Anyone Else Find Spinning Reels To Be Super Awkward?

[Smallmouth Hunter]

I only use spinning for ultralight pretty much. I can do everthing else on baitcasters. 

 

If you don't want to use spinning, look for a pixie or maybe the new revo lgx coming out this fall (it has a "super shallow" spool) that can handle the lighter stuff.

[bluenitrouscoupe]

I kinda felt the same way at first. I have been bass fishing since I was probably 10 or 12 and was taught to use a baitcaster shortly after that, I just recently bought a spinning setup to try to get something going on those slow hot summer days in Florida. My advice is don't kick the spinning setup to the curb just yet. Go out on your home lake and that's the only setup I would use, I did this and I now know when I'm having a tough day on the water or in a tournament I feel like I have a good chance of putting fish in the boat.

[FrogFreak]

I started with a Zebco 33 then went to spinners. Now I use bc and spinners. What really feels awkward in my hand is an empty beer can, can't stand the feel.

[Quitlimpin]

^^^Thats funny right there^^^

[gramps50]

Maybe it's the way your holding the rod, I found for me the most comfortable way is to put the mounting stem in the middle, with 2 fingers on top, the other 2 on the bottom. This seems to give me the most control and feels the best.

 

I switch back and forth between a spinning and baitcaster it take me several cast to get the technique correct. I even have this issue when switching between spinning rods sometimes too. 

 

I find it easier to fish with a spinning combo, cast retrieve without switching hands. Think it's what your use to and the other is just new. So practice, practice and I'll be it will come to you. Also experiment as to how your holding the rod till you find a position that is comfortable for you.

[TiNuts]

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.

I used to do this as a kid and hated spinning reels because of it. Then I found out you could magically switch the handle around! Love spinning reels now.

[Kevin22]

Change your grip up a bit. Everyone is different. I put three fingers above the reel stem, my pinkie below it. My thumb is on top of the rod and my index finger is touching the rod blank above the foregrip. 

[SwampLife]

I only threw a spinning reel maybe 4 or 5 times in my life.. I hate it! I started with a Zebco 33 but by age 8 or 9 I was accurate with a baitcaster.. My dad had me throwing at garbage can tops around the yard with a plastic plug. Every since then its been all bait casters..just a couple weeks ago I tried my buddy's spinning reel and was not accurate and felt very akward. I guess I need to buy one and learn!

[livetofish28]

I started out fly fishing and then started using spinning gear. When I started using a baitcaster it seemed odd until I figured my grip out. As I started to get more serious with bass fishing I was told by a friends dad to try to have the same amount of baitcasters as spinning rods to try to keep the ability to use both.

[bigbill]

If your switching hands to crank them it may feel awkward.

 

I can fish with any reel with the crank on either side. I can adapt to anything. Or maybe I'm too busy fishing to notice it. I just never thought about it.  I do use baitcasters from shore too. I like them with my jigs and slower fished baits.

[Capt.Bob]

absolutely love both spinning and casting, they are each the best of choices for different uses. If you can't use both, there are types of fishing you will miss out on.

[Mccallister25]

Bob said it best. I actually started fishing with spinning gear, and have three seperate spinning outfits. I used to hate baitcasters with a passion, and had to make myself learn to use it. Nowadays, I throw both, everytime I hit the water. They both feel great to me. The spinning reel has always felt great, and now that Im used to casting equipment I love it just as much.

[aqualkinbush]

You guys have convinced me to keep at it.  Thanks for the advice and such.