MyFishFinder Forum
My Fish Finder Main => General Fishing Discussion => Topic started by: dirtydeeds on Jun 28, 2013, 11:58 PM
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I've been fishing my whole life and have fiddled with the baitcasters here and there, but still cannot figure out an actual advantage it holds over a spinning reel. I have a pfluger baitcaster but would never use it at night in fear of a birdnest, but maybe I dont use it enough. I feel they should make the reel on the left side instead of the right, is this considered backwards? I know there's a ton of guys that swear by them and I'd love to hear some opinions about they're benefits before I pick up another one.
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Pro's for baitcasters: To employ certain line dragging techniques having the reel on top and in-line with the your bait allows you to feel bottom more easily. Long distance casts are easier. Top water "twitches" are easier to perform with a slight downward motion. For me, more rod/lure control is important, hooksets are faster while vertical jigging. To effectively use a baitcaster it is recommended that the angler be higher than the water and in a standing position. Eg: Casting decks vs. sitting on the bench seats of a smaller low profile boat. Not impossible to master but more of a deterrent for the frustrated backlashed angler. The list goes on.........
Most people have a difficult time while using baitcasters because they often do not "set" their center magnets properly. By doing so, backlashes become non existant. Each time a different lure size is attached, the angler should adjust the magnet controls to allow for fluent casting. Reel the lure to the rod tip, then slowly release the magnet until your bait drops slowly and smoothly for a distance of 18".
Another mistake anglers make and probably the largest contributor to backlashing is their choice in rod sizes and tip action. To try and cast a 1/4 ounce bait with a medium heavy rod is going to create problems. A fast action medium light is more appropriate. I will not use lures that are under 1/4 ounce with a baitcaster, spinning gear is more practical.
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DISPY. YOU SUMMED IT UP PERFECT.The only thing I can add is,most guys buy a baitcaster ,have a few backlasses and get fed up with it,then put it in the corner and never use it again.The more you use it and get use to it,the quicker you will see its advantages.Take 2 rods with you try to use the baitcaster atleast half the time and your spinning set up the second half.Once you start catching fish on the baitcaster you will be hooked.Its totally diferent.I find the hook setting power is much better on a baitcaster.I use braid line,i think that helps with the backlash a lot too.Hope I was some help.
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Eventually you get comfortable to the point where you can set the magnets and spool breaking system low and a little finesse of the thumb will stop the backlash
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Most people have a difficult time while using baitcasters because they often do not "set" their center magnets properly. By doing so, backlashes become non existant. Each time a different lure size is attached, the angler should adjust the magnet controls to allow for fluent casting. Reel the lure to the rod tip, then slowly release the magnet until your bait drops slowly and smoothly for a distance of 18".
You don't need to set the magnetic or centrifugal braking system each time you change lures. That is what the casting control knob is for. It usually sets under the reeling handle. Adjust the tension with this knob so your lure drops slowly and you are good to go. You set the braking system so it works for you and then the casting control knob for the weight of the lure you are using.
A little practice and you will get the hang of it and the spinning reel will be used for only the lighted lures.
ClearCreek
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Only time I use my spinning rod anymore is for live bait.
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You don't need to set the magnetic or centrifugal braking system each time you change lures. That is what the casting control knob is for. It usually sets under the reeling handle. Adjust the tension with this knob so your lure drops slowly and you are good to go. You set the braking system so it works for you and then the casting control knob for the weight of the lure you are using.
A little practice and you will get the hang of it and the spinning reel will be used for only the lighted lures.
ClearCreek
What reel are you using specifically? Cause your statement should be reviewed. You are speaking of the very same thing known as the "magnetic brake." All bait casting reels have them and yes, they are in fact, centrifugal clutches. Learn your Newton's Laws ;)
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The magnetic brake on my bass pro reel is the 1-10 numbered dial on the right hand side of the reel. Inside the case of the reel is the centrifugal braking system that you can adjust to your liking, but is not feasible to do for every lure change. On the left hand side of my reel is the knurled casting control knob that is used to mechanically tighten down on the spindle of the spool, that is what you use to adjust the free spool depending on lure weight. To be clear, mine is a left hand retrieve model, so the magnetic adjustment and control knob would be on opposite sides of what i described on the right hand retrieve models.
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The magnetic brake on my bass pro reel is the 1-10 numbered dial on the right hand side of the reel. Inside the case of the reel is the centrifugal braking system that you can adjust to your liking, but is not feasible to do for every lure change. On the left hand side of my reel is the knurled casting control knob that is used to mechanically tighten down on the spindle of the spool, that is what you use to adjust the free spool depending on lure weight. To be clear, mine is a left hand retrieve model, so the magnetic adjustment and control knob would be on opposite sides of what i described on the right hand retrieve models.
Right or left , it does not matter but the principles are the same ;)
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Found this from an old forum "fishing talks" I was saving with the same questions.
I'll agree that a lot of it has to do with the expertise of the person using the baitcaster (not so much with a spinning reel), but I guarantee that a good baitcaster will cast a 1/2 oz crankbait *much* farther than a spinning reel, with both using the same weight of line (10# monofilament).
At 1/4 oz, it's pretty close, but above that it's no contest. I thought that there was no way a baitcaster could outcast a spinning reel at any weight under 1 oz. But, since I started using baitcasters, I have learned different.
The big difference is in the mechanics of the line and how the 2 kinds of reels handle it. With a baitcaster, the spool turns as the line goes out. This means that you have to do more work, at the beginning of the cast, to get the spool spinning. But, once it is spinning, it has its own angular inertia, and it takes little or no tension on the line to keep it spinning. In fact, this is the cause of the dreaded backlash. Also, since the line unrolls off the spool, it goes straight out through the guides, with a minimum of friction, which is why casting rods have small guides.
With a spinning reel, the line falls off the end of the spool. This means that it takes very little effort to start the line coming off the spool, which is the reason that spinning reels excel at casting very light lures. This slight pull to get line off the spool actually increases as the line pays out and the spool gets emptier. The new long-cast spools minimize this effect by using a long, shallow spool, instead of a short, deep one.
The other problem with spinning reels is that when the line comes off the spool fast, it makes a big loop between the spool and the first guide. If there were no guides or rod, that loop would be even bigger. But, the guides have to keep the line from hitting the rod, so that loop must be squeezed down so that it passes through the guides. That is why the guides on a spinning rod start out very large and taper down to the same size as a casting rod at the tip.
When you cast a spinning rod, you can hear the line going through the guides. This sound tells you that there is a lot of frictin between the line and the guide. This friction is constant througout the cast and is what limits the ultimate effective casting distance for *any* spinning rod/reel.. Of course, the problem also gets worse as the stiffness of the line goes up with heavier lines.
This effect is virtually non-existant for baitcasting reels. When you cast a baitcaster, there is no such noise, unless you are using braided line. The only noise with a biatcaster is the noise made by the centrifugal or magnetic casting brake inside the reel. That drag is both controlled and adjustable. An expert at baitcasters can set the brakes at a minimum setting and easily cast much farther than with a spinning reel. If, like me, you need to crank up the brakes to prevent backlashes, the advantage is reduced, but not eliminated altogether.
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Baitcaster with braid is great for feeling light pickup when fishing tubes/senkos in the weeds. I can put the line between my thumb and finger and feel the bite, I can't do that with a spinning rod.
dagfish
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The magnetic brake on my bass pro reel is the 1-10 numbered dial on the right hand side of the reel. Inside the case of the reel is the centrifugal braking system that you can adjust to your liking, but is not feasible to do for every lure change. On the left hand side of my reel is the knurled casting control knob that is used to mechanically tighten down on the spindle of the spool, that is what you use to adjust the free spool depending on lure weight. To be clear, mine is a left hand retrieve model, so the magnetic adjustment and control knob would be on opposite sides of what i described on the right hand retrieve models.
Dispy - what he said!
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I agree 2X
Casting a baitcaster requires pratice, practice and more practice.
You will eventually get the feel for your particular rod-n-reel set up.
I use braid on just about every reel. It has virtually no stretch and allows me to sense each and every bite as well as differentiate between a fish bite and some weeds on the line. It also gives you a little more strength to pull large fish from weed beds.
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Dispy - what he said!
I did not mean to come across so strong, my apologies :) In fact I remember using a few baitcasters that had the separate knob for adjusting the brake magnet such as this >>>http://pages.infinit.net/fishing/bait101.htm (http://pages.infinit.net/fishing/bait101.htm) I also remember that they were usually a PIA and now only use a single spool adjustment knob reel.
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One of my baitcasters has the spool tension, magnets then another knob in the middle of the magnet control for the clutches and my other has spool tension, magnets and a switch on the bottom for the clutches
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What reel are you using specifically? Cause your statement should be reviewed. You are speaking of the very same thing known as the "magnetic brake." All bait casting reels have them and yes, they are in fact, centrifugal clutches. Learn your Newton's Laws ;)
Dispy:
My statement does not need to be reviewed, what you wrote is just wrong, PERIOD!!
I own Shimano reels - Curados and Chronarchs. These reels DO NOT have magnetic brakes; they have brakes that work on centrifugal force by setting or "popping out" the little plastic pieces that are found on the side of the reel opposite the cranking handle. Magnetic brakes are found on some reels, centrifugal bakes on others and then there are those reels that have a dual braking system, they employ both - some of the Revos I know had, and maybe still do, a dual braking system.
So, I an NOT talking about the very same thing.
I think in your zeal to prove to people on this board how much you think you know about fish and fishing you quickly post information that is less than accurate. I would suggest that before you post an answer to someone you do some research, Google could help you out a lot. Make sure you know what you are taking about before you post. Giving people bad information does not help them in their quest to become a more proficient angler.
Think about it.................
ClearCreek
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Apparently in your 'zest' you forgot to read back three posts in this topic Sir. I believe it went something like " My apologies ;) I have nothing to prove to anyone, like most, I simply provided accurate advice. Have a nice evening and catch some fish :)
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Apparently in your 'zest' you forgot to read back three posts in this topic Sir. I believe it went something like " My apologies ;) I have nothing to prove to anyone, like most, I simply provided accurate advice. Have a nice evening and catch some fish :)
No zest on my part, I read your apology. What I suggest is that before you post and then later have to apologize, do the research first and find the article like you posted in your apology statement, then post a reply that is accurate and informative.
That is not too much to ask is it?
ClearCreek
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BE nice guys.WE are all just a bunch of guys talking about fishing.puttin in our 2 cents for whats its worth to try to help a fellow fisherman.I got into a p***ing match with a guy 2 years ago on a icefishing site.I posted something about catching 4 trout [witch were out of season to keep but, the lake was opened to fishin.]YOU JUST COULDENT KEEP THE TROUT.[WELL this guy tried to hang me,not relizing we releast the 4 trout and only kept the panfish.HE made a total A** out of himself.[[[[I WANTED TO COME THREW THE COmPUTER AFTER HIM]]]].H E TRIED TO MAKE ME AND MY 2 SONS LOOK LIKE gangsers.LOL.If he read the post threw, he would of seen we didnt keep the trout.He said he was sorry and, we will have a beer someday.THAT WAS AFTER ABOUT 10 POST GOING BACK AND FORTH AT EACH OTHER.Its not worth it.Be cool 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
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Back to the baitcaster question!! I am amazed at the accuracy I am able to cast with my baitcaster now that I am on my 2nd year with one. The difference is having your thumb on the spool. You can't do that with a spinning reel. For this reason I love the baitcaster for fishing in heavy cover or on shorelines where I need to be accurate.
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I've read the posts and thanks for the info, since then I've snagged a few of the kids casting plugs and have been practicing and using it a lot more, and getting way better. I will never go without one again. heres a tip if your practcing in the yard don't cast into a tree, that may be how they came up with the term birds nest cuz it will instanly make one in ur reel ;)
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I remember when I first got a baitcaster, it was the only set up I brought out fishing that day.....needless to say that trip lasted 1 cast
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My mother bought one for me at 15. She had no idea what to buy, and frankly I wouldn't have either. We did not take Gramps with us so I have spent a few years learning to use it. Since taking the time to learn it in my late 20's I've bought a couple more and like using them. But if that's all you take on a trip it could make it a long one.
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Yup! It was about 3 or 4 years ago since I did that. Now baitcasters are all I use, even for my unweighted soft plastics
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im now on my 3rd year with a BC. after first year i bought my second. still use spinning, but for casting plugs i always use the BC. Your rod will make a huge difference on how well your BC will work. wrong rod and you will have problems it seems.
im not a huge fan of the drag but fun to use no less.
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i dont use my baitcasters in the river.
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Why not?
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IM not sure.For some reason I feel more comfortable with a spinning setup on the river.Plus I bait fish the river a lot.I do use my baitcaster setups on the lakes 90% of the time.
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IM not sure.For some reason I feel more comfortable with a spinning setup on the river.Plus I bait fish the river a lot.I do use my baitcaster setups on the lakes 90% of the time.
I hear ya, I think it's because you have to be way more precise when casting a baitcster, compared to sort of just winging the spinning rod as hard as you can. If you hit a tree with a spinning reel you can simply try and pull your setup free, if you hit a tree with a baitcaster, you'd better be good at getting them nests out of your reel, plus if you stay at the river till dark your asking for some tangles in your reel. the spinning rod is a permanent necessity of my arsenal, the baitcaster has been a well appreciated luxury, and I don't get why it's called a baitcaster cuz I bet it be pretty difficult casting a fathead or worm under a bobber, it should be called the weightcaster cuz the more weight you use the more advantage it has. Thanks for all the info on here guys, good luck everyone
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Catching trees and plants is what made me a pro at getting backlashes out! I know what you're saying with casting a worm or a minnow. Live bait fishings is one of the rare times I use a spinning rod
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DIRTY DEEDS ,Im with you,A baitcaster AINT for livebait.{FOR SURE}.
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Only time I use em for live bait is if I'm using perch or sunfish for bait
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A baitcaster is like a winch on a pole- it's great for fighting large fish or horsing fish out of tight cover. It also offers a more finely tuned drag- again, good for fighting large fish. Other than that there isn't really much of an advantage.
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They are great for jigging lakers through the ice. ;)
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I prefer jigging with a fly rod
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You must have a big shanty then. :laugh:
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Custom 50' by 50, and its a 2 story
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:rotflol: :rotflol: :rotflol:
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The biggest advantage of using a baitcaster IS you become a better fisherperson. ;D
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They are great for jigging lakers through the ice. ;)
times - 2 !!!
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DIRTY DEEDS ,Im with you,A baitcaster AINT for livebait.{FOR SURE}.
LOL...When I started stripper fish'n @ the green island power plant many, many moons ago, I was the only one throwing bait with a baitcaster. 8) But, in doing so, I always had a spool of line with me and have been pulling off line and cutting birds nest out of my spool a many time lol. Throwing off herring and birds nesting up many time lol....
You can do it, throw livebait with a baitcaster, but be ready for backlashes when the bait comes flying off. :w00t:
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I can't fish rubber baits with anything else. Love fishing with my baitcasters.
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For my baitcaster I allways have a jig I wont use ever & use a pair of Needlenose
to straighten the hook & I use it for a pick !!!!! so now I dont have to buy new fireline
I use the pick & it comes out in a Flash done did it Now I Cast & Get A big un
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I haven't really used em much except for trolling
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easy way to clear the birds nests is to close it, lighten the drag and slowly pull the line out, when it comes to a loop, the line comes out without turning the spool.
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DIRTY DEEDS ,Im with you,A baitcaster AINT for livebait.{FOR SURE}.
I disagree, there are applications where "baitcasting" ie conventional reels are the best choice.
I use conventional chucking eels at the rhody breachways. No way to drift an eel out 200 yards with spinning while controling the line effectively.
Also not using spinning when throwing 10" goldens or dace for pike. The calcutta bsv get's that job and does it well.
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I use conventional chucking eels at the rhody breachways. No way to drift an eel out 200 yards with spinning while controling the line effectively.
They are also about the only way to go if you are bouncing bucktails in those same breachways.
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They are also about the only way to go if you are bouncing bucktails in those same breachways.
For sure, and they last a heck of a lot longer than a comparable spinning reel in the surf. Maintenance for the Calcutta is to clean specific areas with rubbing alcohol and no more than 2 drops of oil per season (they slow if you over oil)
I send my stella out for service as it's a bit more complicated.