Advice on Baitcaster

[GoneFishingEDM]

Hello, I'm new to the site. so far I'm finding all sorts of helpful information.

This winter I picked up my first baitcaster, been doing lots of practice casting with it using monofilament. With the season coming up, I want to switch over to braid. I've picked up some 30lb Suffix 832.

What I'm interested in, is what knot do you guys recommend for attaching my braided line to my 10 lb monofilament backing? I've heard the double uni or blood knot is good.

I've seen some videos on a GT knot or FG knot, they seem very small so I would think they would have little impact on the spool as well.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[deschambault]

I use a double uni and the FG knot looks interesting although I haven't tried it. A blood knot will slip with braid.

[RavYak]

I know you shouldn't ever end up down in your backing but I can't help but wonder why you would use 10 lb backing for 30 lb main line. Throw on some 30 lb backing(if it is a big reel) or just load it all up with braid(I do this on all my rods except ice because they don't offer bigger spools of ice line...).

Double uni knot is the common knot for mono backing to braid.

[GoneFishingEDM]

Thanks for the feedback.

RavYak, I heard that using all braid can cause it to slip since braid is so smooth and the backing just helps prevent that. I use all braid on my spinner reel and haven't had any issues yet, but the baitcaster is a whole new experience for me.

[kcward]

Curious what you picked up for a baitcast rod and reel. I have been wanting to try one, but everyone I talk has tried it and got rid of them. Have you had success casting with it? Many backlashes I hear until you get used to it.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by GoneFishingEDM

Thanks for the feedback.

RavYak, I heard that using all braid can cause it to slip since braid is so smooth and the backing just helps prevent that. I use all braid on my spinner reel and haven't had any issues yet, but the baitcaster is a whole new experience for me.

The trick is to tie your knot then take some hockey tape or electrical tape or duct tape and tape the line to the spool. I like the hockey tape with the rougher surface.

This tapes the line in place and then also acts as a surface for the braid on top to grip onto better(especially if you use the hockey tape).

Or you can tie a few feet of mono backing on instead but I would use 30 lb instead of 10(no reason to go light), you can get a short bit of mono for backing from fishin hole etc that sell bulk line if that is the reason you were going to go light.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by kcward

Curious what you picked up for a baitcast rod and reel. I have been wanting to try one, but everyone I talk has tried it and got rid of them. Have you had success casting with it? Many backlashes I hear until you get used to it.

For fishing lures over 1/4 oz like rapalas, spoons etc you can't beat a bait caster. I love having better control over my casts and being able to thumb the spool on bigger fish or in times where you have to turn a fish quick to keep him out of a tree, weeds etc. I also like the way they feel in my hands better.

I would use baitcasters all the time but they do have their limitations. Light lures is the biggest one, spinning reels work much better.

The thing with baitcasters is that you need to buy a quality one. Too many people just buy a cheap one and then think they are horrible when they can't get them to work properly. If you buy a good one then you have much better braking systems with a lot more adjustability and once you get the technique down you will like it.

I prefer Shimano and I like the Curado's. The Citica's are good too though. Some of their bit cheaper ones are probably decent too but I would step up to one of these personally.

Abu Garcia has some good reels too, the Revo S is a good value reel and anything higher up is also good.

That isn't to say that the cheap ones are useless though. I started with a Pflueger Echelon and it did ok. I also owned a cheaper Quantum and it was crap though. The cheaper they are the worse they will be with lighter lures so if you are chucking heavier lures you can sometimes get away with the cheaper reels. The cheaper reels will wear out on you quicker though, my Echelon was only really good for 2 years unlike my Curado which has caught a lot more fish with no issues.

Learning to use a baitcaster does take a bit of learning though. You need to learn how to properly set your brakes and spool drag, there are videos on youtube that show you how to do that.

Another comment about baitcasters is that I think they work better with braided line. I also prefer smoother lines too now that I started using them, power pro slick is my go to on a baitcaster now.

[GoneFishingEDM]

Originally Posted by RavYak

The trick is to tie your knot then take some hockey tape or electrical tape or duct tape and tape the line to the spool. I like the hockey tape with the rougher surface.

This tapes the line in place and then also acts as a surface for the braid on top to grip onto better(especially if you use the hockey tape).

Or you can tie a few feet of mono backing on instead but I would use 30 lb instead of 10(no reason to go light), you can get a short bit of mono for backing from fishin hole etc that sell bulk line if that is the reason you were going to go light.

Thanks for the advice. I never thought of using hockey tape. I will give that a try I think.

Thanks again.

[GoneFishingEDM]

Originally Posted by kcward

Curious what you picked up for a baitcast rod and reel. I have been wanting to try one, but everyone I talk has tried it and got rid of them. Have you had success casting with it? Many backlashes I hear until you get used to it.

I didn't go to crazy to start out with. I got a Quantum Accurist PT reel with a Quantum Catalyst Rod. I picked up some 1/4oz and 3/8 oz practice weights from the Fishing Hole. I've been practicing pretty regularly in a field. Day 1, I bird nested really bad on about the 4th try. After cutting out about 20 yards LOL. I cranked both my centrafugal break and my magnetic breaks all the way up, then slowly lowered the centrafugal break. I'm down to 2 out of 6 now, then I started lowering the magnetic break. I'm down to 5 our of 10. I haven't bird nested since. and I can outcast my spincaster with barely any effort.

I'll see how this year goes, I might upgrade next year if things go well. But so far I'm very impressed with the accuracy and distance. Practice seems to be the big thing. I recommend if you get one, pick up the practice weights and just cast and re-cast.

[kcward]

Originally Posted by RavYak

For fishing lures over 1/4 oz like rapalas, spoons etc you can't beat a bait caster. I love having better control over my casts and being able to thumb the spool on bigger fish or in times where you have to turn a fish quick to keep him out of a tree, weeds etc. I also like the way they feel in my hands better.

I would use baitcasters all the time but they do have their limitations. Light lures is the biggest one, spinning reels work much better.

The thing with baitcasters is that you need to buy a quality one. Too many people just buy a cheap one and then think they are horrible when they can't get them to work properly. If you buy a good one then you have much better braking systems with a lot more adjustability and once you get the technique down you will like it.

I prefer Shimano and I like the Curado's. The Citica's are good too though. Some of their bit cheaper ones are probably decent too but I would step up to one of these personally.

Abu Garcia has some good reels too, the Revo S is a good value reel and anything higher up is also good.

That isn't to say that the cheap ones are useless though. I started with a Pflueger Echelon and it did ok. I also owned a cheaper Quantum and it was crap though. The cheaper they are the worse they will be with lighter lures so if you are chucking heavier lures you can sometimes get away with the cheaper reels. The cheaper reels will wear out on you quicker though, my Echelon was only really good for 2 years unlike my Curado which has caught a lot more fish with no issues.

Learning to use a baitcaster does take a bit of learning though. You need to learn how to properly set your brakes and spool drag, there are videos on youtube that show you how to do that.

Another comment about baitcasters is that I think they work better with braided line. I also prefer smoother lines too now that I started using them, power pro slick is my go to on a baitcaster now.

Thanks Rav...Next time I am in Edmonton I will have to come and have a look at them. I have a quantum smoke spinning that I really like...for lighter stuff even better than my shimano stradic ci4. It is partly the size too...I have the 15 in the smoke, so nice and lite and a good balance with the smoke rod. Not sure what the baitcaster would be like in the smoke though.
Probably stick to Shimano like you suggest.

[kcward]

Originally Posted by GoneFishingEDM

I didn't go to crazy to start out with. I got a Quantum Accurist PT reel with a Quantum Catalyst Rod. I picked up some 1/4oz and 3/8 oz practice weights from the Fishing Hole. I've been practicing pretty regularly in a field. Day 1, I bird nested really bad on about the 4th try. After cutting out about 20 yards LOL. I cranked both my centrafugal break and my magnetic breaks all the way up, then slowly lowered the centrafugal break. I'm down to 2 out of 6 now, then I started lowering the magnetic break. I'm down to 5 our of 10. I haven't bird nested since. and I can outcast my spincaster with barely any effort.

I'll see how this year goes, I might upgrade next year if things go well. But so far I'm very impressed with the accuracy and distance. Practice seems to be the big thing. I recommend if you get one, pick up the practice weights and just cast and re-cast.

That sounds like a pretty decent set-up and experience. Thanks for the tip on the practice weights...Have to see what I can find for good deals. Good luck this summer!

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by kcward

Thanks Rav...Next time I am in Edmonton I will have to come and have a look at them. I have a quantum smoke spinning that I really like...for lighter stuff even better than my shimano stradic ci4. It is partly the size too...I have the 15 in the smoke, so nice and lite and a good balance with the smoke rod. Not sure what the baitcaster would be like in the smoke though.
Probably stick to Shimano like you suggest.

I have always avoided Quantums, heard of too many people having problems with them but that goes for both baitcasting and spinning.

Some of them are probably fine, I have never really had any issues with any of my Shimano gear so it has always been my favourite. Lots of guys like the Abus too, I have a Abu Revo Toro and it is nice although barely broken in yet.

My newest toy is a Shimano Metanium, still waiting for it to arrive though.

[Vigsy]

your accurist will be a good reel. that flippin switch is a handy tool to if you bottom bounce or lindy rig for walleye. the smoke baitcaster is also a gorgeous reel. im waiting on couple smoke hds and a couple smoke speed freaks. quantum has been known to have some issues but the newer stuff and higher end stuff is unreal.

[GoneFishingEDM]

Originally Posted by RavYak

The trick is to tie your knot then take some hockey tape or electrical tape or duct tape and tape the line to the spool. I like the hockey tape with the rougher surface.

This tapes the line in place and then also acts as a surface for the braid on top to grip onto better(especially if you use the hockey tape).

Or you can tie a few feet of mono backing on instead but I would use 30 lb instead of 10(no reason to go light), you can get a short bit of mono for backing from fishin hole etc that sell bulk line if that is the reason you were going to go light.

Thanks for the advice RavYak, I picked up 30lb Suffix 832 last night and used the tape trick. Spooled up beautifully. Took it out for a few practices casts, the braided line flows so much nicer than the mono.

Thanks for the Tip

[GoneFishingEDM]

Originally Posted by Vigsy

your accurist will be a good reel. that flippin switch is a handy tool to if you bottom bounce or lindy rig for walleye. the smoke baitcaster is also a gorgeous reel. im waiting on couple smoke hds and a couple smoke speed freaks. quantum has been known to have some issues but the newer stuff and higher end stuff is unreal.

I thought the Accurist would be a good starting reel. Not the bottom line and definatley not the top end. I didn't want to spend to much to start incase I really couldn't get the hang of it.

I also love the dual break system. My buddy got his first baitcaster same time I did, he went with an Abu reel. It only has the magnetic break. I was able to get mine dialed in way faster than him. The dual break just seems to give you that little bit extra control.

If I do well this year, I'm sure I will upgrade the reel next year.

[catnthehat]

Gotta love baitcasters!!
the top row here have all been used and some get used frequently.

My main reel however is a late 50's vintage Abu 5000 with the freewheeling spool, these tend to get set up differently than a traditional "knuckle duster" direct drive!

I also wrap my arbors, so the slippery line does not spin, some of my Pfluegars have a cork spacer arbor you can out on for light mono, they work pretty danged well.
Cat

[kcward]

Originally Posted by Vigsy

your accurist will be a good reel. that flippin switch is a handy tool to if you bottom bounce or lindy rig for walleye. the smoke baitcaster is also a gorgeous reel. im waiting on couple smoke hds and a couple smoke speed freaks. quantum has been known to have some issues but the newer stuff and higher end stuff is unreal.

Good to hear that you have had good experience with the smoke as well. I will have to invest I guess...wife says thanks

Good luck with your new tools!

[Vigsy]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Gotta love baitcasters!!
the top row here have all been used and some get used frequently.

My main reel however is a late 50's vintage Abu 5000 with the freewheeling spool, these tend to get set up differently than a traditional "knuckle duster" direct drive!

I also wrap my arbors, so the slippery line does not spin, some of my Pfluegars have a cork spacer arbor you can out on for light mono, they work pretty danged well.
Cat

very neat reels there cat. My sisters boyfriend just brought me over an older abu to look up, and sell or use. From what I can find I think its a 1973 Ambassadeur 7000. Its never been used and is still in box with pouch, reel oil etc. Seems pretty sweet not sure if I have a use for it but might have to just cause its so cool.

[GoneFishingEDM]

So again I'm new to this whole baitcaster thing. What is the difference between the big round baitcaster, and the low profile ones. Are there different uses for them, or is it just a different style? I always thought the big round style was for trolling not really for casting.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by GoneFishingEDM

So again I'm new to this whole baitcaster thing. What is the difference between the big round baitcaster, and the low profile ones. Are there different uses for them, or is it just a different style? I always thought the big round style was for trolling not really for casting.

The biggest difference I can see would be line capacity , but Ravyak may be better at explaining it
Cat

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Vigsy

very neat reels there cat. My sisters boyfriend just brought me over an older abu to look up, and sell or use. From what I can find I think its a 1973 Ambassadeur 7000. Its never been used and is still in box with pouch, reel oil etc. Seems pretty sweet not sure if I have a use for it but might have to just cause its so cool.

That is something for sure!!
Set it up and use it, then display it is what I do when I get one like that!
Cat

[Albertacoyotecaller]

I love the Abu bait casters. I know there are better ones out there but that's what I grew up on and like to use.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

The biggest difference I can see would be line capacity , but Ravyak may be better at explaining it
Cat

Line capacity and drag used to be the big difference. Back in the day before braid was common people needed the larger spools in order to fit enough higher test mono line. It was also easier to fit larger drags and beefier parts to make those larger reeld being used for big fish more dependable.

In recent years with braid and technological advances it has become less important to have that size. Manufacturers have now come out with low profile style reels with larger capacity and strong drag on par with the round style reels. Abus revo toro is an example as is shimanos new tranx 300 and 400 series(they also have a 500 series as an even bigger reel).

There are guys that now use these reels like the revo toro to fish for musky, big lake trout, salmon, sturgeon and even bottom fish including halibut. My revo toro as an example fits almost 300 yards of 50 lb power pro with over 20 lbs of drag making it capable of catching a wide range of fish(caught salmon, ling cod, sturgeon and pike on it so far).

The big advantage now to the round style is that they are easier and cheaper to produce. Some guys also prefer the way they feel(usually because they grew up using them whereas I prefer a low profile style). If you need a lot of heavy line and prefer mono you still may need to use a round style reel too but we are talking reels for white sturgeon, big halibut, sailfish, marlin, sharks etc.

One other difference too is that the round style reels are usually(but not always) a lower gear ratio/retrieve which some people prefer for certain situations.

[GoneFishingEDM]

Originally Posted by RavYak

Line capacity and drag used to be the big difference. Back in the day before braid was common people needed the larger spools in order to fit enough higher test mono line. It was also easier to fit larger drags and beefier parts to make those larger reeld being used for big fish more dependable.

In recent years with braid and technological advances it has become less important to have that size. Manufacturers have now come out with low profile style reels with larger capacity and strong drag on par with the round style reels. Abus revo toro is an example as is shimanos new tranx 300 and 400 series(they also have a 500 series as an even bigger reel).

There are guys that now use these reels like the revo toro to fish for musky, big lake trout, salmon, sturgeon and even bottom fish including halibut. My revo toro as an example fits almost 300 yards of 50 lb power pro with over 20 lbs of drag making it capable of catching a wide range of fish(caught salmon, ling cod, sturgeon and pike on it so far).

The big advantage now to the round style is that they are easier and cheaper to produce. Some guys also prefer the way they feel(usually because they grew up using them whereas I prefer a low profile style). If you need a lot of heavy line and prefer mono you still may need to use a round style reel too but we are talking reels for white sturgeon, big halibut, sailfish, marlin, sharks etc.

One other difference too is that the round style reels are usually(but not always) a lower gear ratio/retrieve which some people prefer for certain situations.

Thanks for the info RavYak, that explains a lot. I think my next reel with have better capacity. This one is 120 yrds at 12# mono, and I think it was 130yrds at 30# braided. 7.0:1 and 16lb drag.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by GoneFishingEDM

Thanks for the info RavYak, that explains a lot. I think my next reel with have better capacity. This one is 120 yrds at 12# mono, and I think it was 130yrds at 30# braided. 7.0:1 and 16lb drag.

That is a good size and will handle just about anything here in AB.

The only reason to get something bigger would be for sturgeon, a dedicated laker downrigging reel(which the accurist will work fine for occasionally) or a big pike lure reel(in which case you are buying for the extra cranking power not capacity).

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by RavYak

I know you shouldn't ever end up down in your backing but I can't help but wonder why you would use 10 lb backing for 30 lb main line. Throw on some 30 lb backing(if it is a big reel) or just load it all up with braid(I do this on all my rods except ice because they don't offer bigger spools of ice line...).

Double uni knot is the common knot for mono backing to braid.

Or just put a wrap of hockey tape around the spool.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

Or just put a wrap of hockey tape around the spool.

Yeah that will help. If you do the tape on top it is even better(holds the line down and then gives the same backing).

[kcward]

Originally Posted by RavYak

I have always avoided Quantums, heard of too many people having problems with them but that goes for both baitcasting and spinning.

Some of them are probably fine, I have never really had any issues with any of my Shimano gear so it has always been my favourite. Lots of guys like the Abus too, I have a Abu Revo Toro and it is nice although barely broken in yet.

My newest toy is a Shimano Metanium, still waiting for it to arrive though.

That looks like a sweet reel...let us know how it is.

[calgarygringo]

I have been using a Quantum Tour PT with Superslick line for several years now and has been a great reel. I seldom use my spin cast unless it is for really small light lure casting. I use it in winter on my ice rod as well and has caught whites, walleyes, pike perch and a few trout as well. Once you get setup and then get the idea of how to cast the rest is a piece of cake.

Originally Posted by kcward

That looks like a sweet reel...let us know how it is.

[dodger]

a few years back I would not hesitate to explain why they were junk and a waste of time.

Now - well let's say I have not touched my spin reel for 3 years.

Dodger.