Baitcaster for dead baiting

[Guest Wilko 09]

Hi all,

I have been Pike fishing for a couple of seasons now with a PB of 21lb 4oz.

I usually use a couple of Shimano fixed spools but have a ABU Blackmax baitcaster which I originally bought for spinning which has not had a lot of use, it is loaded with 30lb fireline braid and I would love to try it out for my dead-baiting, I like the size, the low profile, no line twist and the ultra smooth freespool which can be controlled with the thumb.

 

I mostly fish still waters but also fish small rivers and man made drains.

 

Is there any advice you can give or any radical differences in rigs or techniques that you guys have come up with?

Any problems that you anticipate when using one?

Are drop backs still suitable for bite detection?

Are the rods rested in the conventional way?

I am looking for your views to all these types of questions

 

Many thanks,

Martin

[Peter Waller]

Martin, a baitcaster is not designed for deadbaiting. It is far to short to mend the line when striking for one thing, far to flimsy for another. Use it for what it was designed for, enjoy it and probably catch more!

[Rusty]

I think Wilko's asking about the suitability of the reel Peter.

[Peter Waller]

I think Wilko's asking about the suitability of the reel Peter.

 

Durrrr, in that case, it presumably being a low profile multiplier, I'd advocate dumping the fixed spools or reserving them for carp. The only reservation to that being if fishing at distance but then I would suggest getting nearer!

 

Just checked, yes, tis:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40...-All-Categories

 

Reservations on line capacity but then I have always striven to fish within 50 yards for pike due to bite indication as much as anything.

Edited December 15, 2011 by Peter Waller

[grumpybum]

I can fore see one problem, and thats over runs from a taking pike. There isnt any way of controlling the reel giving line unless you tighten up on the spindle. This would cause unnecessary resistance.

[Bobj]

I can fore see one problem, and thats over runs from a taking pike. There isnt any way of controlling the reel giving line unless you tighten up on the spindle. This would cause unnecessary resistance.

 

Isn't that what the drag system is for??

I do 80% of my fishing using deadbaits and for bigger fish, namely spanish mackerel and estuary cod. Set the drag system at about 1/3 the line strength, an 8" pilchard, cast out, then click the reel into gear...

 

By the way, I use ABU 5600C4 with 20 lb braid or a Shimano TR200G with 30lb braid

 

BTW I like the look of that ABU Blackmax

[poledark]

Bob, on quite a lot of our pike waters the fish can be very finicky/wary, and any significant amount of resistance will cause them to drop the bait. Open bail/fixed spool is the answer here. A multiplyer would probably set up to much resistance, even with drag/clutch set so it doesn't overrun on the take.

 

A couple of years ago I changed from fishing with the baitrunner set loose, to fishing open bail...................almost no dropped runs now

 

Den

Edited December 16, 2011 by poledark

[Bobj]

Bob, on quite a lot of our pike waters the fish can be very finicky/wary, and any significant amount of resistance will cause them to drop the bait. Open bail/fixed spool is the answer here. A multiplyer would probably set up to much resistance, even with drag/clutch set so it doesn't overrun on the take.

 

A couple of years ago I changed from fishing with the baitrunner set loose, to fishing open bail...................almost no dropped runs now

 

Den

 

I find that rather odd, mate. I used to fish for pike in Doe Park Reservoir near Denholme, Yorkshire, 50 years ago and they were anything but finicky. They are solely a predatory fish and from their colouring and "rear nounted propulsion gear", ambushers, pouncing, if that is the word, on hapless baitfish.

What I used to do and still do with the mack attack, cast out, allow the deadbait to fall through the water column for about 5/6 seconds and twitch the rod tip, then wind in a couple of turns. Then repeat the process thus making the deadbait look like an injured fish.

[Guest Wilko 09]

Am I right in saying that the resistance is only a problem if it is allowed to build up during the take?

[Renrag39]

I would say thats closer the mark Wilko.

Never noticed a tendency for Pike to drop a run, until I picked up the rod that is and began my strike. Now I use circles and abruptly stop the baitrunner after 2-3 seconds, virtually bolt rigging them in the scissors. Don't even really strike now, just hold on and give the tip a small, sharp jerk when I feel the weight!

 

Renrag