Bait Case V. Spincast

[Jack Jones]

So I've been re-reading posts on baitcast reels and bass/smallie fishing here in the Ozarks. The non-fly rods I own is a 6' med action spincast rated for 6-12lb test. It's a Bass Pro budget model. I also own a smaller spincast for lighter lures, same brand. Is there going to be anything I can't throw well with my spincast that a bait cast would improve upon? I've thought about upgrading to a baitcast rod/reel since last summer but I'm not sure it's necessary.

Basically, looking for a general all purpose rod/reel combo for when I'm not fly fishing that would be good for fishing the rivers around here. Would prefer to keep it under $125.

[Wayne SW/MO]

While my favorite rig is and always will be my baitcasters, I would suggest a spinning rod for you. It will give you a better drag and more line than your spincast rigs. They generally come with a spare spool and that will allow you to keep another line for different circumstances.

There's a steep learning curve for baitcasters and a good reel will cost you all or most of your budget.

[RSBreth]

One thing that spinning or baitcast has over spincast is faster retrieve ratio. You really can't burn a spinnerbait or a crank with spincast - you can reel it pretty fast, but not real fast. If I had to start branching out from fly gear I'd start with spinning, too. A good 7' medium action rod with a decent reel can be had for around that price range pretty easy. Pflueger President is a great inexpensive spinner most would recommend.

[Gavin]

Cabela's has a Plueger President Spinning Reel & Rod Combo on Sale for $99.

[ozarkgunner]

For your price range get a spinning rod. I would get a Abu cardinal reel at Walmart for 39 bucks and get a falcon spining rod or a st criox triumph at academy. Total price 130 ish. Get a medium action for rivers. Medium heavy for lakes. Cheap baitcasters has hard to learn on.

[Stoneroller]

One thing that spinning or baitcast has over spincast is faster retrieve ratio. You really can't burn a spinnerbait or a crank with spincast - you can reel it pretty fast, but not real fast. If I had to start branching out from fly gear I'd start with spinning, too. A good 7' medium action rod with a decent reel can be had for around that price range pretty easy. Pflueger President is a great inexpensive spinner most would recommend.

RS makes some great points here, both on retrieve speed, which on spincast reels tends to be around 3.4-3.8:1, far too slow for stream fishing and on brand of reel. I prefer a 6.2:1 reel like the supreme xt series by pflueger, but the president or president xt with a 5.4:1 ratio is fine too. pflueger makes great reels.

Berkley Lightning rods are really nice, and very cheap, but quality rods you might take a look at. As is the venerable Ugly Stick, but look for the Ugly Stick 'Lite' models, they have cork grips instead of eva foam and have the newer metal insert guides instead of the thicker oxide ones. (not sure which type of guide is really 'better' but the metal ones seem lighter to me.)

You can get a quality rod for under $40. spend your money on a good reel though. IMO anything less than $50 msrp probably isn't worth messing with, in general although there are a few decent reels under that and of course you can find sales all over right now. I know some people will say 'St Croix rods" or "G. Loomis", how long do the tears roll when one breaks a $400 rod though? 10 ugly sticks at that price and 15 lighting rods. the reel is where the mechanics are, that's where you should spend your money.

[eric1978]

walmarx

I think you have your double entendres a little confused there. WalMart is pure, unadulterated capitalism at work. Not exactly Karl's cup o' tea, if ya know what I mean.

Spincast reels are worthless. A mid-level egg beater and St. Croix rod will make you much happier for not much money. If you wanna be real happy buy a Stradic and a Loomis.

[Stoneroller]

lol eric, sorry i edited that part out, didn't want to go off on a tangent. but you are right, it's the irony of the statement that I like.

and why did you have to go and be the one to bring up $400 rods?

[eric1978]

and why did you have to go and be the one to bring up $400 rods?

I know, it's a nasty disease.

Actually, I've been thinking about selling my CR722 GLX baitcaster. Great river rod. Interested? $240.

[eric1978]

Hey Jack, I got a St. Croix Premier PS60MF spinning rod I bought off Ham last summer. 6', medium power, fast action, USA made, very versatile rod for canoe fishing. I have too many rods as it is and I don't use it enough. You can have it for what I paid for it...$50.