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Tips on buying my first bait-casting rod and reel
#1
I'm looking for some help on purchasing my first bait-casting rod and reel. I currently use only spinning reels.<br><br>Currently I fish in the Los Angeles area, Sea Spray out of Redondo, Pursuit out of San Pedro, Seal Beach, Davey's Locker, etc...<br><br>I'm asking for any recommendations regarding a good beginners reel. I'd like to use it for yellowtail/white sea bass/ling cod and the like.<br><br>The reels I'm looking at are the Penn Jigmaster 500L or 505HS. I've also heard good things about Shimano's Calcutta line.<br><br>I'm assuming I need somewhere in the neighborhood of a reel that can handle about 300-350 yards of 30lb test, with a gear ratio of about 4-5 to 1. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.<br><br>
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#2
Welcome KingBoj and I have no doubt that many of our knowledgable anglers will be able to put you in the picture reel and rod wise. <br><br>A quick note on the calcutta's. While a favourite baitcaster of mine for lighter work, I do not think you will get 300/350 yards of 30# line onto a 400 so one option is to look at the 700. <br><br>Also take a look at other threads on this board if you need more info on casting with BC's. Takes lots of practice as you may already know. <br><br>As for other baitcasters and various comments, take a look up at Capt.Dan's Saltwaterboard because plenty of views on different reels get discussed there as well. <br><br>Then drop back in here because plenty of Penn users call by as well. Also feel free to take part in our lure swap ok. It's just for fun. <br><br>Burnin Thumbs!<br><br>Steve B <br>Moderator Lures/Baits Forum<br><A HREF="http://www.demonjigs.com" target="_new">http://www.demonjigs.com</A>
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#3
Couple ways ta look at it...<br><br>How much $$$ ya want to spend..?<br><br>You can start with top of the line stuff or the bottom, `the better stuff does make the fish`N more pleasurable if the $$ is available.<br>Cheap stuff will only cause problems over time.<br><br>I'm seariously looking at the Accurate Magnum stuff, Quite a bit more $$ than other but I have heard enough good about the new line that I think I'm sold.<br><br><i>`that should get responce...</i><br><br>Look at Spectra & using it as a backing & use mono top shots for line capacity.<br><br><b><font color=red>Aloha</b></font color=red><br><br>Dan<br>Stand Up!!!<br><br><A HREF="http://www.fishingkauai.com" target="_new"> Stand Up Fish`N Charters Kauai Hawai </A> <br>[Wink]
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#4
get the 40xv sealine.Forget the expensive stuff.Not one fish locally will give you any problems on a 40xv.If they do fishing isn't a sport for you.Match that with a seeker or calstar and you have you local fishing combo.If thats a little too expensive go for the sl30sh daiwas.Good value and great reels.<br><br>I know peoples views differ but what does a trinidad or a bossor any of those rels over $200 do that the sealines can't.All you get is eye candy<br><br>
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#5
Welcome Casper and thanks for your input on the jigmaster. No question that they are a real work horse. <br><br>What have you been catching on it and how do you find it for casting - if used that way?<br><br>Burnin Thumbs!<br><br>Steve B <br>Moderator Lures/Baits Forum<br><A HREF="http://www.demonjigs.com" target="_new">http://www.demonjigs.com</A>
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#6
First of all, Go Raiders!<br><br>Secondly, thanks fellas for the advice. Price is kind of a concern at the moment since 1) its my first bait-casting reel, and 2) I figured on practicing with a moderately priced one before eventually upgrading to a good one (I'm definitely into the sport of fishing for the long haul).<br><br>Are there any concerns I should be aware of in terms of the seasons? I'm assuming calico's and sand bass are pretty much year round and so are rock fish, but will the seasons make any major differences in terms of the reels and the types of fish?<br><br>I'll look into the lure swap and definitely into the other message boards for tips on bait-casters. I'll also look into the Daiwa line of reels. Thanks again for the tips.<br><br>
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#7
KB<br><br>Price is an issue for all anglers I think and as you said, trying to find a middle of the range outfit is a challenge. <br><br>At the same time, the feedback here suggests that the Diawa reel may be a good place to begin and would have to agree given that your starting out with overhead reels. <br><br>As for seasons and influences on calico/sea bass, I will leave that to be answered by locals who are far more in the know than me on that matter. <br><br>Burnin Thumbs!<br><br>Steve B <br>Moderator Lures/Baits Forum<br><A HREF="http://www.demonjigs.com" target="_new">http://www.demonjigs.com</A>
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#8
what would recommend in bait casting for freshwater.<br><br>
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#9
Fishing from sportboats takes special techniques,actions, and courage. The competition is heavy for the stern and usually you have to elbow in and hope the guy you are squeezing out isn't bigger than you. You have an advantage if your rod is so long it clears all the rod tips around the area. Presently the main attraction for sportboat anglers is the sandbass and barracuda bite. If they aren't cooperating the sculpin will be. Throughout the year fishing for calico bass is also one of the main attacks. So your first concern is casting with some distance. I use a 9 foot Pac Bay rod that I wrapped myself. If you can get the rod light enough the reel you utilize can be loaded with 10 pound line. With this light test I use the new Daiwa Millionaire with the level wind removed, it casts better. Your main reel has to be heavier. I use a Shimano TLD Star 15/30. It's a super fast retrieve 5-1ratio that I can use with jigs if needed. <br><br>George Van Zant<br><A HREF="http:// www.bigfishtackle.com/georgescorner.htm " target="_new">http:// www.bigfishtackle.com/georgescorner.htm </A><br>
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#10
Welcome to the board Sogwap.<br><br>Well in the fresh it also depends and is a case of matching line type/strength etc. <br><br>Do you have a preferred line you like to use and how does it get used e.g. casting small lures, soft plastics?<br><br>Let us know a bit more and the we can comment further ok. <br><br>Burnin Thumbs!<br><br>Steve B <br>Moderator Lures/Baits Forum<br><A HREF="http://www.demonjigs.com" target="_new">http://www.demonjigs.com</A>
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