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Baitcasting ( if you haven’t already tried it) is an exciting way to up your fishing game. I was introduced to baitcasting around 15 years ago, and haven’t looked back since. It’s a form of fishing that involves a cast and retrieve. For this reason, it’s not for everyone. Just with any specialized fishing, you need specific equipment. For starters, you will need a good baitcasting fishing rod and reel.
I have already done all the research for you, check out my findings at Baitcasting Fishing Rods ]Top 5 Reviewed]
Baitcasting rods are versatile fishing rods designed to cast a wide variety of lures and baits. These rods are designed with a comfortable handle and features that make them easy to use.
Depending on the length you want and what best fits your needs, they can be one or two-piece. A baitcasting rod is a must for your fishing arsenal if you are looking to cast a wide variety of lures at various depths. want to cast various
For this article, I will be focusing mostly on the baitcasting rod. If you would like to learn more about the reels, check out my other post at ‘What is a Baitcasting Reel’. My aim throughout this post is to answer some of the more commonly asked questions including:
- Are baitcasters good for fishing?
- What is a pistol grip baitcaster rod?
- How does a baitcasting rod work?
- What does baitcasting mean?
- What is a baitcasting rod made of?
- How big is a baitcasting rod?
- What’s the difference between a baitcaster and a spin rod?
Of course, if you have any additional questions not covered, feel free to leave them in the comment section at the bottom of the page, and I will endeavor to get back to you ASAP and hopefully answer any you have.
Are baitcaster fishing rods good for fishing?
Let’s start with the most obvious question, are they good for fishing. The short answer is yes. The long answer is a bit more involved. For this type of fishing, they are essential. Baitcasting involves a lot of casts and retrieve, so a good quality rod, that is both light and flexible is vital.
When baitcasting, you may need to cast multiple times before you get a hookup. Sometimes quite a few. This makes flexibility important so you don’t get tired too quickly.
These rods are also great for accuracy Getting your lure or whatever you are casting close to structures, or under a branch, is essential to increase your chances of finding a fish.
What is a pistol grip baitcaster rod? 
The pistol grip is specifically designed for the baitcasting fishing rod. A small curved extension comes from The rod handle shaped perfectly to house the crock of your index finger. This not only increases the overall comfort and grip but helps with controlling the rod and improves accuracy.
These days, just about any good baitcasting rod will come with a pistol grip or some variation of it. I would highly recommend using one to up your baitcaster fishing game.
How do baitcasting fishing rods work?
A baitcasting rod has a reel mount on the top of the rod. This allows the line to be laid across the top of the rod, pushing down on the rod as the fish puts tension on the line. The guides that run on top of the rod help direct the line out of the reel. The better the quality, the less likely they will crack or break.
With the rod facing up, as opposed to down like most rods, the backbone is also on the opposite side. This is to ensure when you have a fish on, the rod bends the way it should, preventing breaks. These rods usually have a lot of flex, enabling you to fight the fish right to the boat.
These rods a specifically designed to work with a baitcasting reel. The correct reel paired with the right rod will mean perfect balance, therefore increasing the overall performance of both.
What does baitcasting mean?
As the name suggests, baitcasting is the process of casting a bait or lure into the fish’s home. This is usually in some tight areas, under trees, or close to the banks. To have the best chance of getting the fish to bite, you need to get your offering as close to them as possible to temped them out of hiding.
The word ‘bait’ in baitcasting can be anything from live bait, dead bait, lure, jig, teaser, or anything else that might interest the fish you are targeting.
What are baitcasting fishing rods made of?
When choosing a baitcasting fishing rod, one of the big decisions you have to make is what you want your rod to b made of. You might be surprised to find that there are quite a few choices. Carbon fiber, graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of these.
Combinations of material are becoming more commonplace these days. This way you get a superior rod with fewer drawbacks. Probably the most common combination would be the graphite/fiberglass rods. Usually, the core is graphite, with a fiberglass outer shell.
Carbon fiber rods will commonly use fiberglass on the tips for a superior touch and fight.
Be wary of cheaper rods, as they use more resin. This makes for a softer rod. To make it stiffer, they need to add more material. For example, using more resin and less graphite makes for a heavier rod that is less sensitive.
How big are baitcasting fishing rods?
A baitcasting rod can be anything from 5′ up to 7′ and everything in between. Depending on the area you will be fishing, the sensitivity you desire, and the power you need.
The 5’6” sized rod is commonly regarded by most overhead lure anglers as the most popular rod length. The reason
is their versatility. They are short enough to get in close with your surroundings and still be able to cast. This rod can also cast a reasonable distance. A 5′ will mean you can get right in there but only have a few meters cast distance.
These smaller rods will also have more power and torque, which comes in handy when fishing in quite shallow areas. Of course, with more torque, comes less flex. Less flex means more chance of pulling the hook.
The longer the rod, the more distance you can cast, but you need a clear area around you to do so. A rod around the 6’1′ is also gaining a lot of support. With a longer cast, coupled with the underhand flick and extra strength, this rod is probably in my opinion the greater all-round size and can be used in most circumstances.
What’s the difference between a baitcaster and a spin rod?
The biggest difference, as mentioned above, is that the bait caster is designed to fish with the guides up, and the spin with the guides down. These rods can’t be interchanged as the backbone is on opposite sides. For example, if you tried to use a baitcasting reel on a spin rod, you wouldn’t get the same action. you also run the risk of breaking the rod if you get a good fish on. This goes both ways.
To say one is better than the other is just wrong. I know some will say baitcasters are better, others, spin rods. The fact of the matter is they are designed for different fishing applications and are perfect when used in the right circumstances.
To wrap up
Keep in mind, that baitcasting is a lot harder than it looks. It took me years to perfect my action, and I still commonly lose fish. Having said that, it is a great technique to learn, and one I would recommend trying to get into.
For some of the best baitcasting rods check out Baitcasting Fishing Rods: Top 5 Reviewed
I appreciate you spending your time reading my post, and hope I have answered some of the questions you might have. Of course, if you do have any follow-up questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below, and I will always try to get back to you ASAP. As Always
Tight Lines
Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishing
Hi Tony, this is a very detailed and helpful post on baitcasting rods and the difference between baitcasting rods and spin rods. You mention that these rods have different applications.
So if one is fishing from the rocks into the ocean, would a baitcasting rod be better than a spin rod that your line doesn’t get stuck in the rocks? Or are there other factors that would also need to be considered, not just the rod? Thank you.
Hi LineCowley
Thank you for your comment and questions. A baitcaster is great when you need to control distance and direction. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get the distance one needs when fishing the rocks with a baitcaster. A light to medium power Spin rod is ideal. To help keep it out of the rocks, have your rod tip as high as you can when retrieving Using a shallow diving lure will also help to keep it out of the rocks. Hope this answers your question?
Thank you
I love fishing. It reminds me so much of my dad. I have at home one of his rods and it is light and flexible. So, reading your post, I discovered that baitcasting is for me. This would be the first time I go out fishing with my dad’s equipment. So, I invited a couple of friends. And am doing some research to make the best of my day fishing.
Thank you for your comment. Baitcasting is probably my favourite fishing type. Hope to enjoy your day out. If you are looking for any further tips on fishing, check out some of my websites other posts, or feel free to send me a message. Thank you