I don't have any bait casting outfits at present, but I want to pick one up for weakfishing come the spring. Couple of questions. Who prefers bait casting outfits over either spinning or conventional for weakfishing? Any recommendations, I'd like to start out on the cheap side because I've burnt a lot of cash on fishing being bored during the winter.
Bait casting weakfish
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I mostly get "just keeper size" weaks backbay in the summer and definitely prefer the control and "feel" of baitcasting setups much like LkyLindy recommends. Mine is identical except being new to it, I bought the Abu Garcia 5600AB (antibacklash) which I found that with practice I don't need (except when I realize the bottom is loaded with them, get excited and start to collect birdnests 
A baitcaster like this easily casts out 100 feet with a small plastic on a 3/8 ounce jig. Cast off the port or starboard somewhat but in the general direction you are drifting to allow the bait to near the bottom. Otherwise the ****tails tear you up (although I often switch to cheaper plastics and enjoy them even more!) Conventional? If it can cast, fine, otherwise you are just going to be able to dunk bait and anchor or drift, which for me takes a lot of the fun out of duping a fish into taking a lure in the first place. A Bill Dance style for largemouth would be OK but I vastly prefer a 2 handed "trigger" rod style. If it seems too "freshwatery" just wash off well every time. If you trailer, stuff only corrodes if left unattended!
Second choice would be spinning, but if the occasional bigger fish comes along, I vastly prefer the feeling of control and better drag of my baitcasters.
A baitcaster like this easily casts out 100 feet with a small plastic on a 3/8 ounce jig. Cast off the port or starboard somewhat but in the general direction you are drifting to allow the bait to near the bottom. Otherwise the ****tails tear you up (although I often switch to cheaper plastics and enjoy them even more!) Conventional? If it can cast, fine, otherwise you are just going to be able to dunk bait and anchor or drift, which for me takes a lot of the fun out of duping a fish into taking a lure in the first place. A Bill Dance style for largemouth would be OK but I vastly prefer a 2 handed "trigger" rod style. If it seems too "freshwatery" just wash off well every time. If you trailer, stuff only corrodes if left unattended!
Second choice would be spinning, but if the occasional bigger fish comes along, I vastly prefer the feeling of control and better drag of my baitcasters.
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Conventionals for weaks are great, and I like them much better than spinning gear.
For an affordable bay weakfish and shallow water fluke rod and reel combo I'd suggest a Penn 920 with a 7-foot medium action graphite rod rated for about 15# test. They are great light tackle fun. And a light rod will cast the small lures you'll use to catch them.
For an all around combo I'd make it a 930 or 940 and bump up the same rod to a med/heavy rated to about 25# test. This will also be a fun rod for casting to stripers.
I am not familiar with the abu reels and have nothing against them, but the 930's served my father well for 30 years and were only recently replaced when the 955, 965 and 975 came out. They are affordable, reliable and simple, but lack many of the fancy features like instant anti reverse.
For an affordable bay weakfish and shallow water fluke rod and reel combo I'd suggest a Penn 920 with a 7-foot medium action graphite rod rated for about 15# test. They are great light tackle fun. And a light rod will cast the small lures you'll use to catch them.
For an all around combo I'd make it a 930 or 940 and bump up the same rod to a med/heavy rated to about 25# test. This will also be a fun rod for casting to stripers.
I am not familiar with the abu reels and have nothing against them, but the 930's served my father well for 30 years and were only recently replaced when the 955, 965 and 975 came out. They are affordable, reliable and simple, but lack many of the fancy features like instant anti reverse.
Thanks for all the help folks. I usually use light spinning gear or heavier conventional for the weaks but was looking for something more in the middle. The bait casters seem to be well suited for jig heads and plastics so I'll give it a try. If you see someone fumbling with a new outfit in the GSB go easy on him.
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1,407 Posts
Bait casters
As doughboy stated I've used the 920s and 930s for years on weaks fluke and even blues up to 15 lbs. They are great with mono line, I wouldn't recomend useing the new braids on them however as there is to much gap between the spool and the frame.
As doughboy stated I've used the 920s and 930s for years on weaks fluke and even blues up to 15 lbs. They are great with mono line, I wouldn't recomend useing the new braids on them however as there is to much gap between the spool and the frame.
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Light is the Trick
I have spent some $$$$ over the winter also but winning that Penn InTL 955 at the bash will help. I am putting it on a Chaos PGF grahite rod 12-20 pound range and will target weakfish with it also, plus a few other applications.
I saw the rod at the bash and fell in love with it.
I also have a 975 and will probaly put it on the same rod only in the 15-25lb series and use it for baitcatsing for bass.
(This post edited by baywatch on 02/22/2003)
I have spent some $$$$ over the winter also but winning that Penn InTL 955 at the bash will help. I am putting it on a Chaos PGF grahite rod 12-20 pound range and will target weakfish with it also, plus a few other applications.
I saw the rod at the bash and fell in love with it.
I also have a 975 and will probaly put it on the same rod only in the 15-25lb series and use it for baitcatsing for bass.
(This post edited by baywatch on 02/22/2003)
Baitcast for weakfish
I have been using an Abu Garcia 6501c3(left hand) reel and St. Croix PC70MH rod for striper, bluefish and weakfish for many years and find it perfect when jigging up to
1 3/4 oz as well as worming. The 6500 Abu will cost around $79.00 and the rod about the same.
I have been using an Abu Garcia 6501c3(left hand) reel and St. Croix PC70MH rod for striper, bluefish and weakfish for many years and find it perfect when jigging up to
1 3/4 oz as well as worming. The 6500 Abu will cost around $79.00 and the rod about the same.
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