Spinning Setup Yes/no?

[jonnyblazex]

  To respond to a question from aavery, my setup consists of a G Loomis NRX SYR 822 (spinning rod) paired with a Shimano Stradic CI4+, and 8lb Seaguar Tatsu.  Unbelieveable setup, so sensitive I cant even describe it.  I have used it for everything from fishing for Crappies, jigging for Walleyes, and Finessing for some Bass, all with wonderful success.  For bass, my favorite bait on this rod is a 1/8 oz Owner shaky head jig, tipped with a 6'' Roboworm, or 1/8 oz drop shot with ds hook, and 4inch tube or roboworm, various colors. I can fish this at the bottom at 30 feet, and feel the lightest tiniest bite, slam the hook home, and still have enough back bone to turn a nice fish away, even from moderate cover.  I guess you really get what you pay for.  Im not saying you wont be successful with a much cheaper setup, but this one is da bomb.

[SirSnookalot]

You will never convince a b/c user that spinning isn't as good if not better, conversely you won't convince me that a b/c is better.  I use nothing but spinning.  These words finesse and power are not in my fishing vocabulary, I put a lure on and work it the way I want to.  With a spinning set up the rod dictates the lure weight, with most b/c enough weight is needed to cast, line just comes off a fixed spool on the spinner, it can't be easier.  Spinning gives me versatility, I can both underload or overload my rod and be effective.  Just an example of 1 set up which is one of my most used, a med spinning rod I can and do throw 1/8 bucktails, the objective is only to cast 20 feet or so because that's where I'm looking for the fish.  When I need distance I can and do overload to an ounce or more and get plenty of distance. In the middle I can and do throw weightless flukes.  This set up enables me to catch 1 # fish or 30# fish, I've done both.  In the event where I'm dealing with some heavier vegetation I may jump up to a mh spinning rod but my lures are not changing.

I do not have to change hands after my cast, my hand is always on the foregrip giving me both more hooksetting leverage as well as more leverage handling the fish.  I can cast with 2 hands or 1, underhand, side arm, pitch under docks, that pretty much covers it for me.  Last but not least I'm always working the lure with my power arm, spinning is a total win for me, wouldn't even consider using a b/c.

[Jrob78]

You will never convince a b/c user that spinning isn't as good if not better, conversely you won't convince me that a b/c is better.  I use nothing but spinning.  

Actually, 99% of us don't need to be convinced of anything.  It's you and the other 1% that keep trying to convince.  Most of us know that both spinning and baitcasting have their place in a well rounded bass fishing arsenal.  Some of us prefer one or the other but still use both.

[SirSnookalot]

Not trying to convince anyone, just saying why I much prefer spinning.  I am glad of this, I don't deal with backlashes, line digging in, or setting brakes.

[jason41987]

I just dont get why everyone hates spinning gear. Dont get me wrong i have 4 baitcast setups and love them for anything over 1/4 ounce but any lure under that weight is more easily casted using spinning gear. I also use spinning gear with anything im skipping under docks and trees and i fish a lot of small ponds with overhanging trees and spinning gear is the only way to get any distance on a cast. I know i could buy a high end finesse baitcast setup and get the job done without spinning gear but im on a budget and spinning gear is much more cost effective. i ise a powell deisel spinning rod and a Mitchell avocet gold spinning reel. I paid 54 for the rod on sale and got the reel at a pawn shop for 10 bucks and ive probably caught more fish on this setup since i got it than all my other setups combined. Spinning gear is much more cost effective with smaller baits IMHO

but does this mean you have to go to spinning gear?.. light lures typically catch light fish and a spincast is well capable of casting the small stuff and bringing in panfish, even seen people bring in large cats with spincasting reels.. plus they have roughly the same balance as a baitcast and you can use your thumb to drop the spool same as on a baitcaster to drop the lure right where you want it... plus you dont need any new rods.. so baitcaster for 90% of my fishing and a spincast for the other 10%

[timsford]

Spincast reels work too but the main dislike i have with them is you get line twist just like with spinning gear but you cant see the small loops on the spool and straighten them out before they become a mess. Thats my experience anyway. Also they dont cast as far with the same line and lure weights as a spinning reel because the line is rubbing the exit point on the top as you are casting. I dont see anything wrong with spincast gear if thats what someone prefers using, its just not for me

[thehooligan]

I came from only using spinning gear. Had 6 combos and was a diehard spinning guy. Then I started using baitcasters and slowly went that direction. Now I always have my one spinning combo on me, as well as my 4 other BC combos. I'm getting more & more into finesse fishing with casting gear but I'll always have at least one highend spinning combo. I'm still more accurate with my trusty old spinning rod...

[Chris at Tech]

light lures typically catch light fish...

 

Again, huh?  My 8-15 PB came on a 1/8 oz shaky head and Zoom finesse worm that I was throwing on a ML spinning rod with 8lb test.

 

Absolutely no one is saying you MUST use spinning gear but let's please not pretend that big fish are not caught on small tackle.  Use whatever you want, but I have multiple spinning rigs as part of my arsenal, and when I need to throw something less than a 1/4 oz, they get the call first.

[K_Mac]

Again, huh? My 8-15 PB came on a 1/8 oz shaky head and Zoom finesse worm that I was throwing on a ML spinning rod with 8lb test.

Absolutely no one is saying you MUST use spinning gear but let's please not pretend that big fish are not caught on small tackle. Use whatever you want, but I have multiple spinning rigs as part of my arsenal, and when I need to throw something less than a 1/4 oz, they get the call first.

Well said! The idea that spinning is inferior is silly. The idea that spincast is preferable is sillier yet! There are folks who can pitch using spinning with more accuracy than most using baitcast. Most of us who use spinning much can do so accurately. I prefer baitcast for most techniques, but would not be without a couple of spinning outfits.

[Raul]

Again, huh?  My 8-15 PB came on a 1/8 oz shaky head and Zoom finesse worm that I was throwing on a ML spinning rod with 8lb test.

 

Absolutely no one is saying you MUST use spinning gear but let's please not pretend that big fish are not caught on small tackle.  Use whatever you want, but I have multiple spinning rigs as part of my arsenal, and when I need to throw something less than a 1/4 oz, they get the call first.

Man, they are stubborn don't cha think ? It's amazing the kind of nonsense we happen to see lately.

[new2BC4bass]

There is nothing in 100 dollar bait casting reel that is even close to capable of throwing 1/8 ounce baits well and BC reels designed to do so cost close to 4X as much.

 

I beg to differ.  Maybe not in new reels, but I currently am casting a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap on a Light and 2 ML rods about as far as I can throw a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait on a MH rod.  Two of the reels I am using cost me $65 apiece.  I tried an 1/8 oz. once.   Distance and accuracy sucked, but feel quite certain it is doable with more practice.  This is not to suggest that a b/c reel is as good as a spinning reel at these weights.  I don't need any practice to cast those weights...and lighter...with the correct spinning rod.  I just prefer b/c reels even though they aren't as efficient as a spinning reel in some circumstances...for me anyway.

 

Anyone who says light lines and light rods can't l-a-n-d  b-i-g fish doesn't know what they are talking about.  There are people all over the world proving them wrong every day.

 

I have to disagree with SirSnooalot just a little.  Just because you are using a spinning rod doesn't mean you can cast any light lure on it.  I recently picked up a rod brand he has suggested to me before.  Low end rating is 3/8 oz., but I felt from handling the rod in-store that it would handle lighter.  I don't think the worm and 3/0 hook I was using on it make the 3/8 oz. weight, but the rod handled them just fine.  However, I had previously tried casting a 1/16 oz. lure on a ML spinning rod rated for 1/8 on the low end, and couldn't get any distance at all.  The rod would not load.  If the rod won't load, it won't cast for squat regardless of the reel being used.

 

I am afraid many of the posts...including mine....have wandered off the subject as posted by the OP.  It happens all the time, but especially when finesse fishing equipment is the topic.  Just the nature of the beast.

[lmbfisherman]

Out of my 6 rods I usually take, 2 of them are spinning.

[Mikell]

Man this has become quite the debate! I like all the response some great info in all of this

[aavery2]

I beg to differ.  Maybe not in new reels, but I currently am casting a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap on a Light and 2 ML rods about as far as I can throw a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait on a MH rod.  Two of the reels I am using cost me $65 apiece.  I tried an 1/8 oz. once.   Distance and accuracy sucked, but feel quite certain it is doable with more practice.  This is not to suggest that a b/c reel is as good as a spinning reel at these weights.  I don't need any practice to cast those weights...and lighter...with the correct spinning rod.  I just prefer b/c reels even though they aren't as efficient as a spinning reel in some circumstances...for me anyway.

 

Anyone who says light lines and light rods can't l-a-n-d  b-i-g fish doesn't know what they are talking about.  There are people all over the world proving them wrong every day.

 

I have to disagree with SirSnooalot just a little.  Just because you are using a spinning rod doesn't mean you can cast any light lure on it.  I recently picked up a rod brand he has suggested to me before.  Low end rating is 3/8 oz., but I felt from handling the rod in-store that it would handle lighter.  I don't think the worm and 3/0 hook I was using on it make the 3/8 oz. weight, but the rod handled them just fine.  However, I had previously tried casting a 1/16 oz. lure on a ML spinning rod rated for 1/8 on the low end, and couldn't get any distance at all.  The rod would not load.  If the rod won't load, it won't cast for squat regardless of the reel being used.

 

I am afraid many of the posts...including mine....have wandered off the subject as posted by the OP.  It happens all the time, but especially when finesse fishing equipment is the topic.  Just the nature of the beast.

Ok, so now I'm interested, what magical $65 dollar reel do you have that cast baits this light in weight. Let me venture a guess and say the BPS Prolite.

[SirSnookalot]

 

 

 

I have to disagree with SirSnooalot just a little.  Just because you are using a spinning rod doesn't mean you can cast any light lure on it.  I recently picked up a rod brand he has suggested to me before.  Low end rating is 3/8 oz., but I felt from handling the rod in-store that it would handle lighter.  I don't think the worm and 3/0 hook I was using on it make the 3/8 oz. weight, but the rod handled them just fine.  However, I had previously tried casting a 1/16 oz. lure on a ML spinning rod rated for 1/8 on the low end, and couldn't get any distance at all.  The rod would not load.  If the rod won't load, it won't cast for squat regardless of the reel being used.

 

What I said was I can and do throw lures where my rod is underloaded, but not for distance.  On that rod with the low end being 3/8 I've used 1/8 and 1/4 many times but I only cast along a sea wall or 20' or so into the swash. On the opposite end I toss 1 ounce or 1.25, that rod is rated a max of 3/4, this is a med spinning rod.  The fish in my avatar was caught on it, at the time I was using a 1 ounce metal swim jig.  I've had this rod and 4 others in various lengths and powers for 8-10 years, they are as perfect as the day I bought them and they all cast beautifully.

In a previous post on this thread it was stated light lures are for light fish, oh really?  My most used bucktail jigs are 1/4 and 1/2 oz, not only do I catch snook and tarpon on them but I have caught many very sizable bass on the same exact ones I use in saltwater.  It isn't always the weight of the lure, it's the profile.  I'm making my own 1/8 oz jigs for peacock bass, some are about 4" in length others are much shorter.

[iceintheveins]

You do need spinning gear, especially for throwing baits 3/16 of an ounce or lighter. Casting gear does great with anything 1/4 ounce or above. I use spinning gear for senkos, soft jerkbaits, and most smaller plastics like grubs, small worms, or finesse worms. It's also the only way to go when throwing small, light cranks like a #5 shad rap, which is a great springtime bait and a good clearwater finesse bait year round. So I have four spinning setups that regularly see action, and 8 casting setups that I generally carry.

[Hyrule Bass]

this hate for spinning outfits is just odd to me. just because one prefers bait casting gear doesnt mean you have to hate spinning. both have their places. but i think spinning is much more versatile when it comes down to it. but oh well, if someone wants to limit themselves then so be it...

[Mikell]

i dont hate spinning setups, i just got accustomed to BC and have done well on them

was just curious if it would be worth the investment seeing how I have alot of BC combos (imo cus i only have 6) lol

[Glenn]

Yes, you can be just as accurate with spinning gear as you are with baitcasting gear.  Take a look at this video:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/spinning-accuracy.html

[ww2farmer]

I always have at least 2, and sometimes as many as 4-5 spinning rods on the boat.

[buzzed bait]

i'm not saying i use it or even take it every trip, but somethings are just too hard to do on a BC setup for me so my spinning rod gets the call from time to time.  a weightless senko skipped up under some overhang in a river or skipped under a dock is just DEADLY for me, but trying to do that on a baitcaster just isn't happening for this guy.... i've tried practicing, tried skipping under the garage door, all that but FOR ME a spinning rod is hands down the only way to skip light and weightless baits into some nasty spots where the big ones are chillin.  I have a cheapo berkley lightning rod and lew's speed spin (like about a $65 setup altogether) and it does the job.  as much as i use it i just can't justify spending $100 on a spinning reel or $150 or so on a decent rod.  now the BC setups that I use every trip, yeah i'll spend a little money on them.....

[Flywatersmallie]

When I go out, my 6 rods are... 4 spinning, 2 casting. I do that for a number of reasons, I actually fish worms on a spinning rod, they are easier to skip under things, baits fall straight down and can handle lighter or weightless plastics better. I throw very few cranks aside from a few parts of the season then its 3 and 3. Otherwise, casting rods get jig and spinnerbait duty. Everything else is spinning. Both my personal best largemouth (8lbs 3oz) and smallmouth (7lbs 5oz) were taken on spinning gear. You are doing yourself a real disservice by not using one.

[mod479]

but does this mean you have to go to spinning gear?.. light lures typically catch light fish and a spincast is well capable of casting the small stuff and bringing in panfish, even seen people bring in large cats with spincasting reels.. plus they have roughly the same balance as a baitcast and you can use your thumb to drop the spool same as on a baitcaster to drop the lure right where you want it... plus you dont need any new rods.. so baitcaster for 90% of my fishing and a spincast for the other 10

 

 

Wrong. Oh so wrong.

[mod479]

Mikell....I have 8 spinning setups. Some high end $600+. Some low ballin', ~$60. Each has been setup for certain baits and techniques: Dropshot, Dropshot #2, T-Rigs/tube, T-rigs/tube #2, shakeyhead, soft jerk, topwater, medium jig.  3 BC setups: cranks, jerkbaits, and heavy jigs. 

 

Cant say which style is better for you. I can tell you both spinning and casting setups have their place on my boat though. The thing is, one guy might like working a tube on casting gear and that is great, I cant even be bothered to try because I have 2 spinning rods which are just as sensitive and capable of doing that job. Its all about preference really. Will say I prefer BC gear for cranking, it just feels right in comparison to a spinning setup.

 

Get yourself a medium action spinning setup with a 2500 sized reel. This will cover most situations you'll come across, it will toss weightless baits, light t-rigs, dropshot, tubes, topwater, soft jerks, hard jerks, grubs, darterheads, and some lighter jigs. When you need heavier gear, pick up your baitcaster.

[roadwarrior]

Get yourself a medium action spinning setup with a 2500 sized reel. This will cover most situations you'll come across, it will toss weightless baits, light t-rigs, dropshot, tubes, topwater, soft jerks, hard jerks, grubs, darterheads, and some lighter jigs. When you need heavier gear, pick up your baitcaster.

 

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