BAITCASTERS

[islandbass]

quick tip on baitcasting bird nests. I was told when u get a bad birds nest and it gets stuck. put your thumb tight on the wheel and reel in a bit then try to get it un stuck. keep trying if the first time it gets stuck again. u should be able to get it out if u repeat this step. tight thumb on spool and reel in then press thumb bar and pull out, repeat. works good. hope that made sense to you

That is a great tip and I rarely have to use it since I hardly backlashed at all this season.

Translation - My spinning reels have been getting more play during my outings (been drop shotting just a wee bit too much.)

Here is a video on the process:
http://www.bassfishin.com/video-tips/ba ... acklashes/

[islandbass]

nice bass woody! i've been mainly using my Shimano Citica as my main reel for salt and freshwater. I absolutely love it. Sometimes though, a spinning reel is just much easier to cast light lures with but I recently started casting senkos and light lures on my baitcaster with a little more confidence and I'm definitely getting the hang of it.

Unfortunately, just yesterday, i got the worst backlash ever when the hook of my jig hit my other fishign rod that was placed on rodholder on my pontoon. the entire reel was a complete birds nest but i managed to pick it out.

Just yesterday, i spooled up with my very first braid line! I can't wait to get out there and fish some of the deeper, messier structures and weeds.

.

yes, weightless senkos should be a breeze to cast. Any casting reel worth its salt should because a 5" senko weighs 3/8 all by itself. I know that your Citica could cast a 1/8 oz spinner if you ever had to. :batman:

I've made a backlash like that too.

What # test did you put on? There are some things that are helpful to know about braid before using it on a casting reel. Hopefully you have at least 30# braid. Braid is an awesome line, but when folks use it and discover line dig, the line getting wrapped around the tip and wondering why they are having difficulty casting 20# braid, and find out what zero stretch really means when they start yanking lures out of the fish's mouth, they get frustrated and think braid is junk, when it definitely is not. Or when they don't use a mono backing or tape or other means to prevent the line from slipping on the spool because it will. They're going to think that something might be wrond with their drag. One last thing about braid. The feedback it gives you is incredible.

[SPARKY101]

TW right now has the REVO Premier on a closeout special right now..179..Regular 259$ either use 20$ mail in rebate or choose the wileyX polarized suns:cheers: ..so 159 for a nice reel.man im talkin my self into splurgin..And a yip i read on backlashes was to get you reel all set up make the longest cast you can ..strip off another 15yrds and then add tape to reel and reel back in..the tape will keep any backlash from goin past that point..

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage ... -AGRP.html

[ckim85]

yes, weightless senkos should be a breeze to cast. Any casting reel worth its salt should because a 5" senko weighs 3/8 all by itself. I know that your Citica could cast a 1/8 oz spinner if you ever had to. :batman:

I've made a backlash like that too.

What # test did you put on? There are some things that are helpful to know about braid before using it on a casting reel. Hopefully you have at least 30# braid. Braid is an awesome line, but when folks use it and discover line dig, the line getting wrapped around the tip and wondering why they are having difficulty casting 20# braid, and find out what zero stretch really means when they start yanking lures out of the fish's mouth, they get frustrated and think braid is junk, when it definitely is not. Or when they don't use a mono backing or tape or other means to prevent the line from slipping on the spool because it will. They're going to think that something might be wrond with their drag. One last thing about braid. The feedback it gives you is incredible.

I put on 30 lb braid, figured it should be good enough for now for the pads.
I have heard that braid has its pros and cons but im excited to take this thing out. Quadfather and I had a little discussion on it and he said the braid casts much better for him. I also read an article on how NOT to set a hook with braid. Apparently just a subtle rod nudge can set the hook instead of a full on haul like I'm use to

Hopefully my experience with braid will be good!

[The Quadfather]

Baitcasters suck!!:-$ ...................................................

For those of us who can't cast them, Booowhaaaa.

[SPARKY101]

Baitcasters suck!!:-$ ...................................................

For those of us who can't cast them, Booowhaaaa.

Spend the money and the reel will pretty much take care of you:-" ENJOY:cheers:

[fishaholictaz]

Baitcasters suck!!:-$ ...................................................

For those of us who can't cast them, Booowhaaaa.

Spend the money and the reel will pretty much take care of you:-" ENJOY:cheers:

If the Oly Boyz can do it any body can:-" (self included)

[Bisk1tSnGraV]

Baitcasters suck!!:-$ ...................................................

For those of us who can't cast them, Booowhaaaa.

Spend the money and the reel will pretty much take care of you:-" ENJOY:cheers:

If the Oly Boyz can do it any body can:-" (self included)

Hey ... I can do it. Well most of the time anyways ... LOL!

This is my first year of using the baitcaster. It is my go to reel for sure. Around Christmas picked up a Quantum Tour PT for 80 on Ebay. Wished I would have picked up a 6.3:1 at the same time. But how many can I tote around on the tube? LOL

[ckim85]

quick Q: is it generally a bad idea to use braid in saltwater? Not sure if it even matters but being braided and all, having salt water on it doesn't sound too good for it but I may be wrong.

[BassDood]

Are there bass in the salt?....wait...I guess there are, just not largemouth or smallmouth. LOL I've heard of guys doing fine in the salt with braid. I don't fish salt so I can't say. I'd guess just rinse a lot when done.

[The Quadfather]

quick Q: is it generally a bad idea to use braid in saltwater? Not sure if it even matters but being braided and all, having salt water on it doesn't sound too good for it but I may be wrong.

Braid is fine in the salt.. The only thing to realize is that you won't be able to use that line in a downrigger. The downrigger clips just won't hold on to braid. But it is a sure thing for bottom fishing. Think about those sharp teeth on the Lingcod and dogfish. The braid will be nice there. But for a downrigger setup, get a baitcaster with a non braided line.

[Teal101]

I started using my first baitcaster this year and I'm not looking back! I cast better with it than my spinning setup!

[bob johansen]

I just started using baitcasters about 60 years ago.

[islandbass]

yes, weightless senkos should be a breeze to cast. Any casting reel worth its salt should because a 5" senko weighs 3/8 all by itself. I know that your Citica could cast a 1/8 oz spinner if you ever had to. :batman:

I've made a backlash like that too.

What # test did you put on? There are some things that are helpful to know about braid before using it on a casting reel. Hopefully you have at least 30# braid. Braid is an awesome line, but when folks use it and discover line dig, the line getting wrapped around the tip and wondering why they are having difficulty casting 20# braid, and find out what zero stretch really means when they start yanking lures out of the fish's mouth, they get frustrated and think braid is junk, when it definitely is not. Or when they don't use a mono backing or tape or other means to prevent the line from slipping on the spool because it will. They're going to think that something might be wrond with their drag. One last thing about braid. The feedback it gives you is incredible.

I put on 30 lb braid, figured it should be good enough for now for the pads.
I have heard that braid has its pros and cons but im excited to take this thing out. Quadfather and I had a little discussion on it and he said the braid casts much better for him. I also read an article on how NOT to set a hook with braid. Apparently just a subtle rod nudge can set the hook instead of a full on haul like I'm use to

Hopefully my experience with braid will be good!

Looks like you're in great shape then. I too use 30# braid. Yes, that subtle nudge is a mere flick of the wrist. The castibility is also going to be excellent since 30# braid has a mono equivalent diameter of about 8# mono.

I think you are going to like braid. One last thing... It will eventually lose its color. That is a fact. It will turn white over time, but the change in color will NOT affect performance or integrity. It bothers some people but not me. You're in for a treat when you feel the feedback braid gives you over mono.

[uncyboo]

I think you are going to like braid. One last thing... It will eventually lose its color. That is a fact. It will turn white over time, but the change in color will NOT affect performance or integrity. It bothers some people but not me. You're in for a treat when you feel the feedback braid gives you over mono.

I carry several colors of permanent markers in my gear for various reasons, as you never know when a splash of color on a lure will make a difference. I also use it to "camouflage" the last 8 or 10 ft. of my faded braided line. A couple inches of brown, green, black, which will eventually go gray, maybe a little blue, all in a random alternating pattern. May not make any differenc at all, but makes me feel better, as it certainly makes it harder for ME to see the line. I know this is meaningless in the fish world, as it is a whole new perspective, but anything to give an angler confidence is a good thing.

[ckim85]

thanks you guys. I was casting around outside last night and feels like butterrr! Is it typically a good idea to put a mono or flourocarbon leader on or is tieing directly to my lure good enough? I'm not sure how visibility compares as far as braid and mono goes...i know flourocarbon is great but stuff is expensive!

[islandbass]

Compared to any of the monos, fc, or co-polymer lines, braid is opaque. Your line might well be indeed more visible to the fish, but this does not necessarily mean that the fish won't strike. My experience is and I have observed bass clearly seeing my braided line and not giving a darn about it striking aggressively, and other times seem wary. I reckon they can see the other lines too.

Some will tell you that for clear water stick with other lines and not use braid, and then you have the camp that uses braid no matter what.

As for the braid direct of in conjunction with a leader, try both, perhaps direct tie first. See if you notice a decrease in hits/strikes. If you do, add the leader, if not, fish on.

I prefer the direct tie method. I ain't fussin' with leaders unless I have to. On occassion, the joining knot gets caught up in a guide and can screw up a cast.

I hope you report back on your thoughts about braid after you've used it a while.

[ckim85]

Alright, alittle baitcaster showdown here.
I just got a huge rebate check back after a month and I've been considering buying a new baitcaster and rod with it.

So the reel that I'm looking at are roughly give or take $100-$150.

I could spend a little more and go with the ever-so-praised CuradoE or Energy PT but the price is a bit steep..

Daiwa Tierra baitcaster - I've read some great reviews about this reel. Looking off BPS website, looks like this reel is a pretty solid one.

Pflueger President baitcaster - Tackletour gave this reel an award! Supposed to be great and I am certainly in love with Pflueger after handling the spinning reel that I purchased after my Mitchel crapped out on me (my fault for not rinsing out after salt).

Abu Revo S or SX - price is just right...never used Abu Garcia products before but seems to ahve good reviews.

Quantum Catalyst PT - never handled Quantum but I know alot of people considr Quantum to be the go-to baitcaster brand along with Shimano.

Or I could just get another Shimano Citica which I love but have heard so much great things about these reels.

I'll be heading over to Cabelas this weekend to check them out but if anyone has any experience with these reels, let me knwo what you think.

[Teal101]

Alright, alittle baitcaster showdown here.
I just got a huge rebate check back after a month and I've been considering buying a new baitcaster and rod with it.

So the reel that I'm looking at are roughly give or take $100-$150.

I could spend a little more and go with the ever-so-praised CuradoE or Energy PT but the price is a bit steep..

Daiwa Tierra baitcaster - I've read some great reviews about this reel. Looking off BPS website, looks like this reel is a pretty solid one.

Pflueger President baitcaster - Tackletour gave this reel an award! Supposed to be great and I am certainly in love with Pflueger after handling the spinning reel that I purchased after my Mitchel crapped out on me (my fault for not rinsing out after salt).

Abu Revo S or SX - price is just right...never used Abu Garcia products before but seems to ahve good reviews.

Quantum Catalyst PT - never handled Quantum but I know alot of people considr Quantum to be the go-to baitcaster brand along with Shimano.

Or I could just get another Shimano Citica which I love but have heard so much great things about these reels.

I'll be heading over to Cabelas this weekend to check them out but if anyone has any experience with these reels, let me knwo what you think.

You can get a shimano curadoe5 or e7 on ebay for $150 shipped FYI. I got my 201e7 on ebay.

You can also pick up some older curados for near $120.

[Bass Woody]

i purchased a revo sx high speed baitcaster this year and i am nothing but pleased with this purchase! i have never used a baitcaster in my life but this reel was so user friendly. i use my reel everyday, yes everyday and it has not malfunctioned or have i had issues with it. when i hooked a 5lb bass with it the performance and drag were outstanding! mind u that this is my first baitcaster but i have field tested the snot out of it. this is not to say the others suck by any means. worth the price and it is priced kind of reasonable plus i also got a free pair of wiley x sunglasses to boot.