Aside from Baitcaster Fishing Rod, can you use a Baitcaster on a spinning rod? Is it versatile enough to fit other types of fishing rods? Modern fishing has taken on significant progress. It may be confusing for most beginners, so why not start with understanding fundamental fishing reels and rods?
You can use a Baitcaster on any rod, but it may not be recommendable to do it. It’s because, in the world of modern fishing, manufacturers create various kinds of rods for a specific type of reel. For example, you can use a Baitcaster on a spinning rod. However, it may not perform well because a Baitcaster is usually shorter and stiffer than a spinning rod. The same thing may happen when you attach a spinning reel on casting rods since they have smaller guides than spinning rods. Plus, the line may come off the reel and interfere with the guides. Meaning, the design of different rods may not match well with a Baitcaster.
Do you want to know more about Baitcasters? They are easy to use, but to get the most out of them, you have to use it on the right purpose with appropriate tools. In the end, you want nothing but the best reels and rods to catch a big carp. If you’re ready, let’s start by identifying the word “Baitcaster .”
What is Baitcaster?
According to some professional anglers, Baitcasters are their top-best option, especially if they are catching bass fish. It is because Baitcasters offer a higher gear ratio that will provide a faster and more accurate retrieve, as a fish bites your bait. Therefore, it is the ultimate choice for serious anglers who wants to catch bass fish in rivers and lakes consistently.
How to Choose the Best Baitcasting Reel for Beginners?
Your Baitcaster reel is one of the fundamental tools in catching more fish. As for catching bass fish, you can be sure that Baitcasters highly specialized features to help you be more efficient. If you’re going to buy your first Baitcaster, here are some beginner guidelines to help you pick the right type for your needs.
- Set Your Budget. In any item that you’re going to buy, setting up your budget is one of the top priorities. As always, you should consider the quality of the reel more than anything. You don’t want to spend too much on something that you’re not going to use often, nor the features are too much for you to handle. Instead, you should always look for the reel for your money. However, as much as possible, avoid buying cheaper reels because not all of them can last for an extended period.
- The Magnetic Breaks of Baitcasters. If you’re a beginner, you have to start from the basics. Learn the fundamentals of casting a Baitcaster. Regardless of the model that you have, either high-dollar or not, you should never depend and expect that your reel will do all the job for you. Using a Baitcaster still requires a matter of skill to fully understand the principle of a Baitcaster as the spool revolves. The Magnetic Breaks of Baitcasters are easy to use and understand. However, you should always have a full understanding of it.
- Reliable Drag System. You want to pick a Baitcaster that can keep the pressure on bass while preventing any slippage. Moreover, look for something that allows a surging bass to pull line smoothly off the spool to prevent it from breaking your line.
- Multi-tasking Baitcaster. Consider buying a Baitcaster that can work on multiple tasks. It is more practical than a model only made for a specific purpose like deep cranking or high-speed retrieves.
- Frames. Most Baitcasters come in either aluminum or graphite. Usually, graphite is less expensive and lighter in weight. However, be aware that it may not be able to withstand much abuse compared to aluminum. Most high-end Baitcasters usually are from one-piece aluminum frames.
- Ball Bearings. More often, you don’t need to have too many bearings on your Baitcaster. You only need those quality bearings, so look for the keywords “shielded,” “double-shielded,” and “sealed bearings.”
- Spools. The majority of Baitcasters feature aluminum spool, which makes it more rigid and harder to scratch.
- Handle. Choose a Baitcaster that has soft rubber knobs. Those are especially for oversized or massive tasks.
- Line Guides. These are often from either titanium or ceramic. Ceramic materials are more expensive, but you can be sure that it can withstand alleviated abuse. Ceramic is more costly, but most high-end Baitcasters are from titanium.
How Can You Get More Baitcaster Distance?
Fishing with Baitcasters will give you more line capacity while allowing you to use more robust and thicker lines. Plus, they will provide you with greater casting distance. However, most beginners who use Baitcaster can’t optimize their reels well – especially on casting further. So, here’s how you can get more bait caster distance when bass fishing.
- Don’t Fill the Spool. When you’re using a Baitcaster, you can cast at the bottom of the spool. It will take the reel to spin more freely as it increases efficiency and distance.
- Always Match the Rod Action with Lure Weight. As a rule of thumb, you will get more distance if you are throwing lighter lures. It lets the rod load more on the backcast. On the other hand, if you’re want to throw more massive bait of at least ¾ ounce, feel free to use a more substantial and more powerful rod so that you can get more spring as you release.
- Make the Right Casting Motion. Sometimes, you have to change your casting motion so that you can get greater casting distance. You can do it by shortening your action and keep your elbows tight to your sides. This way, you can effectively load and unload a rod on the cost, which creates inertia on the lure to offer greater distance. For short, you have to let the rod load and unload without the need of swinging your arms. Remember, never extend your arm straight. Instead, keep your elbows tight and bent it right.
- You can Use Braid As Backing. It is the line under your primary line, so you only have to replace small sections of the line. In this case, a braid is a better option if you want to cast with greater distance. You can start by wrapping the string around the spool tightly to increase the diameter of the spool without adding too much weight. This set up of the braid will allow the spool to spin faster and be more efficient.
- Use More Line if You’re Casting Heavier Lures. A longer fishing line will give you more yards as you cast. Plus, it will help you go deeper and stay in the zone where most fish find their prey. You can let at least 5 to 6 feet of line out on a cast. Then, increase the load on the rod. It will give you more release as you cast, which results in greater casting distance.
- Always Thumb Hard First. It is the simplest thing that you can do if you want to increase your casting distance while using Baitcasters. This way, you can reduce the tension and brakes, which will give you a free-spinning spool. You can start with intense pressure and push the thumb bar. As the bait starts to fall, slowly turn the tension down and train your thumb. It will give you better control of the spool as well.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Is Baitcaster Better Than Spinning?
There are some aspects that Baitcasters are better than spinning reels. For example, Baitcasters usually can handle more extensive lines. This feature will allow you to throw longer compared to a spinning gear with the same size. Even smaller Baitcasters can handle fishing lines very well.
Can You Use Live Bait on a Baitcaster?
You can use live bait on a Baitcaster. However, some anglers find it more accurate to use it with a spinning reel. With enough practice, Baitcasters can also be precise for vertical jigging, live bait, and dead stick presentations.
What Is the Difference Between a Casting Rod and a Trolling Rod?
Casting rods are excellent only for certain types of fish. Manufacturers created them to use with a reel set. This setup allows the reel to face the fisher. On the other hand, Trolling Rods are the simplest type of fishing rod. It is a simple stick or pole attached to a line ending in a hook. This type of fishing rod is more versatile compared to Casting Rods.
Final Words
Baitcasters are the best options in catching bass fish. They offer a higher gear ratio that will provide a faster and higher accuracy as you retrieve it. This feature makes it desirable if you want to capture bass fish in rivers and lakes consistently.
A Baitcaster can suit any fishing rod. However, manufacturers don’t recommend it because the design of different rods may not match well with a Baitcaster. Therefore, it is essential to use Baitcasters on appropriate rods if you want to achieve maximum precision and accuracy.