bait caster for crappie?

[Herewego]

Stay with the spinning reels, MHO

[fearnofish]

Stay with the spinning reels, MHO

agreed

[catman]

i use baitcasters all the time but mainly for vertical jigging.

[chaunc]

About 5 years ago, i was looking for a nice spincast combo for my grandson and found what looks like a baitcaster. It's made by Johnson reels. It's called a Javelin. Not sure if they still produce them tho. They really look like a baitcast reel. I got so much praise from other guys that THOUGHT i had taught my boy to cast a baitcaster that i didn't tell them it's a spincaster. Here's a few pictures of it.




This reel will cast a 1/64 jighead, on 6lb line, a long ways. But as i said before, not sure if they still make them.

[CrappiePappy]

this place has them for $12 : Wholesale Fishing Tackle from Tackle Wholesale Outlet, America's Premier Closeout Fishing Tackle Distributor dealing in Closeout, Wholesale, Overstock, Discontinued and Discount brand name Fishing Tackle. (go to bottom of the list)

Here's what Outdoor Life had to say about them :
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Johnson Javelin
Gold JG-SC
($24.95)

Best For: Light to medium fresh water

Weight: 9.2 oz.

Drive: 3 bearings

Line Capacity: 10/65 yards

Gear Ratio: 3.3:1

Materials: Graphite-filled nylon frame, zinc gears, dual stainless-steel pickup pins

"Here's a spin-cast reel that's dressed like a bait-caster. That said, the reel's bait-caster "looks" aren't just gimmicky cosmetics. The reel's low profile makes the reel far more comfortable in hand (it can actually be palmed) than standard spin-casters that typically sit up high on the rod. It has a low
power-retrieve ratio, which means it is just right for working big-lipped diving plugs, and its thumb release allows excellent feathering or slowing of the cast to control the lure (something that doesn't always work well in spin-casters). The reel's drag was poor, however. It starts and stops with serious jerks that could mean lost fish. But the concept has great potential. The reel's triple-bearing system gives the Javelin a smooth retrieve. With some investment in components, this reel's design could be the start of something good."
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... cp

[gatoloco]

I use a bait caster when I am fishing standing timber, brush piles, bridge columns when it is depth sensitive the baitcaster allows you to positively control the depth you're fishing very easily. IF I am casting or shooting docks spinning all the way.

[dgi]

Thanks to all.
think i will wait till spring before up grading reel & keep practicing with the cheap combo i have. i got a 9 ft rod that needs a spinning reel anyways.

dgi


that javelin reel looks like a good starting point to improve on

[Pomoxis]

I'm new but here's my experience:

I prefer baitcaster for trolling and casting bass type baits, for me they are just easier to control line out, cast range..etc.

For my crappie fishing I'm mostly on slip bobbers with minnows or jigs so I use open face for those. Mostly because I'm setting depth with bobber knot and open face reels are easier for my bride to use.

[Grumpy]

I have some small baitcasters about half the size of regular ones. Mitchell Spidermite SM300 reels that I use as line keepers on my long poles. I have used one on a light baitcast rod before and they will cast very small jigs if you have the proper rod. These reels were discontinued several years ago and are hard to find now but can occasionally be found on ebay.

[skeetbum]

Vertical jigging with spoons and baits in general over 1/4oz can be delivered nicely with a baitcast reel. Not to say that smaller can't be done, but know your game some before you try it. Into the wind, sometimes even indirectly, gets touch with the light stuff. I used the big spool cheaper line while going thru the learning curve. Have fun, tight lines.