LAO162

There seem to be quite a few different types of Rods available for Worms & Jigs. What makes a good worm/jig rod, and what are the different categories. I've seen quite a few mentioned: Worm, Jig, Plastics, T-Rig, Carolina, Senko, Weightless Plastic, etc. Thanks , Leon

Thanks for the suggestions

I'm new to baitcasting and I'm looking for suggestions on what line I should use for practice line. By practice line, I'm thinking one that is less frustrating. It will be going on a Curado 200B. Eventually, most of the lures I throw will probably be in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz. range. Also, how much practice does it typically take to become proficient with a baitcasting reel, i.e. 5 30 minute sessions or 20 2 hour sessions...? Thanks Leon

Seriously, not trying to be wise here Would you still recommend an Avid or Loomis for fishing at an averfished town pond if a lot of that time was done with a live worm and slip bobber? I was just hoping to putter around with a baitcasting setup this year to learn some new skills and maybe as a change of pace from my spinning rod. While I really hope to get serious about bass fishing, the reality is that in the next couple years my time will be quite limited and I will have some other priorities Of course, if you convince me that I need a "deluxe" baitcasting package, I can make my life easier by returning the reel, and then doing it right it a couple years . Plus, I'll have a few bucks to spend on tackle. Cheers!

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'd like to go higher end (I usually end up going with the higher quality option) but I'm trying to be fiscally responsible right now. It helps to know that folks can enjoy fishing without spending a fortune. I still want a G. Loomis though In regards to extremely specific advice, please remember that newbies do not have the experience to pre-determine all their tackle needs, do not know all the techniques they will be using, and may not have scouted their fishing locations. In my case, the only place that I know I will definitely be fishing is an overfished town pond that has no brush around it. I will occasionally be fishing in another lake that is 1.5 hours from home, but it may take me a couple seasons to learn the conditions of the areas where I am allowed to legally fish from shore. I will also be fishing with my 9yo daughter... We may buy a canoe, but we don't know for sure... And, I will consider myself lucky if I do 2 3 hours of fishing per week during the summer. Thus, with all these uncertainties, I was looking for an all purpose rod that is adequate for most purposes and will allow me to learn and experiment this year. I could risk guessing at my needs and get a specific use rod, but might find that with experience it was not appropriate and not the best use of my funds. I'm still leaning towards an inexpensive, general purpose rod for this year. Next year, if I stay hooked on fishing I plan to upgrade substantially Thanks to every for helping to answer the (very) many questions that I have. After all this when I got my bargain Curado home I found some damage inside. So, I'll be talking to Shimano or maybe returning it and saving for the new version. ;D Thanks again!!! Leon

Forgetting Budget and Brand Specific issues, what type of casting rod might be appropriate, i.e. What power, action & length would balance with a Curado 200B?

Raul, you always have great points

Great suggestion Raul. I had already been wondering if I should have it serviced by RM, and even considered having it tuned. But, I might be getting ahead of myself...

Raul, you guys are killin' me ;D My fishing "allowance" is only about $20 week :'( , and I still need to buy tackle (including line) This morning I literally took $2 from the family's state quarter jar to pay the tax on the Curado lol If I get more than 50 hours of fishing in this year, I'll be able to justify a bigger budget next year. So, I'm not in that big of a rush, but if I find a bargain on a rod I'd like to make sure it is appropriate for my needs. Bargains do no good collecting dust in the basement BTW, One of my reasons for thinking about an inexpensive rod is that I can take it camping with the family and not be as upset if something happens to it. Traveling with the kids is already stressful without worrying about a prized rod ;D Also, a two piece rod would be easier to pack in the car. Back to bargains... I'm not very familiar with Castaway, but all of the comments I've seen are positive. Should I keep watching their weekly specials? They are closer to what I'd like to spend. http://www.castawayrods.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SBML610-T3 Thanks!

Will do, that's exactly the type of information I was looking for.

On impulse, I just bought a Shimano Curado 200B. My budget is tapped for a while, so I'm looking for a cheap an inexpensive rod to go with it. Hopefully, I'll find another deal in the next month of two. Being a newbie to baitcasting, I'm also looking for suggestions on uses for the baitcasting setup. This year, I expect my fishing will be leisurely, mostly from shore, and will include panfish. However, I just ordered a medium power spinning outfit for those needs. Here is my current collection: - Ultralight - Shimano Stradic 1000 (quick fire) / Fenwick Eagle 5'0 (circa 1994) 1 pc - Light Shimano Symetre 1000 (quick fire) / Shimano Sensalite 5'6 (circa 1994) 1 pc - Medium Shimano Stradic 2500 / BPS Extreme 6'6 1/8-1/2 oz 4-12lb 1pc My first impulse is to go with a Shimano Clarus CSC66M2 Medium Fast (1/4-5/8oz). I'm thinking that something in this range will work as an all around bass rod. Since I have never really Baitcasting before, I must again defer to collective wisdom of BassResource. Thanks! Leon

Thanks for the help, now I'm on to new questions. Thanks!!

It's a done deal, net cost with tax: $41.45 and a boatload of aggravation. ;D Box was looked ancient, but included: - Reel - Schematics - Warranty Card - Instructions - A small flat wrench Is anything missing? Also, what was MSRP of the 200B - I'm going to have to explain what a bargain it was Now I need to figure out to do with my new treasure. Look out for lots of Baitcasting newbie questions. Cheers! Leon

Went back to Wally World. Waited at the Sporting Goods counter for 25 minutes and had at least 8 people ask me if I work their (just because I was wearing a tie). I went to customer service and learned that they had lost the keys to the counter and could not open it. At least a got a $10 gift card for my troubles. Hopefully it will be there for a day or two longer

My Shimano Stradic / BPS Exctreme Combo should be arriving on Friday ;D

I usually don't think baitcaster, but I've seen Curado all over the forum. Even though it's not the latest version, I thought it might be a good deal Since I'm waiting from my new spinning outfit to arrive, it's hard to justify spending too much more :-/ What else would be needed for an inexpensive BC setup, i.e. ML or M Rod, line and anything else I might not be thinking of. Hope it's still there tomorrow. Thanks!

Passing through Walmart & saw a Curado CU200B on clearance for $49.00. It appears to be in good shape. Would this be a good reel for a BC newbie? I expect that I will be fishing with lighter lures 1/8 to 1/2 oz this year? Thanks Leon

Thanks RW, that's what I have been thinking. I might even make #4 my primary for most of my fishing. Now, I just have to find it locally so I can pick it up and run. I'm afraid if I order on-line from Cabela's I'll end up with a package much bigger than a couple spools of line ;D Leon

Thanks!

Looks like I should definately be moving up if I'm going into heavy cover Any suggestions for "finesse" applications?

Just to clarify spooling...??? - Assuming that reel moves clockwise, with rod facing out the bail would pass under the (reel) spool from right to left - Facing the new spool of line from above, the line would come of the spool clockwise, or the right hand side. - In this case the line would come off the right side of the new spool and go to the (reel) spool on the right side, never actually passing diagonally in front of the reel. Did I get this right? Thanks, Leon

I was thinking about going the other direction. I've never used anything over 8lb. Also, its only a MF spinning out rated 4-12lbs

So I'm going to put Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft #6 on the first spool of my spinning outfit. Other than more YZUS #6, what should I consider putting on the spare spool? Leon

The order has been placed. The Shimano posse has another member ;D BPS website was painfully slow today. It looks as though they are updating it with new specials. I timed out numerous times... Seems like it took hours to order a few additional items. But, I'm patient. I've heard that is a virtue when it comes to fishing Thanks to everyone for their help. Cheers! Leon

On my other thread, it has been virtually unanimous that I look at the Stradic / BPS Extreme combo. The Extreme MF seems to be rated for lighter lures than most of the other mediums. Might be a good place to start. Thanks!!!