New Combo

[20lbSloughShark]

I got a chance to try all sorts of reels last fall and am finally ready to try something new. Almost my whole life I used exclusivity spinning reels, never had a problem, and probably never will. I got to try a very nice abu garcia baitcaster but they just don't feel right to me, same with every baitcaster I have tried. I did really like some conventional reels; the Penn levelwind, especially when I found out it was $60. I have decided to get one to mix up my gear a little, but I have no idea what to look for in a rod. What is that "trigger" that is on most of the casting rods for? Compared to spinning rods, should I get a heavier action, big eyelets, etc.?

[JPenny]

Once you get used to using a casting reel, you might prefer it over a spinning reel. But there is a learning curve you'll have to deal with. First, get the best one you can possibly afford. If you scrimp on the cost and purchase a cheapie, you're not going to get a reel that can be cast very well and the frustations that come with it will cause you to throw the darn thing aside. Since it is your first time out, I'd suggest an Abu 5500C. Not too expensive but a good reel. And able to handle any pike you're liable to hook. For a rod, I'd take a serious look at one of the flipping sticks the bass guys use. That trigger is for something to control the rod while you cast. Drill a small hole in it and it makes a great hook holder.

[Gordie]

The feel issue is the grip that you use VS the spinning reel at least thats what it was like for me when I started. I have both left and right hand reels and some don't understand how I can just switch from one to another but it is very easy once you get used to the basic operation of a baitcaster. I like using the left hand models when vertical jigging for eyes, being right handed it means I do not have to switch hands after a fish is hooked and one less thing to worry about if a the big one hits. I still use the lefties for casting spoons or spinner baits but for some odd reason I would rather use a right handed model. Try a few different models right and left handed. As JPenny stated once you get the feel of it you may noy want to use a spinning reel for big game fish again would also recommend the 5500c or the 6500c for a starting model. They are easy to get used to in my opinion.

[MN BassFisher]

If you can find a good deal on a baitcaster and rod, I would recommend them. I felt the same way about them until 4 years ago and now it's almost exclusively what I use to fish Pike and Bass. When using a spinning reel, I reel in on the left side. I was told by a friend who used to use baitcasters that if he would have done it over again he would have forced himself the use right handed baitcasters (since that is the standard and there are a bunch more offerings in the right handed model as opposed to the left handed). So I found a closeout deal on a Pflueger Trion right handed baitcaster and picked up a St. Croix rod, I used it that fall and I have to admit I missed my share of hooksets because of the different feeling but by that time next year I had a few more baitcasting setups and I love them. I personally don't have any baitcasting rods under Medium power (I never saw much point, if I'm going to finesse fish - I will do it with light line and on spinning gear). If you plan to fish open water a lot I would recommend a 7' Medium (I've caught countless bass and pike on this setup). If you plan to fish heavier weeds, stumps, slop, etc I would go up in power to Medium-Heavy so you have the backbone to get the fish up and out. Good luck and stick with it - you'll be glad you did!

[chief]

There will be a very short learning curve when you switch to casting tackle, but you'll be vey glad you did. Casting tackle, at its most basic form, is a simple winch. As such, it offers far more power than spinning tackle, and you'll really notice this advantage with larger lures. Hopefully, larger fish, too.

Do spend time discovering if you're a righty or lefty on the retrieve. When I spin I crank with my left hand, but use my right hand for all casting cranking. Many (maybe most?) folks do it this way. Most of us, too, cast with our right hand, so every cast requires a transfer of the rod handle from right to left hand prior to the retrieve . This, however, will quickly become an automatic, ingrained action on your part.

An Abu 5500c will set you back a hundred bucks, and it will outlive you. It's simple, unsexy and bulletproof. Pair it with a seven and a half foot flipping stick, add 50lb braid, and you have a perfect

pike rig. This is also a great rig for cats, sturgeon, heavy bass, and light Muskie.

Note: Penn level wind reels are designed for trolling and/ or still fishing. They're not designed for the demands of casting. You can, of course, opt for a low profile reel, but be sure to get one with a larger/ wider spool. A 5:3 or 5:4 retrieve ratio is about right.

[20lbSloughShark]

I have thought a lot about this, and I just can't afford a $100 reel at this time when my spinning reel works 100%.

[20lbSloughShark]

I scored a perfect condition older abu garcia ambassadeur 5500c for $40. I'm sure it will serve me well, but I wont be out much if I don't like it. I am going to pair it with a 7' gandermountain brand rod, I'm not sure if I should go with a heavy or medium heavy yet.

[delmuts]

Shark. Be willing to spend some time learning to use the baitcaster and be patient!!It will feel wrong for a while, but once mastered you'll love them.

[JPenny]

Great score! Now tell me, is that a 5500C or a 5500C3? Both are great reels but there is a difference. Man, I can't count all the big pike I've caught on an Abu 5500 series reels.

[20lbSloughShark]

It's listed as 5500C3, whats the difference?

[JPenny]

Just age. The C'3's are newer. You're going to like that reel. When you first start casting it, tighten the brake down far enough so that when you let a weight drop straight down to the floor, it doesn't backlash when the spool stops. As your thumb becomes more educated, you will be able to back that brake off and get more distance on your casts.

[tolle141]

Slough - To be totally honest, you really get what you pay for in a baitcaster. There's a huge margin of performance between $100 and $170 in the baitcasting world. If you get a 5500C3 it'll work, but you'll always resent the reel. If you spend $170 and get a decent ABU, Quantum, or Shimano you'll really see the casting distance, the power, and the control. It will open a whole new spectrum of presentations and techniques. Probably whole new species for you.

E**bay has decent prices on Daiwas, Abu Revos, and Shimano Curados. Pick one up, put it on a St Croix Premier, and have yourself a ball.

[deerminator]

This is a great thread. I picked up two factory reconditioned Ambasseduer 5000s for $50 (total) at the local bait shop that was going out of business this Winter. Granted, I know it's a very entry-level reel, but I'm looking to learn and its a starting point. Plus, you cant beat the price.

[20lbSloughShark]

Well there is absolutely no way I'm buying a $170 reel, and I'm sure if they made a $170 spinning reel it would be bullet proof. I think a lot of people compare $50 spinning reels to $150 baitcasters. I don't think I will ever get away from spinning reels completely, mine casts good distances with any line (within reason), any lure weight, and does not backlash, and with braid line twist does not exist. I know I will be happy with my ambassadeur, I have tried many in the store, and it just fits my hand perfect. The problem I always had is the low profile baitcasters are too small for my big hand, I always fumbled them, and again I had no reason to own one. I'm hoping to not only get some more distance on my casts, but also just to mix up my gear some. I'll use my short 6' spinning rod for smaller lures and live bait, and use the baitcaster for bigger baits, and I'm sure more will come up as I learn. I'm glad jack told me to get an abu garcia, because it turns out the penn levelwind I tried was an international baitcaster, which is meant to cast. I saw a penn level wind (the model levelwind) 209 and it is a tank.

[wahoo]

I have 5000s, 5500s, etc. Also Trinidads, Calcuttas, Pfluegers, etc. I still love the 5500s. And, they can be rebuilt later if you want special bearings, handles, etc. added.

Never had a Northern they couldn't handle--or Stripers to 40 plus.

When throwing a large Musky style bait I do go to Calcuttas.

[tolle141]

No reason to leave spinning reels. I use my Shimano Symetres prob 50% of the time because I tubes, jigs, and flukes are frequent presentations and a spinning set up handles them best. I'm just saying that a good baitcaster opens up new worlds.

Calcuttas.... the most bulletproof musky reel out there IMO. Nothing holds its resale value like a Calcutta.

[JPenny]

No doubt some of the more expensive reels will be smoother and the resale value may be more (I never sell mine anyway). But the Abu's are the workhorses of the blue collar bunch and they will do anything the others will. Sure, if someone wanted to give me a Shimano Tranx I'd happily accept it. But would I part with $500.00 for it? Not a chance!

I'd rather spend my money on getting somewhere I can catch huge fish and use my old reliables to catch them with.

In the past 40 years, I've been lucky enough to set a total of 8 line class world records. Many of them were caught on Abu 5500's and 6500's. I've never owned a reel that cost more than $150.00 and why should I? I think I do OK with what I use now.

One advantage casting reels have over spinning reels is that during the cast your lures will tend to tumble less and won't tangle with the leader as much.

[tolle141]

Side note on the Tranx. On E**Bay (they block it out) the Tranx goes for $370 new. For those who are interested.

[20lbSloughShark]

I got the reel today, looked it over, put new backing and 20# braid on, and put it on my pole. I used a 1 ounce trolling sinker to practice casting. It reels really smooth, the drag seems to be just fine, and it seems to cast ok, but it makes this really weird whirly/grindy sound. It is decently loud, and don't think its normal. I tried the brake set so when I move the tip the weight dropped about a foot, and kept backing off until I gave up. I did not get to try a long cast, but it seemed to cast 30-40 yards easy, and if I tried I'm sure it would go a lot further. I might have to post a video to describe the sound better, its kind of like those wind up toys when you spin them too fast. Its just so weird that it works just fine in every way?

BTW I never had a single backlash, infact on the higher setting, I didn't even use my thumb and it didn't

[20lbSloughShark]

I took it completely apart and greased everything. I am thinking the bearings on the spool might be bad; when I spin it, I can hear a faint grinding. I think I will just use it as it is for now. It casts good, even when the brake is backed off to almost nothing, I don't really get any backlash, and it casts nearly 50 yards. I have been casting it for an hour and I really like it. I'm not convinced it is more accurate than my spinning reel, but when in perfect working condition it may cast a little further. What I really like is how flat it casts, compared to an arch of a spinning reel. If you could figure out how to cast a bait caster in an arch without it snagging up instantly you could really launch a lure.

[tolle141]

Might need a little oil, but that's how my ambassadeurs sound like. They're not the smoothest reels out there, but they're definitely ready to do work. Good luck!

[20lbSloughShark]

I ordered new stainless bearings and carbontex drags for it. A total of $60 and it will be better than new.

[20lbSloughShark]

Bearings were the problem, the thing is almost silent when casting now. I should have just spooled with 10# mono for practicing until opener, I had to cut all 150 yards of my 20# braid off because of an intense backlash. BTW, its too windy to cast right now lol. I absolutely love the carbontex drag washers, the drag is so smooth now, its as good as I have ever seen. I guess thats why the company is called smoooth drag.

[Musky hunter 82]

One trick to help with the backlashes is to, unspool about 60-70 yards of line off the reel then put a piece of electrical tape width ways across the spool, then reel the line back up. If you get a back lash it will only go until it hits the tape. Works awesome when you're learning to cast a baitcaster.

[Nolan]

It sounds overkill but put 50-65lb braid on there. Casts sooooo much better and no backlashes. That's why muskie guys like myself use 80-100lb braid, easy to cast and if it backlashes its super easy to pluck them out.