When I first joined Bass Resource over two years ago, one of my first post was about bailess spinning reels, and using them for bass fishing. I'm still using an ABU Zebco Cardinal 4, with the bail removed. I bought this reel used, in good shape. The bail was bent, so I removed it. A sharp hacksaw easily cuts the bail off, and a small file removes any burrs or sharp edges near the line roller. Using this reel is all done with your forefinger, and with a little practice, it becomes fast and easy. Pick up the line with your finger as you normally would, lift it off the line roller, and cast. Use your forefinger to hook the line under the roller to start your retrieve. Youve eliminated two steps here, opening the bail, and closing it by hand after the cast. Since I've used this reel, it's become my favourite. The only other thing you might need to do is add some washers to the side of your reel to help balance the rotor, if it feels out of balance. Bailess reels are not really popular with bass fisherman. Some saltwater reels come with no bail. I think Van Steel and Penn still make some. These are expensive, high quality reels for saltwater fishing. I would never recommend cutting the bail off one of your newer, nicer spinning reels, but if you have an older reel that your not using much, you might give it a try. Line twist is not an issue, and the bail less operation is fast and easy to learn. The only real purpose of the bail is to help guide the line onto the line roller. Most all of us close the bail by hand after a cast. By going bailess, you've eliminated the need for the bail. If one of the tackle companies would make a spin reel without a bail, that was lightweight, I would consider buying one. In the meantime, my old Cardinal is still working well. The no bail operation is all good.
