over $100...I paid $15 and it's mint. It's a Shimano Crucial 6' hi mod graphite. It states 1/8 to 1/2oz, and I would consider it a ML to M rod. It's marked Topwater, Spinnerbait, Crankbait.

Now on to my questions....Which of my two reels should I put on the 6' Crucial and what type of line? I'll be using this rod for the lighter stuff. Next, I'll buy a new rod for the other reel for heavier spinners, cranks, and swimbaits. I'm thinking a 6.5' or 7' M or MH since I have the shorter 6' already. I guess my overall question is rod length, M or MH, and line type. Thanks in advance for your replies.

I was like you too, and have only used braided line for a very very long time. I recently took the plunge to fluorocarbon line this year when I got a new rod and reel. I'm really glad I did, because I've noticed I've had quite a few more hookups, since I fish ultra-clear water. As AbuGarcia-4-Life said, 17# fluorocarbon is perfect, it's what I run and have no problems with it at all. I went with the XPS brand line, and couldn't be happier. A really big advantage to the stuff, is that the fluorocarbon sinks a crankbait immediately, unlike braided line.  It lets you achieve a much better presentation.

[smallwatermayhem]

Hey All, I finally took the plunge and purchased my first decent baitcaster (Daiwa Advantage - used). Been fishing with spinning gear and braid my whole life. I plan on using the new caster primarily for heavier spinnerbaits and cranks.

I also have an older Abu 4600c3 and a Shimano 6' rod that I picked up at a flea market a couple of years ago, which I've never used. In researching the rod, it once sold for over $100...I paid $15 and it's mint. It's a Shimano Crucial 6' hi mod graphite. It states 1/8 to 1/2oz, and I would consider it a ML to M rod. It's marked Topwater, Spinnerbait, Crankbait.

Now on to my questions....Which of my two reels should I put on the 6' Crucial and what type of line? I'll be using this rod for the lighter stuff. Next, I'll buy a new rod for the other reel for heavier spinners, cranks, and swimbaits. I'm thinking a 6.5' or 7' M or MH since I have the shorter 6' already. I guess my overall question is rod length, M or MH, and line type. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Since the Advantage is a low-profile reel, I'd assume it casts lighter stuff better. Pair it up with the 6' rod and spool it with 12lb mono. For the C3, get a 7' MH rod and spool it with 14 or 15lb mono.