FS Digest

Hello all. So I am new to freshwater and want to grab a baitcaster. I'm honestly not sure how much I will like it or even freshwater fishing, but I am new to Florida and far from saltwater. Can anyone recommend a simple and relatively priced baitcaster combo to start out with? I tried the Wal-Mart combo and got what I paid for LOL.

Thank you in advance for any help. Also if you can recommend best lures as well it would be appreciated. Happy fishing to all.

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by MStudley311

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

MStudley311; I am not sure of your price range, but I am a believer in Shimano. Just Sayin..RJS

TexasBassMan Loc: Spring, TX (Houston)

If you're not sure you'll like baitcasting gear, try to borrow a rig. This is certainly cheaper than buying, but be forewarned that may be like asking to borrow another man's girlfriend for a shake-down trial.

In any event, you'll need to learn how to cast a baitcaster efficiently in order to weigh the merits of baitcasting gear before you buy. (YouTube is a no-cost resource; see "Roland Martin")

In the world of Bass fishing, spinning gear generally is designed for light rod (M-F), light line (10lb or less) and light lures (3/8 oz. or less), while baitcasting is designed for power - heavier rod (M-H, F), heavier line (12lb or more) and heavier lures (3/8 oz. or more).

Hope this helps, Studley.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

TexasBassMan: I am curious why you want to try baitcasting. If you've been fishing with spinning, that is more than adequate for bass fishing, so why change? A lot of us older fishermen had no choice but to use baitcasting because that was all there was when we started. There have been a lot of impovements along the way if both types. I am one of the oldest and use both types, but wonder whether you would be happy with starting out with baitcasting because it is difficult for starting out on for fishermen. Just Sayin...RJS

TexasBassMan Loc: Spring, TX (Houston)

Robert, my post above was a reply to MStudley311 at the top of this thread. He was asking for advice about "beginner" baitcast gear.

I fish with both spinning and baitcast gear but cannot say one type or the other is a favorite because I enjoy them both. Shimano Curado DC, ShimanoSLX DC, Daiwa Ballistic LT on St. Croix and Daiwa rods - these are my pets.

If you Bass fish locally in the Houston area, perhaps we should arrange a get-together? And FYI - you may take pride in being old, but you are not older than me!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Texas Bass Man: My fishing is mostly telling lies over coffee. My two knee replacements have left me about 2/3 crippled. My fishing is limited now to taking my great nephew to a stock tank and allowing him to catch perch and catfish. I suppose I would be able to fish more if I still owned a boat.

Where do you fish? Do you have a boat? Once the all clear from Covid-19 is sounded, perhaps we could arrange something. Just Sayin....RJS

TexasBassMan Loc: Spring, TX (Houston)

Would enjoy a coffee get-together after the all-clear horn sounds, Robert.