9 replies to this topic

[Kabar]

Hi everyone.
My 1st post

So I'm new to fishing (bought my 1st rod a year ago)

I have 2 spinning rods, 6'6 with reels....Shimano Spirex RG 2500 and Shimano Sahara 1000.I fish only during summer..and I love it.

I'm curious is there any sense to buy a baitcasting rod and reel... I think I would like it...but not sure....problem is I don't know anybody who is fishing with baitcasting gear.....so cant try.

Another story is that I'm fishing maybe 10-15 times/year only during the summer, and as far as I know to ''master'' the baitcasting needs some time....and idea to spending like 300$(Abu Revo and some rod) and then spending my fishing time with line problems is not funny.

Thank you.
please help the newbie to decide.

[ChrisAW]

You can spend much less than that and still have an effective baitcast outfit. Although most every one of my reels are $100+, I do own an Abu Garcia Black Max and its done its fair share of work among the rest of my combo's, and I don't regret it one bit. Is if my favorite? No. But I would buy one again.

I'd say pair the new Black Max with a Vendetta, which you could possibly find both for around $100 total on sale, I'd say you'd be set.


But when you ask does it make sense? That depends. Do you like fishing heavy jigs, or creature baits? Flipping and pitching can be done with a spinning reel just fine, but I find it to be MUCH easier with a BC combo. Have a lot of problems with line twist and have a love/hate relationship with your spinning reels (Like me), then yes, you may like having a bait caster.

There's a lot of factors to take in and it will depend from person to person, but I personally believe that fishing with bait casters can make you more efficient.

[Kabar]

Thank you for answers.
yes I'm aiming for Vendetta.....but I think ( but still read a lot)...will stick with Revo STX...read that it has most beginner friendly break system

I'm lefty,,,,should I buy reel that has a handle on the right side of the reel I guess...( hold spinning rod and cast using left hand).....as I see I want be able to change side of the handle on the reel as on my spinning reels....so better ask

[Kabar]

taking a look at :
Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris...a bit cheaper then Revo STX.... but still dual breaking system and 10 bearings.

[NBR]

Most bait cast equipment in the mid price tange is pretty darn good. The problem with switching from spinning gear to bait casting is the practice needed with the bait caster. I prefer bait casting down to 1/4 ounce and sometimes to 1/8 ounce. Bait casting light lures are not just a function of the reel but the system. IMO the rod is number 1 followed by the reel and then the line and lure but the governing factor is the skill of the operator. Operator skill is improved by practice.

[smalljaw67]

It is true you don't need to spend $300 dollars on a casting reel to learn with but I do suggest a good one, something in the $120 - $200 range. The reason is simple, it doesn't require a lot of arm movement to get a decent cast with a good reel and that is the number one problem I see with beginners, they try to "throw" the lure like you do with a spinning reel and the end result is a mess. There are a ton of things written about setting brakes and all that you can find to help you get started but the main thing is get good equipment and use less arm. I don't want to offend anyone, but I fished with a friend who has an Abu Silver Max, it is ok but that is for someone experiened, to someone starting out I wouldn't even consider it and the reason is the same with most value priced reels, in order to get good casts you need to really lay off the brakes as the free spool isn't great and that is a backlash waiting to happen for a new angler, the better reels have much better spool start up and free mode so extra brakes help with the backlash but it still lets you get a little distance. I also recommend practicing for a few hours in your yard or where ever you can besides on a body of water as you don't want to go fishing and spen a day frustrated insted of enjoying. Todays reels are more user friendly than what I had to learn with 30 years ago but there is still a learning curve, if you are willing to spend a few hours practicing it will help you become a more well rounded angler but there are a lot who are completely comfortable using nothing but spinning and thats ok too, but just the fact you are wondering about casting tells me you want more out of fishing and you have come to the right place.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The answer to your question lies in what your goal is. Just to catch some fish on those few days a year you're fine with what you have. If you want to expand and grow into the sport some more mastering both spinning and baitcasting equipment enhances the overall experience IMO. The STX is a fine reel and will hold up well. As stated, there are lower priced quality reels that will meet your needs if cost is a concern. There are plenty of posts, articles and videos on the site here to get you started. Good luck and enjoy!

[TomB]

I am new to using a baitcaster this year so I understand your situation.
I bought an Abu Pro Max reel and an Abu Vendetta rod with 50 lb Suffix Performance braid and it is extremely easy to cast. Set it up as everyone suggests and have had zero backlashes so far. Runs so smooth my thumb on the spool is almost not needed. It just works perfectly even when i throw a long cast.
Have been using jigs and crankbaits therefore no real light stuff where my thumb will be ready.
Important to use about 50 lb braid or a comparable thickness mono or flouro so the line doesn't dig into itself on the spool.
I also bought a BPS Carbonlite rod/reel combo plus 50 lb suffix perf braid. I really like the lightweight but the reel definitely needs thumb control. Not as forgiving as the Abu Pro Max.
The Pro Max is LH reel and the Carbonlite is RH reel. I wanted to find out which i prefer. I am a righty and my initial impression is I much prefer the LH reel. The RH is not a problem but switching hands just seems like wasted energy.
The Abu pro max was about 79 and the Vendetta was about 60 and the braid 20.
I fish from a kayak and really like using the baitcasters vs a spinning reel. I could cast the BC with a glove on and the spinning not so well. I don't like the rotating bail hitting my lap constantly etc.
Good luck!

[LgMouthGambler]

I think a BPS Pro Qualifier and a Berkley Lightning Rod would be the best for you. Both would be about $150 with the tax. Good quality products that wont fail you. I own both products, so I know they are well woth the $.

[Kabar]

Thank you.
Was near BP store and bought JM signature 6.4-1 .....still in the box....I'm not decided ye t- keep it or not...too many bad opinions (durability issues).