siwash

Ok so mono seems to be the consensus. Should I eventually switch to braid once I learn?

Hey folks, A couple of months back I asks questions/recommendations about which baitcaster combo to buy - this is my first experience with them. I ended up with a 6'8" medium-heavy (medium-fast flex) Falcon rod (BuCoo SR) and the reel is an Abu Black Max. Nothing special or overly complicated. I figure it should serve me well for a few years before I feel the need to upgrade. Several of you had suggested practicing in the yard (after watching some YouTube vids). I intend to do that now that the snow is gone and now I need to select some line. I believe most said go with MONO. The rod is rated for 10-20lbs, 1/4 to 3/4 oz. Should I go with a 12lb mono? I am a generalist and fish for everything from small mouth to pike to lake trout... is that a good weight to go with? Is there a brand you prefer? I like original Stren for my spinning outfits.. Also, should I generally tie a leader to that setup? 12lbs is heavier than what I'd fish with, for say SM bass.. Thanks for any suggestions!

This is what I ended dup going with... great reviews everywhere I looked... "best $100 ($US) rod on the market" according to several sources... Ordered it on amazon... https://shop.falconrods.com/collections/falcon-bucoo-sr-series/products/bucoo-sr-spinnerbait-jerk-bait-brc-5-168?variant=13573330632804

Thanks, MSP...

Can't remember the site, but one of the US sites that sells online (from Cali i think) is where I came across them. The reviews are really good on them. Made in the USA which is nice... everything seem to be made in the PRC these days... for $20 more than the G2X I can get one - a medium action, medium power.. for the kind of species and lakes I target, I am leaning toward it.. that or the GX2

This might fit the bill...https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ugly-stik-gx2-medium-casting-fishing-rod-7-ft-0775227p.html#srp

Thanks guys..l should have also mentioned that I am fishing generally from a kayak.. and from what I've read shorter rods are an advantage on a yak.. but I suppose 7' isn't too long.. I am 6' tall so my reach is pretty good..

Hey folks, 3 weeks back I posted on my first bait cast combo.. I ended up getting an Abu Black Max for a good price. Seems like a good reel to get started in bait casting. I now have to decide on a rod and a few of you suggested Lews, Abus etc.. I came across Falcon rods and they get really good reviews.. I have also considered the GX2 Ugly Stik...The Ugly sticks tend to get very good reviews but several say they are a bit on the heavy side and lack sensitivity.. As a beginner I will probably not notice this. But am thinking if I spend a bit more I can get. abetter rod that I can use for a long time. The Falcon is not easy to find but I found one on Amazon for $88. It's 6'6" medium power, medium action and since I cast almost exlcusiveley treble baits (cranks, occasional spinners), I am thinking the medium power and action is well suited for my style of fishing. The Falcon HD only casts up to 5/8 oz while the GX2 I am looking at is Medium-heavy..and cast 3/4 plus can take heavier line (which I don't think is important to me). For the smallmouth, walleye, pike and odd small muskie I catch, I am wondering of the lighter outfit is better? Plus the Falcons get great reviews. The GX2 is $60 so price difference isn't huge.. Thoughts? thanks!

One piece or two? Does it matter ?

I've heard great things about cochrane air. Someone who did Reno's at my place said it's awesome. Checked out the prices and not too bad. Several different lakes to fish too.

What y'all think of the Lew's products? This one is well priced and "Amazon Choice" (whatever that's worth..) https://www.amazon.ca/Fishing-Laser-Speed-Casting-LSG170MHFC/dp/B075MY7ZP2/ref=pd_sbs_200_13?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075MY7ZP2&pd_rd_r=b60dd231-f39c-44db-b956-d2209f2d820c&pd_rd_w=vO3vx&pd_rd_wg=Vr0cM&pf_rd_p=c2360efe-cd48-4541-ac20-e99c48f6c1e6&pf_rd_r=RJSTDE6E245ZKP7K3ZSE&psc=1&refRID=RJSTDE6E245ZKP7K3ZSE

Thanks guys... Ohiofisherman, you don't prefer the cork handle? I guess not necessary? What the diff b/w medium and medium/heavy? Fast action? Just got my reel.. so small..

thanks guys! Lots of Youtube Vids out there to helpm too.. So back to one of my original Qs - what rod should i pair with the ABu black max (between $50- $100)? And what line? Thanks!

Why is mono/flouro better? So you'd go 100% flouro? Interesting... and if I'm going with 14lbs mono, would I tie a lure on directly or is a leader required?

And no line twist either correct?

thanks guys.. Thought I implied budget when I mentioned the Uglystik. I tend to cast a lot of rapapa-type cranks...the odd spinnerbait... I also enjoy trolling... I probably troll 25% of the time out there.. I am total newbie at BC so didn't think about this.

The Seafood depot selling it makes sense.. I'm italian background and that is an Italian owned business. My mom would fry eel every Christmass eve - but only the uncles/aunts/nonnos would eat it! She would buy them live (that's how they sell them at those places).. I remember them squirming around in a bucket when she brought them home...very cool.. that was in the early 80s...

Hey folks, I bought the Abu Black Max at Cabelas.. My first ever BC. I was thinking of what rod to pair it with. How's the Ugly stik Elite? How about the Berkley Lightening? Anything else in that price range? Also, what line would you recommend? Should I go with mono or braid? thanks..

We went to Dalrymple.. had a good time.. fishing could have been better but the little guy enjoyed the sunfish.. we accidnetly caught a few bass too, including a solid 3+ lbs smallie It's a nice lake and we'd go back.. looks promising Cheers

Thank you! Pike and pics too I am assuming? Will have to locate which one you're referring to. Would like to confirm before driving 1.5 hours. I just hope these places are open on weekdays. We are heading up tomorrow..

How about Scugog?

Thanks! We are actually going tomorrow! Those lake are even further from us.. we only have 1/2 day

Hello folks, Been a while since I posted here. A buddy asked me to take him and his boy fishing. Both have very little experience so I figured a day of panfishing and maybe some decent game fish possibilities would be nice. Balsam comes to mind as a good choice even though I've never fished it. We just want to rent a basic tin boat. I know Rosedale rents but their boats are pricey and more than what we need. Any other renters on that lake that rent basic boats? Any tips on fishing it would be great, too! Thanks in advance..

Yes we encountered those tiny little flies too... really small buggers that are very annoying... when there's little wind it's worse..

Wymbolwood... a few miles south