You have complete control of the reel speed whe ncasting and you can stop it and make it drop if you over cast.

It's nice when casting into brush or debris or around obstacles.
When using a spinning reel I do much the same thing only I run the line through my index finger and sqeeze or release to control slack and make it land where I want. The bait caster is more natural becasue your using your thumb on the actual reel instead.

 

Gotcha. With my closed faced reel, I can use the thumb button (WETF it's called) to slow the cast down and drop my lure where I need it.
I guess I should just say fudge it, go buy a good one, and start practicing.

It's obvious it's the reel of choice.

 

It's as much a status thing as anything else....

I've caught as many or more fish on simple fishing line tied to limb.........
Your not going to catch anymore fish becasue you have the best reel.

 

True, but you won't see KVD winning tourneys with a twig and twine combo.

 

They dont allow limb lines, jug lines, cranks or dynomite in tournaments either though.

 

Well, then maybe they know something we don't?

 

I should soooo enter a tourney with nothing more than a hickory branch with some line tied on it. Keep entering until I win. That would be classic!!!!!

Especially if I didnt even take the boat, just fish from the bank.

 

Or with an old intertube.

 

Yea!!

or this

 

Even HE has a sponsor!

 

Thx for the info. So, would a barrel shaped one or an oval one better for a beginner? Is the shimano calcutta a good freshwater reel, or just for salt? Also, I looked at them online, and it said they only have 3 bearings.

 

The reel shape you like all depends on how well the reel fits in your hand. I've had both, but the flatter oval ones I like better.

 

For those that changed over from spinning reels, was it hard to get used to reeling with your right hand? Plus, I dont think Im cordinated enough to jig with my left hand.

 

I never found it hard to get used to the reeling. Once you practice for a few days then get on the water with a baitcaster, you'll see how easy it really is - casting, reeling, the feel, skipping, pitching, flipping, etc..

 

You can buy baitcasters with left hand retrieve. I've got one and hate it because I'm not used to left hand retrieve. I would consider selling it.