Like you I have used spinning reels my entire life until 2 years ago when I received a baitcaster from a co-worker for free. It opened my eyes up to how far I can cast, accuracy, and control of the rod when fighting fish. The biggest upside to using a baitcaster in my opinion compare using a spinning setup is the distance of casting especially when using large lines like 15 lbs test and up with a heavier action rod. Now I use my baitcaster setups 95% of the time. The only time I use my spinning setups is when I am finesse fishing with light line and no weights. Just make sure when you are learning that you get a decent baitcaster with both a mechanical brake and a magnetic brake. The mechanical brake is standard on all baitcasters. It is the knob next to the crank. I would not buy an expensive one until you have gotten the casting down so you will not waste your money. It is better to spend like $30 and not like it compare to spending around $100. I bought a cheapo Shakespeare baitcaster from Wally World for $24 and it has the magnetic braking system on it. It even has 4 bearings and the instant anti-reverse. It is not as nice as my other ones but for the dollar it is a good starter/learner type.

 

Distance is not as noticable at first but it there. I started out the year with one baitcaster, I had 3 last year but 2 broke, and now I have 5. They make flipping and pitching a heck of a lot easier, plus its a lot easier to get the lure into the water with minimal commotion. I prefer rods on the heavier action side with more back bone, so using a baitcaster with them is pretty much a must.

 

About 10 years ago I started using baitcasters. Another benefit I see and I have never heard mentioned is the following:
I can rapid cast all day long with a baitcaster and my arm is fine. If I cast a spinning outfit even for a short period, my arm starts to hurt. I do not know the mechanics of this. I do notice a teenager I sometimes take with me who fishes alot, will lay down his spinning outfit after a couple of hours when trying to match me cast for cast when I am using my baitcaster.

 

Buy the nicest, most expensive one you can afford. It just takes a day or 2 to learn to use it. The more expensive ones generally have better parts, tighter tolerances, more bearings, etc. Besides, if you drop a hundred or so you WILL force yourself to learn to use it.

 

About 10 years ago I started using baitcasters. Another benefit I see and I have never heard mentioned is the following:
I can rapid cast all day long with a baitcaster and my arm is fine. If I cast a spinning outfit even for a short period, my arm starts to hurt. I do not know the mechanics of this. I do notice a teenager I sometimes take with me who fishes alot, will lay down his spinning outfit after a couple of hours when trying to match me cast for cast when I am using my baitcaster.

I noticed that my arms gets pretty tired from ripping out all of those rats nests I get in my baitcaster. But that was along time ago.

Buy the nicest, most expensive one you can afford. It just takes a day or 2 to learn to use it. The more expensive ones generally have better parts, tighter tolerances, more bearings, etc. Besides, if you drop a hundred or so you WILL force yourself to learn to use it.

That is some good advice...

 

I still use both. Depends on what I'm throwing with it. Pitching and flipping I use a caster. If I'm using spinners or plastics...anything that requires a contant motion, I use spinning.

I would recommend buying a used high end baitcaster from ebay. $50-$75.
Reason being, if you don't like it...you aren't out $150. A friend of paid about $170 for a Shimano Curado and realized bait casters weren't for him.

You get what you pay for with reels. Don't buy a bait caster from wal-mart for $30 and expect it to be the same as a $150 one. There is a HUGE difference. This is why I suggest buying a high end used one.

(Pssst...Shimano is the best

 

I just suggested the cheap one just so you can throw it around and see if it is really for you. Once you know that it is then I would highly recommend a more expensive one for the reasons mentioned. A more expensive one overall has better build and quality to it and the braking system is a lot better. My $30 Shakespeare is smooth and all but it is not as smooth as my Abu Garcia's or Bass Pro casters. It does not have that free floating type feel when reeling in the line.

 

Thanks for the advice....but if I was looking on E-Bay what would be some good models to look for would any of the Daiwa Procasters work?

Like this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Daiwa-PR100...250039492515QQihZ015QQcategoryZ108153QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250039492515


Thanks,
Shive

 

That reel is nice. It has the magnetic control, 8 bearings, instant anti-reverse, and its got a high retrieve gear ratio. The only thing is that you just do not know how it feels in your hand without being able to hold it and play with it. Maybe someone on the board has one and can give you a good feedback on it.

 

Has anyone used one of these baitcasters? An ebay post said they are designed to be like the Curado. I am a shimano diehard, and don't use anything else for spinning reels, but I would like to give a casting reel a try and thought if this one was nice, I could test it out and then get the real thing later on if I like it. What ratio do you guys like for smallie cranks?

 

Modern baitcasters are very easy to learn to use. You should be able to learn in about five minutes. If you adjust the brake correctly you can cast all day without a backlash. One suggestion though is don't use the modern braided lines until you learn how to cast it well. Once you get a backlash in one of these lines it is almost impossible to get it out.

 

Here is what you do. Go to Bass pro and test one out. If it feels nice, find it on Ebay cheaper and buy it.

On baitcasters, you have to train your thumb to stop the line before the bait hits the water. You can backlash with the brake at 100% if you don't know what you are doing. I have used baitcaster's for years and still every once in awhile I will backlash a bit. It's all in the throw and stopping the line. Also, avoid overhead casts. Come from more of a side angle. Not 100% side arm, but like an in-between from overhead and side. It's hard to explain, you will just have to practice a bit. But it's well worth it IMO.

Don't worry as much right now with the ratio. 5.2.1 will be fine for just about any type of bass fishing.

Diawa, Shimano, Abu...they all make compariable reels. I prefer Shimano over the rest. To me they just seem to be better built and suit me the best.

*Tip: When first learning to use a baitcaster, don't worry about distance. Some people here they cast further and try to launch it as far as possible. You will make a nice bird's nest that way. Throw a plug about 30 feet at first. As you get more comfortable, toss it further and further.

Hope this helps.

 

Hi all, I wanted to thank you again for your help and advice. I ended up buying a DAIWA I wanted to get the OKUMA VSL200 but it was more than I wanted to spend at this time. So I think I got what I wanted in terms of features vs price, it will be interesting trying to learn new skills. That's it for now heres the reel I bought. DAIWA PR100HL

Thanks Again,
Shive

 

Good deal and i know some guys that have those reels and are very happy with them. Its always fun learning and then you still mess up now and then. I have one i have to reline now as i made a slight modification to the reel and it went a little faster than i anticipated and balled up. But now i know what to expect and can get that extra distance i was looking for once i put some line back on it.

 

Just a small tip for you. Whenever you decide to take your baitcaster out for a try leave all of your other reels at home. If you take them you will want to use them if you start having troubles. The best way that I learned how to use a baitcaster over 10 years ago was doing this. Make sure you throw something heavy enough and don't try to whip your lure really hard until you get a good feel for what your doing. Nice fluid motion and its all about the thumb. Baitcasters are much nicer for a lot of applications and you will be hooked once you get the feel for it. Just don't get frustrated with it too soon, and a take something you can pick at the line with without putting a nick or kink in the line. Try loading up with 8/30 or 10/40 power pro. I'll never switch back from it, very low memory compared to something like fireline and casts great. The feel of a baitcaster with braided line is just a cut above the rest. Good Luck and enjoy.

 

Both reels are good for diferent things. Light baits=spinning I also do not put anything heaver than 10lb line on a spinning reel. I use a baitcaster 90% of the time. The casting distance will come with practice and a longer rod. A two hand overhand cast with a baitcaster, 7' rod and crankbait will go a long way once you have the feel of your reel. Start practicing with the tension tight to prevent backlash, losten slightly as you get the feel.
If you cast with your right hand, I sugest you buy a left hand retrieve reel so you don't have to switch hands after evry cast. This also leavs the rod in your strong hand for setting the hook, and fighting the fish. I made this switch a few years ago and it made me better. I still keep a few of the right hand retrieve reels to switch to if my sholder get tired from deep cranking all day.