What baitcaster do I use?

 

All of them.

 

The bait monkey can confirm.

 

I use Lew's reels exclusively. I turn off the centrifugal brakes and the magnetic brakes. I use only my thumb to control the spool just like I was taught as a kid.

 

I can get away with this because the vast majority of my casts are 40-50'. 

1 hour ago, bowhunter63 said:

My old Round abu ‘s and my thumb I know I’m old 

this...

Baitcaster. What do you use?

Quantum Tour PT's in 150 & EVO's 200 sizes

Shimano Calcutta 200D's and Bantam MGL A 150's

Daiwa Tatula Elite's.

So a bit of variety I guess.

A-Jay

Shimano metanuims 

On 11/4/2024 at 11:18 AM, bulldog1935 said:

I thought we had this problem solved with JDM Zillion.  

 

ok, I use a lot of other baitcasters because they're fun, but the reel above is genius in its simplicity - set it on the lightest thing you plan to throw, and go fishing - the brake design takes care of the rest.  

 

Not trying to derail the thread, so apologies in advance, but you seem like the Daiwa guru on here. What’s the difference as far as brakes between the zillion and the steez a2? 

On 11/4/2024 at 9:55 AM, LootyDjibouti said:

In my opinion you're likely overthinking it a bit. It's about taking the time to learn how to use whichever you use. Good news - there is no wrong choice. 

As both (or even a combination of them) are used in baitcasters then suffice to say both work. So with repeated practice and use you will understand how they function. You will develop muscle memory. 

I just started fishing several years ago. My first baitcaster was a Shimano SLX (centrifugal). I've since bought Daiwas with magnetic brakes. I still use both regularly. Again JMO, but I think you'll find the difference isn't as great as you might think. It's more about just learning how to cast a baitcaster in general. Controlled cast, thumb on the spool, apply pressure and especially just before lure hits the water. I learned everything from YouTube and practice, practice, practice. 

Is it nice having a 20-way adjustable dial on the outside of the reel to adjust brakes? Yea it is. But I learned on a Shimano that had only 6 little internal pins to adjust and came out just fine. 

What ever do you mean, overthink things. Meeeeee noooooo🙄

 Ok. I’ll admit it. I tend to overthink things.  Trying to figure out the pros and cons of things before dropping money.  

6 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

 

This is what I can do with one...

I think I might give you some strong competition in making bird nest. 
I think I would be a pro in no time. 

I tend to agree with the saying

Kiss… keep it simple 

I don’t know if my fat little fingers will let me thumb the spool like y’all. 
 My little pea brain seems to think that the simple reel brake is centrifugal.