First Baitcast rod and reel

[bigtuna81]

So after donating my favourite rod and reel to the fishing gods at the bottom of Lesser Slave Lake last weekend, thanks to a rogue wave and a broken boat chair. I was at the Fishing Hole to pick up a new spinning reel, I already had an extra rod, I saw basic bait casting combo for $100. After talking with the sales guy and getting some tips and tricks I decided to buy it. I’m 38 and been fishing all my life buy always had a spinning set up but always wanted to give baitcasting a try. Will I like it, or will I keep mostly using my spinning rod and reel. Any good advice out there. I plan to mostly use it when we go casting for pike.

Thanks
TUNA

[Jawjacker]

Heck I use my Baitcaster for everything. Its soo much fun especially when I vertical jig Walleye t. It takes a bit of time getting use to it. But well worth it . Congrats !!!!!

[Redfrog]

I started with a baitcaster about 65 years ago. about 60 years ago I found the wonderful world of spinning reels. No more back lashes, super light weights long accurate casts. invisible line.
Then about 40 years ago living in B>C> I was introduced to traditional direct drive reels for salmon and steelhead. A bit of a learning curve but it was strangely satisfying to fish with something so basic.
About the same time I was reintroduced to the level wind, bait caster. Definitely not the reel of my childhood. The bells and whistles make it a joy to use. I have a few now , both left hand and right hand and use them most of the time. a little practice goes a long way.

[Fishwhere]

Ive tried to go the route of the baitcaster to no avail. I hate the drag systems on the ones i used. And you tend to use a stiffer rod with them which is a personal preference thing but not for me. The other thing is that it can be a lot of strain on your wrist.... maybe im just a wuss! Haha

But lots of guys swear by them, but mostly a bass fishing set up where you are pitching a ton and super accuracy really matters. I think spinning reels have better drag systems in my opinion.

Try it out and see what you like! Either way good luck!

[dodger]

I use to be on here all the time saying they are garbage and only made for jigging. Now I have 4 of them and I might have used my spin cast once last year.

I’m a believer now

Dodger.

[Dewey Cox]

I used to get incredibly frustrated with my bait caster tangling, and ruining my fishing trip.
Then someone told me "when it tangles, just reel it up, and cast it again like nothing happened".
Now I like it.
Why isn't that advice more readily available?

[Toungetech]

Also It will teach you to reel with your non dominant hand so your casting hand always stays on the rod.

[nick0danger]

Originally Posted by Toungetech

Also It will teach you to reel with your non dominant hand so your casting hand always stays on the rod.

Yea i reel with my left hand, i never got casting and switching hands.

[calgarygringo]

Baitcasters are great. Just dont let the negative nellies get on you. A decent reel and a little knowledge and practise and it will probably become your reel of choice. Invest in some good line too as that will also make a difference. Look on Youtube there are some good videos for baitcaster rookies.

[mlee]

I had tried a cheaper baitcaster a couple years ago and hated it....told myself I'll never have a need to own one of these God awful contraptions. This spring I was in the market for a new big heavy rod/reel combo for trolling and some big pike fishing so I decided to spend a reasonable amount of money on a good mid level baitcast reel and give it a shot. Honestly.....not sure I'll ever buy another spinning reel again now. I had one small backlash the first day (which was totally my fault) but once you learn the setup of your particular reel it's so much nicer. I'll toss everything from jigs to huge Savage and Bondy baits....even use it on the river with 4oz sinkers and never even come close to another rats nest. If I managed to make the switch I'm sure anyone can lol.

[Garlicmarshmellow]

They are awesome to use for bottom bouncing too. So much more line control when releasing line out.

[MooseRiverTrapper]

Baitcasters have applications. In some applications they outperform a spinning set up. But you always need a spinning rod.

[OL_JR]

Originally Posted by nick0danger

Yea i reel with my left hand, i never got casting and switching hands.

Never got the switching thing either, reel whichever way feels comfortable. I feel like someday it's going to be one of those things that people used to do lol.

[Okotok]

Originally Posted by MooseRiverTrapper

Baitcasters have applications. In some applications they outperform a spinning set up. But you always need a spinning rod.

I've loved baitcasters for 40 years plus. Cast farther than spinning reels, super accuracy depending on type of fishing, and one hand use. Works for me but it's obviously whatever you get used to.