Baitcaster Advice

I wouldn't really us a baitcaster for crappie, unless you are willing to dish out $450 for a daiwa pixy or something. I only use Shimanos and Diawas, but Quantums and Okumas are okay. Shimanos are very smooth, sturdy, and durable, even the low-end ones. Like an F-350. Daiwas are lightweight and flashy. Like a Ferrari. Get the idea?

there are several vids on youtube that can help with setup and how to cast. I would not use for anything smaller than bass either. The benefit is smoother presentation into the water, faster retrieve and accuracy of the cast using your thumb to control the distance. Simple advice use heaver line 16lbs or more, even braid, adjust the break on the right side so that you lure will drop very slow to the ground without you assisting it. Dont over cast until you get use to the feel. Good luck.

for bass there is a great use... for crappie i dont see the point.
 
it just depends how you want to catch bass i geuss...

From experience I'll tell ya to set brakes tight to start and DO Not try to muscle up for distance.Pick a spot in your yard 20-30 ft away(bucket,box,whatever)and get used to using your thumb to feather spool speed.I bought a Shimano Citca w/centrifucal brakes to start.The Abu's have both magnetic and cetrif.so it's a little trickier.Good luck,
ac