Smallies And Baitcasters?

[Alex21]

If I have baitcasters, how well would they work for smallmouth. Would you be able to catch smallmouth with them. For example a MH rod with a 7.1.1 for worms?

[Bluebasser86]

The reel doesn't catch the fish, the bait does Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, buzzbaits, topwaters, swimbaits, jigs, worms, senkos, tubes, all can be fished on a baitcaster and will catch smallmouth just fine.

[rockchalk06]

All I have ever caught SM on was a bait caster. As the above poster said, it's the bait. You can catch a shark on a stick and bailing twine with the right bait. Not advised but you can lol

[jim k]

Sure. That said, I would look to pick up a 6'6 lighter action spinning combo to go along with the outfit you have. Spooled with 8lb fluro, it will allow you to pitch lighter, smaller baits. If the water's clear, or the fish get picky, the low vis line and ability to cast that smaller bait a decent distance might save your day.

[smalljaw67]

I use MH casting gear for smallies most of the time, the only time I use spinning equipment is when I'm fishing finesse jigs, tubes, split shot rigs, and 3" stick worms. When I use jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, and topwaters I use the casting equipment.

[tracker01]

My rule of thumb is:

If I am throwing 1/4 oz. or less (total weight of bait), I will use spinning gear. Most everything over 1/4 oz. will be on my baitcaster. Exception to my rule. "What ever you feel comfortable with". Rod spec's will be a starting guide as to what it will handle, the rest is up to you. On your MH rod, check out the spec's on the rod and go from there.

[Crookedneck]

I use baitcasting rods 95% of the time for smallies. My go to rod is usually a 7' MH I use it (or them) for anything from texas rig to spinner baits. I drop shot with spinning gear and always have a spinning rod or two for my wife or kids.

[tracy13]

I only use casting gear for everything.Big baits,small baits.

[flyeaglesfly5186]

The reel doesn't catch the fish, the bait does Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, buzzbaits, topwaters, swimbaits, jigs, worms, senkos, tubes, all can be fished on a baitcaster and will catch smallmouth just fine.

I'll go one further and say that it's the fisherman. You can take two people with the same bait in the same location and the one who knows the tactics will catch the fish. I've caught smallies on two pieces of yarn tied to a hook just because I played it the right way. You don't need expensive gear or fancy baits. I've used a ten foot sapling with a hook tied to it to fish.

All you need is patience, and skill.

I won't deny a craw colored fat gitzit on a 1/8 jig head though. They're magical!

[iceintheveins]

I use casting gear for smallies with buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, spooks, and deep cranks. Everything else I use spin gear for them. I use probably 60% spinning and 40% casting for smallies, and the opposite of that for largemouth.

[fishinkeebs]

I use Baitcasting gear for most of my fishing, but reserve my spinning to finesse rigs. I like a curado on a medium fast action rod. smaller profile and lighter. You can fish everything that use for spinning on baitcasting.

[roadwarrior]

No...

Spinning tackle is much better for lighter presentation, specifically weightless soft plastics.

Although I fish baitcasters for hard baits, the drag system on spinning tackle is a much better

option for live bait and soft plastics. A big fish will always run when it sees the boat and the

drag system on spinning gear really comes into play.

[Pumba1239]

I know Im a nnob on here but Ive been fishing since a small child, I love bait casters more so for crankbaits, top water, spinner bait, buzz baits, in deep weeds ect. I use my 6,6 with a 6.4.1 for anything not on top water, I peronally like 7.1.1 for topwater and frog fishing, but thats my style im comfortable with