horsleyboy

Hi all, I've always been interested in baitcasters. Whenever i see them in youtube videos or tv shows etc I'd just love to add one to my arsenal and give one a try. I've been fishing for around 15 years, mainly saltwater on light-ish gear, jigging for various types of species in lakes, fishing off a kayak for bass and also most recently, spinning for trout in dams. I'd say im an intermediate fisherman. The baitcasters seem to provide a more natural casting action, which seems to provide more accuracy and that's pretty enticing. I guess i'd be using it for bass of the yak, fishing streams and dams for trout and also lakes for the usual suspects. Do they work in a similar way to a spinning setup? I currently have a Trion/Symetre and a Catania/cazna setup that i use for the above locations. Both rigged the same - 6lb braid with 8lb fluero. So i guess the questions i have are: - Recommended setup for max budget $200. Is this overkill for a starter baitcaster? - General research on some options that seem like good value: - Abu Garcia Black Max $103 - Hearing good things about the Kastking Royal Legend Reel $44. I'd just need to find a rod to match - Found an Abu Garcia Pro Max on Gumtree, 5 months old used a few times for $90 inc. new pack of Shimano braid - Daiwa D-Cast combo $96 - Is it better to put more in to a reel or rod? - Should i buy each separately as opposed to a combo to give more options? - Is it worth bothering? I'm pretty content with spinning. General thoughts, advice and opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance, Nick

Even Outdoor Instinct/a shop Outdoors closed down recently. Gabe's and a shop were my go to's. Always had great advice and great sales. I refuse to shop at a shop, i cant stand it. I think Dinga is where i'll go now.

I completely missed this post! Surprised that no one has responded as it was very sad to hear about Gabe. Unfortunately, this was not my local fishing tackle store but i went out of my way to buy there when i needed gear and advice. Disappointed that i missed the closing down sale. Hope everything went ok and Ray is doing ok. Regards, Nick

Thanks everyone for the advice. Actually i forgot about Dinga. I've been to their site once or twice but never really went through it thoroughly. Yeah Gumtree/FB Marketplace is a great idea. I'd prob get some near new gear at a fraction of the price and brand name too. I'm happy to service it myself as well. I'll check out Dinga with Fishraider discount too. Didn't know we got a discount! I've sent them an email. The free shipping perk is also a big bonus. Thanks again guys

Fantastic review Anthman. Very detailed. I've been considering buying a reel direct from China. Might give one of these a go.

Hmmm, had a look using the advanced search but couldn't find anything. Maybe just me. If anyone happens to come across it again let me know. Thanks

Hi all, i've got 4 or 5 decent Shimano spinning reels, mainly 2000/2500 and would like to expand my arsenal in to some bigger setups (4000/6000) or even try a baitcaster for the first time. I've spent between $30 and $200 each of the Shimano reels i've got and i have to say, to me, there's not much of a difference so i'd rather put the money in to something else. Has anyone had a good experience with purchasing from any of the Chinese websites? Aliexpress.com, DHGate.com, Banggood.com, Wish etc Would be great to find some decent budget stuff - Reels, Rods, Terminal Tackle, Line etc Thanks in advance, Horsleyboy

Hi all, a mate and I are heading to Lake Eucembene for 2-3 days on the weekend of the 1st/2nd of December (2 weeks time). I've never been there before so just after some tips, advice, recommendations on fishing trout or other species, tackle, clothing, times of day to fish, accommodation etc. This is a dedicated fishing trip. We went to Thompson Creek Dam back in July but the trout were all spawning, so no love (for us anyway). I dont have access to any fly fishing gear and would prefer to stick to my spinning gear. Happy to rough it out, in fact i'd love to camp by the lake, but dont mind paying to get some accom close by either. We're atleast Intermediate fishos and have been trout fishing before. Any questions, feel free to ask Thanks, Horsleyboy

Hi all, heading up to Forster / Tuncurry region for a few nights this weekend and wondering if anyone has some tips for the area; good spots, techniques, things to look out for, places to eat etc. Arriving Friday arvo and leaving Sunday night to be exact. I usually fish lakes/rivers for flathead using soft plastics and have that down pat. Wouldnt mind chasing some bream with soft/hard. Otherwise, go for something bigger like Kingies or even Jew Fish. I've got plenty of gear that would cover anything from light 2-3kg range to chasing heavier stuff up to 20 pound. Any advice would be appreciated. I'd like to get organised so im ready to go! Thank, Nick