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[aquaboy24]

I am soooo poetic.

OK...so..the Aquaboy has decided that its time to update his arsenal from my trusty over sized Akuna spin caster, to something more refined.

Whenever I show up on the river, I see all these guys leasurely casting with what I believe are called bait casters? or center pins?  Anyways....I think it might be time to try one of those out for float fishing for steelehad this Xmas break.

Sadly however, the monetary restrictions of a public educator leave me browsing in the $100 range. Am I dreaming for a baitcaster that is capable of landing coho, steelehead, and even chum? What about this problem called bird nesting? I am the worst at keeping my line clean, so is this set up not for me?

thanks dudes
Vince

[Fish Assassin]

Bird nest is a problem when you are beginning to learn to cast with a bait caster. Just takes practice. Everybody goes through it.

[bbronswyk2000]

$100 is tough for a good level wind/bait caster especially if you want it for salmon. Best prices I have found are at Army & Navy go there they should be able to help you out.

[Stratocaster]

I would stick to an Abu or Shimano with regards to a baitcaster,  though the $100 budget would be tough to adhere to. Don't waste your money on a cheap reel.  You get what you pay for.  I once made the mistake of buying a calcutta look a like.  It had crappy bearings in it and I could only cast it half the distance of my other reels no matter how much weight I used.  If you are worried about birdsnesting,  try using more weight and dialing up the tension knob up.  Your distance may suffer at first but you can back off on the knob as you get more comfortable.  If you've been using a coffeegrinder all this time,  you will be pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of your casts and line control while drifting with your baitcaster.

[MERC]

Vince:  $107.49 at Marine West for ABu C3 6500.  If you're left handed, then it's the Abu C3 6501 model which you will have to special order.  Also, Shimano Corsair in the 400 series (401 if you're left handed) is around the same price range.  Both are very reasonable priced casters and are quite dependable.  I've got both and I think the Shimano is smoother but the Abu is more rugged (less plastic).   That's about the cheapest price I've seen anywhere.  FYI, if you buy, get lots of practice.  Also, you will need a rod as well.  Shimano Convergence is a decent priced rod in and around the $100.00 range.  Nikka, A and N boutique are good bets.  You can also buy a Berkley Canadian Specialist series, 10 and a half footer at Marine West for about 90.00.  If you've never done baitcasting, yes, there is a little problem called birdnesting where the spool actually overruns itself duing the cast.  With a little practice, you will get over that.  The biggest advantage is line control when float fishing.  Because there's no bail, the line comes off the spool once you hit the casting/release button and you get a smooth drift.  You can't get that with a spinning reel/coffee grinder.  Also, as you're drifting you can instantly stop the free spooling of the spool by turning the handle or using your thumb and set the hook.  With a spinning reel, you lose too much valuable time replacing the bail and then sitting the hook.  The long rod allows you to set the hook (think of a lever and mechanical advantage) and let you maintain better control of the float in the water for a longer period of time.  Either of the reels with appropriate rod will be able to catch the kind of fish you've mentioned.  Might be a little on the weak side (at least the rod, the reels should be okay)  for the Fraser and bottom bouncing though but you can always upgrade the rod later.   My 2 cents worth.

[Rodney]

For the reel, my advice is to actual spend a bit more (twice of that actually) for durability and better casting. I have been very disappointed by ABU 6500c3. It is an entry level reel after all, but the casting is pathetic.

My dad is still a novice when it comes to learning how to cast a baitcaster. He has tried both my ABU 6500c3 and Shimano Scorpion (or Curado). He finds the Curado much easier to cast and create less birdnests.

Maybe a 5600c4 with the trigger? My recommendation would be a Shimano low profile baitcaster.... Then again, you have pretty big hands Vince (I think, since you are tall) so it shouldn't matter.

If you are just buying one to see if you like baitcasting reels or not, go with an entry level one. If you are looking into doing this for awhile, invest on something that is durable with good performance.

[Spudcote]

I went cheaper for my first set-up (~$170 for the whole thing($100 rod, $70 reel)). I highly regret doing it, I upgraded my gear 2 years ago (after 1.5 years of use). The drag seems to wear out quickly on some of the cheaper reels.

I have a Abu C4 6500 on a trophy XL rod, I personally like the rig, it's comfortable for me. The reel itself cost me about $150 and the rod is worth about $100. The drag system is still in great shape, and with a little care for the reel, it'll last you a lot longer, this is the same for the rod. The rig will last longer and cost less in the long run.

I'm not sure if you trust it, but eBay often has really cheap gear on it.

The back-lash/bird-nest thing can only really be solved with practice. There is a cast control knob in the sides of most reels that can help control the back-lash a bit. Stopping the spool once the lure/weight touches the water is important.

Bait-casters are great once you get used to using them. It gives you much more line control that a spin-caster has. But the spin-caster still has it's uses.

[aquaboy24]

Thank you guys so much. Awesome advise! I think i will wait till Xmas, and get my wife and mother to pitch in for something top of the line.

Rod....."If you are looking into doing this for awhile, invest on something that is durable with good performance. "

Ouch man....that just hurts....of course I am going to be doing this for awhile

AND

"Then again, you have pretty big hands Vince" ...have you been stalking me on your trips to the Cap?


So Rod..where does the bait caster that you are selling in the buy and sell section fit in on this range?

[Sterling C]

Ok first thing, please don't go around calling it a bait caster unless you live in the U.S. or wish to be laughed at by some smart my friend kid in the tackle store.

As far as being worth it......absolutley, if your technique of choice is short floating your success will go up for the sole reason that you can free spool which equates to longer drifts and more time with your hook in the water. It also gives you much greater control so you can fish the exact slot of water you wish to.

As for the best prices.....if your willing to go down to the states you can pick up amassader 6500c3 for well under $100 canadian. Personally I picked mine up for around $75 canadian and that was 5 years ago when the dollar was much weeker.

[aquaboy24]

"Ok first thing, please don't go around calling it a bait caster unless you live in the U.S. or wish to be laughed at by some smart my friend kid in the tackle store."

Biffchan-san....a wise teacher always finishes the lesson......

what am I supposed to call it if not a bait caster?

Center pin?

[TtotheE]

level wind

[aquaboy24]

oh..a new name....exciting

[Sterling C]

Sorry, it's just one of my pet peve's.

[Spudcote]

If you wanna go really technical, call it a multiplyer reel...it's what the English them mostly.

[aquaboy24]

bait caster bait caster  bait caster!