Baitcasters...

[Mike the 'Tender]

I no longer use the anti backlash feature, my tumbing ability is now sufficient enough that I don't need it, but the reel more than does what is needed from it. I've recently mated it with an Abu Garcia 6'6" Med./Heavy Workhorse Rod. I use it for when fishing for smallies in fairly heavy cover and I'm looking to use it for pike sometime (if I ever get the chance, haha).

I do have an old (and I mean OLD) South Bend Concorde II that works, but has seen better days. I'm looking for a reel similar to it, any suggestions?

To tallpaul, I use both spinning and baitcasting outfits, I found it pretty easy to make the transition. When I'm using a baitcaster, I cast with my right (the dominate hand), then transfer to my left. From there, I reel with my right and everything else is done by my left. When I use my spinning outfit, I keep use my right to both cast and create any actions and reel with my left. Give 'er a try and if you don't like it, you can always put the outfit up for sale

[Sluggo]

tallpaul,

Another option is a Bass Pro Shops Extreme Combo. I got one as a gift for my birthday in April. The reel feels light in my hands and it casts a mile. I must say I am very pleased with performance so far and would not hesitate to get another. I believe these combo's cost about $175.00.

Contact Mike or Crystal at Baitcasters. That's where mine came from.

I still think the best bang for buck is a Shimano Curado. Smooth as silk tough as nails.
(but it's $200.00)

[starrman]

I had the same problem shifting from spinning to baitcasting. I also cast with my right and reel with my left. They make left cranking baitcasters but not as many because there's not as much demand. Ed down at Paddletales set me up with my first set and he showed me how to use it.
(It's a lot harder than it looks) He tied a jig on the end, snipped off the hook and had me cast that in the back parking lot for about half an hour. You won't get that kind of service anywhere else. ( and no, I'm not on the payroll) It's worth the drive to Winchester.


Starrman

[fish_man_dude]

In my opinion quantum's PT series baitcasters are incredible. I have an Accurist and it's been one of the better baitcasters i've ever used, that is it stands next to its older sister the Quantum Energy which really defines what a real is meant to be. if ur tight on $$$ then go with the accurist, and outfit urself with a fenwick, st.croix or Abu Garcia rod.

Your targetted species also makes a difference with what reel you buy. Round bait casters as upposed to the low profile ones quantum makes have bigger line capacity and are alot more effective when trolling for bigger gamefish such as pike, musky, and salmon....even big water walleye in the bay of quinte or great lakes sometimes calls for more line....therefore a bigger reel. I hear Abu Garcia's line of round reels are top of the line.

But if your fishing bass go for the Quantum and fenwick setup....you wont regret it.

[fish_man_dude]

I reel with my right and cast with my right....so that means i switch my hands up after every retrieve......but its not like it makes any difference...

[Rescue78]

I use both spinning and baitcasting outfits, I found it pretty easy to make the transition. When I'm using a baitcaster, I cast with my right (the dominate hand), then transfer to my left. From there, I reel with my right and everything else is done by my left. When I use my spinning outfit, I keep use my right to both cast and create any actions and reel with my left. Give 'er a try and if you don't like it, you can always put the outfit up for sale

I do exactly the same. As far as model, I as you probably all know by now, love Quantum products. I did not want to spend a lot of money on a "learning outfit" since I did not know if I would like it or not. I have a Quantum Pulse baitcaster. It costs you around $75.00 bucks. I put it on a medium/heavy Quantum Tour rod. I love it. I had no serious backlash with it, just small ones that were fixed in 30 seconds. It has the mentionned "anti backlash" wich you can stop using once your used to it.

I use it for flippin for largies, casting for smallies and trolling for wallies. In my opinion, a great inexpensive, easy to use reel that I would rank entry to intermediate level. Hey, for $60 to $75, you can't go wrong.

[Rescue78]

Sorry, Double post.

[ady]

Had to add my penny's worth here. I've been fishing for all my life and am now in my mid 40s (ughh) and if there is one thing I have learned it's that the reel is the most important part of your tackle, so find the best that you can afford then get a rod with the right backbone that you need. A cheap real will be okay for a year then you will be looking to replace it, a cheap rod will always behave the same as the day you bought it. I fished most of my life in UK and discovered Shimano and stuck to them. When I came to Canada 6 years ago I realised I needed to get a Baitcaster so asked around. I was told that the Shimano Curado was a good starting place so bought one. I now have 2 and use them for everything except Muskie, and here I got the C3. The curado is light so balances well with most rods in the 6-7' range, and has anti-backlash thingies that you can adjust as your experience grows. If you can hang on til next years Carp Valley show, most of the local dealers show up and you can haggle for a good price on most items.

As for which hand! I'm right handed - cast with my right and wind with my left, can't imagine it any other way. Iv'e seen anglers cast with their right then switch hands to wind in -

[Crawler]

I own 2 baitcasters which have been very good to me. Before I could not stand fishing with a baitcaster. It would make a bird's nest on me all the time. Now that I own one I can't fish with a spinning reel anymore. You must get one and learn how to ajust backlash and free spin. They are awsome !

1 - Quantum Accurist PT
http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/fishing/quan_ene.pdf

2 - Shimano Curado
http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/fishing/shim_chr.pdf

[tallpaul]

All good suggestions I'm sure... guess I'll have to take some notes before I head out to paddletales!

I am guessing most of you would recommend something a little better than the combo shown here (for $129.94)... ?

http://www.lebaron.ca/pdffiles/fishing/shim_combo.pdf

I tend to do a lot of shopping around (pricing & comparing features, etc) for things anyway... so I'll likely research this to death and then when I get the chance to hit one of the "outdoors" shows (Carp Valley show?). I know Montreal has one (Ottawa?)... when are these typically held? anyone know?

Thanks everyone, great help!

cheers,
tallpaul

[ady]

The Carp Valley Show is normally held around the 2 weekend in April at the Carp Hockey rink. It's been running for about 5 years and just gets better every year. Lots of stalls, Hunting and Fishing, and all the local stores are there. Lot's of "end of line" / "old stock" to be had for good prices if you can haggle, plus all the new stuff. Great place to stock up for the new season - I never miss it.

[Junior24]

Just to add to a long thread,
I am right handed, reel with the left, from all my spinning reels.
2 years ago I bouth and Abu Garci 6501 C4. I love it but it did take some getting used to. I lost a lot of lures because by the time I got the birds nest out I was snagged on bottom. Because of this I started partcising in my back yard. I got a lot of funny looks from neighbors but I did get better at it.

[Big Bass Buddy]

I ahve a Shimano Curado and it has to be the best for the money I paid for it ($200) at Lebaron. I have had people show me how to use, but I still suck on it. It took me 6 different reels before I picked that one. But I love it now...........Just have to keep praticing on it that is for sure. Ordered a Abu Garcia c3. Hopefully it i as good as the Shimano. But of course it is all by feel. Try the reel first with the rod and see how you like it.