New to baitcasting - any pointers appreciated

[wrdjackson]

Hey guys,

So in a surge of seredipity, I happened to pull a canadian tire flyer of the top of the garbage at work (bored) and the first page I turned to had their fishing specials, specifically baitcasting combos. I am relatively new to angling, but have taken a great interest into it in the past few years, and have been interested in a baitcasting setup to complement the spinning setup I already have. My spinning setup is a shakespeare medium action alpha rod, with a quantum optix (30r?) spinning reel with 10 pound mono. I have had good success with that setup, but as I am a student and live downtown toronto, I fish from shore 95% of the time. I have read that baitcasting reels are great for really launching crankbaits, and I figured a further cast would give me more area coverage and hopefully bump my chances of landing some bigger fish. The setup I got is an x-rap baitcasting setup (reg. $99.99, on sale for $49.99) I havent been able to find too many reviews, but I figure its a good price to get started with, and i can upgrade my reel in the future if I feel the need. My question now is, what kind of line to use (i was thinking moss green spider braid, 20lb test) and if there is anything I should know before going out and learning the reel. I have been watching many tutorials online, and will bring my spinning setup on my excursions if im having too much trouble, but i figured any help from the community would very helpful, specifically because many of us fish the same area and may know some situational knowledge. I will be sure to post reports of my fish action and learning curve (got some x-raps the other day that im dying to use)

thanks everyone!

 

[GBW]

I would like to say go with 17+ LB mono to learn how to cast. Trying to pull a birdsnest out of braid and keeping most of the line isn't an easy thing to do. Go to youtube and search "baitcasting 101" and watch it over and over. Learn to use your thumb to prevent line over-run. Also, a good trick is tape on the line. cast out as far as you can, then pull 20 YDS off and put some tape on the line to it's less of a birdsnest to pull apart.

 

[Porter86]

Thanks wrdjackson for posting this. Im getting a baitcasting rod n reel soon, and this will be a very knowledgeable thread for me as well

 

[Spinninreel]

The main keys are when you cast, as soon as it hits the water, put you thumb on the spool to stop it, and to adjust the reel for a proper set up. Most baitcasters have a number of settings - usually a mechanical or magnetic device to help with overspin and a adjustment on the spool that restricts the line from coming off the spool. This break adjustment needs to be set in such a manner that when you let your lure drop (free spool) when it hits the ground the spool should stop turning. Once you have made this adjustment, the experiment with the mechanical/ magnetic limiter to see what works best for you. I hope this helps.

 

[Porter86]

Thats what I was told to do with the fly rod as well lol. I have yet to do so with my fly reel, I just kinda set it everytime I go out. But that is good to know. Thank you!!

 

[Spinninreel]

Hey no problem! Start out with short casts and gradually work into a longer cast. Most of the smaller bird nests, I put my thumb on the spool and reel in a bit and then look for the piece of line that is holding it back and try and pull that piece as far out from the spool as possible.

 

[Porter86]

Sweet. When I get it i will be putting a small egg weight on and just casting on my street for some practice.

 

[Spinninreel]

That is exactly what I did. The neighbors thought I was nuts. I was surprised they didn't see it earlier.

 

[Porter86]

hahahaha...I get the same look from my neighbours when I'm out their with my fly rod as well haha. But i found that Its much easier to cast the fly out on the water rather than the road haha.

 

[stdavidsboy]

If its your first baitcasting reel, get yourself a nice hat, binoculars, and a Peterson's Guide to Eastern Canada because you're going to be seeing a lot of BIRD NESTS!!!

 

[Porter86]

If its your first baitcasting reel, get yourself a nice hat, binoculars, and a Peterson's Guide to Eastern Canada because you're going to be seeing a lot of BIRD NESTS!!!

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH priceless bud!! That was a good laugh I got, I needed it..thank you!!

 

[wrdjackson]

Thanks for the great pointers... I went through quite the learning curve when I first spooled my spinning reel, as I used cheap mono (and probably didn't do it right) so tangles and creative expressions of frustration are covered. Also somewhat related, would anyone recommend a line to use? I was thinking braid, but I usually use steel leaders ( I like the quick lure change, and the waters I fish usually hold pike) is that advisable? Ive got some 20lb mono around I could use as a leader, but I'm admittedly pretty clueless on the terminal tackle side of things. Any thoughts?

 

[chuckles]

i just bought a baitcasting rod real this weekend for my bro (more for me hehe) i put 15 pound power pro on it i have same kind on my other 3 bait casters power pro great line not hard to pull nest out when ya make a mess they do have antirev baitcasters to that cant make a mess btw one i got for my bro is great try as hard ya like it wont

 

[Porter86]

Power Pro is the way to go for line than?

 

[hightechdecks]

be sure to adjust the spool tension every time you change your lure and every half hour of fishing... line should come out smooth but not overspin after touching the water. get a line pick also or you can use a longshank hook to pick out tangles. the casting motion is a full arm motion with a good follow through unlike spinning gear wear you tend to add a whipping action. you dont have to kill it with power the distance comes from the long follow through. after getting thumbing and casting motion down you can lession the spool tension to increase casting range. PS i have tried them for pier casting but heavy onshore wind makes it a tough go. IMO baitcasters are for accuracy more than distance an 8'6' medium spinning with a 3000 series reel spooled with 10-14 lb braid is perfect for pier casting.

 

[hightechdecks]

be sure to adjust the spool tension every time you change your lure and every half hour of fishing... line should come out smooth but not overspin after touching the water. get a line pick also or you can use a longshank hook to pick out tangles. the casting motion is a full arm motion with a good follow through unlike spinning gear wear you tend to add a whipping action. you dont have to kill it with power the distance comes from the long follow through. after getting thumbing and casting motion down you can lession the spool tension to increase casting range. PS i have tried them for pier casting but heavy onshore wind makes it a tough go. IMO baitcasters are for accuracy more than distance an 8'6' medium spinning with a 3000 series reel spooled with 10-14 lb braid is perfect for pier casting.

 

[hightechdecks]

be sure to adjust the spool tension every time you change your lure and every half hour of fishing... line should come out smooth but not overspin after touching the water. get a line pick also or you can use a longshank hook to pick out tangles. the casting motion is a full arm motion with a good follow through unlike spinning gear wear you tend to add a whipping action. you dont have to kill it with power the distance comes from the long follow through. after getting thumbing and casting motion down you can lession the spool tension to increase casting range. PS i have tried them for pier casting but heavy onshore wind makes it a tough go. IMO baitcasters are for accuracy more than distance an 8'6' medium spinning with a 3000 series reel spooled with 10-14 lb braid is perfect for pier casting.

 

[Porter86]

I have a 8' with a 3500 series reel with 30lb braid for peir and cats

Thank you for that info as well!!

 

[Windjamer]

I have always used spinning equipment for my infrequent fishing expeditions. I'm retiring and planning to hit the water a lot more. What are the advantages of baitcasting equipment? There certainly seem to be a lot of good deals around at the moment.

 

[chuckles]

Power Pro is the way to go for line than?

all i use on mine it rocks and btw you can buy baitcater that have anti reverse (wont bird nest ) i bought my bro a set up 190$ i tryed to get it to birdnest it wont do it even hucking my 18 inch muskie lures might be worth looking into