Baitcasters for Stripers - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

numbskull · 01-09-2007, 07:37 AM

I have a ton of experience using baitcasting reels for striped bass. You would do well to go with a calcutta 400 (if cost is a concern a 5500 or 6500 series abu with upgraded drag washers will suffice) and 15-20 lb fireline. Tie a Bimini twist in the end of it, and attach a fluorocarbon leader (30-55#) with a uniknot-uniknot connection. Such a set up will handle anything up to small (<80) bluefin tuna. If you are fishing from a boat you have no need for #30 powerpro, and powerpro cuts itself too easily on a backlash to be worth the trouble. Mono is OK, but a baitcasting outfit is much more versatile with Fireline, just don't go over 20lb test.

eelman · 01-09-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by numbskull

I have a ton of experience using baitcasting reels for striped bass. You would do well to go with a calcutta 400 (if cost is a concern a 6000 series abu with upgraded drag washers will suffice) and 15-20 lb fireline. Tie a Bimini twist in the end of it, and attach a fluorocarbon leader (30-55#) with a uniknot-uniknot connection. Such a set up will handle anything up to small (<80) bluefin tuna. If you are fishing from a boat you have no need for #30 powerpro, and powerpro cuts itself too easily on a backlash to be worth the trouble. Mono is OK, but a baitcasting outfit is much more versatile with Fireline, just don't go over 20lb test.

I agree on the Calcutta 400, its the only reel I use 99% of the time, very versatile for both plug fishing and eel fishing.As for line I prefer mono...but a 400 is one great reel..

Finaddict · 01-09-2007, 12:54 PM

I have never used the Calcutta 400 (can't remember at least) but have been using the Penn 975 ... I hear more positive information over the 400 than the 975, but it was a good reel for me so far ... I would not have a problem fishing bait with it either - eels, etc. they are priced the same, so in the long run, might be better with the 400 ... if cost is a factor ... the 5500 and 6500 are always a good bet, have caught lots with those as well.

As for braid vs mono - I've heard a few reps at line companies say that braid does not give you much of an advantage on fish from convetional over mono as it does in spinning situations, at least two who sell both braid and mono ... so that is something to think consider ..