another baitcaster question...

[T.S128]

Maybe i should have asked this in a thread already made but oh well...

So i'm in the market for a new rod. either a riggin rod for walleyes or i just thought maybe i would like a baitcastin set up for northerns and bass.

i got a 7ft spinning rod that i use to throw cranks and spinner baits. should i look into buying a baitcasting setup for the same puprose.

Why would a baitcaster be better?

Can you throw the smaller rapalas and spinner baits as well as you can with a spinning reel?

Thanks for the help

I know how to use a baitcasting reel so the thing of learning something new and dealing with backlash isn't a problem.

[mainbutter]

I've been thinking about getting a baitcaster lately (lighter than my musky setups). It seems that no matter what I do, whenever I'm using braid I get line twist on my line and it eventually becomes knotted on casts. That alone would be a big advantage of baitcasters, especially if you use inline spinners.

[Nick Kuhn]

Even with a fairly cheap baitcaster you should be able to get similar distance from a baitcaster down to about 1/4 ounce. It'll take some time though to get the hang of it. Generally you can get away with heavier line on a baitcaster, and the drag is smoother.

[fatfinger]

I know how to use a baitcasting reel so the thing of learning something new and dealing with backlash isn't a problem.

i wish i could say the same.i've been plagued by backlashes for 20-25 years.been fortunate this season so far(knock on wood) w/o a single one, but sometimes i think God is bored & needs a good laugh & i get em in droves."its all about the thumbs" my grampa & dad would say.anyway- i'd go with one.i love em.

[Slob_Samurai]

In my experiences I like to throw smaller cranks with a spinning reel and throw spinner baits with a baitcaster. Baitcasters are better with heavier line and a spinning reel is better with lighter line.

I think the main benefit for a baitcaster is POWER. If you are fishing more heavy cover, slop, lily pads it's in your best interest to have a baitcaster so you will be able to maneuver the fish to the boat.

Also, when buying a baitcaster I feel you get what you pay for. Casting distance, smoothness, and ease of use dramatically improves when you get above the $100 range.

[chief]

My two cents:

Spinning gear is the way to go if your situations call for 8lb test line or less. For most Minnesota fishing your 7' rod, with 6, 8lb mono is fine for slipbobbering, small cranks, minnow baits, and a lot of live bait rigging. Lighter lures, such as these, always cast and perform optimally on lighter lines. As a general rule, freshwater spinning reels don't perform well with monofilament lines in excess of 10lb test. (NOTE: superlines are a different story, here.) So, smaller, lighter lures, used in more open water, call for the lighter lines that spinning is designed for.

If you're going to throw heavier lures, say, those in excess of 5/8oz., casting rigs, because they can handle very heavy lines, offer greater reliability and versatility. All casting reels are simple winches designed to generate the power needed to retrieve bigger baits that have greater water resistance. Adding a medium heavy casting rig to your arsenal will greatly increase your versatility on the water. They aren't really difficult to master, and I bet you'll vastly prefer them for most bass/pike applications.

[HugoBox]

I think a bunch of the fellas have made good points. I would say the big advantage of a baitcaster is accuracy of casts. I'm assuming that you want to target pike. Clearly bass guys working docks like them (I used to be one) but also the ability to pinpoint a school of pannfish or a clump of weeds with a lure is a hug plus. Also, if you start to throw anything much bigger that 3/8 with a spinning outfit your pointer finger may get ticked off at you. I'm not sure what your budget is but I love the Curados that I have (I mainly chase ski's so I dig the 300 size). That said, I've also had great luck with the C4's by ABU. If you have backlash concerns find a low profile reel with the magnetic brake and you'll be in business. I even had my 7 year old daughter tossing some topwater baits with one and she did fairly well.

Good Luck!

[wahoo]

I have always been a 5500, 6000, etc. guy--old fashioned I guess. I have Calcuttas also, but a but over kill for NP--nice for large Muskie stuff or light saltwater. However, recently fishing with my son on Lake of the Woods I was absolutely knocked out by his Curado. Threw small lures amazingly! He has me looking at one. His Citica is pretty nice also.