Hello everyone. I will be purchasing my first baitcasting rod and reel soon. There are some baits, mainly shallow running crankbaits that I use currently. My main question is if it is possible to use lighter weight lures with baitcasting gear? I'm talking about 1/4oz lures?

Now when it comes time to starting fishing with my new baitcasting setup should I start with a heavier lure? If so what size?

Also lure rating on the rod. What range should I look for? How heavy of a lure should the rod be able to handle, 3/4oz, 1oz, etc?

Sorry about so many questions. Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.

Yes, it is possible to cast lighter lures with baitcasters it just takes some practice.  If you are just starting out with a casting reel, I recommend practicing with heavier lures until you've trained your thumb.  I think 3/8oz should be plenty of weight.

As for the rod, since this will be your only baitcasting rig look for a medium power fast action rod with a lure rating around 1/4-3/4oz.  This will be a good "all-purpose" setup.

Just remember that not all bc reels are equal when it comes to tossing lighter lures.  Reels like the curado and citica make short work of lures in the 1/4 weight range.

The rod is also a very important factor to consider and so are the aerodynamics of the lures.  For example tossing a 1/4 oz spoon will probably be a lot less hassle than say a 1/4 oz spinner bait.

Line choice also influences castibility. Lighter lines tend to toss lighter lures better, but at the same time, lighter lines on some casting reels can be a pain (generally speaking, pixies and chronarchs I imagine would be the exception).

Don't expect a rod rated for 3/8 - 1 oz to toss your 1/4 oz little crankbait too well.

Choosing a rod rated for the weight(s) you intend to cast will make it easier for you.

It can be done. A curado can handle even a 1/8 oz lure when properly set.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Keep in mind that a 1/4 oz crank bait is the weight less hooks & split rings, so with these added you're looking at 5/16-3/8 of an ounce for a 1/4 oz bait.

1/4 oz is too easy... now a tiny rooster tail or something... might take some tweaking on my part but I would still do it

AL

Yes, it is possible to cast lighter lures with baitcasters it just takes some practice. If you are just starting out with a casting reel, I recommend practicing with heavier lures until you've trained your thumb. I think 3/8oz should be plenty of weight.

As for the rod, since this will be your only baitcasting rig look for a medium power fast action rod with a lure rating around 1/4-3/4oz. This will be a good "all-purpose" setup.

He said it all practice,practice and practice it pays off in the long run. Good Luck

I actually throw really light cranks with my curado 101, you can set it to fit your needs.  Just practice, and you will have it down in no time.