Spinning Reels for Finesse Fishing: If You Had a Choice. . . .

[Big Hands]

With regards to spinning reels for finesse fishing, if you had a choice, would you choose a reel with a shallow spool?

 

I would venture to guess that there are some spinning reel users here that might want 200 to 300 yards of line on their reel. I would also bet that the majority of 'serious bass fisherman', you know, the kind of guys that will spend more than $75 for a reel, would prefer not to double the cost of re-spooling for no apparent reason. I know that Daiwa makes shallow spool models in many of the same models we buy here with spools that have humongous line capacity. But they are not available here in the USA.

 

It's like they are selling us toothbrushes with three inches of bristles so we'll use more toothpaste.

 

Thoughts?

[Tywithay]

I only have one spinning reel without a shallow spool and that's because it was too good of a deal to pass up. There's no reason for a bass/panfish sized reel to hold more than 100 yards of line, especially with the number of people using ultra thin diameter braid nowadays. 

[PourMyOwn]

I use backing on all of my reels so this isn't an issue for me. I also use braid and flip it after 2 years so cost isn't an issue either. 

[MN Fisher]

I just choose to use a smaller reel for finesse. Currently have a Pflueger President 25 on my Fury 702SF - that's about a 1000 size reel.

[Big Hands]

10 minutes ago, PourMyOwn said:

I use backing on all of my reels so this isn't an issue for me. I also use braid and flip it after 2 years so cost isn't an issue either. 

11 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I just choose to use a smaller reel for finesse. Currently have a Pflueger President 25 on my Fury 702SF - that's about a 1000 size reel.

But if you had the choice, would you choose shallow spools, or the deep or 'regular' spools we are currently offered?

 

[PourMyOwn]

5 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

 

But if you had the choice, would you choose shallow spools, or the deep or 'regular' spools we are currently offered?

 

I'd stay deep because I fish deep water that's clear so long casts with a lot of line out is a good thing.

[MN Fisher]

5 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

But if you had the choice, would you choose shallow spools, or the deep or 'regular' spools we are currently offered?

 

Since my Pres-25 only holds 90yds of 6# - and it's the only spool size available for the reel - it's pretty much a moot point for me. A 330yd source-spool of the Sufix Elite I use gives me 3 full refills plus extra for my drop-shot weights - I use VMC SpinShot hooks, so tie that on, tie a length of line on the other end, put the weight on.

 

Since I'm not fishing deep waters, the 90yds is more than enough. And since I'm not trying to cast far distances with it, I can use quite a bit of the line on the reel before having to re-spool.

[Big Hands]

1 minute ago, PourMyOwn said:

I'd stay deep because I fish deep water that's clear so long casts with a lot of line out is a good thing.

If you need the capacity, it's obviously a good choice. And I know everybody certainly doesn't have to do it the way I do it. I am genuinely curious though, what kind of finesse fishing you are doing that would require more than 100 yards of line?

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

Since my Pres-25 only holds 90yds of 6# - and it's the only spool size available for the reel - it's pretty much a moot point for me. A 330yd source-spool of the Sufix Elite I use gives me 3 full refills plus extra for my drop-shot weights - I use VMC SpinShot hooks, so tie that on, tie a length of line on the other end, put the weight on.

 

Since I'm not fishing deep waters, the 90yds is more than enough. And since I'm not trying to cast far distances with it, I can use quite a bit of the line on the reel before having to re-spool.

I'd say that makes it a good choice for you. Smaller reels are lighter too, which can be a preference.

[PourMyOwn]

6 minutes ago, Big Hands said:

If you need the capacity, it's obviously a good choice. And I know everybody certainly doesn't have to do it the way I do it. I am genuinely curious though, what kind of finesse fishing you are doing that would require more than 100 yards of line?

I'd say that makes it a good choice for you. Smaller reels are lighter too, which can be a preference.

Tightlining mostly, but I don't ever have 100 yards of line out. I just don't like to be that close to the spool's end. Also, super light reels don't appeal to me, I've been doing this since the early 80s and everything today is light compared to what I learned on.  

[A-Jay]

I'm an avid spinning reel angler and have been for a long time.

Several size reels (25, 30 & 40) for  many different applications;

from finesse fishing & drop shot, top water & jerkbaits, to tubes & swimbaits.

Always with a braid main line & a leader; mono or FC.

But Never on a shallow spool.

Not a fan.

The line capacity is simply insufficient for my needs. 

Thankfully the brands I use offer both shallow & deep spool options,

which I'll always take advantage of.

A-Jay

 

[JustJames]

I don’t care much about line capacity, shallow or deep spool on my spinning reel. I only use super line on spinning so any reels should have more than enough line capacity.
If deep spool, fine I will add backing which I only need once and it is only a few xtra grams. Even on my only shallow spool reel, I still have to add backing to compensate with 8lb nanofil. To me weight of reel and spool dimension is more important. 

[basser27]

Use mono backing 

[Tatsu Dave]

With the price of flouro and the fact I would never need more than a 100yds of line I use smaller reels and use backing if I need to. When I used to striper and hybrid fish in the tailrace down in Maryland we used 200yds in case you got a big one that headed downriver with the current. In Maine a big bass won't go far and then slug it out with ya so don't need all the back up. 

[jimmyjoe]

15 minutes ago, Tatsu Dave said:

When I used to striper and hybrid fish in the tailrace down in Maryland we used 200yds in case you got a big one that headed downriver with the current.

 

   Exactly!   ?  For that reason, I'll take a deep spool every time.     jj

[Big Hands]

Perhaps I should restate the question:

 

With regards to spinning reels for finesse fishing (and I assume we're talking about largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass here primarily?), if you had a choice, would you choose a reel with a shallow spool?

 

I read about many spending $300 to $600 on very niche rigs for very specific finesse techniques, and obsess over the smallest of details, but for some reason we accept that the reels we spend a LOT of money on are going to have line added to them that will NEVER see the light of day in actual fishing conditions. Who has more than 50 yards (150 feet) of line out when finesse fishing?

 

Just seems odd to me that for all of the nits we pick and fret about, that we don't really fuss about that. 

[WRB]

All Black bass species are not capable of long runs, they are not physically able to sustain a run over 75'. Anything over 120 yards of line is useless for a bass reel.

What is important with a spinning reel is keeping the spool full of line within 1/16-1/8" of the spool rim so it cast line effectively.

Tom

[GreenPig]

I'm good with my Stradic Ci4+ 1000's & 2500's factory spool as they're plenty light & my braid last a long time.

[Tatsu Dave]

9 hours ago, Big Hands said:

Perhaps I should restate the question:

 

With regards to spinning reels for finesse fishing (and I assume we're talking about largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass here primarily?), if you had a choice, would you choose a reel with a shallow spool?

 

I read about many spending $300 to $600 on very niche rigs for very specific finesse techniques, and obsess over the smallest of details, but for some reason we accept that the reels we spend a LOT of money on are going to have line added to them that will NEVER see the light of day in actual fishing conditions. Who has more than 50 yards (150 feet) of line out when finesse fishing?

 

Just seems odd to me that for all of the nits we pick and fret about, that we don't really fuss about that. 

Well until the really pricey lines started showing up most fisherman never thought about it. Now with line truly getting expensive some do, I still answer your question no I would not restrict my spool size. Too easy to use backing and have the added spool capacity if needed somewhere down the road. I use some pretty expensive line and still see nothing to fuss about, guess its all in different people's perspective. You asked everyone what their choice would be in your post, Some will have different opinions thats all    Dave

[WRB]

Spinning at one time came with 2 spools, deep and shallow giving you a choice.

Tom

 

[Big Hands]

2 hours ago, Tatsu Dave said:

Well until the really pricey lines started showing up most fisherman never thought about it. Now with line truly getting expensive some do, I still answer your question no I would not restrict my spool size. Too easy to use backing and have the added spool capacity if needed somewhere down the road. I use some pretty expensive line and still see nothing to fuss about, guess its all in different people's perspective. You asked everyone what their choice would be in your post, Some will have different opinions thats all    Dave

It's just interesting to me that so many rods are made for so many specialized techniques, like darter heads, tubes, dropshot, worms, jerkbaits, small swimbaits, etc. And, many anglers have rigs for many different techniques. You could have several rigs that use the same 6 or 8 lb test line, but each rod is designed for a specific technique. I see preferences expressed for rod lengths that vary by a couple of inches (I absolutely get that because sometimes a few inches in rod makes a difference). But then put three identical Stradic 2500 reels on them that have the same gear ratio and identical line capacity where 75% of the line never sees the light of day. And, if they wanted a rig for doing something where they needed something different, a completely different rig would be purchased just for that. 

 

It's not like they aren't yet made. For example, with Daiwa spinning reels in other markets, you are given the option to choose. Here, we are not given the option.

 

I absolutely realize that there will be differing opinions, and maybe most feel as you do. That's why I asked. But, again, the question is "If you had a choice, would you choose a reel with a shallow spool?" Right now, we are not given that option here in the USA and maybe that's why it's not even questioned. 

 

It is becoming apparent that I may be in the minority of anglers that give it much thought. But as you mentioned, with line becoming so expensive (for high performance line), it may be something to consider in the future. Or, as many have stated, it isn't something to worry about, since it can be remedied by installing backing.

 

Maybe I should be more concerned about whether or not I need a light + rod or a medium light rod. Or both. Or two medium light rods, one with a fast action, and one with an extra fast action that is two inches longer. And maybe a third that is shorter for skipping under docks. And then three of those fabulous 2500 reels with two to three football fields of line capacity.

 

I was just curious. I think my question has been answered. Thank you for the responses.

2 hours ago, WRB said:

Spinning at one time came with 2 spools, deep and shallow giving you a choice.

Tom

 

I remember those days Tom. Even though the shallow spool may have been made of plastic, LOL.

[RoLo]

 

Going back, when shallow & deep spools were packed in the reel box, I had the opportunity to compare. 

On the deep spools I used any out-of-service saltwater line for backing, which remained indefinitely.

I've never been smoked-out on a shallow spool, so frankly, it's really not important to me.

 

Roger

 

[JustJames]

You compare orange to apple here regarding rod type and reel. As @WRBor @Cattmention reels are there just to hold line. I do agree 100% but only on spinning side not baitcaster. Most of the bass fishing is done by rod not reel, so each technique require different type of action and power rod but not the reel. US market don’t have option for shallow spool because a lot of angler here still using mono/FC for main line. And US anglers use bigger diameter line compare to those in Japan. Most US anglers also believe in power fishing more than finesses type. I guess.

 

To answer your question if deep and shallow spool option widely available here at the same price point, I would get shallow spool anytime. But if I have to go xtra mile or pay xtra premium then deep or standard spool is fine with me. On the other hand I’ll go couple extra miles more for gear ration and spool size and some other feature mostly to save weight.

 

I see some benefit of shallow spool for those that use thin super line. Easier to re-spool, no backing need and don’t have to worry about connection knot. That knot can interfere with your cast way before you reach 50yds given that you only spool 75yds mainline with thin braid. The shallow spool also come with slot that you can hide arbor knot inside with out worry about the knot catching mainline (at least mine come with it)

 

I bought Daiwa Ballistic FW, not because it has shallow spool but I want Zaion Rotor, none Mag seal and lower gear ration than those offered in Tatula. And yes I have 3 of 2000 size Tatula, Kage, Ballistic, similar spool size, similar weight, similar features fishing different techniques.

 

If you are in market and you want shallow spool, I say go ahead. You know what you want and fit you bill the best. Nobody can judge you.

[Big Hands]

13 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

You compare orange to apple here regarding rod type and reel. As @WRBor @Cattmention reels are there just to hold line. I do agree 100% but only on spinning side not baitcaster. Most of the bass fishing is done by rod not reel, so each technique require different type of action and power rod but not the reel. US market don’t have option for shallow spool because a lot of angler here still using mono/FC for main line. And US anglers use bigger diameter line compare to those in Japan. Most US anglers also believe in power fishing more than finesses type. I guess.

 

To answer your question if deep and shallow spool option widely available here at the same price point, I would get shallow spool anytime. But if I have to go xtra mile or pay xtra premium then deep or standard spool is fine with me. On the other hand I’ll go couple extra miles more for gear ration and spool size and some other feature mostly to save weight.

 

I see some benefit of shallow spool for those that use thin super line. Easier to re-spool, no backing need and don’t have to worry about connection knot. That knot can interfere with your cast way before you reach 50yds given that you only spool 75yds mainline with thin braid. The shallow spool also come with slot that you can hide arbor knot inside with out worry about the knot catching mainline (at least mine come with it)

 

I bought Daiwa Ballistic FW, not because it has shallow spool but I want Zaion Rotor, none Mag seal and lower gear ration than those offered in Tatula. And yes I have 3 of 2000 size Tatula, Kage, Ballistic, similar spool size, similar weight, similar features fishing different techniques.

 

If you are in market and you want shallow spool, I say go ahead. You know what you want and fit you bill the best. Nobody can judge you.

Two thumbs up on the Ballistic FW. I can imagine feeling less rotor wobble with the Zaion rotor, and I personally like lighter weight reels when I can afford them. I have invested more into setups that I use the great majority of the time, like a dropshot finesse rig. But if I were to get (for example) a rod to use for frog fishing or punching, I wouldn't invest as much in a rod/reel I would only use occasionally as I don't have a bucket of budget to work with. But, I am able to get a little picky with a combo that is going to be what I fish with most of the time.

 

I appreciate the detailed response ?

[S Hovanec]

I'm a shallow spool guy.  My dropshot reels have 10 yards of backer and 50 yards of braid.