First bait caster rod and reel

Good luck.
I bought an Abu Garcia about three years ago. Used it twice. Now it sits. I need to practice, but my fishing time is limited. So, when I do fish, I'd rather be fishing, then trying to figure out the reel. It sure does look cool though.

 

Having the 7 over the 5 will make the reel a bit smoother but functionally they will be the same. I would look more into the braking system though for your first setup. a 5 or 7 bearing will be fairly smooth as is and I think you would be happy with both. If you can sacrafice 2 bearings for a better brake setup at the same price I would.

 

What do I need to know about the braking system. I know the few I've looked at has had a knob of the side that you turn to adjust brake but not sure what else there is to know

 

I think most Abu reels (I know the blackmax does) have a mechanical brake on one side, which just applies friction to the spool, and a magnetic brake on the other side. The magnetic brake allows you to kinda fine tune the braking. Kind of like setting the difficulty level of the reel. When you first start learning you can crank the mag brake up and you'll have less backlashes and back off for more distance as you get comfortable. I adjust the mechanical brake until the lure just barely drops under its own weight then I usually have the magnetic brake set on about 4 out of 10.

 

to use the break you would put whatever lure you are using on the line and let t hang, then tighten the knob labeled as 1 (i think its called a spool tensioner). Hold the rod straight out and start to loosen that knob, when your lure starts to fall stop loosening it. then turn the brake dial, labeled as 3 to about halfway or more if you are getting backlash. Doing this has improved my casting tenfold and i rarely get backlash, as you get more comfortable with the reel you can loosen the break and cast further.

 

1 is the mechanical or friction brake.
3 is the magnetic brake.

 

Sorry for all the questions but how do I know what gear ratio I need?

 

I would go with a 6:2:1 or something in there since you will be using it for all kinds if fishing

 

I've got a pfluegar trion that I love, great reel, though if it is your first bait caster, something with a magnetic brake might be a better Idea. upgrade whenever you get good if you like it the baitcasters. the Shimano Curados are nice as well, though a little pricey if you dont want to spend much

I use custom rods my dad made (extremely light weight), but my uncle (who taught me to fish) loves all star rods, I've used his before and they are great for the money. If you decide gto upgrade rods after that, check out JB custom rods, they are awesome.

 

Can I use a bait caster for other type of fishing too? I know next month the Shad start running in the rivers, followed by Rock fish. I didn't know if I could use it for that too. Each bait that I put on a bait caster I need to adjust the mechanical/friction brake, is that right?

 

Just remember that baitcasters work best with about 1/2 oz lures or heavier, so if you use it to fish for smaller species then it's going to be more challenging. I don't use a baitcaster for anything less than a 2lb fish usually (or at least my target species average weight of 2lbs or higher). It's a bit tough to throw a 1/4 oz lure, but it can be done once you get more comfortable with baitcasters. It's a total b!tch casting light lures into the wind with a baitcaster though.

 

Also depends on what line size you are throwing to, I agree light lures in the wind blows!! But with practice you will become good a throwing lighter lures like jerk baits and smaller stuff.

 

What type of line would you suggest with a baitcaster? Also, 10-12lb test be good or a little heavier? Thanks for all the help so far, its really appreciated and helpful.

 

I'd start out with mono instead of braid. It'll be easier to pick out backlashes and cheaper if you have to cut out a bad one.

 

Definitely not braid to start out. I still don't like it. The strength is great for when you have a fish on and the no stretch means you can feel absolutely everything, but if you get hung up, there ain't no breaking it off. I use 12-14lb Berkley Big Game or Berkley Vanish.

 

Mono for sure. I don't even bother with braids even for big catfish or anything. I find a good 12-14lb is more than enough for any bassing I do with my baitcaster and it casts pretty easy. Just keep new line on your reel if you use it alot, and if you store it in a hot dry garage over the summer. Fresh mono always is easier to work with and you won't lose as many fish either.

 

Get a good reel, they are easier to learn on.
I really like my pfluger supreme with a 7' MH rod.
I like a braided line as the line is flat and doesn't dig into the spool, I also find it easier pull out a birds nest. A fluorocarbon leader works well.

 

Another vote for 12 lb mono. I really like the berkly long cast or whatever its called. If you do ever use braid though just remember to back it with some mono so it doesn't slip on the spool. I used 6lb vanish to back my 50lb braid on my catfish reel. The line diameter is similar and I have tons of it laying around from trout fishing. If a cat ever spools out all my braid Im screwed anyways so weight of the line doesn't matter

 

I've been using a baitcaster for two years and it is defiantly easier to learn using mono. get a good mono with low memory though or you will be left with coiled line sitting on top of the water.

 

Do I need a left or right handed reel? I usually cast with my right hand so does that mean I need to get a left handed reel? Are in stores a lot of time or do I need to order those off the internet? I know my buddy that I fish with casts with his right and then then still retrieves with his right hand he just had to switch hands onces the lure hits the water.