Anyone Else Find Spinning Reels To Be Super Awkward?

[aqualkinbush]

So I recently bought a decent spinning set up to throw drop shots and more finesse rigs. I've been fishing a bait caster for about 3-4 months straight now and I am finding that fishing the spinning reel is very awkward in my hand to the point that I don't like using it much. I was pretty set on buying an additional spinning setup after this one but now I've probably changed my plans and will be buying another baitcaster that can fish lighter rigs and pretty much chocking this spinning outfit up as a loss.

[rizzo777]

Nope...never used a baitcaster..that would probably feel weird to me

[HeavyDluxe]

I fish with nothing but spinning reels...  I've tried baitcasters and, with a lot of practice, got the point they felt more 'natural'.  But, I still don't like 'em.

 

It's all what you're used to, I suppose.

[Arv]

Nope. Feel fine to me.

[motodmast]

feel fine to me, try holding it in the other hand?

[0119]

I prefer fighting a fish with a spinning reel, feels like I have more of a grip on the rod. But I hate working lures with a spinner.

[EvanT123]

I like baitcasters for bigger cranks/top waters and spinnerbaits. That's about it. I prefer the feel of spinning reels and there drag systems.

Oh yea Kermit goes on a baitcaster too.

[Ratherbfishing]

You're not holding it upside down are you? I watched a younger couple fishing this way (with the reel on top and reeling backwards) a few days ago and I cannot speak for them but it nearly drove me mad!

No, spinning rods/reels are very comfortable for me.

[Revival]

Which did to use first? Or did you just start fishing with both? I used spinning reels all my life and just started using a baitcaster. I love both!

[5dollarsplash]

^{Which did to use first? Or did you just start fishing with both? I used spinning reels all my life and just started using a baitcaster. I love both!}

 

^{This nails it imo.  I started on a Zebco 33 25+ years back, to me the baitcaster feels right.  It took me awhile to adjust to spinning.  To this day though, if I have a bait that could be thrown on either, I'll opt for the baitcaster because thats what I'm more comfortable with.}

[.RM.]

So I recently bought a decent spinning set up to throw drop shots and more finesse rigs. I've been fishing a bait caster for about 3-4 months straight now and I am finding that fishing the spinning reel is very awkward in my hand to the point that I don't like using it much. I was pretty set on buying an additional spinning setup after this one but now I've probably changed my plans and will be buying another baitcaster that can fish lighter rigs and pretty much chocking this spinning outfit up as a loss.

Try becoming efficent with both spinning and baitcasting...

you have more techniques you can cover, being really good with both....

 

Good luck & Tight Lines!  

[Quitlimpin]

I'm in the same school as the op. I am beyond terrible with spinning gear. I have no idea where each cast is going to end up. I've tried, I've failed, I've moved on...spinning gear just ain't for me.

[bluezed]

It's OK.  I use it from time to time.  I prefer baitcasters.  They feel more balanced/natural to me.  

[new2BC4bass]

Got my first spinning reel at 6...a Mitchell 300...so spinning gear is no problem.  Switched to baitcast reels 4-1/2 years ago.  I like baitcast reels better, but there are times when the spinning reel is almost mandatory.

 

If you are going to buy new gear for light tackle, look at the Daiwa PX Type-R, or one of the Shimano 50 size reels.  I assume Shimano has at least one round reel that would also work.  Abu has a new Morrum coming out.  I have a Mag SX1600C that handles light lures well.

 

Used look for a Pixie, Curado 50E (or other 50 size Shimano) and some of the Daiwa older reels.  Last night I was throwing a 3/16 oz. spinnerbait on my TD-Z 105H/Fewnwick HMG almost as far as a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait on a Falcon Expert MH/Patriarch XT.

 

My upgraded Sol can handle light lures as well.  It is on a Falcon Expert Light.  Still have to check out my HSDF and 103ML on the light stuff.

 

Rods I am using aren't available anymore.  You will find the rod is at least equally as important as the reel when throwing lures in the 3/16 oz. and under range.  Might want to look at a Dobyns Champion Extreme DX 701C Finesse.  Or if money is no object (and I assume it isn't if you can afford a DX), then check out some of the Japanese rods.

 

EDIT:  The older Ambassadeur Black Max 1600 round reel also does a very good job casting light lures.  I haven't gone too light with my Morrum Mag SX1600C yet, but don't doubt for a second that it will also do very well with light lures.  It has to be the easiest reel I have to cast without worrying about over-runs or backlashes.

[Felix77]

I started with a spinning rod so moving to a baitcaster was odd to me.  It got easier with time but I notice that when things get tough I revert to my spinning gear 1st (Worms, Finesse tubes etc.)

[Kevin22]

They feel natural to me. Probably because I've spent my whole life fishing for panfish, walleye, and bass. So I was using a spinning rod and a baitcaster interchangeably at around 8 years old. I just wish I would have learned to use a lefty baitcaster from the start! Talk about awkward, try to switch to a lefty after 15 years of fishing a righty. The reel balance is way different and is super awkward for anything but flipping for me (casting with my right hand using a lefty reel). 

[aqualkinbush]

Which did to use first? Or did you just start fishing with both? I used spinning reels all my life and just started using a baitcaster. I love both!

 

 

I started fishing on spincast gear back when I was a kid. I have used spinning gear here and there but never with any frequency until now.  I am starting to think it was because I was fishing a small 1/8 oz spinnerbait instead of what I really bought it for which was the drop shot and finesse plastics. I was hoping to be able to dual purpose the setup for fishing rapala cranks and tiny spinnerbaits but I think I need to get a light baitcaster for that stuff.

[J Francho]

It's like any other piece of tackle...takes practice to get good at it.  Give up now, and you'll never be good with it.

[stk]

I started with a spinning reel and going to a lefty baitcaster was natural for me.  Over time though I like the control the baitcsaster gives you, I just wish I was better at casting lighter lures with it.  The lighter lures are the only reason I keep my spinning reel set up.

[BassinLou]

Like previously mentioned, unless you are holding it with reel pointing right side up I do not see how a spinning reel feels awkward. Try changing the handle to the other side of the reel and switch hands. If that doesn't work, use it until you get proficient at it.

[Jrob78]

^{This nails it imo.  I started on a Zebco 33 25+ years back, to me the baitcaster feels right.  It took me awhile to adjust to spinning.  To this day though, if I have a bait that could be thrown on either, I'll opt for the baitcaster because thats what I'm more comfortable with.}

I agree completely.  I started using spincasters when I was 3 or 4.  I graduated to baitcasters when I was 10 or 11.  I never picked up a spinning reel until I was 16 or 17, never needed one.  I am comfortable using spinning gear, I just prefer not to.

[flippin and pitchin]

Thumb for baitcast and forefinger for spinning.  Don't limit your options. Some day you will want to skip a bait under trees or docks and say to yourself, " I wish I would have become proficient with my spinning rod. "

[papajoe222]

I like the balance of a spinning outfit, although I learned by turning the handle with my left hand and feel very awkward trying to switch to right hand cranking (the way I use baitcasters). 

Try this; Place the rod accross the index finger of the hand you intend to hold it with until it balances. That point should be just in front of the reel's base. Now wrap your hand around the rod handle so your index finger is approximately at that point.  The stem that extends from the reel to it's mounting base will lay somewhere between your middle and ring fingers or your ring finger and pinkie. Now try turning the reel handle.  If it still feels awkward, switch the crank handle to the other side and switch the rod to the other hand.  Most guys like keeping the rod in the hand they have it in when they cast rather than switching it after casting. 

[SirSnookalot]

I'm proficient with b/c, spinning and fly, for me spinning wins hands down. I like the way spinning feels, I can fish a bait any way I like.  For me a baitcaster means using live or cut bait for offshore ocean fish with no level wind or manual breaking system. I have a spinning outfit I can use for bluegill, I have one to use for sailfish and others for every other kind of fish in between.

My fly rod never seemed to get unloaded from the moving van 8 years ago, I'm getting ready to buy one for the surf.

[Rangerphil]

I have always notice this; most people that live up north are more comfortable with spinning gear than people from the south! I don't know why but I have always noticed that trend. I love fishing both but when I need to catch a fish I pick up my spinning gear!