At the risk of sounding like a complete boob, could one of the many experts on here explain to me the pro's of a baitcaster, and also the mechanics of casting one. I've never used anything other than a spinning combo ( I also haven't thrown a line in 14 years) but 'casters seem to be the hot thing. I'm even willing to buy a "cheaper" combo to try it out if need be.

Thanks in advance.

Towmotor

Whatever you do, don't buy a cheap-o baitcaster setup. You'll be creating all sorts of problems for yourself. Go with a decent baitcaster setup which will run you about $150 from BPS or Cabela's. It's money well spent.  Also spool up with 14 lb Mono to learn with.

Whatever you do, don't buy a cheap-o baitcaster setup. You'll be creating all sorts of problems for yourself. Go with a decent baitcaster setup which will run you about $150 from BPS or Cabela's. It's money well spent.  Also spool up with 14 lb Mono to learn with.

I have to agree...i made the same mistake with a abu garcia rhino baitcaster reel.

I learned mostly on BPS Extremes and it was very enjoyable and good reels. They make a good point here because then I sold them qnd went to Pflueger Trions, which is my reel of choice now. The hard thing is until you start it is difficult to know what reel you will eventually go to. I bought my Reels with a cupon form BPS and one used here then sold the Extremes here.

Whatever you do, don't buy a cheap-o baitcaster setup. You'll be creating all sorts of problems for yourself. Go with a decent baitcaster setup which will run you about $150 from BPS or Cabela's. It's money well spent. Also spool up with 14 lb Mono to learn with.

I agree with this. I just don't think you need to spend $150 bucks!! Buy a Shimano Citica. With the rebate you're getting an AWESOME reel for $90.00!! (this reel is better than most $150-$200 reels) Just make sure you buy it by April 31st to get the rebate.

Also what muddy said about the articles is good advice. Don't listen to him about reels. He's NUTS!!  ;D ;D

Buy the CITICA!!

Good luck, I'm sure you'll find baitcasting VERY enjoyable!!!

8-)

Whatever you do, don't buy a cheap-o baitcaster setup. You'll be creating all sorts of problems for yourself. Go with a decent baitcaster setup which will run you about $150 from BPS or Cabela's. It's money well spent. Also spool up with 14 lb Mono to learn with.

x3

i bought a cheap pinnacle baitcaster from walmart and it was a complete waste of money.

if you're really interested in picking up a baitcaster and learning, check out the articles like muddy suggested and that should help you at least get a grasp on the basics.

there are also countless threads like "which baitcaster to buy" and "best baitcaster under $100" in this section of the forum. try the search button at the top and you'll pull up a ton of results.

I MAY BE NUT"S BUT I AM HAPPY  

x3

i bought a cheap pinnacle baitcaster from walmart and it was a complete waste of money.

if you're really interested in picking up a baitcaster and learning, check out the articles like muddy suggested and that should help you at least get a grasp on the basics.

there are also countless threads like "which baitcaster to buy" and "best baitcaster under $100" in this section of the forum. try the search button at the top and you'll pull up a ton of results.

I was referring to the cost of a complete baitcasting setup. There is quite a selection at that price range from both BPS & Cabela's. A 6'6" or 7" M fast action with a 6.3 to 1 gear ratio reel will cover most bases for now.

You are 100% correct there Mr.Joel. A BPS Extreme Combo will set you back 129 bucks and a Cableas Tourny ZX?Fish Eagle II 109 both great value.

I MAY BE NUT"S BUT I AM HAPPY

You can't be completley happy unless you have SHIMANO, right... : : ;D ;D

8-)

x3

i bought a cheap pinnacle baitcaster from walmart and it was a complete waste of money.

if you're really interested in picking up a baitcaster and learning, check out the articles like muddy suggested and that should help you at least get a grasp on the basics.

there are also countless threads like "which baitcaster to buy" and "best baitcaster under $100" in this section of the forum. try the search button at the top and you'll pull up a ton of results.

I was referring to the cost of a complete baitcasting setup. There is quite a selection at that price range from both BPS & Cabela's. A 6'6" or 7" M fast action with a 6.3 to 1 gear ratio reel will cover most bases for now.

i gotcha, i was just making the point that i made the mistake of going cheap and ended up getting rid of the el-cheapo and buying a setup that actually works.

towmotor, if you can find a BPS Rick Clunn cheap they're a great reel and very easy to use, as well.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=90572&hvarTarget=search&hvarAID=&cmCat=3334205

I agree on the rick clunn bps reel my buddy has one and he absolutely loves it. Me on the other hand, I strictly use BPS extreme reels. I have some older ones and some newer ones and have never had a problem with any of them. I do throw one older quantum energy and that thing is pretty sweet. Defenitely pick up a BPS extreme combo.

there are also countless threads like "which baitcaster to buy" and "best baitcaster under $100" in this section of the forum. try the search button at the top and you'll pull up a ton of results.

Maybe I did it wrong, but I wasn't real fond of the search result format. I'll try again, though.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Towmotor

Got a catalogue from Bass Pro this week for their "2008 Spring Fishing Classic sale". They claim the prices to be the lowest of the year, but it is for internet and catalogue orders only. Seems to be some good deals in there.  

there are also countless threads like "which baitcaster to buy" and "best baitcaster under $100" in this section of the forum. try the search button at the top and you'll pull up a ton of results.

Maybe I did it wrong, but I wasn't real fond of the search result format. I'll try again, though.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Towmotor

i'm not too fond of it myself, but if you refine your search parameters a few times you just might find what you're looking for. believe me, if there's a question about about fishing, it's been asked and answered 100 times on this site. finding it is the hard part.

The biggest advantage of baitcaster for me is my left hand doesn't hurt and go to sleep while using it.  With spinning rigs, my right middle and ring finger start to hurt and go to sleep, and my right elbow starts to hurt after awhile.  

All the above plus if you buy something decent and don't use it you can sell it seveal ways and get most of your money back. If you buy cheap forget about buying a buyer. The Citica deal is a good one a the moment. The Revo / Allstar or Fenwick deal is a little pricy equip but very good deal at the moment.

 

If you get a Citica for 90 and buy a $60 rod there you are $150. For a decent to good outfit you are talking $125 to $150.

I use bait casters for the following reasons, 1) more accurate casting, 2) better control of the fish, 3) when needed I can use heavier baits, 4) I can use heavier line if needed to horse the fish out of heavy cover.

These are listed in the order of importance to me. I have come to only use spinning rigs for situations needing very light lines in the 4 to 6# range, for dropshot rigs and for skipping under docks and trees.

You can't be completley happy unless you have SHIMANO, right... : : ;D ;D

8-)

WRONG! ;D :