Rudy1922

Is this for people that refuse to learn how to use a baitcaster? It might be easier because there wouldn't be any backlashes?

Check out this reel.

Sounds like a bad habit. I'll stop doing it and thanks for the advice.

I noticed 2 days ago that I thumb the spool of my baitcaster while setting the hook. When I start my sweeping hook set I let the drag start to work and by the end of the hook set I'm thumbing the spool. I then take my thumb off and let the drag take over. I never noticed it until now. Bad Habit? Does anybody else do this? Will this damage my reels?

It's getting hot over here, high 90s and sometimes higher. I usually throw a Carolina rig, jig and Senkos when it starts to get hot but I was wondering if anybody uses a Keitech Swing Impact Fat? I had some success using them in cover but now I'll be fishing in open water. How well do they work during the summer in open water conditions?

I plan on throwing a lot of Carolina Rigs during the summer and I was looking at the Champion 764C. I like to use 1/2 oz. weights, sometimes 3/4 oz, but I don't know if that's heavy enough to load the rod. Could somebody tell me how it would cast with those weights? I was using my DX745C but I think it's better suited for 1/2 oz. Jigs. I know they make a 804C "Carolina Riggin' Special" but 8 feet seems way too long. Storing and transporting it seems like it would be a hassle.

I've decided to start using the Fat Ika. I have a Dobyns Champion 734 that isn't really doing anything right now, so I thought i would use it with the Fat Ika. I was casting it in the backyard today and liked the tip for casting the Fat Ika but I remembered people saying they were having problems with hook sets. Is the tip on the 734 too slow for the Fat Ika? I use 30 lbs braid and 4/0 hooks.

Thanks so much for the side by side test. Sounds like you really like the CI4+'s SVS braking system. I got my CI4+ down to 2 brakes and 1 on the dial today. It casted farther with less effort but I had to really focus on using less effort. I had a couple small backlashes because I was casting too hard but after awhile I got use to the adjustment. I also used my Chronarch 201 E6 and got it down to 2 brakes. It also had an increase in distance but it was a little more difficult to control. I'm also surprised by your results today. It sounds like the SVS braking system is better than the VBS. I have one question. I always thought you had to "balance" the brakes but you are only using one brake?

I don't know if this makes a difference or not but I loosen my tension control knob until there is a slight side to side movement in the spool. I do this to all my reels.

3/8 oz. is the lightest I've thrown on a bait caster. Maybe your right about practicing with the 50 E. I've stopped trying to improve my casting. I reached a certain level, left the brakes where they were and just became comfortable. I'll try to "push it" tomorrow.

I use 3 brakes on the 50 E. I use 2 brakes and adjust the dial anywhere between 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 (depends what I'm throwing) on the CI4+

ok that's 1 for the core.

I have a Dobyns DX742C coming from Valley Sports, he gave me a good price. I'm going to use the rod for Senkos and 1/4 oz. shaky heads. I was going to test my Chronarch E 50 and Chronarch CI4+ (both with 20 lbs braid) on it to see which one I like best. Then I thought I should look at the Shimano Core 50MG, since this is going to be my last bait caster for a while. I have some questions about the Core. Is it really better at throwing lighter baits than the Chronarch E 50 & CI4+? Now that the CI4+ is here, is the Core old news? I guess it's going to come down to which braking system I like better for lighter weights. The CI4+'s SVS or the Core 50MG and Chronarch E 50's VBS.

Thanks. I'm so glad I bought a kayak and I'm off the bank.

I've never used a swimbait before, maybe I'll give them a try.