TopwaterCowboy Posted January 30, 2012 Posted January 30, 2012 So I got a abu black max b/c with a medium lightning rod. I loaded it with 30lb power pro braid and a 12lb floro leader. I hate it! I have learned to cast without backlash, but I just can't hit the spots that I can with my spinning gear. I can't cast as fast or as far. I also am having a hard time feeling the bottom, and the bites, and judging the speed and variability of my retrieve, especially with swimbaits. I also like to hear the drag slipping when I am fighting a big fish with light line. Do I really need to use a b/c to be a successful bass fisherman? What do you think are the REAL advantages over quality spinning gear? I'm just not seeing them. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted January 30, 2012 Posted January 30, 2012 The short answer is no, you don't have to use baitcasting gear to catch bass. It sounds like you are having extra problem by mis-applying your baitcasting gear. Baitcasting is generally for heavier tackle (line weights and bait weights). Typically, this means line 12#> and baits 1/2 oz>, of course there are exceptions to every rule. When properly applied, baitcasting will be more accurate to cast, especially at short to medium distances. For raw casting distance, spinning tackle can't be beat. You can successfully cath bass with either all casting or all spinning gear but IMO, mastering both gives you more options and enhances the overall experience. Your difficulty maintaining contact with you bait is likely the result of too heavy a rod for what you are throwing and the fact that the casting combo you are working with is on the lower end, not that it can't be made to work well for certain situations. 1 Quote
TopwaterCowboy Posted January 30, 2012 Author Posted January 30, 2012 The short answer is no, you don't have to use baitcasting gear to catch bass. It sounds like you are having extra problem by mis-applying your baitcasting gear. Baitcasting is generally for heavier tackle (line weights and bait weights). Typically, this means line 12#> and baits 1/2 oz>, of course there are exceptions to every rule. When properly applied, baitcasting will be more accurate to cast, especially at short to medium distances. For raw casting distance, spinning tackle can't be beat. You can successfully cath bass with either all casting or all spinning gear but IMO, mastering both gives you more options and enhances the overall experience. Your difficulty maintaining contact with you bait is likely the result of too heavy a rod for what you are throwing and the fact that the casting combo you are working with is on the lower end, not that it can't be made to work well for certain situations. I'm sure you're right about the cheap rod and contact with my bait. I didn't want to invest a bunch before I saw some benifits. Good stuff, thanks, John Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 30, 2012 Super User Posted January 30, 2012 So I got a abu black max b/c with a medium lightning rod. I loaded it with 30lb power pro braid and a 12lb floro leader. I hate it! I have learned to cast without backlash, but I just can't hit the spots that I can with my spinning gear. How long have you had it? Baitcasters take time to learn. Not just in being able to cast without backlashes, but accuracy takes even longer. At least for me it has. As a matter of fact I can't do as well with my bc reels as I can with a spinning reel after 2 years of use. Getting closer, tho. Biggest reason for me is because I haven't been able to spend much time on the water. I can't cast as fast or as far. I also am having a hard time feeling the bottom, and the bites, and judging the speed and variability of my retrieve, especially with swimbaits. I also like to hear the drag slipping when I am fighting a big fish with light line. First of all you don't feel the bottom with the reel, but with the rod and line. I would assume judging speed is going to take a bit of practice. Preferably in some clear water where you can see the swimbait. I assume you like to hear the drag slipping, so you know not to reel. Yes? Hmm, can you feel it slipping? I ask because the lightest line I fish with a bc reel is 8 lb., and so far I haven't caught a fish big enough to worry about line being taken off by the fish. I have reached the point where I can cast as fast and as far as I could with my spinning gear. Provided I don't backlash. Another Do I really need to use a b/c to be a successful bass fisherman? Absolutely not! What do you think are the REAL advantages over quality spinning gear? I'm just not seeing them. Lighter. Especially if you want a bigger spinning reel for heavy line. That is why I went the BC reel route when I got back into fishing 2 years ago. Less line twist with certain types of line. Of course you need to not backlash too often, or it negates that benefit. I know there are other benefits as well, but I'll leave that to the more experience to expound on. I can say that quite a few feel bc reels can be more accurate than a spinning reel. Course you need to be adept with one first. Another Quote
TopwaterCowboy Posted January 30, 2012 Author Posted January 30, 2012 How long have you had it? Baitcasters take time to learn. Not just in being able to cast without backlashes, but accuracy takes even longer. At least for me it has. As a matter of fact I can't do as well with my bc reels as I can with a spinning reel after 2 years of use. Getting closer, tho. Biggest reason for me is because I haven't been able to spend much time on the water. First of all you don't feel the bottom with the reel, but with the rod and line. I would assume judging speed is going to take a bit of practice. Preferably in some clear water where you can see the swimbait. I assume you like to hear the drag slipping, so you know not to reel. Yes? Hmm, can you feel it slipping? I ask because the lightest line I fish with a bc reel is 8 lb., and so far I haven't caught a fish big enough to worry about line being taken off by the fish. I have reached the point where I can cast as fast and as far as I could with my spinning gear. Provided I don't backlash. Another Absolutely not! Lighter. Especially if you want a bigger spinning reel for heavy line. That is why I went the BC reel route when I got back into fishing 2 years ago. Less line twist with certain types of line. Of course you need to not backlash too often, or it negates that benefit. I know there are other benefits as well, but I'll leave that to the more experience to expound on. I can say that quite a few feel bc reels can be more accurate than a spinning reel. Course you need to be adept with one first. Another Thanks for the encouragement!! Maybe only fished it 20 times. I will keep working at it. I love using a fly rod for bass too, but its not the best way for me to catch the most bass! It is just a lot of fun. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 30, 2012 Super User Posted January 30, 2012 I love fishing period. Baitcasting was new to me, and I found I really loved using the reels. However it definitely is a learning curve. A long one at my age. LOL. My backcasts still leave a lot to be desired, but like I said, I can't get out very often. As you have already found out, timing is different than with a spinning reel. The only way to achieve skill is with practice. Sounds like you get out a lot more than I do. It won't be long before you will be seeing a big improvement in your casting skills if you just keep at it. I've got a couple flyrods myself. Love the act of casting with them. Took my new 3 wt. out at the end of the 2010 season when I finally got out on a fairly windless day. My casting with it sucked big time. Didn't take it out last year. I learned on an 8 wt. rod. However, it never has seen the water. I only practiced with it in my back yard for a couple years after I got it. That was around 15 years ago. I keep thinking I'll take it bass fising, but don't because of the limited time I have. Plus I usually take my daughter with me. I'd be afraid to use it on my dinky boat with her sitting there. Plus I've still got some baitcasting reels that haven't been mounted on a rod yet. Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted January 30, 2012 Super User Posted January 30, 2012 It deffinately is a tactical way of fishing, and when masterd it is very usefull. My opinion, use what you are comfortable with. Quote
tugsandpulls Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 once u master baitcasters u wont wanna go back to spinning gear i only use a spinning rod for inline spinners everything else my baitcasters Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 31, 2012 Super User Posted January 31, 2012 once u master baitcasters u wont wanna go back to spinning gear i only use a spinning rod for inline spinners everything else my baitcasters X2 I now use a spinning reel only when my lack of expertise with a BC reel forces me to switch. I even went so far as to pick up a used Sol, and ordered a Presso spool for it cuz I can't afford even a used Pixy much less one of the new reels for ultralight fishing. Quote
TopwaterCowboy Posted January 31, 2012 Author Posted January 31, 2012 once u master baitcasters u wont wanna go back to spinning gear i only use a spinning rod for inline spinners everything else my baitcasters Thanks guys. I'll keep at it and maybe invest in a more sensitive, lighter rod. Quote
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted January 31, 2012 Super User Posted January 31, 2012 The only way to achieve skill is with practice. I agree with this for sure. On nice evenings when the kids are playing out back Ill be sitting in a chair back there with bc a jig or frog tied on toosing at football, frisbee, post of swingset, liitle truck and the like. I started with bc at 10 now 43 didnt use a spinning reel til about 25 but still go out and practice but dont call it practicing call it relaxing Hang in there. Quote
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