Ok, so I've been raised on spinning reels, and thats all I have ever used. But I think I'm gonna break down and get a bait caster. I tried one once and it rat nested in 2 casts. So, my question is what is a good one to get. I am only going to use this one for bass fishing. Also any tips on how to not get it nested up? I looked online and there are two different types of bait casters, one in round, and the other is kinda oval. Whats the difference in those two? I really like the calcutta, but I've only heard of that being a saltwater reel.
Obviously i know nothing about them and need yalls help. Thanks

 

well i use the circular one, and the trick is to well get a good spin on it while letting go of the whole thing at roughly the same time, my friend and i were in my local inlet to the atlantic and we saw a school of mullet, we cast the net and bam, it took us 5 minutes to get it into the boat and when we opened it up we were walking in 2 feet of mullet in his 17ft boat....we had a lot of bait

 

I myself like baitcasters. (I've since added another Quantum like the one in the middle, same model just a newer model)

The key to reducing backlashes is buy a b.c. with a good braking system. This will allow you to control the speed of the reel. There are many factors when dealing with backlashes but the main 2 are: 1. the weight of your lure 2. the wind. When adjusting the braking system for weight, press down on the thumbbar to see how fast the lure drops. You'll want to adjust the brake so the lure drops slow and steady. Adjusting the brake for the wind is something you'll do on a cast by cast basis.

Good luck and keep them lines tight.

 

If you really are serious about a baitcaster plan on spending a few bucks, most that are under $100 are crap. When you are first starting set the spool so that when the rod is held level the bait barely falls, then tighten it up just a bit. This will stop the spool much faster and help to reduce the backlashes. Check out some fishing forums like bass boat central and learn from those guys.

 

I stay away from braking systems myself. It just threw me off from what I had been taught. It takes practice

 

oh wow!! am i out of it, i thought you said bait net, probably cause i haven't slept in a whole day, but try this one:

LOL might be to big but actually its kinda small for what we do

 

I bought a Quantum Rippin' reel (spelling) back in 1989 or 90. That is all I have used since. I keep it set just about as loose as it will go and use my thumb for a brake. I would like to update my gear but that reel just refuses to ever have any problems.

 

All I use are baitcasters. Spinning reels give me fits. It takes a lot of practice even once you have the spool speed and brake set right. You just have to decide you're going to stick with it. Buy two and leave all other rods at home. Then when one fouls up you have another to keep fishing with and you'll be more careful casting with it the rest of the day.
Best advice I can offer is to start with a somewhat heavy lure like a 1/2oz spinnerbait. Once you get good throwing that you can go down to a 7/16 or a 3/8oz. If the water is deep enough and somewhat weed free and you want to throw something different try larger cranks like a big Shad Rap. If you want topwater use a normal size Zara Spook or a Spittin' Image. They throw well on baitcasters. Lighter lures will cause more backlashes (I prefer to call it a professional overrun) as will casting into the wind.
As far as reels go, it's hard to go wrong with a Quantum but there's lots of good ones out there. If you're buying a rod at the same time try a few different reels on it right in the store and see how they feel in your hands. Especially if you're going to palm it. Choose one that's comfortable for you because you're the one that will be holding it all day. If the store won't let you do that go to another store.

Good luck

 

You get what you pay for with baitcast reels. Plus the more bearings the better. Good braking is a key to less backlash as stated already. Practice makes perfect as well.

 

i have a few abu garcia baitcasters. the ones that get the most use are from the 'ambassadeur' line.

i use them for a few fishing trips during the year, and i am very happy with them.

the first caster i got was a shimano something or other (many years ago). alls i remember about it was it had like 50 buttons, *****, or sliders on it, and i got rats-nest with every third cast.

with the abu-garcia, i adjust the resistance for the drag on the spool when i change lures, and keep a 'light thumb' on the spool when casting and i am good to go. big difference casting into, or with the wind (i still get an occasionaly rats-nest, but they are few & far between)

the abu garcia's are simple, clean, durable, and work beautifully.

i really enjoy using them

 

Show off.

I hate bait cast, because I suck at using them. I'm pretty sure I'd get used to to using one, if I took the time out to learn, but what's the point?

Spinning reels and closed faced reels for me......I'm lazy.

 

I was raised on spinning reels too and was skeptical about the switch to baitcast reels, but that's pretty much all I use now. There is still the senario where a spinning reel is needed, but baitcast reels are so versatile now that spinning reels for me are becoming obsolete.

 

X's 2

My thumb in my brake.
I taught myself as a kid by practicing casting with various lead weights in the front yard.

I could hit a quarter over hand, underhand, side arm or pitching.

 

I am obviously un-educated in the area of baitcast reels.

What are the benefits of a baitcast VS a closed faced reel?

 

Versatility. Casting distance. Finesse. Power. Speed. You can adjust on the fly to do whatever you want, as long as you know what you're doing and are in control.