Thread: Bait cast reel users

I need suggestions on a decent bait cast reel with a lightweight spool that will cast light or weightless lures.

This will be for inshore use. I have everything I need for pier fishing.

I built a rod for this purpose but when I try to cast light lures with my Ambassador 5000, of course I get “professional overrun” in my reel, so, a dual braking system (centrifugal and magnetic) would help. I’ll be spooling up 20# braid.

Round reels are preferred, but, I’ll consider a low profile model, too. I’d like to keep the cost under $200.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Rufus

They might be too heavy for the rod but the Penn Fathom/Squall 12 & 15s (star drag models). They have a dual braking system and cast incredibly well. I think they clock in at about 15oz/16oz.

The only way to cast "weightless" lures is fly tackle, where the line is what is cast. Gravity and air resistance are non-negotiable. But if you have an actual lure weight range you can estimate (e.g. an unweighted Zoom Fluke) and how far it needs to go to reach the fish, you will get more accurate help. I know you want to go conventional so I won't bother to tell you to go to spinning tackle.

Keep in mind that braking systems and mags both are intended to shorten casting distance, opposite of what you want. To throw a really light lure you need to reduce them to near 0, use your thumb, and practice, practice, practice. If you hope to buy distance just by buying a better reel, your gains will be limited. Buying better lubrication for the spool and better (slick) line which casts easier are likewise slight aids to distance after you have achieved what you are capable of.

I certainly don't mean to insult you, but thinking back to basic mechanics is never wasted. Even if you've gotten good casting mechanics for a 1 oz jig, you need to rebuild your stroke for a 1/8 oz wacky worm, both for weight and aerodynamics. No dial or button on a reel fixes that AND maximizes distance. MLB hitters, PGA golfers, etc all live on the practice range and hire coaches to make sure their mechanics are sound and stay consistent.

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Daiwa Tatula

Ok, how about 1/8 oz jig heads with a 3-1/2” paddle tail.

Originally Posted by Rufus

Ok, how about 1/8 oz jig heads with a 3-1/2” paddle tail.

I pulled out an Ambassadeur 6500C3 CT Blue Yonder and made a couple of driveway casts with a 1/8 bare jig, so I know it is possible to do with at least some round Abus. I did not cast far without a better warmup (literal warm up, since wind chill is -1°), and I name that reel only because it is what I own and not because it is the newest or best. (The CT above is set up for surf/distance and has no levelwind.)

If I was wade fishing in coastal TX, where they love bait casters, I have a couple of low profile Daiwa Coastals.

I found my old Shimano Bantam I might clean and oil and see how it does.

I am also a bait caster user. Go to Academy Sports, the Academy Brand H2O Mettle is a good basic bait
caster and will last a long time with proper care. It will last a season without. I use fairly light line(10 or 12 lb.) and a long rod and have no problem throwing 1/8 oz. Jig heads with a 3" grubs. They have redesigned them and I think they run about $50.00 and they put them on sale around Thanksgiving every year

Originally Posted by LevelWind

I am also a bait caster user. Go to Academy Sports, the Academy Brand H2O Mettle is a good basic bait
caster and will last a long time with proper care. It will last a season without. I use fairly light line(10 or 12 lb.) and a long rod and have no problem throwing 1/8 oz. Jig heads with a 3" grubs. They have redesigned them and I think they run about $50.00 and they put them on sale around Thanksgiving every year

. Levelwind, thanks for that info. I’ll check them out.