Abu Garcia Combo

[gmetime24]

I have never used a baitcaster before and have always been a fan of spinning reels. This past weekend I purchased a Abu Garcia silver max baitcaster with a berkley lighting medium action 6'6" combo for 49.99. Was wondering if anyone had any experience with this reel and what your thoughts were on it....did not want to spend too much money and not sure if I will become a fan of baitcasters so I thought I would give this one a try....Thanks for any input

[bigjc]

not familiar with that reel...rod is ok, but my experience with baitcaster especially when learning is buy the best one you can afford.  Good baitcasters are easier to learn with.

[Bender]

I have not used that one personally but I know a couple people who have and they said for the price it is not a bad reel.

Make sure you read up on how to set it up before you give it a try. If you do a google search for 'baitcaster setup" you will find lots of information. On top of what the instructions that show up on the search I would add for you to set the brakes all the way ON to start. And also set the cast control knob so that the bait does not fall by its own weight to start. Before your first cast pull off about 50' of line and put a piece of electrical tape on the spool. This will help so that when you do have backlashes they won't go all the way down into the spool. As you cast longer you can move the tape back into the spool more and back off on the brakes and cast control knob. Just take it easy since it is a lot different than casting a spinning reel but well worth it once you learn to do it.

[Durand Dan]

To add to what Bender said: When you first start using a baitcaster, cast directly overhead from back to front. It will give you much more control than trying to throw sidearm

[gmetime24]

Thanks a lot guys, like I said I am new at this baitcaster setup so this advice will definitely help....thanks again appreciate it

[t-bone]

Start with heavier lures and cast with the wind. Get used to that before you try to get lighter and deal with wind issue. Those elements require you to fine tune the reel. You'll need to build muscle memory with your thumb and you don't need these things to complicate the process. Another thing that does help is buy KVD's line & lure conditioner - spray that on the line and it make your line easier to handle as you learn.

[matt]

To add to what Bender said: When you first start using a baitcaster, cast directly overhead from back to front. It will give you much more control than trying to throw sidearm

I still have a hard time casting overhead....Sidearm is much,much easier for me.So it's backwards for me. 


The trick is don't muscle it out there.Nice and easy does it.Train that thumb.In no time you'll be casting with ease and backlashes will be a rare occurrence.Heavier lures definitely help.

Crankbaits and treble lures are the hardest for me to cast....If it's windy...forget about it...LOL

[TritonTR20]

cast overhead and turn your wrist so the handles point up.