Question about baitcasting reels

[bdorman]

Are baitcasters with line counters okay for casting? Or does the line counter ruin the reel as a caster?

I fish for crappie, perch and the occasional bass. Since I've been fishing from the dock, all my rigs so far are spinning rigs, but I'm curious about baitcasters because folks say you can learn to cast well without getting birdnests, etc. (the other thread about baitcasting really piqued my curiosity!) But I'm also getting into trolling, hence curious about line counters.

Any recommendations for moderately priced (under $100 for rod and reel) baitcasting set-ups?

This is turning out to be an expensive hobby:D

[RCC]

I've casted my Okuma's and they do OK. I'm not good with any baitcaster reel. I normally just let it free spool the line out to the distance I want. You can pick up some B&M pro trollers and an Okuma line counter reel and have about 70 bucks in it plus or minus a few dollars depending on the length of the rod.

[M R Dux]

As compared to a regular baitcaster, the Okuma line counters are terrible for casting. I do cast mine on occasion to get a bandit away from the boat at the start of a trolling run but would never consider using it for casting like my other level-winds like Ambassadors or Shimano.

[SteveJ]

Seems like when you cast them it throws off the line counter as far as I have noticed so we don't do it any more. Just let out line, also you need to notice your line counter each time you use it as it seems to mess up on it's own some time.

[yikess]

I can throw my Okumas out about 45 - 50 feet consistantly but that's about it.

["G"]

Seems like when you cast them it throws off the line counter as far as I have noticed so we don't do it any more. Just let out line, also you need to notice your line counter each time you use it as it seems to mess up on it's own some time.

I agree.... and I always check to see that its on zero each time before I let my line out

[Wannabe...]

Okumas would be terrible to try and cast with anything other than a heavy plug. I suspect the Diawa 17 sized Line Counters would be better, but still closer to the terrible side of the spectrum.

If you're wanting to try to cast a jig with a baitcaster, just get a moderately priced magneticly controlled spool and give it a shot. I can tell you though, you're not going to like it. You've got to WANT it to use a baitcaster on anything less than a 1/8 head and a 1/8th head is no picnic. To achieve that you need some serious skill and higher end equipment. I've used baitcasters since I was 10 and I don't have the skill to do what I want to with something that light.

Wannabe...

[bdorman]

Maybe it would be best if I get a baitcaster that is ideal for casting, and not worry about the line counter function. The lake is only 15 feet deep, so my plan for the spinning rigs is to put a bobber stop knot at 5, 10, 15 and 20 feet. Maybe just do the same with the baitcaster.

Any recommendations for a moderately priced baitcasting rig that will cast decently and troll well? (no need for line counter).

Many thanks for your advice.

[BigRiverMarine]

Hard to cast with the line counter. Theyre heavy, big, and cumbersome with the trigger being in a bad location for casting.