Bait caster for bank fishing? 2024
Eric J reply :
Been thinking about getting a bait caster but I'm mainly a bank fisherman. Not sure if it's worth it.
Spinning reels seem more versatile.
Thoughts?
Dtrombly reply :
Depends on what you're wanting to accomplish.. what lures and line you'll be using. Some things are better suited for casting, some spinning. I've been mostly a bank angler my whole life up until this year (kayak now) and I don't own any spinning rods. I even drop shot and throw ned rigs on a casting outfit.
jtharris3 reply :
I’m primarily a bank fisherman. I use casting reels 80% of the time. My reel of choice is the Lew's LFS Speed Spools.
LCG reply :
I am also a bank fisherman and last year purchased my first baitcasting rod and reel. The learning curve is not near as bad as I thought. These forums and YouTube are great learning resources.
I use both spinning and baitcasting now. Spinning for lighter plastics and lures. Baitcasting for heavier plastics, jigs, and Frogs. Using a 6'8" m-xf spinning rod and a 6'6" mh-f casting rod. Very versatile.
It's funny, once I learned the baitcaster my casting with a spinning rod improved as well. I think it's because you start to dissect the motion of casting more and the attention to line and lure creates more of a focused cast. Maybe it just me.
BassThumb reply :
I'd say give it a shot. One idea would be to spend an extra $20-30 to upgrade the two spool bearings, and then learn on here how to take care of them. It'll increase casting distance and get your lures a little further from the bank.
burrows reply :
On 6/4/2018 at 3:27 AM, Eric J said:Been thinking about getting a bait caster but I'm mainly a bank fisherman. Not sure if it's worth it.
Spinning reels seem more versatile.
Thoughts?
I think it’s a good idea now you just need to pick one?
Eric J reply :
On 6/4/2018 at 7:41 AM, Burros said:I think it’s a good idea now you just need to pick one?
Yup... the hares part ... lol...
Darren. reply :
There's no reason not to try it out. But I would agree
that spinning reels are more versatile. My own experience
bears that out.
But the right casting rig can do many things well. 
DogBone_384 reply :
It's absolutely worth it.... Listen to the membership and enjoy a better fishing experience!
BankBasser reply :
I primarily fish from the bank and used only spinning gear for over 35 years up to about 3 years ago when I decided to try baitcasters. There's nothing you can't do on spinning gear and I still use them almost every time I head out, but I'm now glad I have baitcasters as an option. I use bc for pretty much anything 1/4oz +plastic and over. It's getting to be the time of year where a lot of the places I fish are getting very weedy and sloppy and I absolutely think baitcasters are a better option for frogs. I'm determined to become better at jigs and I prefer them on a baitcaster, as well. Same with spinnerbaits. I think the best thing to do is just give it a try. You really won't know until you do. You might find that a nice mh/f outfit will become one of your most used.
jtharris3 reply :
On 6/4/2018 at 7:25 AM, BassThumb said:I'd say give it a shot. One idea would be to spend an extra $20-30 to upgrade the two spool bearings, and then learn on here how to take care of them. It'll increase casting distance and get your lures a little further from the bank.
There's really no reason someone should have to upgrade the spool bearings on a new baitcaster. I’ve been fishing baitcasters since the 80's and have never had to “upgrade” a spool bearing, just because. Learn how to properly adjust the reel and the fundamentals of casting with it and you'll get plenty of casting distance.
greentrout reply :
Both are tools for your fishing.
I use spinning gear too for finesse presentations and I'm from the Deep South.
Most bassers prefer bait casters.
Throwing a spinnerbait with a b/c is a joy...
good fishing...
Armtx77 reply :
This time of year, the bass are deep in the lettuce. Bust out the broomstick casting set up, heavy braid and start punching with Trigs and Frogs accros the top.
Raul reply :
I fish with BCs from the bank most of the time.
kickerfish1 reply :
You can bank fish with any rod you want. Their are plus and minus qualities of each. There are not a ton of heavier duty spinning rods out there so that may be something to consider if you have lots of weed beds in close proximity to the shore.
Why not take one spinner and one caster with you. Seems the best of both worlds and carrying to rods and small back pack would be pretty easy and still allow you to travel lightly and cover ground
Burke reply :
Started out with spinning reels until I decided to buy one of those basspro's pro qualifier few years ago.
Next thing I knew:
Two of Shimano Cores MG7,
Five Curado 70,
One of each Dawia Zillion 100h, 100SHA
Two of Dawia SV103H
Mike L reply :
There's no reason not too.
I use bc for everything and everywhere.
Mike
fissure_man reply :
What do your spots look like? Some shore spots are overgrown with trees/brush and have little room to backswing for a normal cast. When casting at awkward angles with no room to swing, I find it much easier to “flick” baits out with a spinning rod than to constantly snag brush and backlash a BC.
NYWayfarer reply :
I take a spinning set up and a baitcasting setup with me when I go bank fishing. I use the spinning 90% of the time and the baitcaster stays in the car.
It's hard but not impossible to throw some of the lighter presentations and baits I use with a baitcaster.
BassThumb reply :
On 6/4/2018 at 8:42 AM, jtharris3 said:
There's really no reason someone should have to upgrade the spool bearings on a new baitcaster. I’ve been fishing baitcasters since the 80's and have never had to “upgrade” a spool bearing, just because. Learn how to properly adjust the reel and the fundamentals of casting with it and you'll get plenty of casting distance.
I take it you've never tried it. Maybe you should before calling people out on an Internet forum. I'll go work on my fundamentals, coach.
bhoff reply :
I'm a bank fisherman and personally carry three baitcasting setups. At least where I live I find them useful because of the ease of pitching baits and the high drag numbers help with pulling fish through grass and out of cover.
LonnieP reply :
All I use is baitcasters. My one spinning combo has been collecting dust for years.
B_Rose12 reply :
I have a boat but bank fish quite a bit. I used spinning reels all my life and after trying baitcasters, I only use spinning for extreme finesse like dropshot or super light ned rig.
It is tough to cast a baitcaster in some bank fishing scenarios for sure, but it made me learn a lot quicker I think. Plus my favorite technique is pitching a jig and IMO that’s a big void if you can’t pitch with a baitcaster from the bank.
I learned on an Abu Garcia Black Max which is one of, if not the cheapest baitcaster you’ll find. But once I bought my first nice reel (Lew’s Tournament Pro G) the difference is night and day. My recommendation would be to get a Lew’s Speed Spool ($99.99) with a higher gear ratio, I have the 7:5:1 which picks up 31in of like every crank and pair it with at least a 6’6 Medium Heavy/Fast rod, but if ya wanna go a cheaper route then get a nice Lew’s Combo to start out, maybe an American Hero ($79.99) or a Carbon Blue GT ($99.99) both are sold at Dick’s. I’d go with the Carbon Blue just because the rod is a 6’10 Medium Heavy/Fast vs the American Hero which is a 6’6 MH/F.
SJex reply :
Just be more aware of your surroundings during your casts. Getting your lure hung up on a tree limb or bush will often lead to the mother of all backlashes. I carry a spare reel in case of a bad backlash, and will switch reels rather than pick the backlash out.
FCPhil reply :
I used to use spinning reels and I only fish from the bank. One I got a baitcaster and learned to use it I never touched a spinning reel again.
I know they can be great for certain presentations but I just enjoy using a baitcaster much more...and I never have issues with line tangling anymore.
evilcatfish reply :
I fish out of a boat and from the bank. These days, my spinning setups are pretty much loaners for non fishing friends that want to come along
B_Rose12 reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 11:15 PM, SJex said:Just be more aware of your surroundings during your casts. Getting your lure hung up on a tree limb or bush will often lead to the mother of all backlashes. I carry a spare reel in case of a bad backlash, and will switch reels rather than pick the backlash out.
Aw man you ain’t kiddin! Go to launch a lure and it hits a limb right above your head or behind you and all you can do is look down and shake ya head.
I had one almost as bad as hitting a limb. Throwing a weightless Senko and it came off as I let off to cast. I wish I coulda seen my face as the Senko went soaring across the lake and then I look down and saw the mother of all backlashes ????
d-camarena reply :
Why is everyone scared of admitting they use spinning reels and rods? Lol
I use spinning for everything exept big swimbaits. I use 7ft heavy rods, ive never had problems getting fish out of cover. I use spinning gear to avoid the pendulum effect.
Eric J reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 4:13 AM, d-camarena said:Why is everyone scared of admitting they use spinning reels and rods? Lol
I use spinning for everything exept big swimbaits. I use 7ft heavy rods, ive never had problems getting fish out of cover. I use spinning gear to avoid the pendulum effect.
Agreed. I'm pretty dam. Accurate with my spin gear also. Guess its what your used to...
John Tom reply :
I got a black max 3 and it works fine for me and I fish off a dock.
d-camarena reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 6:40 AM, Eric J said:Agreed. I'm pretty dam. Accurate with my spin gear also. Guess its what your used to...
Dont get me wrong, its best to learn how to be good at using both. I can use either but prefer spinning because i like to let my lures fall on slack line. I just think some guys are ashamed they even own spinning gear lol its almost like they think its not cool to use spinning gear. Aint nothing wrong with catching bass using any type of reel
greentrout reply :
If you ever watch the Pros in the Major League Fishing series, on the Outdoor channel, you will see the Pros with spinning rods & reels in their hands more than you might think-- including KVD.
good fishing...
Eric J reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 9:13 AM, greentrout said:If you ever watch the Pros in the Major League Fishing series, on the Outdoor channel, you will see the Pros with spinning rods & reels in their hands more than you might think-- including KVD.
good fishing...
According to the wife I watch WAY too much pro fishing... ????
greentrout reply :
islandbass reply :
For lack of a better word, I almost feel a little pity or sad for anglers who are so set to be exclusive by choice to use only spinning or only baitcasting gear.
Is it their prerogative? Certainly. But if we want to be well rounded anglers, we should be versed, skilled and proficient in the angler’s tools of the trade. Spinning and casting reels are the tools of the trade. Tools that help you catch and land fish.
Also, just because you fish from the bank, why deny yourself attaining a new skill? There is no law that says bank anglers can only use spinning gear.
I am also a bank angler. So to help you as you teeter on the fence, is it worth it? Absolutely! The next thought you will ponder and I guarantee this, is, “Why in the world did I take so long to try a baitcaster. Doh!”
How do I know? Because I was where you are now and finally took the plunge. Come on in... The baitcasting water is just fine. Lastly, don’t skimp. Daiwa and Shimano have serious contender reels to pick from at a price point of your choosing.
Mumbly reply :
For my bank fishing I am pretty much baitcasting 99% of the time now. I use to carry a spinning rod with me as well but I haven't had the need for one since I bought a couple Yumeya bfs spools for my Curado 50e and Core 50Mg7. I can throw pretty much anything on them.
Eric J reply :
Well... I guess I know what I want for Father's Day! ????
Eric J
Beetlebz reply :
Not going to lie, I'm alot more accurate with a baitcaster for some reason. I can put a weightless senko wherever I need it, but if I try flinging it on a spinning rig I wind up hitting some old lady in the face on a bike 150 feet in the other direction causing her to swerve into traffic and causing a 35 car pile up. It's bad ????
I need to practice more I suppose. I do enjoy fishing with both however.
Catt reply :
Is there something wrong with having an extra arrow in the quiver?
NYWayfarer reply :
I took only a baitcasting set up last night to go bank fishing. I threw weightless Dingers and a spoon. Got 3 fish, 2 Pickerel and a Largemouth.
I love the accuracy of the baitcaster when bank fishing. I can toss baits into tight places I would not be able to with my spinning set ups.
Koz reply :
I started using a baitcaster last year and since then I rarely use spinning gear. However, a lot of this is because of convenience. I bank fish and in the places that I like to fish there are dozens of lagoons to choose from. You also can't drive and park at most of these lagoons.
So that means most times we bike or walk from lagoon to lagoon. It's not that easy to carry multiple rods, a tackle bag, and water when we cover a lot of ground. So I usually bring only one rod, especially when biking. And if I'm fishing only one rod I choose my baitcaster.
My son also seems to like my spinning gear more than his, and lately he's commandeered it for his own use.
EGbassing reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 7:32 PM, Beetlebz said:Not going to lie, I'm alot more accurate with a baitcaster for some reason. I can put a weightless senko wherever I need it, but if I try flinging it on a spinning rig I wind up hitting some old lady in the face on a bike 150 feet in the other direction causing her to swerve into traffic and causing a 35 car pile up. It's bad ????
I need to practice more I suppose. I do enjoy fishing with both however.
That's exactly what happened to me last time I used a spinning rod. ????
evilcatfish reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 6:21 PM, Eric J said:Well... I guess I know what I want for Father's Day! ????
Eric J
I know you mentioned versatility in your top post, you won't get more versatile than a 7' MH casting setup. Do it!
Buffdaddy54 reply :
On 6/4/2018 at 12:34 PM, kickerfish1 said:You can bank fish with any rod you want. Their are plus and minus qualities of each. There are not a ton of heavier duty spinning rods out there so that may be something to consider if you have lots of weed beds in close proximity to the shore.
Why not take one spinner and one caster with you. Seems the best of both worlds and carrying to rods and small back pack would be pretty easy and still allow you to travel lightly and cover ground
Exactly what I'm doing now.
tcal4404 reply :
I'm a spinning only guy and fish from the bank (relatively new to freshwater) but I've been very curious to try out a bc setup as well. Very little that I feel I can't do apart from easily pitching in tight situations, and even that I'm improving at (and some of that is caused by using a 7' rod instead of a shorter one).
I imagine it's very satisfying mastering a bc and having that kind of control, one of the main reasons I want to give it a shot.
J Francho reply :
A baitcaster is simply better at handling heavier lines. If you want use heavier lines, then use a baitcaster, regardless of where you're standing, boat, dock, pier, shore, etc.
kcdinkerz reply :
When you're trying to pull a 2 pound fish with 5 pounds of grass, you might want to have a casting combo. Fighting fish on a spinning combo is fun but I've had to many losses because of wrong gear.
scaleface reply :
I only carry 1 combo with me when I'm bank fishing or wading rivers . If I'm after bass its a bait-caster .
soflabasser reply :
On 6/4/2018 at 3:27 AM, Eric J said:Been thinking about getting a bait caster but I'm mainly a bank fisherman. Not sure if it's worth it.
Spinning reels seem more versatile.
Thoughts?
Choosing a baitcaster or spinning combo for land based bass fishing is mostly based on personal choice and you should choose the one that makes you feel the most confident. I personally prefer using size 4000 saltwater spinning reels for most of the bass fishing I do, and I use lures most people say you ''cannot use'' on spinning gear. I have caught fish as small as mosquito guppies to sharks over 7 feet on these size 4000 spinning reels so there is nobody that can convince me that bass are ''too strong'' for spinning reels.I can cast a 4/0 Penn Senator from land so casting a bass baitcaster is very easy for me, yet I still prefer my spinning reels. In the end you should choose what gives you the most confidence since its your gear and you are the one fishing it.
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