Switching to bait cast

[Miller97]

Just got my Abu garcia Black max and getting my rod this week, looking forward to learning the art of bait casting for the upcoming season.

[Acuteangler]

Hi
You have received a of of advice on bait casters, most of it good, however if you were to ask these fisherpeople if they still use a spinning outfit most would probably reply that they use both often on the same outing. I find it much easier dropshotting with my spinning setup than my bait caster. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Practice and become proficient with your baitcaster but also learn when to use a spinning rod and reel and you will put more fish in your boat.
AA

[standup]

Just got my Abu garcia Black max and getting my rod this week, looking forward to learning the art of bait casting for the upcoming season.

Just remember rule 1. Let no more than the force be with you. With spinners you can just hurl line out, over extend as much as you want. Somewhere in that great big hurl will be the power stroke of the rod. Your over throwing will be tamed by the resistance of the line coming off a perpendicular axis. Not so with bcs. Use more than the flick of a wrist iows the power of the rod iows over throw and because the spool is on the same axis off she'll come

[old professor]

Up until recently I had 20 fishing rods and reels, five of which had level wind BC reels. Back then, two of those BC reels were on down rigger rods. I prefer BC reels for down rigger trolling. Two more BC reels are on casting/trolling rods. I have a custom rod that has the line guides spiraled around the rod and makes for the neatest trolling rod with a BC reel. The fourth BC reel is on a Cabelas' pack rod and is great for fly-in trips. The fifth and last BC reel was on an ice fishing rod for pike and lake trout. Of course I grew up before Spinning Reels were the reel-de-jour for all kinds of fishing and I am quite comfortable using one.

[sabmgb]

Some day I will have to learn to cast with a BC. I never cast for fish anymore so have not even tried to learn. I only use BC no, in different sizes depending on what I'm using it for. I only troll or vertical jig anymore or drift. Having said that I have drift fish for perch and casted for pickerel, so maybe I should learn, or take a SC with me. I do like the tape idea though.

[GT_Hawk]

Just got my Abu garcia Black max and getting my rod this week, looking forward to learning the art of bait casting for the upcoming season.

Just got the Abu garcia silver max shich is next one up. my first one so should be interesting

[happy]

I've got two cents(I mean nickle) to spare so here goes. I switched to bait casting a few years ago and after a short learning curve, I love it. I bought a Diawa procaster for $150 and loaded it with 20lb mono. I practiced for a couple hrs each day for two days. A couple things to share. First, set up the reel for the weight you're casting. It cuts down on birds nests by not over running. Next, don't get frustrated. Birds nests are inevitable and are not that hard to undo with 20lb.( check youtube for untangling birds nests) Next, don't try to cast as far as possible, cast easy and smooth. If you get a birds nest, it won't be as tangled. Practice, practice, practice. Once you get it, you'll be hooked. I still use spinning gear depending what I'm fishing for.
The other reason I like bait casters are no line twist, it's easier to cast a heavier lure, you can use it in place of a centerpin, (press the button and freespool) it works great . Hope this helps.
Dave

[McNeilOutdoorsA]

Curado I series is a great reel. Only 200 dollars, but not a cheap piece of junk. I would give any of the Curado's a look, they would be a good fit for you.

As Gino said, Shimano Curado is what i "entered baticasting" with. Its still my favourite out of all 8 casters i own now. Easy to setup, and great feel. the brakes are easy to turn on/off to your liking aswell as it has an option to adjust without opening the reel.

best bang for buck and great to start with! i wish i bought 10 more curados lol

[standup]

Again the prob is nearly never the reel. I own 6 types from those mentioned to 50 yr old garcias. The prob is always trying to over cast the rod

[McNeilOutdoorsA]

Again the prob is nearly never the reel. I own 6 types from those mentioned to 50 yr old garcias. The prob is always trying to over cast the rod

That is true!