I have two questions as I am new to this whole thumb thing.

1) Try as I might I cant effectively throw light weights with my rig.  Is it a technique problem or do I need a lightweight  rig for light tackle.  by Light tackle I mean 3/8 oz. or less.  (think 7 inch Rapala floating minnows)

I also have trouble throwing short throws around 25' or less.  I can chunk it 40-80 feet no problems.  If I try to throw short it dives down in a line drive hard.  The only way I can throw short is to put way to much arch on it to be practical anywhere but wide open water.  

I have a BPS Rick Clum combo.  6.3/1 reel 6' MH rod.

:-?

What lure weights is your rod rated for? Most MH rods are rated for weights ranging from 1/4" -3/4 oz. Rapala minnows are not only light weight, but terribly wind resistant. I usually use spinning tackle when fishing them. However, a 7" minnow seems like it might weigh enough. Is it a size 18 Rapala?

I had no idea that rods were rated for weights.  I'm new to all the modern stuff.  I don't even know what the MH  relates to.  I know its Medium Heavy, but have no idea as to Med heavy what.  

Never had to worry about all that with my Zebco.  It could throw everything.  

On the budget  I'm on, if you've got to have a different rod and reel setup for everything you throw with casting gear, I'll just go buy 3 Zebco Omega Z3's and be done with it.

(think 7 inch Rapala floating minnows)

think again.

Rapala's are great lures fer sure, but they are not easy to cast on baitcaster.

My suggestion would be to gain proficiency on easy lures to cast like a ratLtrap, then move to lighter and / or more aerodynamically challenging ones.

rebel stick baits cast much easier than a rapala for example.

good luck and have fun

avid  8-)

Iuse a spinning outfit to throw #11 Rapalas, works great, why mess with it

Ultra-lite , Lite , Medium Lite , Medium , Medium Heavy , Heavy , Extra Heavy all pretains to the power rating of your rod.

I had no idea that rods were rated for weights. I'm new to all the modern stuff. I don't even know what the MH relates to. I know its Medium Heavy, but have no idea as to Med heavy what.

Never had to worry about all that with my Zebco. It could throw everything.

On the budget I'm on, if you've got to have a different rod and reel setup for everything you throw with casting gear, I'll just go buy 3 Zebco Omega Z3's and be done with it.

You don't NEED more than one rod. Later you might WANT others.

With one rod you can fish 90% of all techniques and presentations.

I recommend spinning tackle for light and some medium weight

lures. If you are still fishing a spincast set-up, move to a spinning

combination. Specifically, 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action

and a Shimano 2500 series reel. This is an example, but BUY IT

ON SALE, BPS rotates their sales items, but these combinations

are occasionally "ON SALE" throughout the year:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98417_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Back to a baitcaster...

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action will cover it all.

Later you may want a soft tip or Moderate Action, but NOT now.

8-)

How do you throw those?  I tried one when I was a teen,  tangled it beyond belief and never picked up another one.

Spinning rig?

Ask for Neal (a buddy of mine and BR member) or the Fishing

Department Manager, Keith, at BPS and have one of them show

you how to use a reel, or I'll meet you over there and show you

myself. There is REALLY nothing to it.

8-)

Thanks,  I just may take you up on that.

Is it harder to learn than a baitcaster?

Thanks, I just may take you up on that.

Is it harder to learn than a baitcaster?

No, it's MUCH easier. A spinning reel can be fished the first time out.

Sure, it takes some time and practice to become accurate and learn

a few of the nuances associated with this equipment, but trust me,

it's not difficult.

8-)