Hooky1420 said:
My brother and I have fished for several years only using spinning reels. And we love them. Lately, we've been talking about getting into some baitcasting reels. However, we don't know the first thing about them. Is there a good reel to start with up to the $100 range? Keep in mind, this will be more about learning how to use baitcasters than actually going all out and using them on a regular basis. I think it will be hard to pry those spinning reels from our hands. Pros and cons would be a big help.
Thanks guys!
I know this is a old post but hey. I am new also. LOL.
Actually I had the same thought as you about spinning reels. I was skeptical at first about going over to a baitcaster. Have to instill it in your head to learn how to use them. Now it is all I prefer. I like the lightness, the way you can palm it in your hand and you can get alot of torque when setting hooks.
I picked up a Pinnacle Solene SLP10, 6.2-1 ratio and 7 bearing system from walmart about 4 years ago to learn on. Rod and reel came to about $90. Everything on this thing is pretty smooth. Yeah I know, its not a $150 reel and rod, but it works pretty darn good. After playing with the magnetic brake and spool tension, I just started to drop it to the ground usisg thumb as drag. I wont use one if it isnt a magnetic brake, I dont like the idea of taking it apart to adjust while out and about. After I figured out how to cast it, I purposely started to make birds nest. Then I figured out how to undo them. Once you figure out how to undo those little boogers, you will never shy away from them.
I even won a bet with a guy at the local **** that I could undo a birds nest without cutting the whole spool. (Apparently it is the reason why he doesnt use them) It took me longer to undo the whole spool then to get the birds nest out. I took his 20 bucks and laughed at him. If he wasnt such a jerk, I would have showin him how to do it. Like I said, learn that part and you will be happy.
I personally feel you have more control over these. Maybe that is just me, but I have learned alot on one of these in a few years. You also feel pretty good when you learn the art, you can hold peoples attention when your out fishing. You can actually crowd them because there so busy watching you they almost dont realize your on top of them. LOL Just dont be scared to use it, dont give up, dont let people shy you away from learning it. Have fun and enjoy.