Need Help With My Baitcaster

[skeeter]

As already posted by RPS, by all means turn the reel's handles up or vertical when you cast so your wrist is in the same plane as your forearm. It's somewhat akin to throwing a ball and your casts will be more on-target and your wrist will be less sore at the end of a long day and you should be able to develop more power.

If I missed someone posting this I am not trying to give the same advice again but I was always taught to take the rod with the current bait attached and hold it horizontal, then push your free spool button and take your thumb off the spool. Observe how the bait falls to the water or ground and if the spool stops when the bait touches down. If the spool continues to spin, put more tension on the spool until the spool stops when the bait does, conversely, if the bait stops or doesn't move in free spool, loosen the tension. Do this every time you change baits and see if it doesn't help you get "dialed in".

[OzarkFishman]

My plan of right now is to only use the MH rod for CASTING anything between 1/2 and 1 ounce, or a 10 inch worm. Everything smaller than 1/2 will be cast on a spinning rod until I get more baitcasters.

So, when I get into the market for a flipping rod what would you recommend for a rod and a reel. One thing to keep in mind is that I am a teacher with a young family and money gets tight sometimes.

I am assuming I will get a heavy action rod. What would you all recommend (brand and should I go to extra heavy, also how fast should the tip be)?

What about the reel? I have heard that you want a reel that is fairly simple for flipping (no wormguard, etc.). Should I get a reel with a flippin switch? I don't really see why because this reel will always be used for flipping or pitching.

If I am going to buy one more baitcast combo (the MH I have, the flipping I will get, and one more), what would you recommend. I am guessing a nice medium rod for cranking, but you pros and master fisherman can tell me.

You all are great for answering my questions and putting some thought into your responses.

Thanks again,

OzarkFishman

[rps]

I don't flip so I will not comment on weight, taper, and such.

I suggest you look at Falcon rods. The quality is very high for the price point. Their Original line is usually $90 to $110. Boat show specials and other promotional events will reduce that number.

If the reel is only going to be used for flipping, strong gears and strong smooth drag are as critical as ball bearings and free spooling quality. The round Abu Garcia BCX for $60 to $65 will work.

BTW, others will suggest Bass Pro brands. I admit I am biased against their reels because of poor experiences. The rods are better than the reels, but the Falcons are so superior as to be worth the extra money, IMO.

My crankbait, topwater, etc. rod is a Falcon Cara Medium 6 footer with a Shimano Curado E. Others prefer a 6'6" but I am short and the longer rod interferes with my dog walking. To reduce cost and try to stay near the same quality, look at the Shimano Citica reel and go with the Original series rod.

Good luck.

[hoglaw]

You can minimize the really bad backlashes by making a long cast and stripping about 20' of line more than you cast and putting a piece of electrical tape across the spool then rewinding the line. You will still get backlashes but they won't be any deeper than the tape.

Can't believe I never thought of this before. That's a hell of an idea.