Baitcasters Are Not The "REELS FROM HELL"

I often get Anglers in the store that have either had a bad initial experience with Baitcast Reels or have been warned by friends to "stay away at all costs" !

 

It's interesting that in the southern states, mostly because of the type of waters they fish most anglers use baitcast equipment. It's common for a southerner to look at spinning gear as only appropriate for small fish, calling them "yankee sticks". This has changed a lot recently with the advent of finesse fishing, drop shotting and the like, emerging on the pro Bass Tours. 

 

The first question is, "why do I need a baitcast outfit" ?

 

The most common application is for fishing moderate to heavy cover to give one the cranking power to get the fish quickly out of weeds,pads, wood etc.. The other related reason is that they handle heavier lures much better than spinning gear. Medium to heavy crankbaits, spinnerbaits, flipping jigs, heavily weighted presentations such as Carolina rigs are all good applications for a baitcaster.

 

As for casting you will hear differing opinions but casting distances for both spinning and casting are comparable with spinning gear usually being more accurate. Recently manufacturers have been making baitcast reels smaller without compromising cranking power so you will see more anglers using them for finesse type applications such as working tubes and grubs.

One of my favorite applications to use a baitcaster is topwater baits. I feel like I get a better response when I'm "walking the dog" with a topwater lure.

 

The next question is, "how do I not get so many backlashes with baitcast gear" ?

 

Number one is that you will definitely get better with practice. The learning curve is very steep !

 

Next is (and this isn't a sales pitch) , do not get a cheap baitcast reel !  You certainly don't need to get the most expensive either but plan on spending at least $150 on a baitcast reel. The relative performance of baitcast reels is much more evident as you move up in quality than in spinning equipment.. It's interesting that the more inexpensive baitcast reels are probably more effective in the hands of an angler experienced in using them than a beginner.

 

Three tips that in my opinion will make the difference in hating them or getting addicted to them are, always adjust the spool tension (generally the round knob on the side of the reel) when you change the weight of your presentation. To do this you simply push the spool release bar, the lure should fall at a moderate speed and when it hits the ground the spool should stop turning. If it keeps turning and feeds excess line tighten up the tension knob. If the lure drops very slowly or not at all, loosen off the tension knob as it will reduce your casting distance. You should also tighten up the tension knob when you're casting into the wind. The next tip is, regardless of how well your reel is adjusted always "thumb" the spool just before your bait hits the water. The last tip is going to sound familar to golfers and ball players, "don't try to kill it". In other words don't try to make that mile long cast. It will very often result in a nasty backlash.

 

Once you catch on to using a baitcast outfit you will look for excuses to use it. For some reason I feel like I'm in more direct contact with my lure when I'm using a baitcaster.

 

When you're ready to take the "plunge" come into the store and we'll go through some options with you until you're comfortable with a "fit".

 

Until next time....WHEN IN DOUBT...SET THE HOOK !!!!!

Just starting out? Not sure what gear you need? Read my post on Getting started