How far can you throw ?

[dan hufferd]

I thought I would grow up and start throwing a baitcaster more, I use these things for vertical jigging and trolling, but I tend to use a spinning reel for casting. I want to fish not untangle birds nests, anyway...fathers day was a good time to buy myself a new reel so I went for it and bought a lews speed spool. 

I did put braid on it just like my spinning stuff but I went up to 20lb instead 10. pole 6'6" medium fast. 

I probably have it set up too tight, I can get about 47 yards with a 1/2 oz weight. I haven't measured my spinning set up for distance, but I am sure it will be more.

Other than a nice button to release line, what is the advantage of a baitcaster?

On my spinning set up I can switch back and forth between various weights and weightless baits with no trouble. It also seems like there is more sensitivity with a spinning reel, that could just be me.

I welcome your feed back.

Thanks

[Ham]

Further than I need to

[Quillback]

It's easier to throw a heavy lure with a bait caster, at least for me.  Top water fishing for stripers, I need long distance as the fish are spooky and you need to get that lure on them fast.  I'll throw my 3/4 oz top waters with a 7 foot rod and 12 lb mono.  It doesn't hurt to have clean spool bearings on your bait caster.  You want a rod that is rated for the weight you are throwing.  

If you're getting close to 50 yards, that's pretty good.

[MOPanfisher]

I can do better for distance and accuracy with a spinning rod/reel.  Mostly because I have a LOT more time with one.  I can do just fine with a bait caster too, but once I get down to say a flicker shad or shad rap in weight I do better with a spinning rig.  Never measured how far thought with either.

[MrGiggles]

I have never figured them out. The whole cast with your right then switch to your left thing seems back asswords to me.

I have tried casting with them, and was never able to get a crankbait out any further than I could with spinning reels, but it could just be me.

[liphunter]

For me it's pretty much about line size and lure weight. I get down in size and weight the bait caster  will not do as well as the spinner. I know this is my issue, but when I get heavy on a spinner. I lose accuracy badly. I could be wrong, but I would think 47 yards aka... 1/2 a football field, would be pretty good.

[moguy1973]

15 years ago you couldn’t get me to try anything but spin cat or sinning reels.  I bought my first bait caster, a Pro Qualifier on a Shimano Clarus rod, and haven’t looked back.  I now own more bait casters than I do spinning setups. I. An probably get a good 50-60 yards if I try but I like using them more for pitching and flipping than I do a spinning rod.  The only thing I use my spinning rods anymore are for wacky rigs and finesse stuff. Being able to control the line with just my thumb is a big thing with the bait casters that gives them an advantage over spinning reels to me. Need some more line? Push that button and lift the rod up, controlling the spool with the thumb. 

 

[moguy1973]

16 minutes ago, MrGiggles said:

I have never figured them out. The whole cast with your right then switch to your left thing seems back asswords to me.

I have tried casting with them, and was never able to get a crankbait out any further than I could with spinning reels, but it could just be me.

The whole switching hands can be solved by getting left handed reels if you reel with your left hand.  There are more and more companies coming out with lefty reels and that’s all I buy.  I can’t reel with my right hand so it’s perfect for me to cast right reel left without having to switch hands.  

[Dutch]

I use them about 50/50 depending on the bait and how I feel.  I carry about 10 setups of each.  If I want accuracy and/or a heavy bait then the bait caster is my choice.  My main fishing partner never brings a spinning setup with him.

[liphunter]

2 minutes ago, moguy1973 said:

The whole switching hands can be solved by getting left handed reels if you reel with your left hand.  There are more and more companies coming out with lefty reels and that’s all I buy.  I can’t reel with my right hand so it’s perfect for me to cast right reel left without having to switch hands.  

Something I recently noticed that I have done my whole life. It may be common. But with the bait caster I do the whole switching hands thing. But I recently noticed all my spinning reels are set up like a left hander and I'm perfectly comfortable with that.