Fishing Forum

I'm not a big spender and I got 50 to the local sportamans and I was looking at getting a new reel. I'm actually thinking about getting a baitcaster. I've used spinning reels my whole life but have been thinking about a baitcaster. What are the advantages and diadvanteges of a baitcaster. I'm actually looking into a Pfleuger. I appreciate all the help I can get.
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Welcome to the boards. What kind of fish are you looking to target? Do you fish rivers and streams, or just stillwaters? Troll? []
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All of the above except trolling. I am mostly a flyfisher but want to explore options. Mostly now because of the Two pole regulation. I would like to pack two poles when in my tube.
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FOR ICE FISHING THEY ARE GREAT. FOR BOTTOM BOUNCERS THEY ARE THE BEST. FOR FISHING RIVERS NO WAY! THEY TAKE ALOT AF TIME TO LERN TO CAST WITHOUT GETTING BACK LASH BIRD NESTS.
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[cool][#0000ff]The little Pflueger President models are a good value, and a good reel to learn with. They perferm a lot better, in their price range than many others.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As you will see, if you do some shopping, it is possible to spend several hundred dollars for a good baitcaster. If you are a pro angler or have both the money and the experience to justify it, then it is worth the investment to buy quality.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Before you plunk down the money, it would be a good idea to spend some time with someone who has some baitcast gear and get to know what the real issues are. Sometimes the reps at Sportsmans or elsewhere can rig up a rod and demo it for you, but on the water experience is better.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are several very different aspects of baitcasting that you need to get used to if you have used spinning gear. Some of them you might not like. Others you will come to appreciate as you get better. Spinning is much simpler, but not always better.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As a rule of thumb, spinning is better for smaller fish, lighter line and smaller lures. For larger fish, larger lures and heavier line, baitcasting is the only way to go. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the things baitcasting fans appreciate is the smoother drag systems common to most baitcasters. You can fight and land larger fish much better with the revolving spool reels with their smoother drags and thumb control.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You did not mention the reasons you were considering adding BC to your tackle arsenal. Is it because you want to target larger fish with larger lures, or is it just because someone told you that you should use it? It is not for everybody.[/#0000ff]
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There isn't really any reaso in particular. I just want to give one a try from what i understand you can get alot more control from them.
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[cool][#0000ff]You mentioned in one of your responses that you wanted to add to your tubing arsenal. I take out five rods on my tube and at least one or two of those rods are usually baitcasters. I prefer them not only for tossing larger lures but for vertical jigging even with smaller lures. I have several light action baitcast outfits and they are fun to use.[/#0000ff]
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I have both and like has already been mentioned, there is a time and place for each. I like to categorize them into two categories:
Category one is the Level Wind, which includes baitcasters and trolling reels.
Category 2 is Spinning.
I use the level wind for jigging (stripers at lake powell, monsters at strawberry, and for trolling.
I use the spinning for everything else.

I thought I wanted to go with a level wind for ice fishing but I tried it out and didn't like the fact that the ferrules end up on the top of the rod. Not a big issue, but I decided I would stick with spinning reels for ice fishing.

The NEAT feature I really like about the level wind reels when jigging and trolling, is the LINE COUNTER feature. I know exactly how far I'm down or out!

Its just like a boat. There is no one magic do everything boat. You can get a boat that does a lot of things ok, but everything is a compromise. That is why I also own two boats! (3 if you count my tube!)

Same with fishing reels. Get one or more of each and you will be happier!
Randy
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I want to add to my arsenal so that I can have one soaking while I throw a fly. There is just to many options I don't know what I'm going to do.
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[black][size 3]Like has been mentioned already, Both types of reel have their place and use. I like spinning gear for lighter lines, lures and usually smaller fish - less than 10 pounders. I use them for ice fishing, casting, bait fishing and jigging. They also generally take up line faster than the other kinds of reels (with some exceptions). [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]For bigger stuff I like bait casters, level winds and line counter reels. I use these for casting big stuff, big fish bait fishing, drift fishing, trolling and jigging. They excell at handling larger lines and fish. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Bait casters do take a little practice, but once a person does get the hang of casting one, the reels are easy to use.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]Depending on the size of reel you are looking for, you might also look at the Abu Garcias. For about the same money, they are an excellent choice. [/size]
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[cool][#0000ff]Just a quick thought. If you are looking at having something for bait fishing, while you work a fly on another rod, you might be happier with a spinning rig. There are a lot more applications for spinning than bait casting.[/#0000ff]
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[black][size 3]And as another addendum, if you are looking to soak bait, look at the Okuma Baitfeeders(spinning reels) they are about in your price range and I know they are great reels(I have several of them). [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Also, if you are set on a baitcaster, look for one that has a line out alarm(bait clicker) - there are several available in your price range that will have that option. It is really nice to have an audible indication that you have a fish on.[/size][/black]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Cheap baitcasters are usually just that. Cheap baitcasters. 80% of people who can't learn how to use a baitcaster tried on a cheap bastcaster that wasn't worth a crap on it's best day. If you want to learn how to use a baitcaster, start with quality equipment and PRACTICE. Get a little tutoring from someone who knows how to use one and learn how to use the brake system.Too many people try it, fail a time or two then say screw it and go back to the much simplier to use spinning reel.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]I use baitcasters for EVERYTHING and I mean everything. You can cast just as far as a spinning reel, even with light stuff, after gaining a little proficiency. You can vertical jig better and more precisely than a spinning reel ever could. Anyone who begs to differ has never used a baitcater to it's fullest extent. Can you tell I'm Pro-baitcaster?[/size][/black][/font]
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BLM what would you recomend for a 1st baitcaster than ?
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Quantum Accurist AC500CX Baitcasting Reel[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]These are on sale at Cabela's right now for a resonable price. I have 4 of these and spent more than the sale price for them. The nice thing is the brake settings are on the outside so you don't have to tear the reel down to adjust the brake. The are not great reels but good, solid baitcasters with tough metal, not plastic gears, and ceramic drag washers. A very good deal for the sale price. [/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]You mentioned the Pfleuger. I also own a Pfleuger President and I would recommend it, if you do go with a baitcaster. I think it was around $100 at Sportsmans. BLM is right on with his advice. I promise you will go through a ton of frustration at first until you learn how to control the dang thing, but they're a pleasure to use. My dad gave me one and taught me how to use it when I was about 6, and I didn't even try a spinning reel until I was about 12, so it's always been a natural for me. I STILL can't say I never get a backlash. I would say practice a bunch in your back yard, but on the other hand you might as well practice on the water! Just make sure you're by yourself so you don't embarrass yourself![/size][/font]
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[black][size 3]I'll second that on the Quantum Accurist. I have an older model - an AC401c. I'm not really sure how my reel compares to those Quantums that are on sale though. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]It has been a great reel for quite a few years now. I actually like it better than my Shimano Curado which was a LOT more expensive than the Accurist. The Quantum casts almost as smoothly as the Shimano and it has been just as reliable. I've had the Quantum longer than I've had the Shimano.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Don't get me wrong, the Shimano is an excellent reel, I am just not fond of how the braking system on it is adjusted. You have to take off the side cover and move these 5 separate tiny little plastic thingys to change it. Whereas, on the Quantum Accurist, the adjustment is a dial on the out side of the cover plate and it is really easy to make changes. Also, on the spool adjustment is not as sensitive on the Shimano as it is on the Quantum - I can get better fine tuning for different weights on my Quantum. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]The only problem I've had with the Quantum, was of my own making. I popped out the little ceramic bushing on the line leveler when I was doing some routine maintenance, but, a little epoxy fixed it up just like new.[/size][/black]
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