Thread: Uncle Buck's Micro-Reel 1...

I thought those reels were just for fishing vertically (no casting.)

That sounds like it would be tough to cast.

I am going to use it for vertical fishing, but I'd like to be able to cast a few feet out.

Originally Posted by Gibbzilla

I am going to use it for vertical fishing, but I'd like to be able to cast a few feet out.

that these reels are "direct drive" (the handle always turns when the spool turns, because they are directly connected). If so, they may be a bit cumbersome to cast with ... but, possible. I doubt you would be able to cast a light jig, alone, with it ... but, adding a float might help. Adding a weighted float may be a better choice. Also, depending on the length of the rod, you may be able to cast a short distance ... but, you'd probably be better off with a spincast or spinning reel/outfit. Even if the reel is a "*free spool" type of baitcaster ... you're probably going to have to have more than the weight of a small jig, and a fairly long rod, to get any "casting" distance from it.
(* ... free spool means you push a button/lever/bar and the line spool will spin, but the handle does not turn/engage until you manually turn it).

I'm going on instinct, and experience with "bass fishing" type baitcasters, with these opinions ... as I've never used this particular reel

..... luck2ya ... cp

Originally Posted by Gibbzilla

Just bought one of these and a small ultralite graphite rod for about $20 at the Super Wal Mart. I was just wonderin if anybody had used this reel yet...? It's a baitcasting panfish reel and I spooled it with 4 lb line. Still tryin to get good at casting it. So, has anybody here used this reel, and how'd ya like it?

If you bought that reel for casting it ain't gonna happen. They're not made for casting. I got 2 of them for my birthday last year. My daughter bought them at Wal-Mart. I had to take both of them back because they wouldn't reel in. The gear was spinning on the shaft. When I took them back the guy in the sporting goods department said he had had several of them returned for that reason. I now use the Shakespear Wonder Reel. It is just like the one you have but made a little better I think. I use them on my spider rigg'n rods. :D

you can't cast with em but you can "flip" with em. I have them on 10 foot poles. I can let out over 20 feet of line, hold it so that only 5 feet is dangling from the tip, give a good underhand flip and pitch a 32nd ounce jig over 20 feet with good acuracy. just takes a little practice.

Got one myself from Bass Pro shops. It's got a technique that I can't get down. My wife can send it 20' or so, but if I let her use it I'm stuck with her pink spincast...

I got one on a long pole I just use for dippin into holes in the grass and around timber and such. It works okay for that. Just something to control the line. I was dippin in some grass back in January,there was some ice still on the water and I was looking for fish that might have moved shallow into the grass. I caught two big bass I dunno 5 or 6 lbs each. But I just sorta use it like a flyrod reel,pull the fish up and reel just used to take up the line. I got an old Shimano mini baitcaster (Bantum maybe?) I don't remember the name of it...but man that thing will cast. If you find one at a yard sale pick it up.

Originally Posted by doggone

I got one on a long pole I just use for dippin into holes in the grass and around timber and such. It works okay for that. Just something to control the line. I was dippin in some grass back in January,there was some ice still on the water and I was looking for fish that might have moved shallow into the grass. I caught two big bass I dunno 5 or 6 lbs each. But I just sorta use it like a flyrod reel,pull the fish up and reel just used to take up the line. I got an old Shimano mini baitcaster (Bantum maybe?) I don't remember the name of it...but man that thing will cast. If you find one at a yard sale pick it up.

I have a Bantam 100 that I bought when they first came out. Was in a tackle sop in Oregon a couple of years ago and saw a display case on the wall with several 100s in it. I asked the store keeper what the story was and he said they had become a collectors item. I still use mine. It could stand a good clean and rebuild but Shimano does not have parts for them or so I was told.