Casting or spinning small swimbait?

[gall]

So Ive really wanted to get unto throwing smaller soft plastic swimbait for the local creek and river smallies. Sizes like the 3.8 and below Keitechs, bps etc. It's mainly shallow less then 5gt where I fish, so I thought between the swimbait and an 1/8oz jighead would cover it even with current. So my question is do you think I'd be better throwing it on casting gear or spinning gear? 

[CroakHunter]

-Which can you cast more accurately? 

-Which do you feel more comfortable using? 

-Which combo do you have the least trouble with? (If any at all) spinning : line twist, wind knots, casting accuracy.  Casting: backslashes, casting distance.

-which is more verstile? If fishing from shore I would guess you aren't carrying 5-6 combos when you go out, and they may not be munching the small swimbait so you May have to change it up.

 

I would answer these questions and then make your decision. For me it would be casting gear. But everyone is different.

[Stephen B]

Spinning gear without a doubt will be better unless you are fishing cover.

 

If you are dealing with moderate cover, then I would resort to casting gear. I think the Gloomis E6X 852C would be great for that weight and type of cover. But, if you are targeting bigger fish or in heavier cover I'd look to a 853C.

[BrackishBassin]

I’d more than likely go with spinning in that scenario. But I fish from the bank and there’s quite a bit in the way of vegetation (trees and shrubs, etc.). It can make casting a difficult endeavor, even with spinning gear. Anything lightweight like that is a guaranteed backlash on anything other than spinning. 

[tander]

I would throw the 3.8 with baitcaster, anything smaller with spinning.

[JustinJ]

I throw 4" easy shiners with 1/8oz ball head on spinning gear. 

[bowhunter63]

Throw them on a fast action spnning Rod.8 to 10 lb test line.A little stiffer rod action gives good sensitivity.99 percent of the time 1/8 ounce ball head.

[gall]

I forgot to mention I wet wade or kayak, but that being said not much cover aside from hard cover ie boulders and all that. When you guys throw them do you any of use braid to a leader or a straight fc or mono or copy? 

[Dtrombly]

I throw 1/8 swimbaits (storm 360GT) on a casting setup, 7' MH on straight 15lb copolymer. To me it would come down to whichever outfit will give you the greater casting distance with that weight. 

[Bluebasser86]

You could use either in that situation, so go with what you prefer. I use both depending on the situation. Most often it will be spinning gear with a light jighead like it sounds like you're wanting to fish. 

[gall]

I figured with those style of swimbaits and that size overall weight isnt like a gambler ez. Those with an 1/8oz swimbait hook I can use casting gear. I knew I would be getting split decisions, but I think blue basser answered it perfectly for me. 

[JustJames]

Just like a lot mention, they both should be just fine, are you a bait caster user or spinning user. I myself prefer everything baitcaster and with 1/8oz head plus plastic, you can get away with any M or ML casting without buying new setup. Last time I used my spinning for type of swimbait where you just reel in slowly, I feel a little awkward and get tired pretty quick. I only use spinning for lure that work with rod like dropshot/wacky rig instead constantly reeling.

[ClackerBuzz]

definitely spinning.  don't let the casting gear bigger is better egos sway you.

[Choporoz]

8 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

You could use either in that situation, so go with what you prefer. I use both depending on the situation. Most often it will be spinning gear with a light jighead like it sounds like you're wanting to fish. 

Either...and it depends...a 3.8 or 3.8 fat isn't all that small.  I'd probably be using a MF baitcaster, especially if using a 1/8 swimbait hook or jighead.  1/16, or shorter than 3.8 might well be spinning....e.g., I use owner ultraball finesse in the situations you describe (with smaller than 3.8's) and use spinning almost exclusively.     I love 12# gliss on spinning w/6# leader. My MF Baitcaster has 20# PP with 8# leader... most of the time

[Bankbeater]

I use spinning gear for 2" swimbait with a 1/8 ounce jig head.

[Steveo-1969]

I fish these small swimbaits with a baitcaster.  Not because I think it works better than a spinning rod.  Not because of ego or any silly "my rod is bigger/better than your fairy wand" nonsense.  I use a baitcaster because I enjoy using one more than a spinning rod.  It's really that simple.

[fishing_gd]

Definitely a spinning if you are throwing a 1/8 oz jig head. I throw keitechs on spinning rods all the way up to 3/8 oz then switch to a baitcaster.