Casting rod/reel recommendations?

[Parasite]

I'm looking into getting into casting rods. Problem is, casting them w/o backlash. I know there are newer reels out there that help with this, but I'd rather learn the fundamentals. What do you guys recommend for a setup for just practicing casting? Rod length & action, reel size, what line?

[Fshnpole]

What will you be fishing for? 

[C-Money]

I really like the Lews reels, Mine was $80. I also toss a Quantum Pulse that was $50. The Quantum is defiantly NOT the Lews as far as smoothness, and quality, but the Quantum is also just fine and fishes great! I use 7' MH rods for tossing bass lures around. Hope this helps!

[Parasite]

What will you be fishing for?

Practice casting only. No fishing. I'd rather actually fish right now using spin tackle rather than wasting time on a birds nest.

[Mtnwalker]

What will you be fishing for?

Practice casting only. No fishing. I'd rather actually fish right now using spin tackle rather than wasting time on a birds nest.

If you buy a decent setup and have it adjusted correctly I think you’ll find yourself saying “I could fish with this” in about half an hour. Sure you might get a backlash every now and then if you’re really trying to launch some light gear or something but they’re pretty easy to pick up these days. Buy what you’ll want to fish with.

[Fshnpole]

Well it can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it.  As far as gear ratio, rated drag, adjustability and types, materials and weight.  I have bought and sold dozens of rods and reels over the last couple years.  I typically take 8-10 on the boat and some stick around and others get sold pretty quick.  Right now I am pretty happy with the ones I have, they range greatly in price but have different jobs.  I would have to say for the money the lews mach 2 speed spool combo is very hard to beat.  In a 7’ medium heavy it is very versatile and the reel is pretty forgiving. I would suggest watching some youtube videos on how to adjust the reel and just remember that chances are if you change baits you most likely will need to make some reel adjustments.  I typically fish 20lb braid with varying fluorocarbon leaders.  I find braid much easier to cast than mono. 

Hope some of that helps. Casting rods are addictive like anything else, once you get it down it is hands down better than a spinning set up for many circumstances.

[snowshoes22]

Start out with monofilament or copolymer. These lines are way cheaper than flouro or braid and a behave better on the spool. Go to a sporting goods store with bulk line and fill up for less than $10. I would start with 12lb trilene XL

[simondude]

For reels I've had good luck with Abu Garcia Revos and Diawa Tatula. Ive had bad luck with Okuma. When practicing go heavier rather than lighter on the weight. Also be sure to stop the cast with your thumb right before it lands to prevent backlashes.

[Taco280AI]

One of my go to setups is the Lamiglas Redline 9'4" 8-12 with a Shimano Curado.

[huntnphool]

One of my go to setups is the Lamiglas Redline 9'4" 8-12 with a Shimano Curado.

 I second the Curado.

[CackleBird98]

Ain't nothing wrong with my Abu Garcia Pro Max.  You'll be fishing with it inside of a couple hours of practice.  Easy enough to pick up.  You'll have to pick a few backlashes at first, but I learned at 7 years old.  If a 7 year old can figure it out, anyone can

[Angry Perch]

Ain't nothing wrong with my Abu Garcia Pro Max.  You'll be fishing with it inside of a couple hours of practice.  Easy enough to pick up.  You'll have to pick a few backlashes at first, but I learned at 7 years old.  If a 7 year old can figure it out, anyone can

[/b]

I've got a kid and several generations of i-phones that counter that statement! 

I too am following this, as mastering a baitcaster has always been a challenge. I think I need some new equipment.

[Mtnwalker]

One of my go to setups is the Lamiglas Redline 9'4" 8-12 with a Shimano Curado.

 I second the Curado.

 

[cavemann]

whether practicing or not, what you are fishing for would help on the recommendation.  I didn't learn how to use one until I was in my later 20's and always said the same thing as you, I don't want to mess with something and lose time fishing.  I had a frustrating couple backlash, but you'll figure out that those are easy to pick out as well.  Just remember everything is a loop over a loop.

I'd take both with you every time you go.  when fishing is slow or before you leave, give it a couple dozen cast and you'll get the hang of it really fast.

If price isn't as much of a factor then go with a Carado or Lewes.  Both are comparable.  I just upgraded last year to Carado and love it. 

[WSU]

I have a revo that is fine.  I also fish with normal Abus plenty and they are fine as long as you aren't fishing anything too light.  I wouldn't hesitate to use them for bobber fishing kings, for example.  Curados are good too.  The bottom line is that you get what you pay for. 

I prefer them to spinning reels for many applications.  And don't worry about backlashes.  You'll master how to untangle them.  It rarely takes me more than a few seconds to fix a backlash.  Once you get it down, you won't end up with bad backlashes often.