Rod & reel recommendation

[Doublegun]

I am looking for a recommendation for a bait-casting setup to use for bass and pike. I have spinning gear but no bait-casting reels. Also, I believe that reels are built to handle a range of bait sizes and I am looking for versatility.

Thanks,

[Bailipanga]

I'm a pflueger guy when it comes to reels. They are affordable and durable. You can usually get a new one on ebay for way less then retail. Right now they have a bunch of supremes going for that $80 range...these reels retail for $179...they are a great reel since they have the double brake system. As for a rod I'd say a 6'6" or 7" MH one piece, for a nice starter rod, look at st croix triump series, they are nice and won't brake the bank...Around $60. That's just my 2 cents.

[kmoney14]

I would stick with spinning reels, unless you are experienced with using them. Just my opinion but I think that they are a real pain with the backlashing, and you can cast farther with spinning reels are atleast I can. Pfluegers are my reel of choice.

[waterfoul]

I would stick with spinning reels, unless you are experienced with using them. Just my opinion but I think that they are a real pain with the backlashing, and you can cast farther with spinning reels are atleast I can. Pfluegers are my reel of choice.


Once you learn to throw a baitcaster correctly (took me a couple weeks...) you can throw a bait a lot further with it than on a spinning reel. It's all about set up... rod, line, bait.

[Doublegun]

I would stick with spinning reels, unless you are experienced with using them. Just my opinion but I think that they are a real pain with the backlashing, and you can cast farther with spinning reels are atleast I can. Pfluegers are my reel of choice.

Well, my father's fishing buddies nicknamed him "Backlash" so I can appreciate the need to learn how to use a baitcasting reel. That begs the next question: are some reels easier to learn on than others?

[waterfoul]

higher end reels are better to learn with than any bargain reel, and that's a fact. With batcasters you really do get what you pay for.

[Bailipanga]

higher end reels are better to learn with than any bargain reel, and that's a fact. With batcasters you really do get what you pay for.

Totally agree..I tried the cheaper ones and about gave up then got a trion and man what a difference. I still like my trions but my supremes are even nicer and eaiser to dial in..I can dial them in to where I can not even thumb it and get no backlash.

[Flash]

Just my very limited .02 worth...

After learning about the basics of fishing and graduating from closed face underspin and spincast reels, I now throw rear drag spinning reels. I picked up a David Fritz (approx $80) bait caster and initially had 30# powerpro on it. I couldn't cast it 20 yds without backlash. And braid backlash can get pretty tangled. Switched to 17# mono, and can now cast without backlashes - but not nearly as far as my spinning set ups. I will continue to practice with the bait caster, but nearly all my fishing is done on spinning gear - as it is easier for me and simply more enjoyable. I literally spend all my fishing time throwing baits. I do not have the patience for still fishing or jigging etc. I need to be thrwoing and retreiving something - or I'm bored. Spinning gear is the ticket for me. Pike, bass, bluegills - they don't seem to mind getting caught on spinning gear. :coolgleam

[jigworm]

It takes time to develope the timing and "educated thumb" necessary to get some distance without the backlashes. Start a little heavey on the brakes and back them off as you gain confidence. The less brakes, the longer the distance. I use abu c4s, abu records and a quantim accurist pt and have few problems anymore, even casting into a light wind. I agree that the higher end reels are much easier to learn with. Don't go cheap when buying a baitcaster.

[AMAS77]

For casting larger baits I definately say go with a baitcaster. A longer heavy action st. coix covers a large range of baits for me. As far as reels go if it doesent say curado on it i dont need it. I have many others, they are sitting on a shelf. As jason says, keep it simple.

[Doublegun]

Looked at the Curados on BP's website. Now - which one? (Line capacity and recommended weight of lure).

[bassdisaster]

Talk to any dedicated saltwater/TUNA guy, they dont even use antibacklash equipped reel's,
And yes they cast with them, I had an education on the water 1 day, This club guy/saltwater guy outcast me by some 40 ft with my own gear on freespool, and no backlashes! OMG!
Im still a little stunned, as I still havent gotten to that point, but my backlash settings are almost always set low, be care full if you pick up 1 of my rods, lol


BD

[waterfoul]

Looked at the Curados on BP's website. Now - which one? (Line capacity and recommended weight of lure).


I'd go with the CU200E7. It's slightly smaller than the 300 series and fits the palm better.

[Doublegun]

Thoughts?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102964____SearchResults

[waterfoul]

Not a bad set up for sure.

[sfw1960]

Once you learn to throw a baitcaster correctly (took me a couple weeks...) you can throw a bait a lot further with it than on a spinning reel. It's all about set up... rod, line, bait.
TRUE . true ......VERY true.
Thoughts?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102964____SearchResults

If you're going to toss cranks a lot - the E5 would be better as the 7:1 makes it hard to work a crank at it's optimum triggering speed - now spinnerbaits & buzzbaits are another story.
The E7 then.
The Citica is a great reel - but if you want to throw light baits also - skip it.
I'm a bit of a Shimano fan-boy myself - so I'd skip the BPS rod & get a nice Shimano rod to match that reel WITH a life time warranty.
:coolgleam

Robert