What Do You Think of the Castaic for Flippin/Pitchin?

Mark-C · Post by **Mark-C** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 9:02 pm

Is the bi-directional clutch bar more of a gimmick or is it a great feature for experienced bass fisherman? At $170 it is right there with the new Curado in price.

bantam1 · Post by **bantam1** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:22 am

Its not a gimmick. Some people like it and others do not. It all depends on your fishing style and demands. I know Gary Yamamoto loves the Castaic

ash · Post by **ash** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 5:28 am

Not a Gimmick - just a tool and one that I use - here is an excerpt from a post in regard to pitching with the Castaics

I have two left handed Castaics that I use for Flipping and Pitching. I enjoy both of them, however I rarley use the clutch bar when pitching and do use it when flipping.

I dont think the clutch bar is a MUST have for these techniques, It is convienant when flipping at different depths- but this is not the case most of the time.

I do find I use the clutch bar much more for Carolina rigging and Football head jigs on structure lakes, where I click the thumbar to let my jig freefall down and instantly engage it back and forth.

For me switching over to left handed reels has improved my flippin and pitchin much more then the Pitchin reel.

Mark-C · Post by **Mark-C** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:36 pm

Thanks for the input. I went ahead and got one and will try it out soon

Lugnut · Post by **Lugnut** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:25 pm

I have 4 or 5 five of the original models with the full bar across......AWESOME!!!!! I have had them about 5 years and the only problem I have had is I just toasted the drag on one last week when I was punching out on the river. I am right handed and only use baitcasting reels that are right handed. They allow me to stop the spool while switching hands....hopefuly that makes since.