Help with buying my first bait caster

[wknd outdoorsman]

I've used a bait caster once in my life ( last year, flipping and pitching....At least trying to ) but now I am looking to purchase one and learn how to use it effectively. Can anyone recommend what features / tech I should be looking for? Maybe recommend a good quality reel that I can learn to cast with.

In terms of budget definitely want to keep around $100... Maybe a $150

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[zippyFX]

Full disclosure: I do not use a bait caster much.

For flipping and pitching; from what I hear you want a small low profile reel (to minimize the weight) with a high rate of retrieve to get fish out of cover quickly. You do not need a lot of line capacity for flipping and pitching but you will tend to use higher test line (25 lb fluro leaders). You will also likley nee a stiffer rod (MH - Fast action).

If you intend this to be a general setup I would recommend something a bit different; Lower retrieve rate and Medium rod about 7ft.

[Giuga10]

Flipping and pitching both require different set ups I'll go into both. With these techniques setups are typically quite expensive as rod sensitivity and reel quality play very large factors into these techniques.

Pitching:
Rod - Medium Heavy Fast. 6'9 - 7'1 is a great length range. Look for a nice rod with good sensitivity, flipping and pitching is all about feeling bottom, and detecting a bite.
Reel - 7 gear ratio.
Line - 14-17 lb fluorocarbon.

Flipping:
Rod - Heavy - Extra Heavy Fast. 7'3 - 8'. Look for a nice rod with good sensitivity, flipping and pitching is all about feeling bottom, and detecting a bite.
Reel - 7 gear ratio.
Line - 50+ lb braid. Don't use a fluorocarbon leader.

Light Flipping:
Rod - Medium Heavy Fast. 7' - 7'2. Look for a nice rod with good sensitivity, flipping and pitching is all about feeling bottom, and detecting a bite.
Reel - 7 gear ratio.
Line - 20-25 lb fluorocarbon.

[MRQturbo]

my first baitcaster was a higer end shimano (core 101) and ever since then i've always purchased shimano bc reels....for your price range if you can spend just a lil more, i'd get the curado 70/71...great starter reel, casts really well and should be easy to use...and if you don't like using a baitcasting reel or can't get the hang of it..they are easily re-sellable....

[spinnerbaitking]

Here is a good video on the how to part by one of the best:
Tight Lines SBK

https://youtu.be/2QT9FzJbARc?list=PLP0Wa...rG0at3klCZ

[wknd outdoorsman]

Update
I picked up a Shimano Caenan 151 and paired it with 7ft med heavy fast Quantum Accurist rod. I got the rod mainly bc it was a 2pc and it was on clearance for $40. Hopefully this summer I can become proficient with the different casting techniques and if I get comfortable with it maybe I'll look to expanding my baitcasting aresenal.
Thanks for your tips and input!
   

[spinnerbaitking]

Practise before you go out get a couple pails or frisbees step back and try putting the bait in them

[wknd outdoorsman]

Will do!

[LuckyLunker]

I am a beginner as well...and before I was ready to invest good money I did the $100 combo. I got an Abu Garcia Black Max combo for maybe $120...watched a bunch of vids on youtube to get it spooled and set up. Took it out, first cast...and backlashed like I had nightmares of.

It's yet to see a fish, but at least I'm getting the technique I need to kind of look like I know what I'm doing!

Dunno if this hack has been discussed: but I cast out in a parking lot as far as I could...then put a piece of electrical tape accross the spool...cut my birdnests down by 75%!!!

LL

[wknd outdoorsman]

Thanks LL, I'll give that a shot