Mike-in-WV

Muddy, That has always been my understanding too. I just got so comfortable with it that it has become my way to cast. Never found any difference by holding it one way or the other but some say that it makes a big difference to them. Mike

When casting with your bait caster how do you like to hold your reel? I have always held mine so that the reels handles are in the air. That's for a right handed reel. It just feels better to me and I seem to have better control. I'm also a one handed caster and never seen much use for two handed casting except for surf fishing. Mike

If I whip my casting reel as hard as I can I will have a birds nest big enough to make an Eagle happy! I like to whip it just a little and follow trough the same each time. That way I'm consistent and my distance and cast is really smooth. Mike

Your right and I never said it wasn't like most others out there but there are some #17-#20 test line on the market today that is strong but softer, thinner and less wiry (spelling?) is that a word? NOW QUIT YELLING AT ME, YOUR SCARING THE FISH AWAY!!! Mike

Maybe you tied a not so good knot,Lol. It could also be that the hooks your using are just more junk from China, Mike

When I was a kid I remember braided line being on all the casting rods and I was really good at making birds nest with it,Lol. Braid has come a long way baby! but it's still not my thing. I'm kind of stuck on this Cajun Red Cast #17 for all my bait casting and #12 on my spinning rods. This stuff is about as hard to break as a steel cable and cast really great! Yes, the #17 is a little stiff but it doesn't seem to hurt a thing. My old Pappy used to say ...."Son, if it ain't broke don't try to fix it" Mike PS Muddy turned me on to some stuff that I'm going to try here shortly just to see how I like it.

There is only one thing I would like to ad to the great suggestions you already got here. Buy a couple of cheap Spiral note pads and ink pen and keep it in your shirt pocket of tackle box. Keep really good notes of what you did that day fishing. Where, what time, what was the temp, cloudy or clear sky, how did the water look, sunny and warm or cool breeze and most important is what lures did you try and how did you fish them. If you caught any fish at all mark it down along with all the above info. It really helps to read back on what worked on a certain day if your going fishing that day and it's just like the day you caught 10 #5 Bass in an hour! When you find that place let us know,OK?, ;D Good luck to you!, Mike

One more question. When you cast two handed do you still turn the rod and reel so the reel handle is up in the air or do you keep it level with the ground? I'm so oriented to casting with the reel handles up and when I tried it two handed I still had to hold it that way. Does it matter? Thanks, Mike

WOW, You guys have me fired up to give two handed casting a little more time and practice to see how it goes.Thanks , Mike

Good explanation and it really makes sense. Thanks, Mike

One hand or two hands for casting a bait caster? Tried two hands for about a half hour and I can't find a reason to continue doing it. It felt alright but it didn't improve or hurt my casting any. You see so many pros using two hands and so many using one hand. I'm sure it's a matter of preference but do some believe that two handed really works best and if so then why? If it will help improve my casting accuracy then I'm willing to try it some more! The only time I ever used two hands was the first time I went surf fishing in Marco Island Florida many years ago with some of the locals.The rods and reels were big and heavy and you needed two hands for control. That's not a problem for the rod and reels I use today. Mike

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Tackle+box+with+wheels&spell=1

Abu Garcia Pro-Max or Silver Max.

Thanks for the heads up Muddy! Good to know. Mike

Muddy, With my two Browning casting rods with Med/heavy/fast I have found there isn't much I can't cast with them and horsing a big pig out of the bushes and Lilly's is not a problem. I have heard that Cabelas rods were really great but wanted to hear from some of you guys. Thanks again, Muddy!, Mike

Do any of you own one of these casting rods or tried one? They sound like a great rod from there description and they sure back it up. Plus I have a thing for anything green Mike

Opinions are like butt holes , everyone has one. Very true!! ;D

Lol, I know the feeling! When I run out of this Cajan Red I'll give the Pro-line a try. Thanks for the info. Mike

Muddy, what is it that you don't like about it? It's not expensive, It cast grate for me, it's defiantly strong, no problem tying knots even with the #17 stuff. It sure doesn't seem to have any bad memories. I just don't know what more you could ask for in casting line. Mike

Gotta tell you guy's, the more I use this Cajun Red Cast the more I love it! After about a month I decided to re-spool with it today even though it probably didn't need it. As soon as I spooled I went out back and gave a try. Beautiful long flawless cast with 1/2 oz. spoon and #17 test. LOVE IT !!! To you guys who don't like it! :)

If you line up the ring with just right where the side opening starts and then using a knife blade spread open the ring and slide it around until it falls off it's easy and fast. You can put it back on the same way just use the knife blade to start it by spreading the ring open.

;D :

Check this guy out and turn up your speakers and listen to the reel when he cast. There is no way I would have my thumb on that spool ;D

Sounds like you have caught the BUG and at a good time. Spring is right around the corner and it seems like you will be ready! Concrats on the great start of a fun way to fish. Mike

Don't know if they make a smaller spool than 300 yards. It's less than $5.00 at Walmart. If you don't like it use it for backup or give it away Mike