Baitcasting reel purchase

[Quinterora8]

Hello Everyone,
I'm going to purchase my 1st baitcasting reel. Kinda on a budget. Any recommendations on an inexpensive reel? I was looking at the Abu G. black max for $50. Any advise?
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]A couple of questions I might ask before making any recommendations or opinions. First, why are you buying a baitcast reel? Is it because you need it for the kind of fishing you do...or just because you think you should have one? Second, have you ever used a baitcast reel and/or learned how to cast one?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Not all reels are created equal. Especially with baitcasters. Even the pros will usually have several different makes and models for different kinds of fishing. Some are better for use with crankbaits or spinnerbaits. Others are better for slow fishing worms or Carolina rigs...or for flipping or pitching.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you already own several different spinning rigs and want to expand into having a baitcast rig with you on most trips, then one good "all around" reel will have to get you by. But, unless you are going to be fishing heavier lines, bigger lures and fishing for bigger fish than you are already with spinning gear there is no NEED to add the baitcaster. However, if you are limited to using lighter gear and fishing for smaller fish, and want to expand your options, then revolving spool reels can help.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As a general rule, spinning gear is better for fishing light mono lines, with light lures on light rods for small to medium sized fish. Baitcasters are better for fishing heavier mono, braids, heavier lures, trolling and catching bigger fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You can catch big fish on light spinning tackle but are seldom as effective in catching smaller fish on baitcasting gear. So, spinning gear serves a wider range of fishing opportunities.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Get back to us with more specifics on the type of fishing you will be doing with it and we can offer better info and input.[/#0000ff]
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[albinotrout]

I agree with TD on this one. I own a few baitcasters and I love them. However I only use them for heavy baits or if I want to wash some lures and worms for trout. I usually only carry two with me when I go out fully rigged. If you have never used one I would recommend setting it up with some cheap 12 lb test line then go out into a field with a casting plug and learn how to use it. Get all the birds nests out of the system first then hit the water. Also do you have a rod (baitcast) to go with it yet? You might consider loking at a combo if you don't have one yet. Let us know what else in info you may need. IF you would like some help in learning how to use it let us know, someone from here that knows what they are doing may be able to hook up with you for a little while for some quick lessons.
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[Quinterora8]

Well... since I really didn't explain.

I have a few Spinning reels for ultra light fishing (mostly trout 1-4). Most of my fishing is ultra light; I was looking into a Baitcasting reel to venture into bass fishing. I've never caught bass on purpose, if that makes sense. I have recently started fishing in a lake that has both bass and trout. I was looking for an all around baitcasting reel for this.

I plan on only carrying 1 back up reel on board. I usually only use 4, 6 pd test on my reels.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Unless you plan to get into tossin' mega sized lures for big bass, I might recommend that you just add another spinning outfit to your arsenal. Many of the pros use spinning tackle as much or more than baitcast...especially for fishing worms, grubs and other finesse baits. You can hook and land some good sized bass on medium spin tackle. And, if you are more comfortable with it you will enjoy it more than fighting to learn baitcasting at the same time you are trying to learn to catch bass.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have gone the opposite direction. I have fished baitcast gear for many years...as well as spinning. In recent years I have been moving toward ultra light baitcast and throwing small spinners and even small plastics with the light baitcast. I love it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, my recommendation for sticking with spinning gear stands. You will enjoy your graduation to bassin' more and you can always take on the challenge of baitcast later as your budget grows and you decide you are serious about bass.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I would recommend a 6 to 6 1/2 foot rod, medium action and either 8 or 10 pound quality mono on the reel.[/#0000ff]
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[albinotrout]

I agree here. Since you mainly use ultra light. (fun stuff) then move to a medium spinning rod and reel. Get used to using that gear then venture to the heavy stuff. I agree with the ultra light gear. I catch a lot of fish including bass on it. It is fun.
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[Bassin_Blitz]

Dont let these guys scare you. Buy an inexpensive reel first then when you educate your mind and thumb you can buy a nice reel. I only use a baitcasters but I only fish for Bass also.

I have not used the Black max. I have used the Diawa Exceler for about $79 it is an excellent reel for the money

Good luck
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[Quinterora8]

Thanks guys. Spinning reels are fun and I do enjoy them. I think I am going against the grain on this one. I still want to try a baitcaster.

Thanks agian. This website rocks.
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[albinotrout]

Remember if you look at my original post I am not against the baitcaster. I have several and enjoy them. Have fun and enjoy it. Remember take it out in a field and practice for a while to get the hang of it. By the time you get through the birds nests at first (yes they will happen) you will start to get the hang of them and find that they are very accurate when it comes to casting them. [cool]
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[Quinterora8]

Well I actually bought my first Baitcasting reel rod. I did a little practice on Saturday and wow is all I have to say. I didn't think it was going to be that difficult. Thanks to bass pro, & Sport Chalet. I actually picked up a descent little package for about a 100 bucks.

Thanks again for all your help guys
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Congrats on scoring a good deal. Now you have to keep playing with the controls to get the reel to cast well...without the "professional overruns" that are a part of the learning process. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Spend some time on the Internet too. Should be some good websites and videos on mastering baitcasting gear. Fire up your browser. Make notes and then practice the RIGHT WAY until you get comfortable with it. You need to be able to make the casts and retrieves effortlessly, without worrying about your tackle. Better to have it down well enough that you can focus on the feel and the presentation.[/#0000ff]
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[Quinterora8]

I agree... I will be uploading pic's of my first fishing experience with a baitcasting reel "those little bastards dont have a chance"
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[albinotrout]

Good luck and have fun!!!
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