Best reel for casting #5 - #7 Shad Rap??

[73h h4x]

I'm looking for the best setup to cast cranks a long way, specifically lighter ones like a #5 shad rap. The boys at Gander told me a baitcaster would be best, but i have my doubts. Thinking 8 or 10 Lb power pro for line...

I ended up buying a Curado 200E7, but I'm thinking about returning it for a Symetre or other mid-grade Shimano spinning around $100.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[BPBOB]

Casting involves rod,reel,and line. I would agree you're on the right track with the power pro.I think an ideal set-up for what you're talking about would be 7 ft ml or med spinning rod and a nicely loaded to the rim spinning reel-read recently about St. Croix 7 ft ml rod being a good choice for throwing cranks. I throw that type of crank with 7ft med or med spinning rod.I throw heavier lipless baits with a baitcaster.

[goose89]

I'm looking for the best setup to cast cranks a long way, specifically lighter ones like a #5 shad rap. The boys at Gander told me a baitcaster would be best...

That's classic!! Heavier cranks, yup....but SR5's...??

BPBOB pretty much hit it all on the head. Line, rod and reel all important. I agree with his rod suggestions. Pleuger Arbor is an obvious large spool reel without having a large overall reel....I've got one and like it, but I love my Shimano Saro's and Stradics 2500's. PowerPro 10/2 is a good choice.

[73h h4x]

Thanks for the quick responses... Stradics at $200 are a little more than i want to spend, but i think a Symetre will probably do the same thing for me.. i agree, having a fully loaded spool is important.

The only baitcaster i own is my Musky reel, so i wasn't sure how a bass reel would perform with a lighter bait... Glad i asked.. i'll probably return the Cruado.. (on clearance for $130 )

[suncruiser234]

Gander... LOL I would keep that Curado for that price and get a spinning reel in the $40 range. 7' ML with a x-tra fast tip and a 2000 size reel with 15/4 power pro.

[73h h4x]

7' ML with a x-tra fast tip and a 2000 size reel with 15/4 power pro.

Really? My understanding is that you want a moderate action rod to give your cranks the most wobble.

The rod i ended up with is a MH Mojo Bass 7' moderate action (the crankbait edition). It has a very flexible tip but a nice sturdy backbone... .

[tunrevir]

With a lighter bait like the #5 shadrap you will want a softer tipped rod, "to feel the bait swim" if that is what you are after. Length of the rod and action are most important, followed by a reel with a sufficient spool size to cast with long distances. The flex in the rod allows you to launch a smaller bait and the spool size on the reel will allow the line to more freely roll off and through the guides for longer distances. I like a 7' ML action with a fast tip and a 2500 symetre to cast those light baits long distance.

Tunrevir~

[goose89]

"7' ML with a x-tra fast tip and a 2000 size reel with 15/4 power pro."

Really? My understanding is that you want a moderate action rod to give your cranks the most wobble.

The rod i ended up with is a MH Mojo Bass 7' moderate action (the crankbait edition). It has a very flexible tip but a nice sturdy backbone... .

Yup...for casting SR5's for sure.....your Mojo will be great for bass cranks (heavier baits), but for light baits, a 7' ML with a fast action would be better, IMO.

tunrevir beat me and explained it better.....what he said!

[Lakeside_Nelson]

I definitely agree to sticking to spinning--7ft ML w/ 10-15# braid on a symetre or saros like goose and tunrevir mentioned. It's a shame Gander messed up like that. Usually they push things on the spendy side, but that is a very interesting choice when you are targeting eyes.

[Het]

Check out the Daiwa Tierra. I was a die hard Stardic guy for years. My buddy that is a Daiwa rep gave me one to try out one weekend for jigging and casting. I was sold immediately. The reels are silky smooth.

[73h h4x]

Sounds like there's a pretty clear consensus. Thank you all very much for the insight.

[Stick in Mud]

Yes, a long and medium-light rod will help more than whatever reel you want to buy. In the spring and fall I throw cranks on a bobber rod that's 7'6'' and pretty whippy. For what it's worth, I throw them on a USreel that's easy to find on sale online....retail at $150, you can get them for around $50 if you look for them. Here's a pic:

I've got no empirical evidence that these reels throw a lure farther, but I've got plenty of anecdotal evidence....They've got a funny-looking "fat" spool that works for me. I can throw a shad rap or a senko or a rooster martin farther with this reel--paired up with an appropriate rod, of course--farther than any other reel I've tried, and I've got some expensive ones.

[Fish Head]

I would try spooling it with Berkley Nanofil. I haven't used it yet, but people who have tried it told me that the ads are true. It casts a mile and has very little memory.

[Esox_Magnum]

I use a Revo S for casting raps and X Raps, had it on a 7' Techna AV till I broke it the other day, picked up a Penn 7'2 the other day will test it out soon....

[goose89]

I use a Revo S for casting raps and X Raps, had it on a 7' Techna AV till I broke it the other day, picked up a Penn 7'2 the other day will test it out soon....

Curious....can you throw lighter raps (not including X-raps) further with that particular baitcaster than with a good, large spooled spinning real??

[NCLaker]

Rod is an important factor, agree with the 7 ML with Fast to MF action. Casting light cranks with a MH would be feel like casting with a pool cue - it won't load up right to get the distance you want.

Spinning reel size 2500 (Shimano) or 30 (Pfluger) are good sizes. Braid/fused/Nonfil casts easier but I always use a Floro leader. I don't like baitcasters for this application - not that it isn't doable, but try casting a light SR5 into the wind and you will be fighting backlashes and getting any distance.

[Vitreus]

I would try spooling it with Berkley Nanofil. I haven't used it yet, but people who have tried it told me that the ads are true. It casts a mile and has very little memory.

Nanofil is awesome.

[Comit 2]

All good stuff.

I would and do go with a 7' ml spinning set up #5-#7 shad raps are light unless you go with the Glass shad raps. For line go with the Nano-Fill. It is not cheep but line has more to do with casting distance the reel size.

A bait caster for throwing Balsa wood lures? What was the sales person thinking?

[Comit 2]

To add something. I do have a US reel and I get a lot of line slap from the line coming off the reel and hitting the rod! It might just be the rod/reel combination but be aware.