I have a Shimano SLX bait caster reel. I run 50lb Suffix 832 braid on it. Last year I paired it with my 6' Shimano Compre 6' rod that I believe is a medium light power because it says 1/8-3/8 lure weight......

I had trouble throwing Rapalas last year, like wouldn't go anywhere... I could throw beetle spins and whopper poppers with no trouble. Its also the same with my Shimano Calcutta reel... can't throw the lighter Rapalas....

The other set ups we take are all Shimano spinning reels and have Ugly Stik GX2 rods. Been thinking about getting one in a 7' Medium Light... Anyone have any advice or recommendations?

It sounds like it might be a heavier rod and a 6' rod is pretty short for long distance casting. Not enough length to load up the rod for casting light lures depending on the rod. I'd guess it's a better rod for jigging.

I use the Fenwick HMG Spinning Travel rod. it's a 7' rod and comes with a Medium Light and Medium tip. It's my go to rod for canoe trips.

Sounds to me like you are throwing pretty light weight baits with a pretty heavy rod and reel combo, a short rod, and very heavy line.

Is your Shimano Compre 6' rod a casting rod? 1/8-3/8 lure weight makes it sound like a spinning rod more than a casting rod.

I'd start with lighter line and see what happens. Or switch to a spinning reel.

bobbernumber3: "Is your Shimano Compre 6' rod a casting rod? 1/8-3/8 lure weight makes it sound like a spinning rod more than a casting rod."

The Compre is a casting rod.

I don't claim to be an expert on fishing tackle, but that reel + line combo on that rod seems like an odd pairing to me. 50lb test is awfully heavy for freshwater fishing, and heavy line will definitely reduce your casting ability with lighter lures. Especially with a short rod like that.

I use a Fenwick 6'6" medium action rod paired with a Pflueger Supreme spinning reel for bass and walleye fishing, and it's never given me cause for complaint. I usually run 10lb braid with an 8lb fluoro leader.

bombinbrian: "The Compre is a casting rod"

Small eyelets and heavy line creates drag affecting your casting distance as well.

What model number? I can't find one online.

So the reason there is 5olb braid on it is because I read several articles about putting 50lb braid on to minimize backlashes and other issues. I originally had 20lb braid but it was a nightmare. I may try 40lb and see what happens with an Ugly Stik GX2 Medium Light rod.

I would say your rod is too short to throw balsa plugs. With line that heavy you need a longer rod. I have an Abu Garcia Veritas that is 6'6" and I feel it is perfect for fishing lighter lures out of a canoe.

bombinbrian: "I have a Shimano SLX bait caster reel. I run 50lb Suffix 832 braid on it. Last year I paired it with my 6' Shimano Compre 6' rod that I believe is a medium light power because it says 1/8-3/8 lure weight......

I had trouble throwing Rapalas last year, like wouldn't go anywhere... I could throw beetle spins and whopper poppers with no trouble. Its also the same with my Shimano Calcutta reel... can't throw the lighter Rapalas....

The other set ups we take are all Shimano spinning reels and have Ugly Stik GX2 rods. Been thinking about getting one in a 7' Medium Light... Anyone have any advice or recommendations? "

Take your spinning reel/rod combo and leave the bait caster at home. Go buy a cheap rod for a spare in case you break one. Learn how to backreel to save your drag in case you catch a trophy fish.

I've only broken one rod in BWCA in the 45 years of going there. I don't even take a spare rod. I have worn out the drag system on a reel before I learned how to back reel to reduce the slip on the drag.

Agree with a lot that’s been said. 50lb braid is way overkill and is having a negative impact on casting for sure. This is not meant as a slight, but if you’re having backlash issues with 20lb braid, you either need more practice with a baitcaster, more precision when setting up the brakes for each individual lure you throw, or a higher quality baitcaster. An SLX is a decent reel, so scratch that last one.

I have a daiwa tatula bait caster on 7.5 ft medium heavy cabelas rod. I can throw heavy lures like spoons a country mile and land them on target. Balsa lures I can still throw efficiently, but much prefer my 7ft medium light spinning set up for that application. The baitcaster excels for trolling and deep jigging for lake trout; for almost every other tactic I prefer the spinning reels with 8lb braid.

Your 50lb braid is equivalent to 10 diameter mono (size). Typically I just use 6'-6 medium light 2 piece rod and 6 or 8 lb mono, just because of snags and rocks. If you get snagged good luck with breaking the braid. Maybe, if your going for lakers the braid would be fine, but still over kill.

RMinMN: "Take your spinning reel/rod combo and leave the bait caster at home..."

I wasn't going to say that, but you are spot on with this advice. I always thought the bait caster was wrongly named as it seems to be best as a trolling reel.

RMinMN: "
Learn how to backreel to save your drag in case you catch a trophy fish..."

I'm not a fan of back-reeeling. Drags were built for this, but quit reeling when the line is going out to prevent twisting your line.

Thanks for all the advice. I always take one bait caster with me but also take a spinning reel. I ordered another Ugly Stik Medium Light 7 footer 2 piece. I’m going to drop to 30lb braid but keep a 40lb on hand as well if I need it. Like I said before, I only went to 50lb because of several articles I read about using heavier line on baitcasters.

We head in on May 28th through LIS North up to LLC over to Gun and Trygg for a week. We’ll see how it goes.

bombinbrian: "... We’ll see how it goes."

Know before you go.