Spinning Reel Or Baitcasting For Soft Plastics

[mathnerdm]

So I just recently picked up an H2O Mettle and been loving it... Only problem is it seems that casting weightless plastics like senkos is near impossible. I can cast heavier lures more or less without backlashing but throwing lighter 5" or less worms sometimes I can't even get it to go more than 3 feet in front of me. Do you think it's the reel or just my inexperience with baitcasters? Anyways, if this baitcaster is just not good for lighter baits, do yall think getting a spinner setup would be better? And is there any cheaper spinning reel that you could recommend? I'd probably run it with another berkley lightning rod shock like I have with the mettle. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Cgrinder]

Sounds like a job for spinning tackle.

[rockchalk06]

Try this video. It will explain a lot on how to do it.

 

[bigbill]

I been using a cherrywood spinning med action rod with a viva spinning reel for my carolina rigged senko, brushogs and worms for quite a few years now.

[roadwarrior]

It's a combination of both equipment and technique. The simple solution that

works for most guys: fish spinning tackle for lighter baits and lures; baitcasters

for heavier tackle. You will often hear it put this way: Spinning for finesse fishing,

baitcast for power.

[Darren.]

Until I bought my Lexa 100 and Chronarch 50e, all light stuff was via spinning gear.

 

I've been able to dial in both the Lexa and 50e to cast weightless Zoom Finesse worms (4.75") wacky rigged on a 2, 1, or 1/0 wacky hook (Gammy, Owner) anywhere up to 30 yards +/-, conditions dependent (i.e., little to no wind, not into the wind). And I use shorter rods - Chronarch on a 6'3" M(H), and Lexa on a 6' MF rod.

 

Weightless stick baits (Senkos, Stick-Os) are a breeze to cast. The Lexa is much easier to dial in for little to no backlashing, not so much the Chronarch, but a trained thumb pretty much resolves that.

 

As well, after spooling my baitcasters, I put a casting plug on and cast as far as I can. I set the rod down, to the plug and pull it another 20 yards or so. Then I go back to my reel, cut a section of electrical tape and tape off the spool. Now if I do birdnest, it'll only screw up that section of line, not the entire spool. (Thanks to Bill Dance for that tip!)

 

Now on my 2 Quantum Accurists, fugheddaboudit. In fact I rarely even pick those up anymore.

 

One thing I continue to work on is skipping, or very low trajectory casting. Spinning continues to rule there.

[down4ttown]

I can throw weightless senkos on almost anything. You probably have your line a little too heavy though. 

[Raul]

It´s a combination of lure weight, line diameter, rod power and reel settings. I can´t believe you have problems casting a 5" senko, it weights around 3/8 oz, a 4 " senko weights around 1/4 oz, any reel can cast those weights obviously if your reel settings are too tight, or your line diameter is too high, or your rod is too stiff you can have trouble casting.

[roadwarrior]

I think the point is that higher end equipment and better skills eliminate most of the issues.

For anyone new, spinning gear is a MUCH better choice for lighter weights. There are a lot

us that have skill and gear that makes this question meaningless, but for those facing the  

challenge for the first time it is VERY important.

[aquaholic]

I use spinning for most plastics.

[EvanT123]

I use spinning for most plastics.

Ill second that unless I'm using a 3/8 or higher weight which for me is almost never.

[Frenchman83]

I use spiking for soft plastics. Helps to back up a jig and skip the plastics deep under docks.

[JD96]

A weightless Senko, with a 4/0 EWG, and a leader with a small barrel swivel is one of the easiest baits to sling for me, very aero dynamic, once you get good with your baitcasting you can get the spool pretty free and throw any soft plastics really, and a 50e Chronarch or Curado makes small cranks the easiest thing ever.

[29JMP29]

what kinda line you got on your reel? I can fish weightless wacky rigged senkos on a medium casting rod, but I usually fish them on a spinning rod because I can bomb them a mile and a half

[CWB]

My Senko setup is a 7.1:1 STX spooled with 30 lb PowerPro with a 12 lb flouro leader. I think it casts farther than spinning. I use spinning for dropshotting and skipping under docks/boats.

[SudburyBasser]

Spinning reel all the way. I love BCs for most things but for weightless soft plastics its spinning reels.

[John G]

Baitcaster using a MH rod. 

[SirSnookalot]

Doesn't make a difference, there are b/c and spinning set ups to handle any scenario, it's ones own comfort level.