What Are Baitcaster Rods Used For
When it comes to better line control and precise casting, baitcasting rods are a top choice. Anglers love this fishing gear for handling heavier lines and longer casting. It offers improved control and accurate casting ability. But what are baitcaster rods used for?
Baitcasting rods are ideal for use in various fishing techniques such as flipping, jigging, punching, pitching, trolling, etc. You can use this fishing gear to catch different types of fishing gear, like bass, pike, musky, walleye, catfish, and saltwater game fish. However, its capability will vary depending on weight, size, and other features.
Which Type Of Fishing Technique is Ideal For Using Baitcaster Rods?
Not all anglers use the same methods for fishing. Some are masters of multiple fishing techniques.
The following are the most popular fishing techniques that go well with baitcasting rods.
01. Flipping
Flipping is a special fishing technique where anglers use their “less preferred” hand to peel around 50% to 75% or more line of the fishing rod.
It allows anglers to make short, precise, and underhanded “flips” with their bait.
Fishermen use baitcasting rods in flipping fishing techniques as it provides increased accuracy and control.
Tackling larger fish with heavier lures is easygoing due to the shorter length and heavier power of the baitcaster rods.
You know how important it is to rapidly and precisely present the lure or bait when flipping in a heavy structure or thicker cover. Baitcaster rods appear to be a perfect choice for this purpose.
In addition, this fishing gear comes in handy for any situation where fish strike swiftly and lightly. Baitcaster rods have a higher sensitivity to tackle this problem.
02. Jigging
Jigging fishing involves placing jig baits or any other hard lures where the fish are located and rapidly popping or snapping the rod tip.
This type of fishing technique often involves repetitive motions for several hours. It can be tiresome and result in fatigue issues.
But baitcaster rods are comfortable to hold for hours because of their lightweight construction, ergonomic handle, and balanced design.
When it comes to jigging, setting the hook rapidly and effectively is essential to fight properly against heavier fish.
The shorter length and powerful, stiffer construction make this task easier.
In addition, baitcaster rods can withstand excessive pressure due to their reinforced guides, protecting them from bending or breaking under stress.
03. Punching
Punching is another popular fishing technique, where fishermen place heavy weight and compact baits on a surface of thick, matted vegetation to entice the fish below it.
This fishing technique is handy for catching hidden fish in deeper water from heavy covers, such as weeds, lily pads, or brush piles.
Anglers prefer to use baitcaster rods for punching when fishing in freshwater to catch fish like bass and pike.
They can use this fishing gear to target fish such as redfish and snook.
04. Pitching
In the pitching fishing technique, anglers release the bait from their hands through an underhand pitching movement and make short casts to a particular fish species.
Fishermen prefer to use baitcaster rods for pitching when casting specific targets, such as under docks, around structures, or into weed beds.
It allows them to use their thumb to control the spool and release the line precisely to deliver the bait to the intended target.
Do you love to catch skittish fish? It requires you to stay back from the target, right?
A baitcaster rod can be a perfect choice to tackle this situation, especially when you are setting the hook and fighting fish in close quarters.
05. Trolling
Another common fishing method is where one or multiple fishing lines and lures are drawn through the water from a moving boat.
Anglers use different depths and speeds depending on the target fish’s size, habitat, and nature.
Baitcaster rods are generally made from graphite or composite materials. Their heavy-duty construction can ensure the extreme stress of trolling.
Whether it is flatline trolling, downrigging, or planer board trolling, fishermen can utilize this versatile fishing gear for various trolling techniques.
In addition, baitcaster rods allow you to utilize the trolling technique at different depths or changing speeds.
Moreover, the spool of a baitcasting reel is positioned perpendicular to the rod, which allows for more precise movements of the bait or lure.
Which Fish Species Are Ideal For Using Baitcaster Rods?
Baitcaster rods are pretty versatile. Here are the following types of fish species you can catch with this type of fishing gear.
01. Bass
Baitcaster rods are one of the most popular choices for bass fishing.
Fishermen prefer to use this particular fishing gear, especially for largemouth and smallmouth bass. It can keep you in a dominant position in the fishing water.
Whether you are casting in and around the structure, this kind of fishing tool can provide you with generous accuracy and control in fishing.
02. Pike And Musky
Baitcasting rods are a top choice for hypercarnivorous fish, such as pike and musky.
This type of predatory fish usually needs heavier lines and lures. It goes well with baitcasting rods and eliminates most chances of line breakage.
The average weight of a pike fish ranges from 2 to 5 pounds, whereas most fish weighs 15 to 36 pounds on average.
Besides, this kind of fishing rod has an increased strength and ability to lift up heavier pike and musky fish without snapping in half.
03. Walleye
Do you love to catch ray-finned freshwater fish, like walleye? It is obvious if you are a fan of bottom bouncer techniques!
Baitcasting rods effectively target this fish species, especially in deeper water.
It offers increased sensitivity and efficient line control to catch various types of walleye fish, such as black, silver, blue, and yellow walleye.
The baitcasting rod allows anglers to detect subtle bites and adjust the lure’s depth efficiently.
04. Catfish
When it comes to catfishing, using heavy and large baits is necessary.
Besides, catfish are heavy. The average weight of an adult catfish can be anywhere from 18-23 kg.
It is not hard to see why fishermen need a powerful fishing rod to endure the heavy weight of catfish.
Due to their increased power and strength, many pro anglers prefer to use baitcasting rods for catfishing.
You can effortlessly dominate these hard-fighting fish without breaking your fishing gear.
05. Saltwater Game Fish
Do you enjoy saltwater game fishing? Baitcaster fishing rods are a great choice for catching various fish such as tarpon, redfish, snook, etc.
Baitcaster rods have saltwater-resistant components and heavier drag to tackle various fishing conditions in the saltwater game.
The best part is that it provides increased control and accuracy to cast in and around the structure.
Can You Use A Spinning Reel On A Baitcasting Rod?
You can occasionally use a spinning reel on a baitcasting rod. Anglers sometimes use them for light fishing.
However, you need to consider the machining ability of both fishing equipment.
The guides of casting rods are placed on the top, whereas the guides of spinning rods are positioned on the bottom.
If you want to use both fishing gear combinedly, keeping the baitcasting rod upside down is necessary while fishing.
But, you can’t use it for regular particulars as they are not intended for use exchangeably. Also, it is prohibited to use this combined fishing equipment for heavy-duty fishing.
Drawbacks Of Using A Spinning Reel On A Baitcasting Rod
- It will decrease the casting distance.
- The baitcasting rod will receive too much pressure and may break the rod.
- It may cause tangling and twisting when the fishing line comes into contact with the rod guides.
- Anglers may get reduced sensitivity, making it hard to detect bites and set the hook.
- The fishing line may cause slippery issues and create friction on the guides.
- It might be hard to fight against larger fish due to the reduced power.
What Is Long And Short Baitcaster Rod Use For?
Baitcaster rods are generally available in two types: long baitcasting rods and short baitcasting rods.
Long Baitcasting Rods
Longer baitcasting rods have a length of more than 7 feet. The primary advantage of this type of fishing gear is its increased casting.
You can utilize it for various fishing techniques, such as bass fishing, trolling, surfcasting, etc.
Many prefer to use it for impoundment fishing, especially for big barra. It also comes in handy for overhead fishing to avoid letting the line touch the rod blank.
Anglers prefer this type of casting rod for catching striped bass, salmon, blue or flathead catfish, etc.
Short Baitcasting Rods
When it comes to shorter or limited casting distances, shorter baitcasting rods are a top choice. Their average length is less than 7 feet.
Anglers use this type of fishing gear, especially for handling lighter lines and lures.
It generally comes in handy to use space-constricted areas
You can utilize small baitcasting rods for catching panfish, trout, and various small fish species.
Final Thoughts
Baitcasting rods were first used in the mid-17th century. It has evolved a lot over the years. But this fishing gear is still a top choice among fishermen due to its versatility and better line control. Handling heavier lines and lures is easygoing for this fishing equipment.
Hopefully, you got a clear idea of “What are baitcasting rods used for” Make sure to use a compatible baitcasting reel to optimize its functionality and performance. It will help you catch more fish with less effort.
