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[Makaveli]

I've always used spinning reel setup. Although i recently bought a heavier duty rod and spinning reel, i am looking to upgrade to a bait-casting reel/rod as i am planning on fishing for larger fishes. I've had a chance to use my friend's bait-caster for a few outings and i am starting to feel really comfortable with it. I've done some homework, and apparently its not a good idea that i just buy a baitcasting reel and attach it to my new shimano 10ft  20lb? spincasting rod?? Assuming that is true, can i get some input from the wise on what rod/baitcaster i should look for (rod length too)? I am planning on using it for fishing for everything from sockeyes, dog fish, to springs. I've also heard that the tear drop type of baitcaster is for geared more towards casting and the bulkier cycliner shape baitcaster is more for trolling. Any input would be great, thanks in advance (nothing super expensive!)

[Easywater]

Army & Navy has a Shimano Corvalus for $109. I use the same reel for all my river fishing.
The tear-drop shape is usually a sign of a lighter weight reel - most of the non-tear-drop are great for casting (except for a few that are designed for trolling).

Pair that with a bait-casting rod (with the finger trigger) and you'll have a good rig for any type of fishing.
Use braid for springs/sockeye in the Fraser and switch to mono for coho in the vedder.

I think that you can get an appropriate Trophy river rod for around $100.
I use a Trophy rod.

Note: the pic shows a left handed reel.

[Navy Seal Fisherman]

here is what I use, 1.   Abu Garcia Ambassador C3 Bait Casting Reel  2.Shimano Convergence Rod 10.5-11’
I have had these for 7 years and at the time it was middle of the road. I am by no means an expert but I have had a few 30+ year veterans say it was decent. I use it on the Fraser and Vedder. There may be some new variants. In terms of cost, the sky is the limit. You might be able to get a combo for a better price then each unit separately. gluck

[milo]

Best bang for the buck:

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6600 C4(or 6601 for lefties)/Trophy TCS6105C rod.

But as others have said, depending on your budget, the sky is the limit.

[Eagleye]

Best bang for the buck:

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6600 C4(or 6601 for lefties)/Trophy TCS6105C rod.

But as others have said, depending on your budget, the sky is the limit.

I would recommend the 11'6" Trophy 10-20lb medium action Custom series rod over the 10'6" model.  The rod is on the heavy side (weight) but has a very nice slow and sensitive action for fishing for all species and the added length is of benefit on medium to large size rivers. 

Just curious....has anyone really been spooled by a big fish? Before for I switched to a CP I used to collect baitcasters and only big reel I had was a Calcutta 400 which hardly saw any action because I liked using the smaller 5600s and 250s.

I have never come close to being spooled even from big whites and that's on 12-15lbs mono as main. I even use an Abu 5600 C4 for BB sox and have never run into problems with chinooks if encountered.

The smaller reels are much more comfortable during a long day of fishing, I  just don't see the need to use a bigger reel for rivers around here.

I have only ever been nearly spooled by a sturgeon before I broke him off but have gone past the 2/3 mark a couple times with springs on the Fraser using a 400 size reel but it is really rare.  But I do like the 400 size reel because the extra weight is advantageous in balancing the rod and the larger diameter spool will cast heavy weights farther.  The only advantage I see to using a small baitcaster like a low profile is that they cast light weight lures farther.

[milo]

Just curious....has anyone really been spooled by a big fish? Before for I switched to a CP I used to collect baitcasters and only big reel I had was a Calcutta 400 which hardly saw any action because I liked using the smaller 5600s and 250s.

I have never come close to being spooled even from big whites and that's on 12-15lbs mono as main. I even use an Abu 5600 C4 for BB sox and have never run into problems with chinooks if encountered.

The smaller reels are much more comfortable during a long day of fishing, I  just don't see the need to use a bigger reel for rivers around here.

You have been lucky.
I have been spooled a few times by tyees even with my 6K series Abus.
A 5K Abu with 15# mono would be no match for a 30 pound plus Fraser chinook, IMO.

[milo]

I would recommend the 11'6" Trophy 10-20lb medium action Custom series rod over the 10'6" model.  The rod is on the heavy side (weight) but has a very nice slow and sensitive action for fishing for all species and the added length is of benefit on medium to large size rivers. 

Funny you mention that rod, eagleye. It became my to go rod for the Fraser after I lost my Sage 4120.
But, as you have stated, it is heavy and will tire you out after using it for extended periods of time. And I find it overkill for Vedder sized rivers or smaller.

It does balance a 6K Abu reel beautifully, though.

[Eagleye]

Funny you mention that rod, eagleye. It became my to go rod for the Fraser after I lost my Sage 4120.
But, as you have stated, it is heavy and will tire you out after using it for extended periods of time. And I find it overkill for Vedder sized rivers or smaller.

It does balance a 6K Abu reel beautifully, though.

Not quite sure what you think is funny about it but the longer length of the 11'6" model will enable longer casts and it may possibly have a more sensitive action than the 10'6" model (not sure because I haven't used a baitcast 10'6" but I know my 10'6" Trophy 10-20 medium action custom series Trophy is not as responsive as my 11'6" baitcast.)  The only drawback I see with using it on smaller rivers is that it is rather heavy to hold but I find the action to be well suited for all salmon species and the extra length is still beneficial on smaller rivers because it can cast longer setups to deep runs with ease.  It will also make it easier to mend line on long casts and give better leverage for fighting fish.  It is rare that I find it to be a hinderance in casting room either.  IMO it is a superb all around rod for a first purchase and would make an excellent back up for later on.  The warranty service is also very good.

[milo]

I used 'funny' as in "interesting coincidence that".

And for the record, I agree with you completely.
If I didn't have my superb TFO C3113, I'd probably be using the Trophy more...

[Eagleye]

I thought that was what you meant but wasn't sure so I clarified my opinion further.  I have held a TFO and I really liked how light weight they are but I hear the warranty is not so great on the new rods (only one year).  I would get one but I recently had to pick up a Shimano Convergence in a pinch so I now have a backup drift rod and have my sights on some switch and spey setups.