CTFishTalk.com: My first baitcaster and fishing spot suggestions - Connecticut Bass Fishing Reports ( CT Bass Fishing Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

rmflint · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 360 Location: Wallingford

I just purchased my first optimum kinetic pt 6.3:1 baitcaster and I'm getting better and better each day with the casting, but I'm curious as to whether I should switch to some mono from my 10lb braid. Also I have heard that perhaps I should get a higher lb test line, but I so many people say so many different things. I also would like to ask if anyone knows any small ponds in the Wallingford, Northford, Hamden, or Durham area. I'm from Wallingford and have fished in most of these areas at one point or another, but mostly I fish in Wallingford. However due to my bad luck last year and this year I'm looking to try elsewhere. Wallingford has many small ponds bearing lg mouth, but many are hard to access or are completely illegal to fish in. I just want a decent place to fish. Mckenzie Reservoir and Dayton Pond are my two closest spots and they are linked by a river, but ever since the reservoir was dredged the fishing has sucked.

Thanks Smile

johnyboy288 · Joined: 29 Jan 2012 Posts: 6

i would stick with braided line.I had 10lb mono before i got braided and lost a lot of fish.

slim2043 · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 446 Location: Plainville CT

I learned bait casting just last year. This year I'm all bait casting unless I'm after trout or salt water shore fishing or finesse fishing. I started w 10lb braid and it was awful. The line was too thin and too limp. Up it to 30lb 65lb braid or 10-15lb mono or fluoro depending on what you're going to fish/ how you're going to fish. Remember to set your brake according to the lure you're using and let the rod load up before you cast it forwards. Those were a couple of tips that helped me tremendously.

Good luck!
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rmflint · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 360 Location: Wallingford

thanks

flippy · Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 1150

rmflint, If your new to a baitcaster. dont use expensive line!!! Use 10lb big game by trilene,, YOU WILL GET OVERRUNS,, especially casting into the wind,, and when it gets totally knotted up you can just cut it out and respool,, if you have one with an external brake system,, set it at 8,, when you are learning,, or if its internal, put 2 tabs or brakes on, you have a tensioner knob next to the reel handle, hold rod up at 2 oclock, disengage the reel and let it fall till it hits the ground (the lure) ,,there should be no overrun, if there is,, tighten the tensioner till it falls slowly with no overrun when it hits the ground,, now your ready to start casting,, practice until you get comfy throwing it then loosen the tensioner allittle, you will start casting it further, keep doing that until you can throw it hard with no overrun,,Dont get all caught up in this braid crap,there is a time for braid,but from what Ive seen, they dont alter there drag when catching a big fish and they snap the line,they figure with braid they can just horse the fish in,,but thats what they know,,lol,, good luck,,,Jim

jomonkey527 · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 225

I started using one just a bit last year.

One tip that helps with severe backlashes is to make a long cast. Then pull out just a little extra line. Once you have done that put a small piece of tape, I used electrical tape on the line. If you do get a really bad birds nest you won't have to lose a ton of line, just a casts worth.

rmflint · Joined: 16 Mar 2012 Posts: 360 Location: Wallingford

Thanks alot guys I'll keep these tips in mind
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