Yesterday the temps finally went up into the 50s. So I broke out the BPS Tourney Classic reel and a rod to practice baitcasting for the first time ever. Reading all these horror stories had me leary on using one. But looking into reelmechs articles and other tips I felt pretty confident. Casted for a half hour yesterday in my backyard with some 20mph gusts. IT FELT AWESOME!!!! I practiced pitching, side arm casts, and overhand casts. The only time I backlashed is when I tried to chuck it as hard as I possibly could and lost track of the weight. Even then I just stripped line off and went right back to it. Felt REALLY good with a right handed baitcaster in my hands. Everyone told me that I would have to train my self with switching sides (coming from a heavy spinning rod user), but it felt pretty natural. Anyway, just thought I would let everyone in the world know that I had a blast with my first attempt at baitcasting. Now for the warm weather! Even better.........I haven't even used my Citica yet which has to be much easier.

Was only hitting 20 yards maybe on my casts but I was pretty happy with that!

Now the bad thing.......the baitmonkey is going to be riding my butt for some higher end baitcasting gear.  :

Davis,

That's great! Glad the article helped...

Was only hitting 20 yards maybe on my casts but I was pretty happy with that!

Like the quote from one of the best in fishing in my signature line says....

"Accuracy Is More Important Than Distance" - Kevin VanDam

Just remember practice, practice, practice.....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!!

SWEEEET. your gonna love the citica.

sweet. im glad for you!

i remember when i first started too. its a great feeling learning to cast on the baitcaster. casts are much easier. the free spinning spool allows much more line to peel off much easier than the fixed spool on a spinning reel which has alot of friction for the line to come off.

cant wait till you get your citica! hope you like it as much as i like mine!!

Pick up a Rick Clunn, an Extreme, or a Kevin Van Dam setup from BPS.  You won't be disappointed.  I love all three, and they are in the affordable price range.  

Congrats, learning to use a baitcaster changes the way you fish and think about fishing. There is something about the sound of that spool spinning that fires you up. Let us know how the Citica does, I am thinking about getting one myself.

Sounds like you have caught the BUG and at a good time. Spring is right around the corner and it seems like you will be ready! Concrats on the great start of a fun way to fish. Mike

 Keep practicing and glad you got the hang of it quick. You'll a Citica! I do mine ...

                             As Ever,

                              skillet

Look for a better paying job...

I'm not going to jinx you but try not to snag anything when you try to cast it a mile. good luck

great job davis keep practicing.

Welcome to a great sport. As a wise man once said "those who are in love are suffering a form of insanity." When the bait monkey introduces it self to you, you'll understand the comment.

I too am fairly new to baitcasters but I love them.  It truly does change the way you fish.  My biggest problem was that I had to leave all the other rods at home until I got comfortable with mine or I would put it down and go back to my old ways.  Now I leave the rest at home because I choose to.

In my experience I found the better the equipment the easier it is to learn.  Try to buy the best equipment you can afford.

Congrats! I bet you that Citica is going to be sweet.

Congrats! I bet you that Citica is going to be sweet.

I now have a Revo S as well.

I'm not brand loyal. Just want to play for a bit.  8-) Try out the brands.