Should I Go Back To Spinning Gear?

[pbizzle]

Do you know what I just realized? I just realized that all that stuff about you have to use baitcast gear for heavy weeds or heavy cover blah blah blah is really a bunch of horse crap. I mean look at all the east coast saltwater guys. I can almost guarantee you that most of them use spinning gear 90% of the time. And you can't say that it's because there's not as much cover or whatever to fray line until you try getting some big redfish out of some mangroves using a 4000 size reel (which is also my newest bass reel). I'm sure that SirSnookalot can elaborate more on this.

[Cgrinder]

Do you know what I just realized? I just realized that all that stuff about you have to use baitcast gear for heavy weeds or heavy cover blah blah blah is really a bunch of horse crap. I mean look at all the east coast saltwater guys. I can almost guarantee you that most of them use spinning gear 90% of the time. And you can't say that it's because there's not as much cover or whatever to fray line until you try getting some big redfish out of some mangroves using a 4000 size reel (which is also my newest bass reel). I'm sure that SirSnookalot can elaborate more on this.

 

You prefer spinning reels? That's cool. I think you should speak from your own experience, and not hypotheses or hyperbole.

[pbizzle]

You prefer spinning reels? That's cool. I think you should speak from your own experience, and not hypotheses or hyperbole.

I am. I caught my PB on some 8 pound mono from the bank in heavy hydrilla before I even learned to use a baitcaster. It was so coated in weeds I thought I had a 7 pounder or something. I've also caught reds who have taken me into some pretty crappy stuff. My uncle even owns his own deep sea boat in which he strictly uses spinning reels besides for a couple Penn Internationals. I only picked up a baitcaster because I'm a naive 13 year old (14 in 2 weeks) who believes everything that he's told. I would actually say that I enjoy using a baitcaster equally as much or more as my spinning reels. I just got tired of hearing everyone saying that they need to use a baitcaster for these techniques.

[Cgrinder]

Well, believing everything you hear is never a good thing. You'll have to forgive me for picking apart your choices in language. I work at the writing center at college. Can't help it. I shall not continue.

 

My PB Pike came on 4 lb. mono while screwing around for Bass with a #5 Shad Rap. That same Shad Rap was taken by a possible larger Pike a short time later. You can totally catch big fish on light gear. I also assure you that a fair amount of saltwater guys use baitcasters (Stripers, etc), but where you're right is that a 4000 spinner holds a hell of a lot of line compared to low profile casting reels. The larger capacity inshore casting reels get pricey fast, so there's a cost advantage to spinning reels as well. Plus, they are great in the wind. I hear the ocean is windy.

 

A reel is just a tool, no need to limit yourself. Bring all the tools you care to carry. 

[pbizzle]

Well, believing everything you hear is never a good thing. You'll have to forgive me for picking apart your choices in language. I work at the writing center at college. Can't help it. I shall not continue.

 

My PB Pike came on 4 lb. mono while screwing around for Bass with a #5 Shad Rap. That same Shad Rap was taken by a possible larger Pike a short time later. You can totally catch big fish on light gear. I also assure you that a fair amount of saltwater guys use baitcasters (Stripers, etc), but where you're right is that a 4000 spinner holds a hell of a lot of line compared to low profile casting reels. The larger capacity inshore casting reels get pricey fast, so there's a cost advantage to spinning reels as well. Plus, they are great in the wind. I hear the ocean is windy.

 

A reel is just a tool, no need to limit yourself. Bring all the tools you care to carry. 

It's alright. I just get a little upset when I hear this because a guy at Academy (who now longer works their) completely turned my friend off of fishing because of this. He had to fish on a fairly tight budget and couldn't afford a baitcaster, but the guy just kept shoving them in his face. This convinced him that he was just too poor to fish. Which was not the case one bit. I'm not a fan of catching big fish on a light line, just because I can't ever play them quite right. I think it's good to recommend a baitcaster to new fishermen (which is completely not the case with jason41987) but not to keep forcing it on them.

[0119]

Now we are picking apart folks writing. Its time for the lock.

 

pbizzle you are right in your epiphany.  But broadcasting that truth here is akin to showing that shimano is not strictly in it for their love for the angler or GASP, that you can catch really big bass using bait.

 

Oh shutter the truth...

[J Francho]

There's no reason to be defensive or attack another for the gear they prefer. It's a simple question. There are reasons certain tools are generally preferred for specific tactics: they work. There also a reason some brands have their fans: they are well made.

Now, back to fishing.

[J Francho]

Now we are picking apart folks writing. Its time for the lock.

 

pbizzle you are right in for epiphany.  But broadcasting that truth here is akin to showing that shimano is not strictly in it for their love for the angler or GASP, that you can catch really big bass using bait.

 

Oh shutter the truth...

...And speaking of hyperbole. Nothing could be further than from the truth here. Hundreds of posts a day, from those willing to take the time to share their perspective, and all you can do is insult it.

[pbizzle]

There's no reason to be defensive or attack another for the gear they prefer. It's a simple question. There are reasons certain tools are generally preferred for specific tactics: they work. There also a reason some brands have their fans: they are well made.

Now, back to fishing.

I wasn't trying to attack any one or anything, just say that it's not necessarily needed. I actually prefer my casting reels for this, but I wouldn't ever tell someone that they can only use one thing for a technique.

[SirSnookalot]

Do you know what I just realized? I just realized that all that stuff about you have to use baitcast gear for heavy weeds or heavy cover blah blah blah is really a bunch of horse crap. I mean look at all the east coast saltwater guys. I can almost guarantee you that most of them use spinning gear 90% of the time. And you can't say that it's because there's not as much cover or whatever to fray line until you try getting some big redfish out of some mangroves using a 4000 size reel (which is also my newest bass reel). I'm sure that SirSnookalot can elaborate more on this.

I don't use b/c gear because I don't care for them, spinning works for me for whatever kind of fishing I'm doing. What other people use and think is best is entirely up to them, I think people should use the type of gear and fishing techniques that works best for them.  As far as brands of rod and reels are concerned, in reality it really doesn't make that much difference providing the gear is of decent quality, they all catch fish and most of them will provide every bit of performance required.  

 

It's quite true saltwater fishermen use spinning gear, I'd say it's more than 90% in my area, this would be more in reference to inshore type fishing and species.  If one is comfortable using a b/c for inshore fishing, nothing wrong with it.  Offshore it's bit different, there is suitable spinning for just about all species, but many conventional reels are used too, personally I never would use one that had a level wind and didn't have a power handle, a time or 2 out there and you'll know why.

[0119]

...And speaking of hyperbole. Nothing could be further than from the truth here. Hundreds of posts a day, from those willing to take the time to share their perspective, and all you can do is insult it.

I wasn't attacking anyone for their gear choice.  I was defending someone in their opinion.  Wheres the insult there?  Oh oh here comes yet another warning point!

[jason41987]

i had a HUGE backlash today on my baitcasting reel.. i lost my entire line trying to fix it... all the braided, even the backing.. make me VERY angry.. but i learned a couple things because of this.. in doing so, i put this rod/reel combo in the truck, the people i were fishing with had a spare spinning setup i used for about 10 minutes

 

now, trying to go back to spinning is difficult, i got used to reeling with the right hand, holding the rod with the left, but when i try switching the baitcasting reel to a right hand retrieve it still didnt feel right, the balance felt way off.. it just felt wrong.. tried the left hand retrieve and it still felt wrong.. that being said, this thing STILL backlashed and getting the slack reeled in under tension by holding the line is a pain in the rear compared to my baitcaster... so backlashes still occur with these. but the feel and balance just doesnt feel as good to me anymore as my baitcaster does

 

the other lesson i learned was when i put this rod/reel combo back, got mine out which no longer had ANY line on it, and pulled out a spool of 20lb i had in my tackle box and re-spooled it with mono (i had 20lb braided on it before)... and what i noticed is 20lb braided and 20lb mono, sure i could hold more braided... but were talking about a round baitcaster, specifically an abu garcia ambassadeur 5600C4, line capacity is never an issue, and backlashes werent an issue once tuned.. but also as interesting is the casting distance wasnt much different... that all being said i can get a 500 yard spool of mono for a few dollars vs only 150 yards of braided for about $20

 

so i think im going to keep the baitcaster and look at other alternatives for lighter tackle... there are reel mods i can apply to this reel that might allow me to work with lighter lures.. i wonder if one of those small mr crappie baitcasters can cast a small marabou jig?.. also, im using a medium-heavy rod so perhaps that could be another reason it didnt cast well.... another option i have i guess id a spincast reel for lighter tackle

[Cgrinder]

You had 20 lb braid on a 6600? Holy cow. Did it hold a thousand yards? That is a big reel for bass and even normal pike fishing.

I have an old 5500 and it is a backlash machine. They are well built but they need heavy or aerodynamic lures in my experience.

No wonder you are getting frustrated. You need the right tools!

[pbizzle]

I don't use b/c gear because I don't care for them, spinning works for me for whatever kind of fishing I'm doing. What other people use and think is best is entirely up to them, I think people should use the type of gear and fishing techniques that works best for them.  As far as brands of rod and reels are concerned, in reality it really doesn't make that much difference providing the gear is of decent quality, they all catch fish and most of them will provide every bit of performance required.  

This is really well put. I was just trying to get across that you don't really need the baitcasters for anything when it comes to bass fishing. They're a tool and good to have, but not necessarily a necessity for any technique. I know lots of old guys who only use zebcos and spinning reels and will outfish any one they meet. The only difference between them and me is that they can use that tool to get the job done.

[jason41987]

well to answer a question above, i had a 5600c4, and no, i didnt have like 1000 yards on it, just put a 150 yard spool on a 20lb monofilament backing... and ill never use 20lb braided again... one time i casted so hard, there was a backlash, the line bit down onto itself, cutting the line as my lure kept going halfway into the lake.. the diameter is just too small, and given the extra capacity of these reels, whats the point to braided anyway? 20lb mono seems to work fine despite the memory it has

 

heres another thing i learned too.. tried to use a medium power casting rod.. i couldnt stand it, im so used to medium-heavy that it seems like an entirely different rod, way too sensitive for me... ill even notice when a small bass or even a little 12 inch pike bites on that, so, i think a light or ultralight for the small stuff, but for everything else this medium-heavy is exactly how i like a rod... that being said i only see myself needing two setups to cover everything id ever need to fish for

[EvanT123]

heres another thing i learned too.. tried to use a medium power casting rod.. i couldnt stand it, im so used to medium-heavy that it seems like an entirely different rod, way too sensitive for me... ill even notice when a small bass or even a little 12 inch pike bites on that, so, i think a light or ultralight for the small stuff, but for everything else this medium-heavy is exactly how i like a rod... that being said i only see myself needing two setups to cover everything id ever need to fish for

Are you going to use an ultralight casting or spinning setup?

[jason41987]

i dont have an ultralight setup yet