Welp I've done it.....

[damian2b]

...went back to BPS today and purchased my first baitcaster. I originally wanted the Abu Garcia REVO STX but unfortunately they were out of left hand retrieve models. Not being able to walk out empty handed again I elected to go with my second choice a Daiwa Viento. I coupled that with a 7 foot medium action St Croix premier rod.......(thank god for gift cards)

..needless to say now i am sitting in work completely unmotivated and wanting to get out and practice practice practice!!!! (and if im lucky catch something!)

[damian2b]

I figure I use soft plastics a lot and like to occasionally smoke a cigar (or two dependent upon the length of the outting) making the twitchin bar a very convenient option for me :-)

[JB]

if ya need any help setting it up let us know!, line drop, brakes etc

[damian2b]

I appreciate it. I read this forum just about every day (although rarely post...I cast a lot more than i catch!) and have been utilizing the search feature on baitcasters and the techniques for using them. I'm hoping Ive given myself enough fire power to practice! I am sure once i get started I will be back on here pleading for more education from you all lol.

[WTL]

I think you'll be alright. Its not really as hard as people say. Just practice, make sure your spool tension is set tighter than it needs to be, and educate that thumb. Its all in the thumb. Once it learns its place, you'll be able to back off the tension.

[Rebbasser]

Damian, take a look here:

http://pages.infinit.net/fishing/bait101.htm

Best site I've seen for setting up a baitcaster to work correctly to begin with.

[damian2b]

Sweet thanks Reb.

[JB]

plus don't get too frustrated with backlashes,
we all have had them and every now n then get a few small ones,

its all in "da thumb" lol

[damian2b]

oh don't worry I'm prepared to deal with them in the beginning...all part of the learning curve.

[WTL]

Speak for yourself JB, I've never backlashed.

[damian2b]

What he isnt telling you JB is that he only uses spinning reels....just kidding

[carolina-rig-01]

Originally Posted by JB

plus don't get too frustrated with backlashes,
we all have had them and every now n then get a few small ones,

very true jb.

congratulations on the new set up!

[BigBassin144]

Congrats, I know you'll love the Viento, I do. the twitchin' Bar is a great feature for soft plastics (or for smoking Cigars ) I would start off with a lur elike a spinnerbait, ro something that has got weight to it, until you get good at casting. Hold you rod at a 45* angle to the ground. let it freespool. The bait should take about 5 seconds to get ot the ground (stop it before it gets there though or you'll have a mess). If it takes too long, loosen the spool tension (the knob on the reel behind the handle.) If it goes too fast, tighten the spoool tention. I'd start the brake out at about 8 Once you feel confident casting move it down to 7 or 6. In the beginning, whne fishing in wind, ALWAYS turn it back up a couple notches. Once you get good you won't really have to do that. good Luck with the new reel, and hope you catch some fish.

BB

[Rebbasser]

Originally Posted by damian2b

What he isnt telling you JB is that he only uses spinning reels....just kidding

Nice shot, damian!

Back to the baitcaster-if you start backlashing, pull off about 2 long casts worth of line and put a piece of tape across the spool and wind the line back on. That way the backlash will only go as deep as the tape. That will save you some aggravation as well as line.

[BigBassin144]

I'll have to do that on my Procaster. After fishing with a couple of $200 dollar reels like my Viento and my Johnny Morris Sig, I get a lot more backlashes with it. I guess It's just because I'm so used to the better reels.

BB

[bamabassman]

congrats. once you get the hang of it, you'll be buying more baitcasters.

[WTL]

Ouch, spinning...that hurts.

I don't use no dern spinning, except when I do.

[damian2b]

Thanks for all the info everyone. After work yesterday i sat down with my new reel and realized one important factor that I did not ask. Here I am concerned with learning how to cast and when i finally sit down with it I realize I really don't even know how to get line on d@mn thing!!! No worries though i figured it out. LOL. I was figuring that would be in the directions. I figured wrong haha. It is suppose to be in the mid to upper 70s here this weekend and I am pumped!

[bamabassman]

good luck damian, let us know how it goes. and ifn you catch a fish on your new setup, post a pic. NO MATTER HOW SMALL !!!!! we just love to see pics of fish, lol. at least i do.

[Buzz Wing]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Hold you rod at a 45* angle to the ground. let it freespool. The bait should take about 5 seconds to get ot the ground (stop it before it gets there though or you'll have a mess). If it takes too long, loosen the spool tension (the knob on the reel behind the handle.) If it goes too fast, tighten the spoool tention.
BB

I don't think it matters how long it takes to hit, BB, but rtaher how hard it hits.

You should be able to engage your reel, letting the bait fall and have it touch the ground without having a backlash. If it backlashes, tighten up your tension knob, (the knob on the side of the crank). After you get good at casting, you should be able to loosen the knob down quite a bit without backlashing.

If you do like Daiwa, I'd suggest a Daiwa Fuego if you're looking for a higher speed reel.

By the way, great rod choice, I own four different St. Croix's. Pick up an Avid or a Bass Legend Tournament, (even a Legend Elite if you can afford it!), and you'll be in bass fishing heaven!

-Buzz

[damian2b]

Oh don't worry...if i catch a fish I will post a pic. I have been known to catch bass that are actually smaller than the lure being fished. I even counted it for my total ( not a tourney just for fun with a friend).

[bamabassman]

DAMIAN, LOL, I TOO CATCH ALOT OF FISH SMALLER THAN THE BAIT!!! don't worry, you are not alone my friend. i look at it this way, at least i am catching something. rofl.

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by bamabassman

DAMIAN, LOL, I TOO CATCH ALOT OF FISH SMALLER THAN THE BAIT!!! don't worry, you are not alone my friend. i look at it this way, at least i am catching something. rofl.

x3

Congrats on your new rig.