?Good beginner baitcaster?

[Mike Stark]

trying to get outfitted for muskie fishing. never really fished with a baitcaster. what baitcaster would be good to start with? i would need something that can handle big baits.

thanks

mike

[codyBfishing]

i love my abu garcia... i think its 6600 or something like that... I got it at Fleet Farm for 80 bucks

[10,000 Casts]

I would start with a Garcia 6500C3 ($80) and throw some 80lb test on there. You'll probably want the thumb bar. When you start fishing more then buy the Calcutta. For now spend the money on a good Beckman Musky net, a knipex and a Pliers a tackle box and some baits. You'll need a good pair of polarized sun glasses and a decent camera too.

[hanson]

I'd recommend a Garcia 6500 C3 as well (Thumbar would be a 6600 C3). 6500 C3 was the baitcaster I learned on. You'll more than likely end up upgrading from this reel but its a good place to start.

Go find a big field, tie a 3-4 oz sinker onto your line and start chucking. You'll educate your thumb fairly quick. Generally, you'll want to start applying a bit of pressure with your thumb about 3/4ths of the way into the cast. And you can totally stop the spool when the bait touches down. The backlash occurs when the spool is spinning fast and the lure is slowing down (end of cast), this is where a bit of pressure on the spool from your thumb keeps the 2 in sync.

Baitcasters are nothing to be afraid of, especially when tossing heavier baits. Its trying to throw the lighter stuff a considerable distance that gets interesting. Such as a Cowgirl into a stiff headwind, and getting some distance out of it without backlashing.

[mainbutter]

My first baitcaster was bought this year, abu garcia C3 6501(same as 6500 but left hand reel)

I've been more than happy with it, it handles everything I care to throw, but I prefer a reel with a lower gear ratio when pulling big blades.

[Esox_Magnum]

400 series Shimano, Daiwa Luna 300, Okuma Red Iris 400, Abu Revo Toro, Shimano 300 Curado ( easiest to cast of anything I own and the reel my daughters learning on)

[Grunt L]

Another vote for the Garcia 6500C3. I got two at the Cabelas bargain cave for $50 and they have worked well for me for years.

James