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  1. #1
    Member
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    Nov 2008
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    Olathe Kansas
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    Baitcaster recommendations

    I’m looking for opinions on a reel to throw a lightweight balsa floating stickbait. This time of year (and other times of the year, ha), I like to throw this bait around shallow heavy cover. Problem is, it’s kinda like casting a potato chip. I’m looking for improved casting distance. Also need heavier line (not braid, or fluorocarbon) like izorline 15lb or some other mono. I’ve considered spinning rod with braid to heavy mono, but really prefer baitcaster. I’ve got a Dobyns Champion 685CB I use for this technique. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

  2. Member drainplug's Avatar
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    Sep 2011
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    L. BUCKS COUNTY, PA
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    2,325
    #2
    Curado or Scorpion bfs reel
    2023 BassCat Sabre FTD
    2023 175 Pro XS

  3. Member
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    Oct 2018
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    WR GA
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    5,055
    #3
    Alphas

  4. Member
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    Feb 2013
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    Bolivar Ohio
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    818
    #4
    i looked around for awhile for small lure throwing and settled on curado bfs also. its arriving today!
    Phoenix 618
    Evinrude ETEC 150
    Go Buckeyes
    Go Browns

  5. Member
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    Aug 2021
    Location
    Pickerington, Ohio
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    138
    #5
    Daiwa Alphas or Daiwa Zillion sv tw. They are amazing reels
    2017 Triton 21TrX Elite
    Mercury Pro XS 250
    Ultrex 112, Mega 360 w/ Helix 10 Di Si Meg+
    Garmin Livescope + on an Ultra 122SV at the bow.
    Garmin Ultra 122SV and Ultra 126SV at the Helm


  6. Member Solitario Lupo's Avatar
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    Nov 2021
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    PA
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    593
    #6
    Okuma

  7. Member
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    Feb 2021
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    Windsor, ON
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    24
    #7
    I will also throw a vote in for the Daiwa Alphas.

  8. Member
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    Feb 2012
    Location
    Morgantown, KY
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    642
    #8
    Why are you using a 5 power for throwing a light bait? I would start there. For balsa cranks I really like my 704cb. How much does the bait weigh?



  9. Member
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    Jul 2015
    Location
    Centennial, CO
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    4,321
    #9
    Best solution I can give: Get a rod better matched to the bait. If the bait is over 1/8oz (about 3.5g), almost any baitcaster I've used will throw it. BFS will throw it better if it's close to that. But you need a whippy rod that will really load up to fling it. I'd use my jerkbait rod or finesse swimbait rod for that (iRod 6102 or 742c). Both are moderate action and medium power.
    2001 Champion 187 Yamaha 175
    12' Talons, Lithiums and Garmins
    All pulled by a Hemi

  10. Member
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    Dec 2009
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    Murfreesboro, TN
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    #10
    What is the balsa bait weight and is it aerodynamic?

  11. Member
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    Apr 2020
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    Mattapoisett MA
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    476
    #11
    Lightweight baits …
    I’m not sure how the hell anything would be better than a Diawa SV reel
    Name your flavor… Tatula or Zillion
    2008 Stratos 201 Pro XL
    Evinrude 250

  12. Member GPtimes2's Avatar
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    Mar 2015
    Location
    Ohio
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    934
    #12
    For mono, try Stren Magnathin. I have tried a lot of different lines in the last 45 years, but always go back to Stren. For that weight of lure, I would try lighter than 15# though.
    For a reel, use one you already have and get a lightweight shallow spool and bearing's. Look at Hedgehog Studios.