new to baitcasters need advice

[rockbass]

I have been using various spinning outfits all my life. I am going to give a baitcaster a shot. If you had to get only one rod and were going to use it for various different presentations, what length/action would you get? Thanks.

[RobFromFlint]

7ft, Medium Heavy, with a pretty fast tip.

[wolverines]

If you had to get only one rod and were going to use it for various different presentations, what length/action would you get?



I would tell ya to get a 6'6" M, fast action...I believe that set-up would be the most versatile for an angler trying to use one rod for as many applications as possible. Kind of a happy medium as far as rod lengths, power, and actions are concearned...

[DaveW731]

I would tell ya to get a 6'6" M, fast action...I believe that set-up would be the most versatile for an angler trying to use one rod for as many applications as possible. Kind of a happy medium as far as rod lengths, power, and actions are concearned...

:yeahthat: I fish with 3 baitcasters of differing lengths/actions and this is the rig that gets used 75% of the time.

[sfw1960]

I have been using various spinning outfits all my life. I am going to give a baitcaster a shot. If you had to get only one rod and were going to use it for various different presentations, what length/action would you get? Thanks.
I have 6 , 6.5 and 6' 10" NO 7's ATM - the 6' 10" is probably the fav.
I'll have a 7' soon.
:D

MH Fast tips are good

[Jnamo]

How tall are you? If you are 5'10"ish or taller then I would go with the 7' MH. If you are a bit stunted, a 6'6" might be better. Also, if you fish from shore I would go with the shorter rod due to snagging trees and such.

It is easier to fish Jerkbaits with the shorter rod if you are shorter. You don't want to be hitting the water or the boat while "working it."

My 7' MH gets abused.

Good luck!

[ESOX]

I don't have a caitcaster on the boat thats under 7'. Big water, long casts, the ability to move a lot of line on the hookset etc...... Short rods are for wading little rivers.:)

[RJSwirlz]

If it's your first time using a baitcaster, my biggest advice would be to make sure you purchase a higher quality reel. The rod advice that everyone gave was great, my concern would be what type of reel you are using since you definitely get what you pay for when purchasing baitcasters. If you try learning on a $30 baitcaster, it can get frustrating in a heartbeat since you'll be spending more type picking at the spool instead of fishing. I think quantum and shimano are both still running rebates for their mid-high range reels for a few more days. Good luck.

[FishKilla419]

I have found the better the reel the easier the casting is( especially when spooled with power pro). The above mentioned rods are good choices. I prefer the 7'. The biggest thing for me is having a longer rear cork. I like a good amount of cork between my hands at least 7"-8". It really makes a difference in my casting (distance & accuracy).

[Big Papa Pump]

I agree with the 7ft MH fast action rod. And also would recommend getting a better reel to learn with.
Just my 2 cents

[Jnamo]

The big bad boody daddy...

http://www.kowloonrestaurant.com/scrpbook/pics/steiners.jpg

Welcome to the boards Big Papa...

Give a shout out to all the freaks out there!!!

[Jnamo]

By the way...Good advice on the reel. Don't skimp out. It will only frustrate the heck out of you.

Once you learn, you will get rid of all those spinners!!!

[RobFromFlint]

By the way...Good advice on the reel. Don't skimp out. It will only frustrate the heck out of you.

Once you learn, you will get rid of all those spinners!!!
Very true.

Just don't try to muscle the cast, Rockbass. Let the rod load and work for you. Practice alot if you have the room, 80ft should be plenty of space starting out. Just set your centrifugal brake tight starting off.

[Jnamo]

Just don't try to muscle the cast, Rockbass

Don't let Big Papa Pump hear you talking like that...


:D

[svw99ta]

I am 5'11" and I hate my 7 ft bait cast rod, which is MH. I just picked up 2 6'6" MH rods and I prefer these by far.

[RobFromFlint]

I am 5'11" and I hate my 7 ft bait cast rod, which is MH. I just picked up 2 6'6" MH rods and I prefer these by far.


I'm 5'10" and love my 7 footer. All personal preference, if it works and feels comfortable to you, use it. Confidence is the key. If you have faith in your equipment, that can be a bigger advantage then a $20 plug, $400 rod or that $650 baitcast reel with the computer chip in it.

[waterfoul]

I am 5'11" and I hate my 7 ft bait cast rod, which is MH. I just picked up 2 6'6" MH rods and I prefer these by far.

I'm "only" 5'8" and I'll take that 7 footer from you if you don't want it!!

All my baitcasters (I think I fish 7-8 of them consistantly) are technique specific (worming, jigs, spinnerbaits, cranks, etc...) and they vary in length and action.

BUT, the most all around rod you can start with would be a 6'6" MH fast tip rod with a GOOD reel stuck on the business end. Put Power Pro on it and nothing else and you will learn quickly and will LOVE your combo.

And spinning reels/rods have their uses for sure, I'll never be without several on my boat.

[fishinthed]

Ambassadeurs are also exceptional, not horribly expensive baitcasting reels. Even the old ones -- which you can get for pretty good prices on Craigslist or Ebay -- are excellent. Just make sure the old ones have been well kept, preferably with a money-back guarantee if purchased from Ebay or bring an experienced bait caster along to check it out if buying from a Craigslist ad.