Need help with baitcast reel.
Hi,
I'm interested in getting a baitcast reel to use next time i go to Lakes Entrance. KMart had a 25% off sale today so i went and grabbed a Penn Ultimate 5'6" Bait Caster rod, line class 4 - 8kg for $30. I was just wondering what baitcast reel would suit this rod. What do i need to consider when looking for a reel. What price range etc, etc, etc.
I've fished the tambo before with a spinning reel and rod but I'd like to try something new, hence the idea (although it may be a stupid one), of getting a baitcast rod & reel to fiddle around with.
Thanks,
Andy
Anything shimano is good and last forever, i like the low profile baitcaster over the barrel. My local tackle world store in Toowoomba has chronarch mg50 for $260 which is $100 cheaper than anywhere else they are a great all round reel. I would of got nothing shorter than 6'3' in rod length if you do a bit of casting you get longer cast from a longer rod, but 5'6' is all right for starting of with cheers.
Originally Posted by AMB28891
Andy ..... what do you plan to target at Lakes Entrance ........ I'm assuming the usual suspects ( bream , flathead, whiting ,,, maybe an EP) If this is the case , a BC reel is not a practical choice ( If fishing lures or plastics) Yeh , with a lump of bait ( livebait) & a sinker .... In a boat ..... you can use it. For 90% of the fishing , you should be using the lightest rig possible for the conditions .......... & this is where the baitcaster falls over ( even in experienced hands a BC will struggle to cast 3 grams .... well) ....... The spin reel , not a drama!
Just my opinion ...... but I'm sure others will agree
Nagg
On a $30 rod, I wouldn't go overboard. I wouldn't spend more than $100 -$120 on a reel for that rod anything cheaper would be a nightmare to use.
If you start talking about reels like Chronarchs etc, you'll want to match them up to a suitable rod. Start looking around for brand names that are on sale. Penn, Abu etc.
Probably a good idea to start off with a cheaper setup to see if you like baitcasters or not.
I've got a Chronarch on a $150 rod and I don't think it's matched well enough. Looking to upgrade the rod soon.
High end baitcasters are designed to cast well, that is if they are matched to a rod that can also perform. And unfortunatley they don't come too cheap.
The for sale section on this site can produce some good cheap gear from time to time.
When I started using a baitcaster I got a hold of an old reel, but it was a good one. A Shimano bantam fighting star.$10 It was ten years old but it was and still is a fantastic little reel, I can cast it just as far as my Chronarch. I practiced with it until I was comfortable enough to spend a bit more on a better reel.
You certainly don't have to spend big bucks to get a baitcaster that will pull good fish, but if you get cheaper gear you'll have to make allowances for lesser drag performance and casting ability.
Also be careful and make sure you match it up with the correct line type and weight to cast your lures. I started with mono ( nightmare )then Fireline (better but still got lots of birdnests ) and then a true braid ( sweeeeet ).
Have fun with it and get that thumb educated
Thanks guys, this info will really be helpful.
As i said its just to fiddle around with to see
A) If I will be able to and enjoy using it.
B)If there is any point upgrading
and
C) If it catches any fish!!
I'll take into account what you guys have said
whilst im scouting out a new reel.
If theres anyone still looking at this thread would a Daiwa megaforce TSH100 suffice?
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