Baitcaster

[goodtimes]

New to baitcasters and wondering what the best way to learn how to use one and any suggestions on which one to buy?(moderately priced)


thanks

[milehighbassin]

The best way to learn to cast a baitcaster is trial and error. You're going to have a lot of backlashes at first but as you start to get the hang of them, you'll learn to love them. Just remember to start slow; keep the spool tight at first and keep your thumb on the spool. Then you can start gradually loosening up the spool to get greater casting distance as you start to get the timing down.

A really good baitcaster for $50 is the Quantum Inferno, sold at Dick's. I have two of them, and they've worked really well for me.

[roth2000]

One other thing that I would like to add is that it is easier to learn when you are casting a heavier lure, that way you only need to thumb it when it reaches the end of the cast. Also don't try to seriously fish with it your first few times because the backlashes can be frustrating and also cost you a lure or two. Best bet is to go to some sandy pond and just start casting and then fish once you have the hang of it.

[tal0362]

I think the Swedes make a great reel, either the bait casters c3-c5 or the spinning 503 aluminum frame 10 bearing. Strong reels, good drags, last forever
Set the line tension to slowly drop with the bait (the one you are casting) when the rod is held level. Make a long smooth casting motion with your whole arm...

[work2fish]

There have been a few prior posts about using baitcasters, so you may want to try a search of the forums. I also like those Abu Garcia reels and have a couple of them that I use most often for trolling. I've been using Shimano low-profile reels for most of my casting and they are great, too. I still get a rat's nest about every 20th cast, but they are easy to untangle if you carefully pluck the loops out while pulling the spool backwards.

Good luck,

I triple the Swedish reels - they do it right. I have a 5500, a 6500, a 6500 with a line counter, and another older reel (I think it's a 5500 as well but can't remember). I also have a Shimano (Catala?) which doesn't have a drag system on it worth beans and needs to be sent back. And an older low profile bait caster that hasn't seen use in a while.

For trolling, I've got a Penn Jigmaster and a Beachmaster. Penn is the only other reel I'd compare but they are made more for saltwater than freshwater. I also have a Cabela's trolling reel that rarely sees use as well.

[Neal/CO]

Another vote for the Swedes! The C4 is a good reel for the money!

[McFish]

Just go in your back yard and practice with lead sinkers of various sizes. My buddy did this before his first bass fishing trip and he did pretty darn good on the lake.

[earplug]

You can buy soft rubber practice casting plugs. I let the neighbor kids use my older gear using the practice plugs, or cut the hook off a jig head and put on a old tube jig. They won't ding a car or home window.

My five year old is getting real good with his spincaster.

[goodtimes]

Has anyone tried the BPS extreme baitcaster? On the website it has a lot of really good reviews