Bait cast starter

ssd0904 · August 03, 2012, 01:36:37 AM

Hey Guys.

So I'm just trying to get started on some baitcast fishing.

I've been fishing for bass for about 2yrs and I have 2 spincast sets.

I haven't tried hard baits only worms

My point is, I'm gonna only use soft worms on my spincast, and when I get a new baitcast set, I'm only gonna use hardbaits on it.

So Im expecting maybe about 300~500 dollars for a set. I know that the range is big but then if there is a set that is outstanding compared something more expensive, I'm willing to pay 500 for that.

But then, what i'm looking for is the quality for price. Don't want just expensive things, I want expensive and good things.

So, I really don't care if it's 300 or 500, but what matters is the price to quality.

Basically I'm looking for
-All-round baitcast reel+rod exclusively for hardbaits(I realized that you need different rods for frogs and stuff, but just the rod that can do everything is fine. It doesnt need to be specified for anythng)
-Quality great for its price
-easily buyable online

I thank ya guys in advance.

bassbmx · August 03, 2012, 03:39:15 AM

First off, welcome to UB!

You do not want to spend $500 for your first baitcaster. You are just learning and you don't need anything near this expensive. I would recommend a combo under $200. Instead of a round reel you might want to look into a low profile baitcaster. They will cast easier and are a lot more comfortable while fishing. A Shimano Caenan is a great reel for under $100. I would recommend a 7'2" MH Powell Diesel rod. This is a great all-around bass combo that can cover a lot of techniques for only $80.

Also, I was wondering why you only want to use hardbaits on the baitcaster and not worms? Most people also throw soft plastics on baitcasters too unless they are under 1/4 ounce. A spinning combo is the best option if you want to throw lighter baits such as finesse worms.

Good luck!

ssd0904 · August 03, 2012, 04:12:12 AM

Hey, thanks for the response.

I honestly don't know why I only want to throw plastics on spinning, but I have a feeling that baitcaster's only for hardbaits? I honestly don't know what i'm sayng so imma throw one more question.

What's the benefit of having a baitcast set? Power? Comfort?

I'm buying it cuz every other bass-fishermen have or use it(mostly), but now that I think about it, I don't know why I'm buying it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------IGNORE THE ABOVE

Hey, so I know why I want one: http://www.livestrong.com/article/159091-benefits-baitcast-reel/

I think what I meant is that I have a lot of lighter soft baits and can cover most of where I go with my spinning set, so I was gonna use bait casts exclusively for hard baits. Of course, there will be times when I need heavier setups for plastics, but I want to kinda separate the use for both, even though the separation might not be absolute. I just don't want both setups to cross each other's lines and get mixed all up.

Furthermore, I realized that there is a lot of difference between rods and reels that are setup for plastics and hard baits. Like it's not too good to use plastics on a crank rod.

I saw somewhere that rods for plastics are kinda more soft? Like the tip is not stiff and they're a bit more sensitive? While rods for hardbaits(especially cranks and stuff) are supposed to be more stiff?

So, I decided if I kinda minimize the varieties of bait to "Hardbaits" instead of "softbaits+hardbaits", then it would be easier for you guys to select me the rod.

bassbmx · August 03, 2012, 04:21:34 AM

Baitcaster's have several advantages over spinning or spincast reels.
1. More cranking power
2. More accurate casts
3. Less line twist
4. More line capacity
5. More casting distance

You can throw anything on a baitcaster, but you should start out with heavier lures because they will be easier to cast for a beginner. Once you start to get good, you can cast almost any lure with a baitcaster. Most people like to throw baits 3/16 oz and under on spinning reels because lighter baits are harder to get distace with and backlash easier, but eventually you can throw baits this small with a well tuned reel.

bassbmx · August 03, 2012, 04:27:19 AM

Sorry ssd0904, my above comment was about your original post. As far as the difference between rods for hard baits and soft plastics there is a difference mainly in rod action. Rods made for soft baits are generally made out of graphite for sensitivity and have faster actions( the rod bends less) for better hook sets. Rods made for hard baits are made out of either fiberglass or graphite and haver slower actions ( more rod bend) so that you don't tear the treble hooks out of a bass' mouth. This means if you're looking for a rod for hard baits you should select one with a slower action like moderate fast instead of a fast or extra fast action.

ssd0904 · August 03, 2012, 04:38:17 AM

Hooa, thanks very much for your detailed answers.

So I know what I'm looking for now.

Since I'm basically gonna use my spinning just for worms, I will try to find some moderate-fast rods for mainly hard baits.

So, do you still recommend the powell+shimano set for this use? Or do you have any other options for me?

Thanks again!

bassbmx · August 03, 2012, 05:11:47 AM

Anytime. I would still recommend the Shimano reel and Powell rod. I've tried many many brands and these two have always been the best to me. Since you're planning on using hard baits only you might want to look at the Powell Max cranking rod, it's a little more expensive but it will have a better action for hard baits.
Good luck!

Diggy_ · August 03, 2012, 05:38:13 AM

Id recommend a bass pro shops combo

Pro qualifier with a 6 ft 6 to 7ft m/h carbonlite

It is about 160 for the combo, readily available, warrantied, easy to use and reliable. Also if there is aBPS close enough you can remedy any problems easily over the counter.

The reel has dual brakes so its easy to make adjustments, the frame is aluminum and the reviews are there. It is also available in different speeds in both retrieves. You would want a 6 ratio for all around or 7 if you want a little more speed for certain techniques.

While that combo that was recommended is good, the powell has no warranty and things do happen, my friend just lost an insert on his rod guide, while I didnt on the same brand rod (abu). If that happened or worse on the diesel, you may be out of luck. The caenan is graphite which matters to some with durability even tho its a good reel. You can actually get these off the shelf in many walmart stores now. Walmart may even have what you need to be honest since they have upgraded many stores if one is close. I did read your online request.

There's plenty of choices and tons of different answers.

ssd0904 · August 03, 2012, 05:56:27 AM

Aight thx guys I think I'll just have to go check out the reels in nearby fishing stores and just get the ones I like.

I just wanted to ask, how's the Lew's tournament pro reel?

Pferox · August 03, 2012, 06:14:12 AM

In general, the faster a tip is the more it flexes, this is important when you are using treble hooks, because they act like a shock absorber to help keep the fish hooked. A fast tip also loads up more and assists in casting in many situations.

A slower tip, usually gives you more sensitivity and allows you to cast heavier baits.

Power is where the "backbone" is found, a medium rod will want to bend more overall, versus a MH or heavy rod.

There is a learning curve with baitcasters, and I have learned that the quickest way to learn is to make that the only rod and reel you will use exclusively until you can cast it comfortably.

A good all around "hardbait" rod is a medium power with a moderate to fast tip, or a medium heavy rod with a fast tip or a technique specific rod.

AMagicianNamedGOB · August 03, 2012, 12:54:39 PM

The Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier would be a great starting baitcaster. It has 2 set of brakes that really help. I dont even have to keep my thumb on it during the cast anymore. A lot of people like the carbon lite as well. And if your only going to use cranks and I assume shallow cranks get a Medium Power rod.

ohio angler · August 03, 2012, 02:15:19 PM

I bought the Abu Garcia Blackmax combo for my first baitcaster and couldn't be more pleased... it has worked for every situation i needed it to, and only costs 70 bucks for the combo

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Dustinb80 · August 09, 2012, 07:12:29 AM

I just started baitcating as well. It took a few days but I think I finally got it down. I bought the Okuma Serrano, then decided I wanted another one and got the Quantum Smoke. So far so good. Havent fished with it yet, that will come saturday morning, but Im excited to see how I do with them. Good luck ssd

greyleg · August 09, 2012, 08:41:43 AM

You're just starting with a BC. Don't try to put too much into it. Take the advise of some of these guys and try all-around gear at first. You have many years to sink your fortune into gear.

Ron Fogelson · August 09, 2012, 10:43:19 PM

Buy a baitcaster that you can afford and that is easy to cast to learn on than save your $$$$ and buy quality reels. If I had all the money back from the cheap junk I bought to replace the cheap gear I woreout and bought quality from the start I'd have saved a ton of money.

Rhixso · August 10, 2012, 01:03:37 AM

Quote from: Ron Fogelson on August 09, 2012, 10:43:19 PM
Buy a baitcaster that you can afford and that is easy to cast to learn on than save your $$$$ and buy quality reels. If I had all the money back from the cheap junk I bought to replace the cheap gear I woreout and bought quality from the start I'd have saved a ton of money.

Words of Wisdom Ron.
I have what seems like a garage full of useless reels and rods. Now all I ever use is my Shimano Curado or Symetre and couldn't be happier. I could use a rod upgrade, but I'm still catching my share. I kind of wanted to go mid to low priced quality gear and figure out my style of fishing before I threw too much money at gear. Might not be a bad idea to do the same. Some techniques I just don't like or feel confident with and others I love. Honestly I feel that the marketing guys at the rod companies have gone a bit too far with all of the specific rods for specific baits. That might be nice for a pro, but it seriously hampers the beginner or weekend warrior with too much confusion.

LgMouthGambler · August 10, 2012, 05:15:26 AM

Try a Shimano Citica on a Sellus MH 6'8 Worm and Jig rod, and some 12# YoZuri Hybrid. That will cover you with the best bang for the buck.

mcateercustom · August 12, 2012, 08:02:37 AM

Does anybody use loomis? I was wanting to get one for worming. Can one rod do worming/spinner/jigs?

BassAssassign · August 17, 2012, 08:55:56 AM

Quote from: mcateercustom on August 12, 2012, 08:02:37 AM
Does anybody use loomis? I was wanting to get one for worming. Can one rod do worming/spinner/jigs?

Yes you can, get 7' MH Fast rod and that will cover it all.

BassAssassign · August 17, 2012, 08:58:17 AM

I have a Shimano chronarch $200 trust me with this reel It is sooooooo hard to backlash and it isnt even expensive. It is so smoooooth that I have to look down sometimes to make sure that the spool is spinning

But trust me Anything Shimano is nice expessically the reels.

Rangerz520 · August 22, 2012, 11:53:20 AM

Quote from: Ron Fogelson on August 09, 2012, 10:43:19 PM
Buy a baitcaster that you can afford and that is easy to cast to learn on than save your $$$$ and buy quality reels. If I had all the money back from the cheap junk I bought to replace the cheap gear I woreout and bought quality from the start I'd have saved a ton of money.

That's the best advice anyone can give in buying new gear. I know from expirence of doing the same thing.