Advice on Low profile baitcasters

[harrystrybos]

Hi All

I have developed a great interest in low profile baitcasters. A lot of people rave about them and I can see a great mechanical efficiency in their design. While I think that I am fairly proficient with soft plastics and graphite rods (my favourite is a Pflueger Trion Tournament Series with a Daiwa 1500 Exceler), low profile baitcasters remain a bit of a mystery to me.

Finally bought a "proper" one (I think) - Daiwa Viento and can actually cast the thing without massive birdnests (not like two cheapies I bought in the past)

Can anyone give further advice on these type of reels and the rods that suit them. My main target is Mangrove Jacks (and maybe barra up north) with hardbody lures.

Even your "ideal" combo in the above pattern would be of interest.

Thank you

Harry

[Rockfish]

Hi Harry,

Good to hear you bought a Daiwa can't go wrong these days. The tierra is a tough little unit, light enough to cast all day and has a number of features making it very good. One thing to consider depending entirely upon the target species(read yes to jacks and barra) is upgrading the drag with a set of Erskine Carbontex unit's. These will make the drag smoother, less or nill start up and have a lot more max drag.

Rods do depend upon line class, target species, lures selection, enviroment/location etc...

Rods, many rave about the EGrell range on this site just do a few searches. Either the Bear 4-7 or 6-6 would be the go depending on lures, techniques and personal preferences. Myself i have a 3-5, 6-8 and 6-10 Shimano t-curve matched to all my daiwas!!! yes shimano on a daiwa reel. The 3-5 'bass' model would be great if using lighter lures and i have cought impoundment barra on this rod using 30lb line and running it hard, they are very tough. Or the 6-8 if you want something a little shorter and stiffer??? Daiwa make a great range of rods in the advantage range the 6' 10-20lb would be perfect for almost all situations i have encountered. If the units above are a little too expensive have a look at the Penn Pinpoint tournament M (6kg), H (8Kg), or XH (10kg) rods. Hard to beat for value for money.

Any more questions PM me

Cheers
Stu

[2manylures]

The key to any overhead reel is to set them up properly & NOT to overload them with line.

Been using overheads for casting since 1981 & love them.

As for rods, that's up to you as all individuals are different & have personal favourites.

My favourites aren't always what someone else may like.

[harrystrybos]

Hi Harry,

Good to hear you bought a Daiwa can't go wrong these days. The tierra is a tough little unit, light enough to cast all day and has a number of features making it very good. One thing to consider depending entirely upon the target species(read yes to jacks and barra) is upgrading the drag with a set of Erskine Carbontex unit's. These will make the drag smoother, less or nill start up and have a lot more max drag.

Rods do depend upon line class, target species, lures selection, enviroment/location etc...

Rods, many rave about the EGrell range on this site just do a few searches. Either the Bear 4-7 or 6-6 would be the go depending on lures, techniques and personal preferences. Myself i have a 3-5, 6-8 and 6-10 Shimano t-curve matched to all my daiwas!!! yes shimano on a daiwa reel. The 3-5 'bass' model would be great if using lighter lures and i have cought impoundment barra on this rod using 30lb line and running it hard, they are very tough. Or the 6-8 if you want something a little shorter and stiffer??? Daiwa make a great range of rods in the advantage range the 6' 10-20lb would be perfect for almost all situations i have encountered. If the units above are a little too expensive have a look at the Penn Pinpoint tournament M (6kg), H (8Kg), or XH (10kg) rods. Hard to beat for value for money.

Any more questions PM me

Cheers
Stu

Thanks for your very worthwile comments. My apologies for my typo: it should have been Daiwa Viento, not Daiwa Tierra (even though I have one of those).

I went to my local BCF today to have a look at the Shimano T-Curve range. The price was around $249 which caused me to walk around again before buying. I happened to walk by a "locked" G.Loomis rod display and saw a beaut rod for $249, the same price as the Shimano T-Curve. Finally the "poser" in me decided to buy the G.Loomis GR722.

Upon going to the checkout, the young lady said $449. I obviously protested and she had to call the manager. Turns out they had put the wrong price tag on the rod! The manager was most polite and told me it was my lucky day.

So, well done BCF, and thank you, up above, for smiling on a fisherman again.

Cheers

[Tim_N]

Your lucky day alright, it's good to have a win every now and then. On ya Harry.
Tim

[Pedrokkas]

i had the same experience when I bought my first graphite rod. Went to Anaconda and got a Daiwa procyon 3-5 kg that costs 150$ for 40$ because it was in the wrong box.

[Jungle Jim]

Firstly congrats on the bargain with Bcf and good on them for looking after you.

Secondly i too have developed this recent fascination (or as the wife puts it - Love affair) with low-pro baitcasters.

I did manage to find some really useful articles in fresh water fishing monthly magazine titled Bass Masterclass.

I think from memory these issues were 12 months or so old and the author really knows his stuff when it comes to using baitcasters properly (which for me is a work in progress)

I'm sure he talks in there about pairing up the viento to a matching rod.


From memory the author did one article usuing the Viento and talked about how to become a better caster.

I found the whole series at my local library but i guess you could get them on backorder.

Hope this helps.

p.s Be careful - An interest of low profile baitcasters can quickly turn into a collection.

Jim

[Y-Not]

It doesnt always lead to a collection I am still on my first a VERYold well used and at times abused Shimano Bantum Mag. I must have bought it about 25 years ago.
Abu's have come and gone but this litle beasty keeps on working. It isnt smooth to use but it is reliable. have it on a IM7grahite 6Ft road currnetly spooled wth 10LB platil braid. Not ddesigned for it but still does he job. is the only outfit I use in the bar for snap or sweeties

[harrystrybos]

Firstly congrats on the bargain with Bcf and good on them for looking after you.

Secondly i too have developed this recent fascination (or as the wife puts it - Love affair) with low-pro baitcasters.

I did manage to find some really useful articles in fresh water fishing monthly magazine titled Bass Masterclass.

I think from memory these issues were 12 months or so old and the author really knows his stuff when it comes to using baitcasters properly (which for me is a work in progress)

I'm sure he talks in there about pairing up the viento to a matching rod.


From memory the author did one article usuing the Viento and talked about how to become a better caster.

I found the whole series at my local library but i guess you could get them on backorder.

Hope this helps.

p.s Be careful - An interest of low profile baitcasters can quickly turn into a collection.

Jim

Thanks for your input. A "collection" could translate to what a mate of mine describes as a serious disease called GAS (gear aquistition syndome)

I have fitted the Daiwa Viento to my G.Loomis aquistition (grin) and have been practising in the backyard with this combo. Essentially, my casts are getting better and more accurate but I do get the occasional birds Nest "beastie"

I will look at the article you have recommened, and I thank you for the information.

Good fishing

Harry