Which Reel For Which Bait. Newbie Needs Help.

[Kabar]

I'm pretty much a newbie in fishing field....so how to know which baitcasting reel is good for a light or heavy baits?

Bought Jimmy Morris Signature (6.4-1)as my 1st baitcasting reel (still in the box)...and have a little concern , can I use it for light spinnerbaits or plastic worms?

If not how to know which reel is designed for it?

I really thinking about exchanging that reel fir different model/brand....noticed to many opinions that JM is not that good (durable)

Thank you.

[deep]

If the rod loads up with the bait, then the reel will probably cast it.. That said, there are some special so-called finesse reels that do well with light baits.

[j.bruno]

Chronarch 50e

[new2BC4bass]

As a newbie to baitcasting reels....don't go light to start. Light lures require much more casting talent to throw...for me anyway. Stick with 3/8 oz. lures and heavier for awhile. I think you will thank me. One of the 50E reels (Curado or Chronarch) would be better at the lighter stuff, say 1/4 or 3/16 oz. baits. You might want to consider a spinning set up if you are going to drop down to 1/8 oz. or lighter. Casting reels built for baits this light cost an arm and a leg (or kidney...or first born). Course I don't know your financial situation, but know I can't afford such reels. Quite a few on here can, tho. I have caviar tastes with a hotdog bank account.

Can't comment on the Jimmy Morris Signature regarding its longevity or casting ability.

If you are looking to go light, then Diawa makes several options you should also be looking at.

BTW, welcome to the forum. I like seeing others get into baitcasting gear. It is a blast. I think you will be hooked. I know I've spent way more than I should have the past 3 years since getting back into fishing. Fished strictly spinning reels in the old days. You have started at a good time. Lots of quality gear at reasonable prices that perform very well. I'd say to give Lew's a look although I am going from my reading, not from experience. However, I think I am going to have to try one.

Some well meaning advice............watch out for that Bait Monkey! I've purchased way more rods and reels the past 3 years than in the 36 years when I use to fish a lot more than I do now. Not that I wouldn't like to fish every day, but life requires a second job these days.

[retiredbosn]

your JM signature is a good choice for a first timer, you have both mag and centrifrugal braking. The mag brakes at the beginning and end of cast the centrifrugal brakes are at the peak, keep all six brakes on, and set the mag brake where you are comfortable. The tension knob is the best brake you have, set it to where your bait starts to drop, no free fall where the spool gains speed. Stay away from anything less than a 1/4 ounce, preferably 3/8. Baitcasters were made for heavier bait IMO, I have always been able to use a 1/4 ounce spinner with a trailer. Once you educate your thumb you can start removing brakes, I'm down to 2 centrifrugal brakes, and no mag brake, the distance I can cast has increased dramatically, that said anything less than a 1/4 I use a spinning set up, or sometimes a ML casting rod with a Curado Bantam. Remember with jigs the weight is just the jig head and hook, doesn't include the skirt or trailer, so you'll be able to cast 1/4 ounce jigs without issue, even 1/8 ounce if you use the right trailer.

I would recommend getting some casting weights and practice casting, and flipping. With time you will become very proficient set yourself up for success use 3/8 ounce and practice away from the water, when you get near water your concentration will be on fishing not practicing. Good luck

[alyswim]

I have a spinning reel for my light weights. Use it for my finesse fishing. Baitcasters are made for heavier line. Also just traded my JM in for 2 pro qualifiers...

[smalljaw67]

I'll make this as simple as I can, most baitcasters are good for baits 1/4oz and up to say 1oz. If you want to use a baitcaster for baits under 1/4oz you can get a finesse casting reel, you can tell these reels but looking at the line capacity, most finesse reels will usually start with the line capacity of the reel with the 6# line rating up to 10# or 12#, while regular casting reels will usually start with 10# or 12# and go to 14#. If you are going to fish baits over 1oz you will want to look at the bigger models, typically the round reels handle bigger line and bigger baits that low profile reels but there are some good low profile reels out there for bigger lures.

[tbirds00]

I keep a couple spinning reels for the finesse type baits.