Conference wahoo::fishing

    So you can "overbail" and get some great snags of coarse!! I like
    both but for different reasons. My baitcasters are used with heavy
    line for the huge fish I catch and for using medium to heavy lures/
    spinnerbaits. I paired them with short (5 1/2 ft) Med. Heavy Rods.
    I like this set up for weed/speed/manuverability. My spincasters
    are set up with 8 1/2 rods light/med/med heavy for typically light/med
    lures,jigs,beetle spins. If you have not owned a baitcaster it will
    take some time to master it. It is worth the initial frustration.
    
                               NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~

    	I use both types of rigs.  Each has its own advantages and bad
    points.  If you are using heavy (1/2 oz. or more) lures or lines,
    use the baitcaster.  If you want precise casting control, baitcaster.
    On the other hand, though, if you are fishing small or light lures
    or etc, spinning gear.  If you want LONGER casts, spinning.  If
    you want a cheap priced reel, spinning.  Those are my general reasons
    for choosing one or the other.

    It seems that baitcasting is used largely for bass fishing and trolling
    -- both cases where you are dealing with a heavy load on your line
    (primarily the lure, the way I do it, although there is an unconfirmed
    rumor that fish are supposed to contribute to the heavy load . . .)
    
    Baitcasting works well with the stiff rods that are required for
    using plastic worms when fishing for bass (you need a stiff rod
    to pull the hook through the plastic worm and through a bass's bony
    mouth).
    
    Spinning is excellant for handling light lures, and especially
    ultralight (less than 1/8 ounce).  Spinning also gives you longer
    range.
    
    I usually have three rods in the boat -- baitcasting with worm or
    heavy crankbait, medium spinning with light crankbait or spinnerbait,
    and ultralight with small spinnerbait or grub.
    
    The biggest advantage of baitcasting is the chance to build patience
    and moral character by removing backlashes.

    Yo Wayne,
               I lived in "sunny colorado" for 10 years prior to moving
    to New England. Where are you located and where do you fish? I found
    BASS tough to come by. Outside of Brush Hollow outside of Pueblo
    the pickin was scarce. I have fished Scagway, Rampart Reservoir,
    11 Mile Res. and a few others that evade me (too many beers inbetween).
    I lived in Colo. Spgs, Manitou, and Boulder. 
               Tell you what tho......you ain't been fishin tell you
    get to New England. It rivals the Midwest where I grew up stealing
    cars in Chicago!
                                              NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~~

    
    Back on the topic....
    
    The main advantage I have found since adding baitcasting equipment
    to my arsenal (some may make a 100% switch, but I haven't stopped
    using spinning gear altogether) is the ability to cast with far
    more precision by thumbing the reel...kinda hard to stop an overcast
    on spinning gear.
              
    Steve
    

    
    Well I do use both.  I would disagree with the earlier comments
    on longer casts with spinning.  once you have mastered the caster
    you can match and even out cast your spinning rod if they are used
    the same ie.  same line and lure.  
    
    	The advantage of a casting reel is the free spool and the stright
    line feed throw the guides.  You have less line friction to slow
    a cast.  This allows for a longer cast with heavy line.  example:
    14lb line on a spinning rod and a caster.  The line will be stiff
    and give great friction as it passes the first guide in a loop motion.
     On a caster it goes stright hence less friction longer cast.
    
    	I still use spinning rods for small baits ie grubs, weightless
    worms, and ultra light crank baits.  I use my bait casters for every
    thing else.  I also feel the casting rod gives a better hook set
    becasue of the motion of the arm (my opion).  You make a biscep
    muscle flex as you pull your arms up on a caster, on a spinner there
    is more wrist in a set and less arm.
    
    	As for a rod selection I like a 6' instead of 5'6".  The longer
    rod loses a little actracy(sp) on the cast but I like it for the
    heavy cove you find bass in.  I do perfer a long handle over a pistal
    grib.
    
    Good luck 
    Bassin' bob
    

    I forgot to add that spinning reels do put a twist in your line
    as it goes around you spool (real bad if you crank as the drag is
    moving the spool).  On a caster the spool moves and no twist is
    added.  The helps you on the time between line changes.  I change
    line very often on a spinner.  I hate little loops in line.
    
    Bassin Bob
    

    Soooo, how do you cast them bait casters without the damn plug
    hitting the damn water two feet in front of ya, then you have this
    thing called a "BIRDS NEST" on the reel. I dont know way they call
    it a birds nest anyway (never seen any birds in it). 
                           
    Rich

    Have you ever seen the detail of twisted little sticks of a birds
    nest?  Make you cast wrong and you will get an upclose and personal
    look at one!
    
    As for how!  Well I taught this guy last winter and this worked
    out sorta good.  First buy your setup.  Then buy a 1/4 lbs spool
    of some cheap line at lease 14# test.  heavey line untangles better
    then light line which will knot.  Once you got this far read the
    instruction book.
    
    Then go outside use a big worm weight 1/2once or 3/8. It is easier
    more weight to start, then go back down to 1/4.  And PRACTICE PRACTICE
    PRACTICE.  You have two months before you use it so get out there
    and make at least 10 minutes of casts each day!
    
    Once you start then lets us know and we can give you some fine
    pointers.
    Just remember to adjust the mechanical break like the directions
    tell you, and learn to thumb your spool.  Use a stiff arm cast
    with little wrist until you get the hang of it!
    
    Good luck
    
    Bassin' Bob

re: .1

>	If you have not owned a baitcaster it will take some time to master 
>	it. It is worth the initial frustration.

	I've never used a baitcaster before. And this is primarily why I 
	asked the questions.
    
re: .3

>    The biggest advantage of baitcasting is the chance to build patience
>    and moral character by removing backlashes.

	I asked the questions in the base note because over the past couple 
	years I've been thinking of buying a baitcasting set up.  However, 
	fear of backlashes, and I guess the element of change and cost have 
	kept me from experimenting.  Actually the sale at K-MART now through 
	Feb 13 got me seriously thinking again.  

	A lot you say makes sense, rod stiffness and worm setting especially, 
	which was echoed in most of the replies.

re: .3

>    Baitcasting works well with the stiff rods that are required for
>    using plastic worms when fishing for bass (you need a stiff rod
>    to pull the hook through the plastic worm and through a bass's bony
>    mouth).

	I love to fish with worms.  But, I'm hooked on ultra-lite w/4lb, 
	playing the fish to the boat.  I've two U/L's and med/hev spinning 
	rig I use from time to time.  I've looked at baitcasting with heavy 
	line as an easy and quick way to get the fish to the boat; never it 
	seems, enjoying the act of bringing the fish in.  No challenge comes to 
	mind.  Where catching any size bass or fish for that matter, on an 
	U/L, you can't just haul the baby in, the bigger the more challenge, 
	pleasure and fun is how I've looked at it.  

	On the other hand, while worm fishing, I've noticed that I just 
	haven't been able to hook the bass@#%ds with a Texas rig, or even 
	exposed hook with weed guard on the ultra-lite.  Stiff rod (if you 
	will), makes sense, and may be the reason why I've begun to shun 
	away from worm fishing with U/L in the past couple years, and gone to 
	primarily fishing with a rebel/rapala.  The worm fishing I do now with 
	the U/L is with tandem expose hooks. (it's just not the same) I've 
	never lost a fish on U/L due to breaking line, when either setting the 
	hook, or bringing the fish in (exception is pickerel, and teeth have 
	gotten in the way on occasion).

	Many of you mentioned accuracy as an advantage to casting.  I guess 
	I'll just have to measure this myself.  My initial reaction is;  No! 
	I don't necessarily believe that to be true, (baitcasting accuracy is
	better than spinning).  My opinion is that it's a matter of knowing 
	your own capabilities, equipment and limits.  I'd say I'm pretty damn 
	accurate.  Almost want to say just as accurate, but then I've nothing 
	to compare my accuracy with that of someone using baitcasting equipment.

re: .6

	Good reply.  Thanks.  I never considered this.

>    	The advantage of a casting reel is the free spool and the straight
>       line feed throw the guides.  You have less line friction to slow
>       a cast.  ... The line will be stiff and give great friction as it 
>       passes the first guide in a loop motion.  On a caster it goes straight 
>       hence less friction longer cast.

>    	As for a rod selection I like a 6' instead of 5'6".  The longer
>       rod loses a little actracy(sp) on the cast but I like it for the
>       heavy cove you find bass in.  

	Not sure why I say this, but my preference would be with the 5'6" vs 
	anything longer.  Guess my thinking is that if your looking for 
	stiffness, you'll get it in a shorter rod.  Any truth to this 
	thinking, or can you get equally stiff rods in varying lengths? 
	(Can't wait to here a response to that question? should be good for 
	a couple laughs)

>	I do perfer a long handle over a pistal grib.
    
	Out of curiosity; Why?  Is it because you use the extra length 
	as an "extension" of your arm for leverage?

	At this point, I'm not sure what I'll do.  My feeling is that I'll 
	wait until I've the chance to experiment with a baitcasting set up 
	before I buy.  (Hmmm.  incentive to partake in a tourney maybe, and 
	barrow a rig for an hour???)  Anyone know if I might be able to check 
	a baitcasting rig out at the show in Worcester this week, casting etc.?
	    
	Thanks for the replies    

	Bryan
    

Presently, I use 2 spinning and one baitcasting rods.  Most of my worm 
fishing has been on my heavy-duty 6' Lamiglass spinning rod (I mean real 
stiff action!) and I have noticed a tremendous difference and improvement in 
my hook-sets using this heavy action rod.

Although I have owned the Shimano 5'6" baitcaster rod & reel combo for a couple 
of years, I really started using it a lot last year, but primarily to toss 
the heavier baits....topwaters, heavier jigs, & spinner baits.  I had a real 
problem tossing lighter lures and especially worms with less than 1/4 oz 
weights.  Like others, I ended up getting "professional over-runs."

I agree with Bassin Bob in that a properly balanced baitcaster will 
outdistance a spinning outfit in that the reel provides less resistance and 
actually throws the line off the spool.  If it happens too fast then you get 
a mess.  Therefore, an educated thumb to control the spool and a lot of 
practice helps.  (Before I became fairly proficient at using my Shimano, I 
would only use it in the daylight as I always ended up casting 30 yards up 
onto shore into the trees at night!  Now...I use it at night with few problems.)

This year, I hope to invest in a 6' to 6'6" baitcasting rod (I'm interested 
in either another LamiGlass or an All-Star).  The reel(s) I'm interested in 
looking at are the ABU Lite Plus or the model that has the quick change 
spools (I forget the model #).  If they feel good, hopefully I'll find some 
good prices at the Centrum this weekend.

My thoughts are that the slightly longer rod will help me cast the worms 
better.  Is this generally an accurate assumption??  I realize that some of 
you "experts" toss the lighter baits and worms on shorter rods, but I just 
haven't got the hang of it yet on my 5'6" Shimano.  Also, seeing as I would 
like a rod that might double for flippin' into heavier brush and stumps on 
occassion, is a medium-heavy or heavy action rod more appropriate?

-HoleShot Joe-

BTW... Coonass Bob is in town again!!  I'm having lunch with him in a few 
minutes.  He said he might be around this weekend...and if so, I'll bring 
him to the Centrum to meet the rest of the "boys"!!  We'll see how well this 
Cajun can handle Bass Ales!!

>	rig I use from time to time.  I've looked at baitcasting with heavy 
> 	line as an easy and quick way to get the fish to the boat; never it 
> 	seems, enjoying the act of bringing the fish in.  No challenge comes to 
 
    I think that depends on where you fish. If your not in a heck of
    alot of cover, even with 4lb test you have a chance at landing a
    6 or 7 pounder.  But if your fishing a stumpfield, say with a
    spinnerbait, and a 5lb+ fish nails it 20yards from the boat, and your
    using an ultralight w/ 4lb test... Good luck!  It's hard enough
    keeping a 7.5lb bass from hanging you up on a stiff baitcaster with
    12+lb test, let alone 4lb test with no back bone.    
       
    I'v been in the process of switching over to baitcasters myself,
    I've bought one a year in the last 3 years (the most recent being
    ABU's new Lite - Joe, that doesn't have the quick change spool,
    the XLT series does).  Anyway, I use my baitcasters 90% of the time.
    The only time I use my spinning outfits is, like Bob said, grubs,
    weightless worms, small crankbaits, etc...  
    
    Also, at night, if there's not enough moonlight to see where I'm
    casting, I'll stick with the spinning stuff -- it's no fun having
    a birds nest in the dark...
    
    Don Mac

    So what is the deal on these Abu interchangable spools? Why dont
    the rest of the reel makers offer the same? Are there problems with
    them? Do any of you noter's own one, and do you like it? 
    
    Rich

    	The deal with the interchangeable spool is the same as with
    a spinning rig.  You can change line size and weight to match the
    fishing without having to completely dismantle the reel.  If you
    fish just one type of cover for the day, this feature is almost
    useless.  However, if you fish for different species in different
    types of cover, this is GREAT.  I don't own one but my brother does.
    I have used it a few times.  It is great being able to go from 4#
    line for crappie and small panfish to 15# line for Northerns and
    Bass in weeds and stumps with just a flip of the reel side.  I take
    care of this problem with my ABU LITE-PLUS by carrying a cheap ZEBCO
    spooled with 4# in my fishing vest.  When I want to go light for
    panfish, I switch reels.  If I really want to fish light jigs or
    light line for trout, I grab the spinning outfit with full ultra-lite.
    	So, you can buy a quick change spool reel or, if you are fishing
    for little stuff with light line, carry a cheap spin-caster
    pre-spooled.  Depends on which is quicker to change, a reel or a
    spool.

re: .12

 
>    I think that depends on where you fish. If your not in a heck of
>    alot of cover, even with 4lb test you have a chance at landing a
>    6 or 7 pounder.  But if your fishing a stumpfield, say with a
>    spinnerbait, and a 5lb+ fish nails it 20yards from the boat, and your
>    using an ultralight w/ 4lb test... Good luck!  It's hard enough
>    keeping a 7.5lb bass from hanging you up on a stiff baitcaster with
>    12+lb test, let alone 4lb test with no back bone.    

	Yeah, I agree.  Last year I went to a place I hadn't fished in about 
	12 years.  I forgot how stumpy it was.  I forgot to bring along my 
	heavier rod/reel and I lost two out of three fish just as you 
	describe above, although I don't believe any were larger than 
	3lbs.  
       

	Bryan

    

    Most of the baitcasters I see, call for 12 lb. test.  Will these
    reels work properly with lighter line (8 lb. test) or are there
    any that are made for the lighter lines?
    
    Thanks
    Brian
    

    .16
    >Most of the baitcaster I see call for 12lb. test line will these
    reels work properly with lighter line.
    
    Yes they will but you have to watch out if you get a lot of backlashes.
    The lighter line may get caught in the edge of the spool and reel
    casing..  Has happed to me.  I have use 4lbs on a caster for trout
    and really likes it.  Talk about a long cast!!!!!!
    
    >Why interchangable spools..
    
    Best thing on the market.  If your into tournament fishing where
    you don't want to waste time taking out a big lash.  Change the spool.
    or don't use the rod!!  which choice would you make?
    
    Also I carry a light line spool for those clear days when they just
    wouln't hit anyhting, the light line may help.
    
    Also if you want to go for bass then trout with the same rod and
    like 14# then 8# you don't loose all that line!
    
    Bassin Bob.
    
    

Bob hit the nail right on the head!  Aside from the advantage of quick 
changing the spool due to a backlash (more likely at night), it also allows 
you to change lines very quickly to acommodate the type of fishing you're 
doing.  If I invest in the ABU XLT reel, I'll probably have 3 spools...
8#, 12# and 17# test for clear and open water, light weeds and 
pads, and brush/stump fishing, respectively.  If I decide on a reel that 
doesn't have interchangable spools, then I'll use 12# test for all-around 
fishing.

From what I've seen in the catalogs so far, ABU is the only line of reels to 
offer this feature.  I guess the only concern I might have is reliability.  
Will I sacrifice anything for this neat feature??  Anyone out there had any 
experience with these reels?

-HSJ- 

    Joe,
         I got an ABU XLT for Christmas but have yet to use it. I think
    I'm gonna like it a lot. It is certainly different than my old
    ambassador 6500c bait caster. I paired it with a nice 100% graphite
    6 ft med/hvy rod with "power hump" handle. Both from "PRO-BASS".
    The quick release spool is GREAT. 
     
                                      NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~
    RE: 590.0
    
              Buy a baitcaster. You can never have enough fishing stuff.

follow up to .9

<    As for how!  Well I taught this guy last winter and this worked
<    out sorta good.  First buy your setup.  Then buy a 1/4 lbs spool
<    of some cheap line at lease 14# test.  heavey line untangles better
<    then light line which will knot.  Once you got this far read the
<    instruction book.
<    
<    Then go outside use a big worm weight 1/2once or 3/8. It is easier
<    more weight to start, then go back down to 1/4.  And PRACTICE PRACTICE
<    PRACTICE.  You have two months before you use it so get out there
<    and make at least 10 minutes of casts each day!

	Although I'm not the individual Bassin' Bob was referring to here,
he did give me a hint a couple years ago which helped alot.  When you are
first starting out try lofting the bait.  If the bait is tossed sort of
side-arm so that the bait goes in an medium high arc, the energy in the bait
and the energy in the spool will run out at about the same time.  The bird's
nest comes if the bait stops but the spool doesn't.  After mastering??? this
technique the switch over to an overhand POWER cast isn't too bad.  You've
had a chance to become familiar with 'thumbing' the reel, you know how your
rod flexes and you get more adept at pulling out the occasional tangles.

	If you get the baitcaster, I'm sure you won't regret it.

						Al

re: .19

>             Buy a baitcaster. You can never have enough fishing stuff.

	My birthday went by this past weekend with several rather obvious 
	hints going by the way side.  So,  I'm saving my travel money, 
	and should, would like to, have a baitcasting rig late spring 
	to summer.  

	Bryan
    

    RE: baitcaster for light line
                                 
    Quantum's QD1510 is marketed as the first baitcaster designed for
    light line (down to 6lb test).  Out of my 3 baitcasters (Shimano
    BMP150X, ABU/Garcia Lite and the Quantum QD1610), my favorite
    is my QD1610 -- the QD1510's big brother.        
                                 
    Don Mac - love them lifetime warranties

    > does any one use these ABU interchangable spool!!
    
    I have 5 XLT PLUSes  and 1 821 PLUS They are great.  If ANYONE wants
    some perticular questions answer give me a call at dtn 297-7841.
    
    And DON ABU XLTs have life time warrenties.  I send them in every
    year to abu for repairs and they come back all clean and nice with
    any warn out parts replaced!!  
    
    For the proce if you can still find the XLT for under $50.00
    Buy it.
    
    Bassin Bob
    

    yea, I know Bob, that's why I bought the ABU Lite, `cuz it has the
    lifetime warranty also (pretty sure all ABU baitcasters do)  donmac

    Don Mac, thanks for the information on the lightweights.  It should
    come in handy when I'm looking for my first baitcaster.
    
    Brian
    

    I don't know if this expands the scope of this topic at all, but
    the setup that I currently have is a 5'6" Graphite/Boron rod (bought
    at Building 19 - great deal!) and a Johnson Century 225 closed-face
    spinning reel. After all this discussion on spinning vs baitcasting,
    it seems that the pros/cons reduce to casting control vs strength
    vs ability to handle light line...
    
    My reel has a thumb button that allows me to instantly stop the
    line as it leaves the reel with no risk of backlash. Sometimes the
    reel does get jammed if the line gets twisted, but the Johnson seems
    to be fairly free of that problem compared to others (so I've heard).
    My main question is, why don't I ever see anyone else using closed
    face reels? Are they inferior to the others or just not as gimmicky?
    They certainly are cheaper. The Johnson 225 goes for $10.95 in the
    Spring Cabela's catalogue (arrived in the mail yesterday!)
    
    Comments please...
    
    Ed

A few of the previous replies asked about rods for baitcasters, and
we really didn't touch on that too much.

Shortly after getting my first baitcaster I snapped the inexpensive (although
it was graphite) 5'6" rod in 1/2.  I replaced it with a 6'6" rod and found it 
much easier to cast lighter lures longer distnaces.  I liked the length of 
this rod for worm'n, it did not have the backbone to give those jaw barring 
hooksets that are necessary to drive that Tru-Turn home.  I now use a more 
sensitive and stiffer 5'9" rod, and as a result my worm fishing has improved.
For the later part of last year I used the 6'6" rod for spinnerbaits and buzz
baits -- but didn't really like it.  Felt too whippy.  This year I'll dedicate
the longer rod to crankbaits and for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits I have a sens-
itive 5'6", that I got over the holidays, I think it'll work well.

Speaking of crankbaits, I'd like to see a topic on just crankbaits... I don't
have time to discuss them at the moment, so if anyone else is interested,
go for it...

Don Mac

    re .26
    
    Two years ago I bought my wife a Zebco Pro Staff closed faced reel
    with a breaking mechanism such as you mewntioned ("feather touch"
    is what Zebco calls it).  Anyway, when my new Shimano baicaster
    broke, and I wanted to use my new baitcasting rod, I slapped the
    spincaster on there and gave it a try.  I was really suprized at
    how well it cast -- and the breaking system worked pretty well -
    not as good as "thumbing", but not too bad.  
    
    However, in general, it appears to me that mechanics invloved in
    the spincast design are more apt to give you a problem, as compared
    to the other 2 (spinning and baitbasting).  And when you do have
    a problem, the line if fairly inaccessable.  Oh well, enough for
    now... 
    
    Don Mac

    Jerry Mcinnis did a thing over the weekend about baitcasting ...
    
    anybody see it?  It covered all this stuff in about 4 1/2 minutes
    

    As I said Bassin Bob, I have one....But where are the extra spools
    available??! I did not see them in PRO BASS CATALOG.
    
                                     NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~

    re: .29
    
    	Yeah, I did see it.  Honestly, the only thing that really stuck
      	in mind was what he said about casting with the the reel to
	the side, as opposed to straight up.  Can't expain it anybetter.
    	For those that saw the show, you know what I mean.  If someone
    	else can explain it better by all means give it a shot.
    
    	Tell me if I'm wrong.  It's my opinion that of all the guys
	that do shows(fishin type shows), he seems to be the only one
    	that takes the time to talk and demonstrate techniques, for
    	example: casting with a baitcaster this past weekend.
    
    	You just gotta love his fish tank.
    
    	Most memorable show I've seen him do is the one a few months
    	ago where he took special olympic kids fishing.  
    
    	Bryan

    	Just a quick comment about controlling overcast on an open faced
    spinning reel. I don't know if this works on every make,but I have
    an old Mitchell 300 reel that I love,and I control overcast by simply
    extending my right index finger until it almost touches the lip
    of the face of the reel. By putting more or less pressure on I can
    get pretty good control and even stop the line instantly if I want.
    
    	George

    Who's Jerry McInnis, and when is he on?
    
    

    Jerry McInnis is the host of "The Fishin' Hole" on ESPN.  I think
    nowadays HALF of his show is on Saturday mornings at 9:30am.  The
    whole show is usually aired entirely at one time or another during
    the week, but I haven't found a real schedule yet.               
    
    I think ESPN's cutting his show in 1/2 was a lousy thing to do...
    
    Don Mac 
    
    PS: I believe Jerry's at the Worcester Expo this week 
                                                               

>As I said Bassin Bob...  I have one.... But where are the extar spools
    available??   I did not see them in PRO BASS CATALOG
    
        Just call them they have them.  Sometimes under the reel price is
    a short line spare spool xxx.
    
    I did not even look in the catalog I just called and said I want
    a replacement spool for an xlt and the lady on the computer found
    it!
    
    Bassin Bob
    

I happened to be looking thru the full-line 1987 catalog and they were listed.
Sorry, but I don't recall the part #s.


Joe

    The BPS `87 master catalog has spare spools listed for the 1000,
    800 and 600 series reels, but not for the XLT series...  They are
    most likely listed in the `86 master catalog though... (don't happen
    to have one of those im my office)... 
    
    You could probably pick one up at the Centrum, last year I picked
    up a couple spare spools for my Quantum QMD20's...  None of the
    dealers had any on hand, but the Quantum booth has some, so one of the 
    Quantum reps got me a couple (had to go thru a dealer though)...
    
    Don Mac
    

    I was going to leave this one alone, but I can't resist:^)
    
    Abu (all makes of reels) has a life time warranty. I have occasion
    to use it and they came through like gang-busters. I wouldn't buy
    anyother reel. I have 5 of them and will be getting another this
    spring......BassPro has a combo offer in there spring catalog that
    would be hard to beat....822 reel with Abu 7 eyelet rod for $59
    and change plus a sweater...last year it was a jacket (I love it)
    
    Some comments on Casting......There is a lot of data in the earlier
    notes in this file. Some of you might like reading them for that
    reason.....With a bait caster use a turning motion with the arm that
    allows your wrist to end up horizontal (straight left and right). The
    handle of the reel is facing up. This will give you more power and
    better control when casting. Thumbing is really the wrong
    word....feathering is more near what you really do. When tossing the
    bait your thumb should be just a hair over the line. You should be able
    to feel the line going out but not actually controlling it. The
    strength of your cast is very important too. If you throw to hard the
    spool speed will be greater than the lure speed and, wo-la, backlash.
    The secret to bait casting, if there is one, is the speed of the rod
    tip at the moment you release the line. The arc of the cast is also
    important. Imagine a clock and try to cast from the start at about
    9:00/10:00 back to about 1:00 (at this point the rod/tip is said to be
    loaded-it is actually bent backwards). This is the point that you start
    to turn your wrist from up-down to sideways with the release of
    the line occuring at about 11:00. Follow through to about 10:00.
    You use your thumb to hold the line in place (very lightly) and
    at the release point just let the line sort of leave the reel. 
    
    At anyrate, I hope some of this helps. There is no better rig for
    bass fishing than the bait caster and 10-12 lb line in the weeds
    and wood. For rocky or sandy areas and especially clear water the
    spinning rod with 4 lb line is the best.
    
    Remember, the over-throw (trying for to much distance) is the major
    cause of back-lashes.
    
    Tight lines, Ranger Ron
    
    ps. See you all tonight!!!!

Well....I broke down and bought a new rod while at the Centrum.  As some of 
you may recall from an earlier reply I posted, I was interested in getting a 
longer baitcasting rod (I now have a Shimano 5'6" pistol-grip rod) to use 
primarily as a worming rod, and some occassional flippin.  After spending 
most of the time at the show trying one rod after another, I finally spent 
the BIG BUCKS and picked up an All Star WR1, 6'6" trigger rod.  It's 96% 
graphite and is made using the new IM6 material and process.  Nice rod!

The major reason for getting a longer rod was because I had difficulty in 
casting the lighter baits, but primarily worms, and I figured a slightly 
longer rod would help.  I can cast the heavier crankbaits and spinner baits 
with my 5'6" rod, but would end up with backlashes whenever I tried casting 
a worm with 1/16 - 1/8th oz weights.  So on Sunday, I rigged up the new rod 
and went out in the driveway with a 1/8 oz. weight and worm rigged, and 
VOILA!  It casts beautifully!  Plenty of distance and no backlashes!  And 
just to be sure it wasn't all psychological, I once again tried it on my 
shorter rod....and spent the next 10 minutes untangling a wicked snarl after 
my first cast!  I love it!

Oh...I just want to thank Bassin' Bob for taking care of my rod while we 
were in the pub!  (You sleeze bag!  And like I told you...if you don't have 
a drain plug in your Ranger, you better invest in one...on second thought, 
you better pick up SEVERAL cuz you're gonna need them!)

-HSJ-

    Yea, Joe, dat is a nice one..But chew gotta ketch som bass on it
    first!! Ole Bassin Bob jes wont to look at it!! An mebbe try it
    out.. From de pitchers I see on de television tv chew gotta use
    a chain saw to hurt dem ranger boats!! Mebbe som dannymite?? Onless
    dat dreen plug is 4 or 3 inches chew ant gonna sink dat boat!!
    
    Coonass
    

    Some of the previous replies refer to "flipping", and I see a lot
    of "flipping rods". 
    	WHAT IS FLIPPING????????????
    
    Bagel.
    

    Your basic flip'n stick is a heavy action 7'6" rod, with a heavy
    duty baitcaster, with heavy line.  The reel often will have a 
    "flip'n" switch, this means that when the thumb bar is depressed,
    the reel is in fre spool, as soon as it is released, the reel is
    nolonger in freespool.  
    
    You "flip" heavy jig-n-pigs, or weighted worms into dense cover
    by holding the bait in your hand, and the rod out infront if you.
    You bring the rod tip up, let go of the bait, and swing it into
    the cover... There are variations of this, such as pitch'n...
    
    Don Mac

    	Bagel,
    	Flippin' is your basic dropping the lure on their head at close
    distance.  Remember when you were a little one and you used to cane
    pole for ??????  Same technique except that now you use a $50.00
    reel on a $60.00 rod with $20.00 worth of line to catch $2.00 worth
    of fish (store price on the fish).  ;-)
    	Seriously, flipping is the same technique as cane polling with
    a line controllable reel on the rod.

     Re: 590.13 - interchangeable spools give you a lot of flexibility.
    I have a Garcia 521 baitcaster and spool it with 10#, with 14# as
    a backup. The theory here is that unless you want to switch rods,
    ii's unwise to vary line test by more than say, 4lbs. because a
    rod suited for 10# test won't have enough guts if you get into the
    real heavy stuff and slap on 17# or 20#. Conversely, if you want
    to have backlash practice, try taking one of those worming "pool
    cues", stick on a spool of 8# or 10# and throw a small balsa bait
    into a headwind.
     Too much has been made about the difficulty of baitcasting! If
    it was that hard to do, most of the guys using 'em couldn't use
    'em! Balance the outfit, pay attention to the spool setting and
    magnet setting and in half an hour you should be ok for at least
    casting on calm days.
     As far as changing spools, any magnetic spool is a cinch, whether
    it has a lever like the 521 or not. Because it uses magnets and
    not brake blocks (like, for example the old 5500C), there's nothing
    to fall out when you undo the side plate to change spools.
     Let's face it, using a baitcaster doesn't make your ---- (rhymes
    with "stick") any bigger, it just adds to your options and gives
    you a reel with a more powerful drag.
    
    - The Skoal Bandit (who is not a "Rocket Scientist")

    Baitcasting equip is made for heavduty fishing (stumps, rocks, heavy
    structure, large plugs, jigs, weighted worms, big fish and macho
    anglers. Also expert casters. Practice makes perfect.
    
    Spincasting equip is for lighter baits very accurate casts, and
    smaller fish. I use mine for weihgtless plastic worms, with fantastic
    success.
    
    
    				BUCKETMOUTH
    

   I havent used a baitcasting reel since I was a kid (more years ago than
   I care to think about) but recently came by a new Shakespeare "Magnum Boss"
   9100 series reel.  Now I dont know what the official verdict is as far
   as quality etc., but I personally like it.  While it's a bit heavy, it
   operates real smoothly, seems to be built well.  After a summer of
   off and on practice I can almost hit what I'm aiming at when casting.
   
   The reel came with no instructions, but most of the things are obvious.
   What I do is tighten/loosen this little knob which 'tensions' the
   spool when in free-spool so that the lure just falls freely of it's
   own weight.  Then, press the thumb release, thumb the spool and cast.
   What I've never figured out is how to use the magnetic brake feature
   on this reel. I've tried varying the free-spool tension and the
   magnetic brake setting but it seems that the magnetic thing has no
   effect during casting.  

   Can someone out there shed some light on what and how these magnetic 
   brakes work, or are they just a gimmick??

                                                Tom

    Tom,
       The magnetic brake is a control to use when fishing windy days or 
    light lures.  If you compare the magnetic brake with the knob to adjust
    tension it would be 50 to 1.  The way I set up my bait casters is
    this.  Turn the magnetic brake off or dial to 1.  Then attach the lure
    to the line and adjust the tension knob until the lure begins to drop
    on it own weight.  When the lure hit the ground, and is moving at a 
    reasonble speed, the spool should stop winding. Then I wind up agian 
    and check it once more with the tension knob set.  I then use the
    magnetic brake if the wind picks up and I am going to cast into the
    wind, and if on my cast I notice a very little amount of back lash,
    like one or two turns of the spool.  Give it a try.
    
    Les
    

     If you're a novice, once you've adjusted the spool speed knob (which
    you seem to understand), set the mag adjustment about 1/3 of the
    way up the dial. Then, as les says, set it up higher (2/3) if iit
    gets windy, and KEEP THE HANDLE UP when you cast.
    
    --Bandito

    10-4 on the fine tuning.  Is the combination of spool tensioner and
    mag brake supposed to eliminate thumbing during casting or just provide
    alittle extra help in preventing backlash?
    
    Just as a side point, getting this baitcaster has added alot of fun to
    this summers fishing, except for the first time I used it at night..
    untangleing that birdsnest in the dark was not fun!!!
    
                                                    Tom

    One more thing.....
    
        Instead of casting with the reel facing up, if you do it that way ,
    set the reel to 90 degrees from the ground, Jerry Mckinnis idea, or
    facing to your left or right when you cast, this truly reduces ( I
    almost said eliminates) backlash.  I dont know why but since I have
    switched to this way of casting I havent back lashed yet, except when I 
    caught an antenna with my rod tip on the back swing.   
    
    Les

    I just recently discovered that I can cast a Zara Spook farther
    with my baitcasting rig than I can with the spinning rig. Hmmm.
    
    Now if I can only learn to cast a unweighted rubber worm with that
    rig...
    
    > and KEEP THE HANDLE UP when you cast.
    
    Hey Bandito, can you explain further?
    
    Ed

     Ed, here's an example: if you cast right handed, the reel handles
    should point toward the sky (perpendicular to the water) during
    the cast. This balances the reel and makes the spool spin uniformly.
    To make this simple, just hold your rod with the guides facing up
    and the handle (if it's a right hand reel) facing left, parallel
    to the water. Now, turn your wrist 90 degrees to the left, and the
    handles will go up towards the sky.
    
    --TSB

    Oh, NOW I get it!
    
    Ed
    

     Re: 53 - if the reel is right handed and you hold it BEFORE you
    rotate it to cast, the reel handles will be TO THE RIGHT! I could
    also have said that if you start with the casting trigger pointing
    down,  rotate the rod until the casting trigger points to the right
    (same difference, maybe easier to visualize), then cast.
    
    --TSB 

    Oh, now I REALLY get it!!
    
    8-)
    

    Well I made the conversion over from Spinning Rod to Baitcaster. 
    Having spent my entire fishing life on spinning reels I was nervous
    about going over to a baitcaster.  Let me say this, that after using it
    now for about a month, I love the thing.  I have an Abu Garcia, XLT II
    Synchro on a 6'6" Pitching stick and this is one hell of a great
    combination.  I may pop for a heavier action since this one is
    med/heavy.  I find that walking the dog a little spongy.  
    
    I only birdnested the first couple of times I practiced until I got a
    feel for thumbing the spool.  The new magnetics on the reel really help
    prevent backlash, in fact on the fullest setting I almost think you
    don't need to thumb the spool.
    
    The only cautionary is when shore fishing, be sure there are no low
    hanging branches your lure can hit when casting.  The only two times I
    got serious birdsnests while actually fishing is when my lure nicked a
    branch.  In both cases I wasn't expecting it and so was not thumbing
    and the slight slowdown caused as the lure brushed the branch caused
    tremendous backlash.  Thats why I am now practicing flipping.
    
    I plan always to carry my spinning reel for worming etc but my heart is
    now on the baitcaster.
    
    Brian
                                                      

    I would like to know what you all think about using spinning reels vs.
    bait casting reels for worm fishing for bass.  I grew up in California
    and fished primarily for trout using either light spinning tackle or
    fly rod. 
    
    Here in Texas, I fish primarily for bass.  Most people use bait casting
    reels, stiff rods, and 15-20 lb. test.  Is there an advantage to using
    bait casting reels when fishing plastic worms?  I'm trying to develop
    my skills fishing plastic worms (as they seem to be so productive!),
    but feel like maybe I'm using the wrong tackle?
    
    Some of you guys sound like experienced bass fisherman, so how 'bout
    some advice for an ex-trout-fisherman?!?!?!
    
    
    			--- Glenn

    ================================================================================
Note 590.59                 Bait vs Spin casting???                     59 of 59
GNPIKE::NICOLAZZO "Free the beaches!"                16 lines  21-MAY-1991 12:19
            -< Spin for me, nothing wrong with baitcasters though. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    re: .0
    
    	FWIW - I only use spinning reels for all my fishing, including
    	rubber worms. I usually use about 10 lb. test line (Trilene XL)
    	and a STIFF spinning rod in order to set the hook.
    
    	I think there may be advantages to baitcasters - no line twist,
    	longer casting and (some say) more accurate (though I disagree with
    	the last one).
    
    	I don't use a baitcaster because I just haven't gotten the hang of
    	using one and end up spending all my valuable fishing time removing
    	backlashes from the line! Besides, the spinning gear works out just
    	fine.
    
    			Robert.

    
    
    	I frequently use rubber worms, sometimes too often, but
    	have equal success with both bait casters and spinning gear.
    	Do what works for you!!!!
    
    	The stiff, yet sensitive,  rod is what you need for wormin'...
    			along with real sharp hooks!
    
    	The Harbormaster

    Some people seem to think that a baitcaster is somehow "stronger" than
    a spinning reel, presumably because they crank the line directly onto
    the spool vs winding it around the spool at a right angle like a spinning 
    reel does.
    
    I have a little baitcaster - nothing special - that I like well enough,
    but for worm fishing, if you like spinning reels (like I do), just get
    a big enough spinning reel (for strength) and a good rod (I have an LL
    Bean heavy action 6' IM6 graphite), and it should work as well as a
    baitcaster. 
    
    (But some of these guys fish more in a year or two than I have in my 
    whole life (so far), so if someone else says something different, I
    won't argue...
    
    Ed
    

    For heavier larger worms (8" or more), I use stiff 6'6" baitcaster.  
    For lighter smaller worms (6" or less) I use a stiff 5'10" spinning
    rod, except if I'm using a greater than 1/8 oz worm weight I'll
    use a baitcaster.  
    
    With weightless worms I'll use spinning.  For carolina rigging I use a 
    baitcaster.
    
    Historically, baitcasters were stronger than spinning reels and the
    drags were much better.  People had to rely on backreeling to play 
    a fish with a spinning rod.  Today's spinning reels are real strong and
    have drags that work just fine.  Although some folks still back reel
    because if you wind a spinning reel while the drag is giving, you'll
    screw up your line big time (so just pay attention and don't wind while
    a fish is taking drag).
    
    -donmac
    

    Donmac has a point (How scary is that ??). Sometimes I wonder why I use
    baitcasters for bass, and spinning reels with 6lb test for steelhead in
    wild rivers up to 14 lbs. Guess it's cause you gotta crank down on the
    basses to keep 'em from running 10 feet into a bush, while steelhead
    just run all day and jump. They do use baitcasters for steelhead on the
    west coast, though...
    
    --The Skoal Bandit

I use both baitcasters and spinning gear for wormin.  Most worming I do is 
with a baitcaster on a medium-heavy 6'6" rod (AllStar) with 12-20# test.  
Like Don, I'll switch over to my spinning gear with a weightless worm, 1/8th 
oz. grub or tube lure, or when I want to skip cast a lure under overhanging 
trees or docks.  I've never been able to master skip casting with a 
baitcaster as I almost always get a "professional overrun."

Drags on baitcasters have traditionally been better than spinning reels, but 
the newer model spinning reels do offer excellent drag systems.  Of course, 
our friend Jerry McInnis would still advocate back-reeling.

It all comes down to a matter of what you're comfortable with using.  
Baitcasters vs spinning reels DO NOT make the difference at catching fish.  
It's the lure, presentation and all those other variables that come into 
play.

-HSJ- (or Papa Smurf if you're the Legend)