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| Ive been using spinning tackle for most all of my fishing the last 15 years. That said, a spinning reel just feels natural to me. Recently I picked up an Abu Garcia 5601C4. I want to make the switch to a baitcaster.
Tonight was the first night I had it out on the water, and my first impression was that it just felt all around unnatural. It felt like I had little control of casts. With a spinning setup, it just feels like you can control the cast with the rod, as opposed to the feeling of only being able to control the cast with the lure/line on the baitcaster. Im sure a lot of it is just a learning curve and getting used to it. I only had one minor backlash, and towards the end of the night, it started to feel a little better. I think in the long run I will like it, but in the meantime, if anyone has any tips to speed up the learning curve I would love to hear them.
Does anyone have any tips for the first time / new baitcaster?
Also, this C4 and its damn 6.3:1 ratio is way faster than I expected on the retrieve. Can this reel be used effectively (without swapping gears) for slower presentations? Do most of you that use the C4 for casting drop to a lower gear ratio or only run fast baits?
And lastly, does anyone have this reel with the power handle, or a handle other than the one that comes with it? Does it change the 'short rotation' feeling? With my spinning reels, ive gotten used to the longer rotation during retrieve, and with the baitcaster, it just felt like a very tight rotation of the reel handle. Its hard to explain, but on a spinning reel, one rotation of the handle feels like the end of the handle moves a good 6-8" around, whereas on the baitcaster, its only 3-4". Very awkward to get used to.
Thanks for any tips/hints/suggestions/etc in advance! |
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| I used to use a spinning outfit for everything, until my dad bought me a baitcaster when I was like 12. I tried it at first and HATED it because I couldn't cast it. Then one day I tied on a sinker and spent like 30 minutes in the side yard aiming at my dad's apple and cherry trees (don't tell) and now all I use spinning for is walleye and bluegill.
My point is to just practice and I think it's better to practice in the yard, so if you get frustrated you can just go in the house. The faster retrieve shouldn't hurt any, but I would take someone else's word beside mine about that. But I love baitcasting reels and I just get the feel that they are tougher.
later,
shawn[:bigsmile:] |
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| Anonymous User:
Im using the bass pro shops extreme xps rod (it was a combo deal). I wasnt sure if I would like the rod or not, but it has a very comfortable feel in my hand, a ton of backbone (i snagged a nice clump of lilly pads and pulled the 14' boat 25' or so up to the snag with ease), and is extremely sensitive. I was tossing around a #5 bucktail all night, and I could feel just about every vibration from it. The rod is extremely light compared to the clumsy ugly sticks im used to as well. All in all I was quite pleasantly surprised with the rod.
Another side note to my original post, regarding the brakes on this C4. Ive seen lots of posts about the reels coming with white, black, and blue brakes you can put in. Mine only came with some oil, a little wrench, and 5 black brakes (at least, i think they are brakes?). Do the different color brakes only come with different Abus, or am I missing something here? Also, what is the 'stock' brake configuration in the C4's? Is there any changes/tuning/tweaking I should do to this thing?
Edit: sorry for the double post! |
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| Jaid,
I have a suggestion that will probly get some heat from the adience, but get a left handed baitcaster. It just makes sense. All baitcasters should be LEFT HANDED. im not sure why you would want to use your best hand for just reeling? if you were born right handed, use what mother nature wanted you to.
Left handed baitcasters are better for pretty much everthing.
1. setting the hook, much more power
2. more cordination for glidebaits, jackpots.
3. thubm the spool better
4. probly better casting
5. more natural if your alreday used to spinning.
be the red headed step child and buy a c4 left handed. TRUST ME
to all those who use right handed baitcaster what are the advantageous??????
Elighten Me
"Tah Da Gills"
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| Musky_Slayer:
I completely agree. The model I got is the 5601 (left handed). I didnt think that I would be able to achieve a decent presentation controlling the rod with my left hand. Im glad I went with the left hand model. To each their own I guess! |
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| oh nice, i didnt see the model # u had. Thats Perfect.
give it two weeks and it will feel like a fork in Opera's hand.
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| jaid,
After guiding many clients and chasing muskies for over 30 years I have seen many other anglers hold there rod in front of the reel which some times make it feel awkward to them. If this is what you are doing then I would suggest you start learning how to palm the reel in your hand. You will notice by doing this you will have total control of your reel at a seconds notice, it is almost like hanging on to the steering wheel of your car you always have control not to mention your hook setting percentage will be greater.
On the other note the reel you bought is a great reel for bucktails & working crank baits & twitchbaits fast. I would go with a 5:2 gear ratio. Depending on you hand size shimano makes a nice calcutta 250 that is great for people with smaller hands so it fits in your palm better. The key thing is to be comfortable when you fish. Also if you have found yourself getting backlashes using you new reel cortland spectron is the toughest & easiest line to get backlashes out with. Hope this helps[:sun:] |
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| The rod I got is the Bass Pro Extreme series. It has the little hump in the cork and a trigger. Ive been holding it right at the trigger/hump/reel. When reeling in my thumb rests on the top of the C4 right in the little groove that im guessing was designed as a thumb rest. All in all, its a pretty comfortable grip. The setup feels very nice in my hand, then I cast with it, and thats when it just doesnt feel right. Im gonna give it a few more hours on the water tonight, and hopefully it starts feeling a little better. Its hard to commit to a new style reel while your friends in the same boat are pulling pike in left and right. Im still trying to cast more than 10 yards! I had one follow last night at least. [;)] |
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| I have the 5600 C4 and love it! I use for all my bucktails, spinnerbaits, and top waters. Heck, I use use almost all the time.
I picked up my first baitcaster 4 years ago. A Shimano Curado when I was bass fishing. I learned real quick! Yes, palm the reel, do not hold the rod.
Learn to use your thumb to prevent backlashes.
After you practice, you'll cast it a mile. Remember to adjust the brake just under the reel handle. To do this, put on your lure, hold the rod up and release the thumb bar. If your lure falls to fast, the brake is too lose.
You want the lure to fall ever so slightly dwon to the ground. This will help prevent backlashes. That is real important!
As for right or left handed reels. Heck - personal preference. They say a right handed person should use a left handed baitcaster??? I have no idea why but that is awkward to me. I use right handed baitcasters as I am a righty! I feel I have more control.
Keep practicing and you'll get it! After using spinning tackle myself for years, I cannot get use to picking up my spinning rods when walleye fishing. They feel awkward to me.
Good Luck!
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| Jaid,
I use to just use spinning outfits also. I bought the 5601 C4 as my first baitcaster, and it has been great. I have setup that reel as my Bucktail/spinnerbait rod, because of the 6.3:1 retrieve. I also purchased a 6501 C3, and a Shimano Catala 401 that both have 5.1:1 retrieve ratios for my jerkbait, and crankbait rods. That way you can slow things down easier. My suggestion would be to set yourself up with 3 or 4 rods. Have 1 setup with the C4 for burning bucktails (7'6" - 8'). Setup one for Jerkbaits (6' - 6'10"). Setup another rod for crankbaits (7' - 7'6"). Then you might also setup a plastics rod, or an extra for your favorite presentation. That way you can have 2 different baits ready to go with your favorite style of fishing. As far as it feeling funny, go abuse a lake for 6 hours straight of casting, and it won't feel funny by the time your done [;)] . Stick with the lefthanded reels. I catch flak all the time from people who say I am reeling in with the wrong hand, but I just tell them it is what I am comfortable with. Good luck fishing.
Lance |
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| My best advice is to learn to use what you have now, be creative with your useage of your current gear (ex. it reels line in fast, reel extra slow to get your baits moving at the speed you want them...) to fit the application you are attempting to lure de fishes with. And over time, as you fish more and more, save the money on bait purchases, and save up your money on rods and reels. I may be a bit stuck on this issue, but I like to have specific combos to fit the different presentations/baits that I like to use....here's the arsenal thus far:
1. 7'10" Loomis Trolling Rod (X-HEAVY)/6500C4 - jerkbaits
2. 7'6" Lamiglas GC767 (Heavy)/6500C3 - big/med dawgs and big cranks
3. 8' Aurora Bucktail Rod (Heavy)/6600 Morrum - big jakes, cranks, big spinner baits, topwaters
4. 7'2" St. Croix (Medium Heavy)/5500C3 - smaller twitch baits, baby dawgs, small to medium hair
5. 7'6" Rizzo Rod (Medium Heavy [VERY WIMPY])/Abu 5 Star - ROOKIE ROD
And for an example of planning on assembling the arsenal as well as possible, getting a Loomis 7'7" medium bucktail to replace the 7'2 St. Croix, specifically for bucktails....and getting a Lamiglas 7' Inshore Classic for topwaters and small twitch baits.
Now I just need a bigger boat once I am using 5 rods/day. I want to get to a point where I have 5 rods rigged, and don't have to change baits, just pick up a new rod!
Slamr
*in terms of how to use the baitcaster well that you have: practice, practice, practice!!! On the lawn when you can't get on the water, but on the wate every single moment that you can! |
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