Fish-Hawk.Net

hi all... i currently use only spinning gear but im looking to start to expand to baitcasting.

however im an engineering student so my bedget is about as low as can be

i will only be albe to purchase 1 this season so im looking for something that is friendly to a beginner baitcaster, that can handle a wide range of situations, medium speed gear ratio. basicly i want the most bang for my limited buck.....

any info on what u people use, what kinda rods pair well, what would be good for me, or even a good story. id love to hear it....


thanks
Jebby

Hey Jebby,

I was in the same situation as you are at this time last year. I bought my first baitcaster last April and love it (like they say, it takes time to get used to it, but once you do... it's a ton of fun).
In any case, I maybe had a little bit more money to spend than you do... but having said that, I'd recommend going to talk to Ed from Paddletales. I am sure he'd have something that would fit your needs and budget... plus... great service, he'll show you how to use the thing too!
Anyway... buy the best one you can afford... having good equipment makes all the difference I find.

If you have any other questions, don't be shy... like I said, I just went through this last year, so the learning part is still quite fresh on my mind.

Good luck!

cheers,
tallpaul

hey. thanks for the info. Will go talk to my local bait guy. also i want to take a run to bass proshops. I live in windsor so the 1 in detroit is only like 30 min away. if possible id like to pick up a reel and rod ( im thinking 6-6'6" medium or medium heavy) for not much more than $150-200. thats eating my tackle money too though so i dont get the new hot leur buy i guess ill servive...lol any info on models or makes would be great.... thanks.... jebby

Jebby


For a reel look at the quantum accurist pt on this page

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse


at 69.99 us it is a very good reel at a very good price.


Other than that I would suggest a shimano cruxis.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse


Spend more on the reel that the rod. A cheap reel will be very frustrating to use.


for a rod I would suggets the bass pro cranking stick medium or medium heavy 6'6"

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse

if you went with the quantum them look at these rods

All Star
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse

or

the shimaon compre 7'0 mhb (crankbait model) CPCC70MHB
CRANKBAIT
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse


The shimano rods can be purchased in canada for about $114.00 to $120 Cdn

You should contact Ed at Paddletales. he is having a sale on some mid range reels he might be able to help you out.

Hope this helps

I find it disturbing when I read posts about baitcasters and no one ever seems to mention Daiwa.

My 1st and only I ever got is the Team Daiwa 153HST Super Tuned 6.3.

Very quick to learn with and performs flawlessly.

Got it for $165 at LBs.

I just love it and wouldn't heistate to recommend it to anyone.

Mr.J, my fishing partner has bought 2 Diawas now and loves them to peices. He won't use his others now hardly at all.

dont overlook spinning gear.

i own both, and both have their purposes...

but i feel, for more average fishing situations, a spinning reel is better.

any type of bait you work, that you work a verticle presentation, the spinning reel is an absolute must for keeping your finger on the line for feel....

Mr.J. wrote:I find it disturbing when I read posts about baitcasters and no one ever seems to mention Daiwa.

My 1st and only I ever got is the Team Daiwa 153HST Super Tuned 6.3.

Very quick to learn with and performs flawlessly.

Got it for $165 at LBs.

I just love it and wouldn't heistate to recommend it to anyone.

Mr J.

I also have the same Daiwa reel. But if you look at the initial post Jebby ws looking for a rod and reel in the 150 to 200 $ range. $169 for a reel would not fit into that range. I am asuming that includes all taxes as well.

Jebby wrote:hi all... i currently use only spinning gear but im looking to start to expand to baitcasting.

however im an engineering student so my bedget is about as low as can be

i will only be albe to purchase 1 this season so im looking for something that is friendly to a beginner baitcaster, ........

steve-hamilton wrote:dont overlook spinning gear.

i own both, and both have their purposes...

but i feel, for more average fishing situations, a spinning reel is better.

any type of bait you work, that you work a verticle presentation, the spinning reel is an absolute must for keeping your finger on the line for feel....

Steve-Hamilton

I do not think Jebby is overlooking spinning gear he wants to exapnd into baitcasting gear.

Jeb.

Simply

Abu Ambassadeur C3 Series Reel. $110-130 (friendly easy to us and one of the best selling reels for a reason)

Berkley Series 1 Rod Med to M-H. $90

or,

Berkley Lightning Rod. $65

or,

Shimano Clarus Rod. $80

I agree with Steve that spinning rods serve more purposes but everyone has to have at least one baitcaster for trolling, chucking big baits, wenching fish outta deep stuff and sturgeon fishing.

Good thread. I might just cave and buy a baitcaster myself this spring. Great advice and info...been watching & considering this for some time. Gotta take the plunge.

W.

I like Steve Hamiltons post!!! Maybe I'm old fashioned,but can anyone tell me why --you would prefer a baitcaster to a spinning reel ??

Honestly--still trying to figure out what all the hype is about baitcasters--except that they can hold more line than a spinning reel.

All we used back in the 1800,s was baitcasters--until modern tech came out with this new neat spinning type reel.

I know line twist is probably non-existant with a baitcaster--but is also with a good spinning reel.

I think--correct me if i'm wrong-- the spinning reel can usually cast a lot longer distance--covering more water!!

All in all I'm just old order--you know(afraid of change)

And yes ---a good thread !!!

AHH !!! and the rod --don't underestimate it--That is what actually plays out and fights the fish!!!--

is that how you spell --underestimate ???