Spinning Preference

[lectricbassman]

Anyone out there use only spinning reels? I primarily fish from shore and for recreation only. I recently started using (practicing)a baitcaster but find myself running back to my spinning gear everytime. I know baitcasters are better for heavier setups and faster retreives etc but so far i cant get over the confidence factor that spinning gear gives me. Am i weird and will i ever come across a situation where a spinning setup simply wont work?

[roadwarrior]

You can make it work for everything if you like. However, for techniques requiring heavier

line I think you will find spinning tackle to be cumbersome. The Alabama Rig is a good

example.

[OntarioFishingGuy]

I use mostly spinning gear. There is nothing you cannot fish on spinning tackle, but some things would be better fished on a casting rod. That said I jig for muskies with a spinning rod, and I find it to be more enjoyable than using a casting rod.

[Raul]

There are a few guys here that fish only with spinning reels, Snook is one, Fish Chris ( not the most frequent member ) is quite representative, the man has probably caught more 10+ lb fish than anybody can wish/dream here all with spinning gear.

 

For the foot patrol ( a term with a lot more panáge than "fishing from shore" ) I fish with spinning reels.

[roadwarrior]

There are a few guys here that fish only with spinning reels, Snook is one, Fish Chris ( not the most frequent member ) is quite representative, the man has probably caught more 10+ lb fish than anybody can wish/dream here all with spinning gear.

 

For the foot patrol ( a term with a lot more panáge than "fishing from shore" ) I fish with spinning reels.

 

A couple of very good examples!

[Darren.]

Anyone out there use only spinning reels? I primarily fish from shore and for recreation only. I recently started using (practicing)a baitcaster but find myself running back to my spinning gear everytime. I know baitcasters are better for heavier setups and faster retreives etc but so far i cant get over the confidence factor that spinning gear gives me. Am i weird and will i ever come across a situation where a spinning setup simply wont work?

 

Plenty of people use spinning-only. Raul is spot on with his two examples.

 

I also fish for recreation, but I decided to learn baitcasters a few years back and have spent a bit of money in that time moving up to really good quality reels (Shimano Chronarch 50e models). I use one of those setups an awful lot, possibly more than I use spinning.

 

But I could do what I do with spinning only, I just choose to use baitcasting as well. But by all means, use what you are most comfortable with. There's no reason you *have* to use both. Be proficient in what you are most comfortable with.

[Heron]

<----Shore angler also

 

I walk the shoreline with both a baitcaster and spinning rig in my hand.  

 

I recommend this - the best time for a true-blue spinning rig fisherman to make the attempt to learn a baitcaster - would be during the off-season (if there is one), where no fishing is being had.   That way, there would be no need to return to the confidence of your spinning rod. 

 

Besides, either way, you can still practice with the baitcaster in the yard, while continuing to use your spinning rods on the water.

[Heron]

Foot patrol...I like that

 

You are certainly at no loss by using only spinning gear.  Or only baitcasting.  It all just depends on what suffices best for your personal needs.  

[Pinoy_Basser]

Foot Patrol Angler here

 

I too bring 1 - spinning and 1-casting combos.

 

There are situations that casting gear is the right/better tool for the job.

Flipping heavy cover, frogs, A-rigs etc.

 

Take your time learning to use the casting gear and continue fishing with your spinning gear.  

If the need arises use it.

[new2BC4bass]

As already stated...several on here fish with nothing but spinning or seldom use baitcasting gear.  Now when it comes to people NOT on this or many other fishing forums, then I'd be willing to bet that the numbers are reversed.....many use spinning, few use baitcasting.

 

I never used a baitcast reel until '09.  It definitely takes time to get good with a baitcast reel after using nothing but spinning.  BUT as also previously stated you don't "have" to learn to use a baitcast reel if you'd rather not.  However, many of us learned to enjoy them to the point we seldom use a spinning outfit anymore.  Different strokes for different folks.  It is what makes the world go round. 

[lectricbassman]

Thanks for the input. I like the idea of practicing when there are no fish to be caught, ive got a new winter project now. Thanks heron

[Jaderose]

I have the exact opposite "problem".  I use baitcasters almost exclusively and am so poor with a spinning reel I gave a brand new Pflueger set up away as part of a pay it forward thread on here.  I have others but but almost NEVER use them.  Frankly, I'd rather use a spincaster for light tackle than a spinning reel.  I just can't get the mechanics down.  The thing is....that's ok.  I'm not a professional and I don't NEED to be a pro at a Spinning reel.  I suppose it is funny when people see me with high dollar ( for me)  Baitcaster and a Zebco.  Couldn't care less.  I catch fish on both.

[EvanT123]

I'd say I'm 95% spinning. I only use baitcasting for spinner baits, frogs and in a pinch plugs. Once in awhile ill casts a fluke or a senko. I don't flip or pitch and my lure weights rarely exceed a half once. For long casts and how I like to fish spinning works best for me.

[SirSnookalot]

I use spinning for everything, don't feel I'm hampered in anyway regarding technique or size.  I do believe a spinning rod is made to handle larger baits.  I already own some, never bass fished with them, but see no reason why I couldn't.

[Sam]

roadwarrior, on 18 Sept 2014 - 15:55, said:

You can make it work for everything if you like. However, for techniques requiring heavier

line I think you will find spinning tackle to be cumbersome. The Alabama Rig is a good

example.

 

Add to the list Carolina rigs; deep diving crankbaits; crankbaits; swimbaits; Cavitrons; frogs; toads; big worm baits; and jigs.

[Sam]

Bass fishermen have many weapons to add to their arsenals and we need to have them and know when and how to use them.

 

It like in the military. There are certain weapons platforms that produce excellent results when used as they are designed. The same is true with bass fishing equipment.

 

I love to flip and pitch and also throw finesse worms, shaky heads, drops shots and unweighted trick worms on spinning rigs. I throw Senkos and light jigs on spinning gear, too.

 

But I have baitcasters for crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, Cavitrons, jigs, for going deeper, in heavy cover, grass and pads and frogs and toads.

 

You have to be versatile.  Some applications are designed for spinning gear. Others are designed for baitcasters.

 

And to confuse you even more there are so many brands and types of baitcasters that you can actually go bonkers trying to select the right one.

 

Use You Tube as your friend.  Go to  You Tube and try to find all the information posted for baitcasters from different applications to the gear ratios.

 

And here is a pros tip about finding the correct gear ratio for any baitcaster that does not have its gear ratio printed on its case:

 

Take a black Sharpie and mark a dot or a line on the baitcaster's spool.

Line up the mark with the baitcasters' handle.

Then turn the handle slowly and count the number of times the mark comes around until the baitcasters' handle has made one complete rotation.

Remember, the first number is the number of times the spool will turn with one full handle rotation.

So a 6:1 means that the handle will go around one full circle and the spool will turn six times.

 

You also need to know two other things about baitcasters:

1. How to "balance" the rod, reel and line test for maximum performance.

2. How to minimize backlashes and how to get them out properly without damaging the line.

 

Now take your needle nose pliers and your baitcaster and hit the pond or back yard and practice your casting.

 

Good luck. Expand our arsenal and have some fun with baitcasters.

[Master Bait'r]

Variety is the spice of life... And the driver of industry

[Steveo-1969]

If I am on "wet" foot patrol (wading) then I have my spinning rod in my hand because I'm throwing 1/8 ounce or lighter baits, and because I am absolutely IN LOVE with my spinning rod.  Is that weird?  ha-ha.

 

If I'm on "dry" foot patrol (shore fishing) then I carry a spinning and baitcasting rod and frequently alternate.  I don't necessarily need the baitcaster, but they are fun to use and it's great practice for me.

[Capt.Bob]

I prefer a baitcaster for covering a lot of water, and heavy cranking, which even that is starting to bother the joints, (wrist, elbow, shoulder) so will be doing a lot less with my joints and spine the way it is. For everything else I prefer spinning, any time I fish light, I prefer spinning, a lot has to do with being right handed, and have for 60 years fished with spinning rods in my right hand, and casting rods in my left hand, I can detect lighter bites and distinguish more feel with my right hand. As for fishing large species such as salmon Muskie Red Fish and others, the only way I have found to comfortably use casting gear to retrieve these heavy hitters is with a rod using spiral wrapped guides, otherwise to much torque on the handle any more, and then spinning is much easier to handle, and with the drags today on quality spinning gear, there really isn't anything it wont do!! O like having both, and think having both make the fishing experience more enjoyable and efficient for anyone. I would encourage anyone to learn how and when to use both, they do both have a purpose.  

[J Francho]

Just like I can't imagine a drop shot in 30 FOW with a baitcaster, I can't really imagine chucking a 4+ oz. swimbait with a spinning reel. Those are extreme examples, but they demonstrate a point - there's a point where crossover ceases to exist, and choosing one over the other represents a disadvantage.