gonna buy a casting rod and start baitcasting. have these options:
Shimano CPC-66MB 1/4-3/4oz 8-17lb 6’6’’ 1 IM8 med fast $89.99
St.Croix TRC66MF 1/4-3/4oz 10-17lb 6’6’’ 1 SCII med fast $70.00
Berkley SOC661M 1/4-3/4oz 8-20lb 6’6’’ 1 IM7 med medium $69.99
So among the three, anyone can give some inputs if you are using one of them?
thanks
I don’t have any of the above, but I do have 4 different setups. I am using 7’ rods with Sufix line in 20# & 30# test. You will get birdnest if you are just starting to baitcast and with this line you can untangle them without problems. Look for a rod that is medium heavy in the 7’ length with a fast tip. You will be able to cast it further than a heavy rod. I got my first rod at Cabela’s and the other rods I have came from Wal-Mart. I do have a 6.5’ setup that
I found at Sportsmans Warehouse. It is a Pflueger and it works great. The thing you should consider is if you want to use left hand or right hand crank. I use both. When my hand gets numb from using left hand crank, I switch to right hand crank. If you are currently using spinning rigs, you might want to consider a left hand crank. In this case, you don’t need to switch hands after a cast to reel it in. I find that I favor the left hand setup with a 7’ rod over the right hand setup. You will need to get a casting plug and practice a lot in your yard to help eliminate those birdnest. I still get them and I continue to practice in my yard. The thing I like about the bait caster rig is that I can stop the lure just by applying more thumb pressure and you can’t do that with a spinner. Send me a PM if you have any more questions, but I’m sure there are more opinions out there than mine.
I am fairly new the the caster my self. I have a Compre 6 foot Med and like it very much. Like Beggin4bass said practice practice practice. I am still getting the hang of it, it can be frustrating at times but I love the BC set up. Wile shopping for it I would all so recommend that while shopping you ask to see the reel you will be using and place it on the rod to see if it has a good feel. The only reason I went witht he 6 is it was last years model and was marked 30.00 I wanted and still am looking at getting a second in the 66 to 7 footer.
Thanks for all your inputs, it helps a lot.
If you’re just learning to cast a baitcast reel, I’d go with a softer, slower rod rather than a fast one. It “loads” easier and you will be able to feel the force you’re putting on the rod and reel during the cast, and therefore learn to control the speed of the reel spool better.
You can just feel what you’re doing better with a softer rod than a fast one. So of the three you mentioned, go with the Berkley. If I were you, I’d look for an IM6.
Thanks Jim, I actually like the Berkley one better myself also.
While people around said Shamino gives best value (i may go for a higher quality one later) and you know St.Crox always get the best customers review.
So, ¡ I really appreciate some inputs here on the board.
just remember the rod is far more important than the reel so if your definintly gonna start baitcasting and stay with it get a good quality rod and a decent reel. a cheap baitcasting reel will only make it harder on yourself. good luck and check out b&r outlaw rods they are great entry level rods with an excellent warranty
I have to disagree on this, I have put great reels on crappy rods and have seen a great differince in acuracy and distance, dont get me wrong a rod dose make a differance but not as much as the reel..[:)] I would invest in a better reel..
FF462
Sorry read your post again and you gave sound advice, I stopped earlier at the rod makes more of a difference (sp)..
In my opinion get a good reel ($100) and get a medium priced rod, one that “wobbles”. It will be easier to learn on a rod that flings out the lure and will force you to learn thumb control and adjusting the brake for different weights. I still have the occasional spool out, usually from the wind, it will happen. I spent an entire winter sitting on my tailgate playing with my baitcaster. My neighbors thought I was crazy I’m sure, they may be right, but it helped alot the following spring.
Once you get the baitcaster down, try different rods. You’ll still have a good reel to go with them.
I suggest using a heavy line when first starting, it’s easier to control. I mainly use 10# test on my reels, I don’t see a need to go overboard with line strength as long as you have the drag set.
the reel is a winch and nothing more you want good quality bearings and a good drag system, the rod is where you get casting distance, accuracy, sensitivety to feel the bite, and the backbone to hauling the fish in. but it also depends on the type of fishing you will do if your just trolling puttin the rod in a rod holder then it doesnt matter anything about the rod except that it should be at least six and a half foot long with at least a medium action. but if your gonna be casting then the rod is your weapon.
**Go with a medium action first. A good way to practice is go out to the lake in low light conditions(morning/evening) and throw a topwater walking bait ie a Spook or a Sammy. You can chuck’em a mile and learn to adjust the brake settings and your spool tension. You can go heavy line or as light as 10 lb stuff. I throw 8-12lb line(usually flurocarbon) everywhere in Utah. Most of the time I’m using 8#, and yes I’m using baitcasters(I only use spinning for drop shotting 6#).
I would suggest a 7 footer. St Croix has a good line of SCii blanks. When you graduate to better rods they won’t be on the rack at Sportsman’s or Cableas(but always check weird things happen).
Medium-heavy are usually use for power presentations like jigs, spinnerbaits, some crankbaits and things like that.
Medium or even medium-light are use for plastics. From drop shotting to texas rigged tubes, worms, and creatures the lighter mediums are very good.
Figure what style you want fish first, then go hunting rods. Look at Cabelas only bargin cave, you never know what will get thrown in the there. Or, eBay. I get great buys for rods there all the time.
Disclaimer- once you start throwing baitcasters, you could end up with something like 20 setups like me
Yes, damnit I need them all.
**
**Shaun, you are dead to me![;)] Quit, coveting my rods! 
**
i will have them all. are you doing rockport tomorrow
**Yeah Dude, the CAST or Catch A Speical Thrill for kids is in the morning.
**
You should get a rod to match the weight of lure you plan to use the most with the rod and line weight…
Next get the best reel you can all metal frame one peace and then learn how to cast it before you go to a lake…
For help in casting Pm me I can help…
.
[:)]I use the IM7 and IM8 graphite rods. I like the action and the feel of them. I have several in different lengths. Also don’t forget to get a really good reel amd use good line. These items will make a difference in how you catch fish. I know this from personal experience. The better quality of gear will give you peace of mind that when you get a big one on, there will be no malfumction or at least less of a chance of malfunction.