05-07-2003, 11:48 AM
[cool]Hey, Leaky, I'll just jump in here for a few words. I think I have a pretty good idea of your personal fishing preferences and techniques. I'm going to suggest that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I also personally live by the motto "An old dog don't need new tricks." But, I admire your openminded approach, and wish you the best in pursuing bait casting.
I "occasionally" fish from a float tube myself. Like yourself, I prefer light tackle fishing, and I rarely include a baitcasting rig in my rod rack. However, I have at least 8 different baitcast rigs, from light action to heavy flipping. And, depending on what I am targeting, I will sometimes have one or two different BC rigs in my rack. Sitting lower in the water does restrict some styles of fishing a baitcaster, but not basic "chunkin' and windin'"
You have gotten some good input. Stick with spinning gear for presenting light jigs and small spinners, etc. Good line, quality tackle, proper drag settings and knowing enough not to keep cranking the reel when a large fish is taking line...or just sulking...will help keep out the twists and anable you to handle large fish on that tackle. Most of the biggest fish in my angling career have been taken on light spinning gear.
That being said, you should also pay attention to those who tell you that bait casting is the most efficient at fishing larger lures for larger fish. You have better control in casting, and more positive and smoother drag when fighting the bigger fish. For trolling (not from a float tube), the baitcaster is the only way to go...in almost every situation.
I learned how to cast on some of the old model baitcasters. These were affectionately refered to as "knuckle busters". They were single action reels (one to one gear ratio...one turn of the handle for one revolution of the spool). They had none of the modern refinements of levelwind, star drag, magnetic backlash control, etc. Everyone who fished them just counted on spending a lot of time picking out backlashes. And, when a big fish pulled line off the reel, the handles spun backward...knuckle busters. And, the only drag was pressure on the spool from your thumb. Got more than a few blistered thumbs. The mark of a good trip.
Today's technology has resulted in fantastic baitcasters that are as well made as Swiss watches...and some cost as much. But, if you want to enjoy the full benefits of baitcasting gear, with the fewest frustrations, it's best to invest in quality. You can overspend, but you can also pay too little, and it will only leave you with a bad feeling about the gear. Ain't necessary.
Almost anyone can pick up a spinning outfit and be making decent casts within a few minutes. BC gear takes instruction and practice. I suggest you hook up with one of the knowledgeable guys up there who regularly uses this tackle, and has a decent rig to let you practice with. Learn how to set the adjustments, to compensate for different line and lure weights, and how to efficiently load the rod and send the lure on its way without over-revolving the spool and creating a backlash. That will happen, even with everything set right, if you try to snap the cast like you were using spinning tackle. It takes a special feel and different timing to be able to cast smoothly and effieciently.
I will reinforce what others have said. Once you get the hang of it, bait casting is a pleasurable way to fish. It's not unlike fly casting in that just working the rod and making good casts are a big part of the experience. Of course, when a big ol' biggun interrupts your casting practice...well, that's what it's all about.
Any of you guys up for giving Leaky an introduction to bait casting, and maybe have a setup for him to practice on. I wouldn't wish my self-taught experiences on anyone. Besides, in those days they had stone reels and baling twine for line. And, would you believe solid steel casting rods? If I'm lyin' I'm dyin'.
[signature]
I "occasionally" fish from a float tube myself. Like yourself, I prefer light tackle fishing, and I rarely include a baitcasting rig in my rod rack. However, I have at least 8 different baitcast rigs, from light action to heavy flipping. And, depending on what I am targeting, I will sometimes have one or two different BC rigs in my rack. Sitting lower in the water does restrict some styles of fishing a baitcaster, but not basic "chunkin' and windin'"
You have gotten some good input. Stick with spinning gear for presenting light jigs and small spinners, etc. Good line, quality tackle, proper drag settings and knowing enough not to keep cranking the reel when a large fish is taking line...or just sulking...will help keep out the twists and anable you to handle large fish on that tackle. Most of the biggest fish in my angling career have been taken on light spinning gear.
That being said, you should also pay attention to those who tell you that bait casting is the most efficient at fishing larger lures for larger fish. You have better control in casting, and more positive and smoother drag when fighting the bigger fish. For trolling (not from a float tube), the baitcaster is the only way to go...in almost every situation.
I learned how to cast on some of the old model baitcasters. These were affectionately refered to as "knuckle busters". They were single action reels (one to one gear ratio...one turn of the handle for one revolution of the spool). They had none of the modern refinements of levelwind, star drag, magnetic backlash control, etc. Everyone who fished them just counted on spending a lot of time picking out backlashes. And, when a big fish pulled line off the reel, the handles spun backward...knuckle busters. And, the only drag was pressure on the spool from your thumb. Got more than a few blistered thumbs. The mark of a good trip.
Today's technology has resulted in fantastic baitcasters that are as well made as Swiss watches...and some cost as much. But, if you want to enjoy the full benefits of baitcasting gear, with the fewest frustrations, it's best to invest in quality. You can overspend, but you can also pay too little, and it will only leave you with a bad feeling about the gear. Ain't necessary.
Almost anyone can pick up a spinning outfit and be making decent casts within a few minutes. BC gear takes instruction and practice. I suggest you hook up with one of the knowledgeable guys up there who regularly uses this tackle, and has a decent rig to let you practice with. Learn how to set the adjustments, to compensate for different line and lure weights, and how to efficiently load the rod and send the lure on its way without over-revolving the spool and creating a backlash. That will happen, even with everything set right, if you try to snap the cast like you were using spinning tackle. It takes a special feel and different timing to be able to cast smoothly and effieciently.
I will reinforce what others have said. Once you get the hang of it, bait casting is a pleasurable way to fish. It's not unlike fly casting in that just working the rod and making good casts are a big part of the experience. Of course, when a big ol' biggun interrupts your casting practice...well, that's what it's all about.
Any of you guys up for giving Leaky an introduction to bait casting, and maybe have a setup for him to practice on. I wouldn't wish my self-taught experiences on anyone. Besides, in those days they had stone reels and baling twine for line. And, would you believe solid steel casting rods? If I'm lyin' I'm dyin'.
[signature]