sirwaxxalot 1 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 A few months ago I visited BCF. Giddy on cash and the smell of new tackle I bought a baitcaster rod and reel combo, about 130 bucks for the rod and reel. Matched it with 8lb fireline went off with my mate (who bought one aswell) ready to catch bream. Cast it first time and BAM massive birdsnests. We then realised we didnt know what we were doing.After a while we worked out how to cast( and what to cast, not unweighted flickbaits ) So realising that it would only cast weighty lures with any great distance, i upsized to 20lb line and turned it into a mully lure rod. Since then it has gathered dust as after a few outings with nothing but the dreaded nest and doughnuts Ive been put off.To my question : Is there any other use that someone can suggest for this combo? It seems like it wont cast anything without a decent weight any great distance. Its an ABU Garcia Muscletip pro 5'6 rod with an abu polaris reel.Its not the flashiest going around but id like it to do something after convincing the missus that it was a good idea to buy itCheers Marc Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rickster 0 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Could be something you are doing, overheads take practice :woohoo: practice :woohoo: practice :woohoo: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southie THE BANGA 2,304 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 maybe throwing out dead/live baits for mullies Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boyington214 0 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Hey Mate,I use a lot of baitcasters. What weight class is the rod and what is the line ratings? The dead give away with baitcasters is just that. If you intend to use light lures, these things aren't what you want to use. Heavy lures, yes, but as Rickster says, Practice makes perfect. Far better suited to baits though, hence being called baitcasters. (IMO anyway!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sirwaxxalot 1 Posted August 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 4-8kg line rating on the rod Boy. Its a rather heavy rod for this kind of application. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Allroy 236 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 spool the reel with 30lb braid & start casting & trolling lures for cod (when in season) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
urhookedfish 12 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 spool the reel with 30lb braid & start casting & trolling lures for cod (when in season)Yep or you can spool it with 20lb fireline and use it as a snapper jigging or BIG VIBE/BLADE rod.Im talking FAIRLY SMALL metal jigs.And you could probably smash a few reds with 1oz soft plastics on it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boyington214 0 Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 4-8kg sounds like it will be well suited to baits rather than lures. The trouble with overhead reels is that they take a hell of a lot more effort to cast light weights. Getting the momentum in the 'drum' is the key, but as you've found out, too much causes the dreaded birds nest. Overhead reels can be fine tuned for various cast weights. Normally on the same side as your star or lever drag, you have a cast control knob where you can adjust the speed at which the drum rotates. I was taught quite a few years ago by Starlo that you have to adjust the knob until the item you are going to be casting travels to the ground at a steady, but not quick speed. (done from a standing position with no rod action. Just press the button / lever that you use for casting and let what you are casting travel to the ground) This engages the spool braking system when casting. You will still need to use your thumb for control of the spool though. But they were not specifically designed for light weight casting use. Heavier Barra type lures and baits where a reasonable weight is used. When using Bream lures like the Kokoda Sprog and lighter vibes or Blades, spinning gear is a must.Of course, this is only my opinion. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smokeykebab 175 Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 you could always use it to throw metals for salmon might need a longer rod if you're going off the beach though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
urhookedfish 12 Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Would also make an AWESOME BOAT WHITING OUTFIT! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
afishyfish 4 Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Buying your first bait caster sure can be a pain in the :c . For anyone doing it the first time, know exactly what you want it for, and seek guidance from someone who knows what theyre talking about. Hopefully this doesnt become a pricey blunder for you, but as Rickster said, practice practioce and practice.By the time you've perfcted it hopefully the wife will have completely forgotten abput it :whistle: Hey Mate' date='I use a lot of baitcasters. What weight class is the rod and what is the line ratings? The dead give away with baitcasters is just that. If you intend to use light lures, these things aren't what you want to use. Heavy lures, yes, but as Rickster says, Practice makes perfect. Far better suited to baits though, hence being called baitcasters. (IMO anyway!)[/quote']Spot on Boyi Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sirwaxxalot 1 Posted August 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Thanks for the help guys. Didnt know too much about baitcasters when i bought this one, seen them used a few times for lures etc with the thought they have better casting accuracy.Sounds like there are a few more options to use it than i thought. Might whip it out at somepoint soon =D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sirwaxxalot 1 Posted August 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 By the time you've perfcted it the wife will hopefully completely forgotten abput it :whistle: Doubtful Quote Link to post Share on other sites
afishyfish 4 Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 By the time you've perfcted it the wife will hopefully completely forgotten abput it :whistle: Doubtful Memory like an elephant huh Oh well worth a try Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boyington214 0 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 They NEVER forget! Yesterday I told the missus I wanted to purchase a new baitcaster set up and she launched into reasons why I shouldn't. Most of the reasons circled around one I bought almost 5 years ago!But, I have not ruled it out. There are 'other' ways! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sirwaxxalot 1 Posted August 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 There are 'other' ways!Do tell! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
archerfish 685 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 sirwaxxalotYou may find this helpful:http://www.fishingnoosa.com.au/baittech.htmKeeping the reel at a 90 degree angle from horizontal while casting is also beneficial.I can only echo previous sentiments on this post - practice, practice, practice :cheer:Cheersaf sirwaxxalot 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sirwaxxalot 1 Posted August 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Thanks AF, that is a really good guide. Gonna head out to the local tomorrow and do the 3 P's =D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
weaver 271 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Educate that thumb mate only way, get out the back with a bucket and a half oz casting weight and go at it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
afishyfish 4 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 There are 'other' ways!Do tell!This could get interesting Good luck ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fordxr6t 0 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Isn't the other way supposed to be "yes dear" . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boyington214 0 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 "Yes Dear, please, place your thumb directly on top of my head!"No Way! Ways that work for me is to buy and not tell her (dangerous at times)Suck up! Flowers, Chockies, breakfast in bed. (Takes a lot of effort though)More 'pleasurable' ways. (Won't go into it here!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boyington214 0 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Maybe we need to start a new thread. How to woo the other halves so we can purchase whatever fishing gear we want! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
urhookedfish 12 Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Maybe we need to start a new thread. How to woo the other halves so we can purchase whatever fishing gear we want!The best one is to say your buying one reel and actually buy two plus a rod as well.with the reels, cos youve probably got a few already, she wont even notice an extra two...LOLRods can be a bit trickier..lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southie THE BANGA 2,304 Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Maybe we need to start a new thread. How to woo the other halves so we can purchase whatever fishing gear we want!The best one is to say your buying one reel and actually buy two plus a rod as well.with the reels' date=' cos youve probably got a few already' date=' she wont even notice an extra two...LOLRods can be a bit trickier..lol [/quote'']The perks of being Single :silly: :silly: :silly: :f :f urhookedfish 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skorgard 0 Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 I mainly have baitcasters because they are the most accurate for casting, have the best drags and give you the most feel for the fish. But there are two rules :1. There is a minimum weight you cant go below, so SPs are out no matter how small the reel.2. There is no such thing as a good cheap baitcaster.So for bream / SPs I use an eggbeater. What you have is probably only suitable for trolling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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