I purchased a 700M with the intent of fishing bait on a 30lb rig, and trying out jig fishing. I was able to cast a jig just far enough to make it worth while, and I wasn't able to cast a sardine as far as I would like. I was wondering if it would be worth the cost to switch my 700M with a Seeker G670 and getter casting performance with bait. Then buy a second rod dedicated to jig fishing. My other option is to keep the setup as is, and buy a jigstick, probably an 8' Calstar and an Accurate 870 with a high gear ratio.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trapt in Arizona,

What exactly is a jigstick ?
" " " baitstick?

MMM

Trapt

I'd keep the 700m for bait and yoyo iron. If you realy want to sling the iron I'd get a stick 8' or longer. When I fish the iron it's yoyo style mostly but sometimes I fish the surface iron and skip jig and a longer rod is a big plus for distance. I do use my 7' rod to toss jigs and good freespool and proper technique will gain you more distance. Practice...Practice... Practice. A longer stick=more distance.

mnrd55

A bait stick is used to fish live bait mostly and a jig stick is mostly for casting metal jigs.

I realised my question was not very clear, so I rephrased it. However I think you already told me what I wanted to know. Thank you SoCal

I don’t think a different 7’ rod will make huge difference while casting bait, a little maybe but not a lot. On your next trip give a deckhand your setup and see how far they can cast it. If it goes a lot farther than yours then it’s back to “proper technique will gain you more distance. Practice...Practice... Practice...” I use an older 7’ Calstar glass rod with chrome guides matched with a TLD 15 as my main 30lb bait rig. Why? Because it works for me. It’s nothing special and deckhands can out cast me most of the time but I can hold my own for sure while casting bait. Good Luck

P.S. Casting bait far is all about the pendulum type casting method. Sorry it’s too hard for me to explain but watch what deckhands do it and try to replicate. It’s like learning a golf swing, meaning that you may not get it right away.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SoCalAngler,

Oh for real? I thought the pendulum was just for slingin' iron! I always cast bait like I am casting a senko to a bass. Is the pendulum method better for every kind of casting, saltwater or freshwater, bait or lure? I have had problems casting off bait when I try to cast with more force with my method. I can't wait for my next Cali trip to try it out! That may be the best tip I have gotten on Charkbait. Thanks a lot SoCal.

Imo casting in saltwater is different than fresh. Use the pendulum cast is saltwater for everything and keep casting the same as you were in fresh water.

Edit: When fishing near shore structer for calicos and other fish on lighter bass type gear cast the same way you would for freshwater bass.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SoCalAngler,

Try the Calstar 800m with the Avet JX for slinging bait, sometimes that extra distance really helps!

try the calsatar 270h 8ft, you can toss light irons and flyline, pretty good rod,, i have 3 of them..

I have never herad of the 270h, but I will have to check it out. My brother got a Cal star 220C, and he likes it a lot, plus it was pretty cheap as far as Cal star goes.

THE 800M DOESN'T HAVE THE FAST ACTION THAT A 270H HAS.. BETTER SUITED FOR LIGHT IRON OR TOSSING BAIT WITH SLIDING SINKERS ON IT,, GOOD BACK BONE.

YOU GOTTA REMEMBER IT'S NOT ALWAYS JUST THE ROD, HAVING THE RIGHT ROD AND REEL COMBO, THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT..

What are the characteristics of a good combo?

I have two serious saltwater rigs

-20lb baitstick: Shimano Calcutta 400B levelwind w/ Seeker Inshore series II

-30lb baitstick: Accurate 870 w/ Cal star 700M

Do you think these are balnced combos, or do I need to replace something?

You never heard of a 270H-8? Your education is lacking! They're rated 15-40 and are a great 25# do it all stick (work well for 20 & 30# too). I have two. I use them for fishing live squid and Sardines at Catalina and Clemente. I use them for surface iron for Bass and 'Cuda.

I am planning on using the 30lb jigstick for Yellowtails and 'cuda. Have you used your 270H-8 much in this application Mark?