27-03-2006, 10:06 AM
Advantages: you can put in much more accurate casts with a baitcaster - but this is not such an issue unless you are (for example) casting lures tight in to snags. Baitcasters also have a better and smoother drag system than threadline or 'egg beater' reels. They also do not introduce twist into the line, which threadline reels do.
Disadvantages: learning to cast with a baitcaster can be a trying experience! The spool spins freely when you cast, and you have to stop it with your thumb when the bait/lure stops - if you mistime it, you will get a big backlash, which needs to be untangled before you can cast again (I have had some shockers which have taken >30 minutes to undo!). So you need to practice a lot, and 'educate' your thumb so it knows when to stop the spool. I use to practice casting sinkers into an empty icecream punnet from about 20m away Also, you can't cast very light weights with a baitcaster - you'll struggle to cast anything lighter than about 8-10 grams.
Your outfit should be ok for bait fishing in PPB, or for casting heavier lures, although I have to say I don't have much faith in Jarvis Walker reels (they made their name for producing quality fishing RODS, their reels are just rebranded imports) - but you did get it for a good price, so if you look after it it should be ok.
Disadvantages: learning to cast with a baitcaster can be a trying experience! The spool spins freely when you cast, and you have to stop it with your thumb when the bait/lure stops - if you mistime it, you will get a big backlash, which needs to be untangled before you can cast again (I have had some shockers which have taken >30 minutes to undo!). So you need to practice a lot, and 'educate' your thumb so it knows when to stop the spool. I use to practice casting sinkers into an empty icecream punnet from about 20m away Also, you can't cast very light weights with a baitcaster - you'll struggle to cast anything lighter than about 8-10 grams.
Your outfit should be ok for bait fishing in PPB, or for casting heavier lures, although I have to say I don't have much faith in Jarvis Walker reels (they made their name for producing quality fishing RODS, their reels are just rebranded imports) - but you did get it for a good price, so if you look after it it should be ok.