Mike-in-WV

Who said you need to cast a country mile to use a swim bait? Watched a pro the other day on TV fishing swim bates with a 7' rod and a LP reel and slaying big bass. His cast were not more than 50 yards, Mike

Now thats accurate! Mike

Pond Hopper, You got that right! I think if I can drop my plug or jig about a foot away from that stump 25-30 yards away I'm doing good 8-) But I was just wondering what some of the pros do at the distance and accuracy contest. , Mike

Did you get some sand or dirt in it? I would see if you can get to the spring or maybe something else is wrong.If it's fairly new take it back or call the manufacture and see what they suggest. It may be something simple. As far as paying to get it fixed it depends on what the reel is worth. It may be cheaper to replace it, Mike

That would be fun but there are no neighbors walking on sidewalks around here ;D My wife and I live on top of a mountain by ourselves and the closest neighbor is 3/4 mile away. Guess I could try smacking a Bear or Deer on the head with a 1 oz jig as they walk by : On second thought that may not be a good idea either, :)Mike

You may be right but I sure don't know . Thats why I'm asking. I was practicing in the back yard and it got me to thinking about just how accurate are some guys and what is considered really accurate? :)Mike

When bait casting on a calm and clear day what do you call accurate at say 10-20-30-40 yards? Is it being able to drop your lure in a 1' circle at 10 yards and a 3' circle at 40 yards or is that asking to much of most people? What do the pros call accurate or what is the best ever performed?, Mike

Ghost, Haven't tried it on my spinning rods yet but that will be next. From what I have read it works great on either one. There is no reason for it not to. Mike

I'm a firm believer that you can use any bait caster for anything you want if you know how to handle it and depending on the area your fishing. No need to change rod and reels for everything. Mike

The color of the line or a line that does the disappearing act is not my number one criteria in fishing line. The fact that pros and weekend fisherman have been catching record fish for many years before there was such a line is fact. No one has convinced me that more fish are caught at tournaments or by weekend warriors of the fishing world due to them using that special camo line. I could go on and on about the gimmicks used to sell things in the hunting and fishing industry but thats for another day and time. Bottom line is use what "floats your boat", "Lands your fish", "Sinks your bobber" well, you get what I'm saying here. Mike

Anyone know anything about these reels? good, Bad or Ugly ? Anyone know the price.

Mike, I'm glad there is at lest one other person on here who likes "MY" Cajun Red Just-Old-Fisherman, I have read mixed reviews on the lightening Red and thats why I got the Cajun Red Casting. Seems to be allot of people who really love it. If you Google the Cajun Red Casting you will read allot of good stuff about it and about 98 percent good reviews, Mike

This Abu 1003LP I just got yesterday had some Cajun Red on it and it seemed to be maybe #14 or higher. It was casting great but I have no idea how old it is so I had my wife get me some #17 Cajun Red Casting from Walmart this morning. I took off about half a spool of the stuff that was on there and left the rest for backing. Then I spooled on this #17 stuff to within about 1/16 from the bottom ridge on the spool and gave it a try. I re-adjusted the reel brakes and It cast perfectly all afternoon, never had one backlash! We will see how well it works after a day on the river but I really like the way it feels and acts right now. Mike

Thanks Micro!! That really helps. I don't see another screw on there anyplace and the schematic doesn't seem to show anything holding it back either. Think I'll play with it a little more and see what happens. Everything else is working perfectly and I really like the feel of this reel . Casting great with it today too. Feels good!, Mike

Thanks for the advice Sam and I promise I wont tell anyone about the spit shot trick : I already had the real adjust with the magnetic brake and the friction brake just the way you described. I want to adjust it different ways because of switching lure weight when I'm fishing. That part is fairly easy to setup. This was a used real and a gift from someone. It belonged to my wifes friends husband and he died a short time ago. The drag is not working right so I have to play with that. It will not get tight enough. I tried to get that side off but after I removed the screws on the side plate and the handle and drag star I still couldn't get the side plate off. Did not want to force it, afraid of breaking something. Thanks again, Mike

Thanks Skillet! Wish the weather was warmer around here. Cold fingers are not good for casting! :'( Mike

Thanks guys and good tip about the tape. It's been years sense I used a baitcaster but it feels like I'm going to be alright. They are easier now then they were back when I learned from my dear old Dad. Thats back when the reels were made out of wood, . It seems the heavy spoon I was practicing with ( Guessing it's about 1 oz) was much easier then the light lure I had on later this evening. Going to have to really practice with the light weight stuff. Thanks again, Mike

Well I got my free Abu Garcia 1003LP reel about noon today and I placed it on the Browning rod I bought at the garage sale the other day. It has what looks like #17-#20 test Cajun Red on it. Whatever it is it's red and thick!. After playing with the magnetic and friction brake I could see that it wasn't working right and the drag would not tighten up as it should. It's been sitting on a garage shelf for a few years. I oiled everything I could without taking it all the way apart and went out and tried it. The first cast was a disaster with a terrible birds nest. Then I did a few more side armed and easy and that was fine. As I gained a little more confidence and the brakes started working I got everything adjusted and was casting 35 yards with no problems at all!! Been casting for the past two hours and no other birds nest. I'm also getting the rod tip just about over my shoulder and it's still smooth. Had a few loops doing that at first but nothing drastic. Going back out after coffee and going to work on snaps and more accuracy. Thanks for all your help and suggestions guys. As I stated in other threads on here it's been a long time and it feels good to have a casting rod in my hands again. Need allot more practice but I think I will get it down pat by spring.....if I don't freeze to death first Mike

Looking around for info on a casting rod I came across a great site on UTube with short videos on setting up casting reels, how to cast and some real nice vids about several Abu Garcia casting reels that shows how they are built and how they work. Real good info for the newbie or the pro and there are many of them, Mike

One thing I can say for sure, in over 50 years of fishing I have never had a rod come apart on me . That includes, fly rods, spinning,casting and cane poles. I never fished as much or as hard as some of you but it was enough to keep me happy most of the time I was just curious why you don't see more two piece casting rods with the pros. As for not as much feeling in the action I really can't argue that one but I never had a problem feeling the strikes or little taps with a 3 piece fly rod or any of my other rods. I'm sure a pro can pick up on or feel smaller taps than I can and know if it's a fish or a stone or something so you guys, are probably right about that. Thanks for the replies and opinions.,Mike

Makes me wonder if the guy who invented Bait casting reels was left handed ;D Mike

There was a really good discussion about this same question not long ago and here are some great answers and tips from some people on here who are a whole lot smarter them me on this subject :-[ Mike http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1202507107

Whenever I watch the pros I never see two piece casting rods. Is there a reason for this ? I have a couple around here and only one is a two piece. Are they weaker or what ? I have never had a two piece spinning rod break ( except for the one I closed in my truck door) and I have landed some large fish and tree limbs Mike

Thanks guys. I did a little checking and I see that they sell many high end rods ( $100.00 and more) also and it looks like Bass master has them too. Oh well, There was no way I could pass it up and as I said it really feels great. I will try it out today but later, It's 22 out this morning. Thanks again for your help and info, Mike

Micro. It just says....Browning HP Matrix Model # BHP66MHT. It looks and feels well made but I don't know anything about them. Thanks for your info and help, Mike