MGL Casting OR Spinning Reel?

[ABrugs]

Hey, All -

 

So I’m in the middle of my 2nd season bass fishing and what I’m realizing more and more is that I truly love ‘finesse’ style fishing. I know that term isn’t mutually agreed upon from what I’ve been reading, but for more context, I love throwing Senkos and anything between 1/4 - 3/8 ounces in total weight. My original strategy was to add 2 new baitcasting setups that were technique specific every year, which leaves me currently at 4 total. Considering I throw Senkos for the majority of my fishing, I’ve also come to the realization that I don’t need 4 technique specific setups right now, especially since I’m a bank angler. I’m way more interested in versatility.

 

^ This leads me to my question. I grew up fishing w/ a spinning setup and assumed I ‘needed’ baitcasters in order to truly bass fish. Since I’m discovering my preferred style of fishing is more ‘finesse’, what are opinions on switching to baitcasting reels like Shimano’s MGL lineup versus going to spinning setups? I’m not going to make any changes this season, but this question has been weighing on my mind and I’d love some opinions. Thanks!

[Bankc]

If you like finesse fishing from the bank, I'd definitely look at spinning reels.  You can throw lighter baits further, and use lighter line without as many issues.  

 

If, however, you're needing the higher gear ratios, increased drag, the ability to throw thicker line, or doing a lot of flipping and pitching, then the MGL series would be the way to go.  

 

Personally, I tend to lean more towards spinning gear for bank fishing and casting gear for fishing from a boat.  

[roadwarrior]

I don't think you need a casting rig.

[ABrugs]

@Bankc - That’s what I’ve been thinking. I do pitch a decent amount at certain lakes and think it would be much easier to do this w/ lighter lures on a spinning setup than w/ a casting reel.

 

@roadwarrior - I agree. I don’t need a casting setup, but I’ve become more confident in them since that’s all I’ve used over the past year. I’m strongly considering consolidating my 4 casting setups into 1 quality spinning setup for next year. I don’t need to move fast and don’t mind tying on different lures when needed. This would also give me the opportunity to get into a high-end spinning rod (St. Croix/G. Loomis) and a Stradic FL/Vanford.

 

^ This is basically what I was hoping to get at. I’m ideally looking to consolidate my 4 casting setups that I don’t need into 1 quality/high-end setup, which would either be spinning or casting w/ a MGL reel.

[Fishes in trees]

I remember a long time ago, reading in In-fisherman magazine, Al Linder wrote an article about how most of the time he fished spinning gear rather than bait casting gear - and he admitted that he more or less had access to an unlimited amount of gear.  He wrote about a LOT of situations where, in his opinion spinning gear was more efficient than bait casting gear.   Don't remember much else about that article.  That being said, I think that if you're bank fishing, given average conditions over the entire year, spinning gear is more versatile.  The line control issue mentioned earlier is important.

 

If I had to start over again and was bank bound mostly and was only allowed 2 new rigs per year, I'd get a rig to throw slider worms and a rig to throw lighter swim baits.   Any other baits that I decided to throw, I'd "make do" with one of those rigs.  Back when I was a meat fishing bush hippie, I could throw quarter ounce buzz baits a long way with my 6'6" ML spinning rig and it was always an adventure when I got bit at the end of the cast.   I landed most of those strikes that hit 60 to 80 feet away.  Just remember rod tip up - keep the fish up in the water column - try to keep it from jumping.

 

Of course, these days I'm a junk fisherman with a boat - I think I carry around a dozen bait casting rigs and maybe six or seven spinning rigs.   If someone else is fishing in the boat and I have to cut down the total number of rigs I carry, that's a day to day decision depending on conditions.

 

[Bubba 460]

I just now ordered this spinning reel from BPS. It's a new (2021) Shimano Ultegra Spinning Reel. Price is $149 ~ $159 depending on what size you get. Other than GREAT (YouTube) reviews and the fact that I like the looks of it... I know nothing about it but it's is "supposed" to rank right up there with the top of the line Shimanos.

[NHBull]

How about a finesse BC?

Love this one

https://www.alphaangler.com/collections/bait-casting-rods/products/clutch-power-finesse

[LCG]

I love finness fishing as well. Ned rig, drop shot, wacky, weightless senko, etc. 

 

I also have both a Shimano Stradic FL 2500 and a Shimano SLX MGL 71. They can both handle each presentation with the appropriate rod of course. I use the MGL for casting smaller spinnerbaits and chatterbaits as well. 

 

Some days I prefer the spinning combo, other days I prefer the baitcasting combo. The fun of drag pulling from a spinning reel is pure joy. The accuracy of the casting combo is perfect for target casting. A lot of times I will take both out. 

 

[JustJames]

On 6/21/2021 at 10:34 AM, ABrugs said:

 I love throwing Senkos and anything between 1/4 - 3/8 ounces in total weight. My original strategy was to add 2 new baitcasting setups that were technique specific every year, which leaves me currently at 4 total. Considering I throw Senkos for the majority of my fishing, I’ve also come to the realization that I don’t need 4 technique specific setups right now, especially since I’m a bank angler. I’m way more interested in versatility.

 

 

Let start off, why do you think you need specific setup for baitcaster and why spinning is more versatile? Finesse fishing techniques?

So do you have or don’t have any baitcaster?

Spinning setup you have limit of line used and  to me baitcaster is more versatile than spinning. 
Any modern baitcaster reel can cast Senko easily and also can fish other techniques quite as well once you get out of “finesse techniques” 

Baitcaster will handle let’s say Jig, swimbait or any cast and reel type better than spinning. And once you go over 3/8oz or your “finesses” the same baitcaster would handle anything from 3/8oz to 1oz with ease.

Spining you either struck with small mono or braid which is not perfect for every technique.

I only use spinning for, Neko Rig, Wacky Rig sometimes Ned rig, but I can use only one baitcaster for everything above plus much more.

Another point is, Baitcaster is not truly bass fishing, but more like much more enjoy experience once you learn how to use it properly. And no it is not limited to only “MGL” reel. Maybe you should try “SV” reel instead ?????? 

 

[ABrugs]

@Bass_Fishing_Socal - It’s not that I think casting is only technique specific or that spinning is more versatile. It’s that I’m discovering my style of fishing and that leans more towards finesse than power. Yes, I currently have 4 casting setups and would consider myself decent w/ them at this point. The reason for the post was to get opinions on MGL types of spools, i.e. SV, versus going w/ a spinning setup. I have 2 Tatula 100’s and honestly haven’t cared for the Daiwa braking system so far. I realize those aren’t SV spools, which could be much different, but it’s more of an ergonomics thing that I’m not crazy about.

 

^ I got caught up in the idea of dedicating every setup to one technique, which was the wrong approach starting out IMO. I’m now much more interested in consolidating down to 1 quality setup and that’s either going to be a spinning setup or a Shimano MGL setup based on the style of fishing I like to do. FWIW, I’ve been looking at the St. Croix Legend/G. Loomis IMX/GLX lines paired w/ either a Shimano Stradic FL 1000 or 2500.

[JustJames]

You tie up only weight of lure to type or reels too much. Yes if below 1/4oz weight, spinning would win in casting distance hand down doesn’t matter if it is MGL or SV spool. I’m not sure when you say finesse VS power fishing which technique you mentioned to. You know there are “finesse definition” all over the place. Senko with about 3/8oz weight can be fish as power or finesse (dragging thru weed and such). 
I use spinning just for technique that require a lot of movement, shaking small hopping doesn’t matter what weight. At the same time, lift and drop or drag or just simple slow retrieve, baitcaster would perform way better and comfortable for me, again weight is not a lot of issue especially when we are talking “Senko” as your favorite.

I think it is come to the point of what you more comfortable with spinning or baitcaster if we are talking “Senko”.

[ABrugs]

Yes, I can throw 5” Senkos pretty easily w/ my casting reels. I do also realize it would be even easier w/ spinning reels, especially pitching. To elaborate further, I’d be throwing 5”/4” Senkos rigged both wacky and weightless, 1/8 T-Rigs, 1/8 finesse jigs, 1/8 tube jigs, and 1/10 Ned rigs. I would imagine spinning setups would be the best for all of these techniques, but how much better than a casting MGL or BFS reel?

 

I totally agree w/ @LCG that there are pros and cons to each setup. I LOVE setting the hook w/ a casting setup. How much does that differ w/ these techniques w/ a spinning rod and lighter line? I’ve only been using straight fluorocarbon on my casting reels and it sounds like a lot of people are against that w/ spinning reels. Would 6#/8# Tatsu be a good choice if I didn’t want to go braid + leader on a spinning setup?

[LCG]

17 hours ago, ABrugs said:

How much does that differ w/ these techniques w/ a spinning rod and lighter line? I’ve only been using straight fluorocarbon on my casting reels and it sounds like a lot of people are against that w/ spinning reels. Would 6#/8# Tatsu be a good choice if I didn’t want to go braid + leader on a spinning setup?

Hook sets are dependent on how you rig the bait. Ie texas rig set hard, wacky reel down and sweep. Regardless of spinning or baitcasting. It's about the diameter of the hook, if the hook is exposed, or buried in the plastic. I tend to play the fish more with spinning outfits. I fish wacky usually on spinning and weightless Texas rig senkos on baitcasting. Ned's are usually on spinning but the MGL can do it as well. There is a lot of overlap between my spinning set up and my casting set up with the MGL reel, but enough difference to use both. 

 

I use 20lb braid to leader. The reason is for versatility. Usually tie a 6lb leader, if around some Vegetation or light wooded area then I can tie on a 10lb leader. If I need to go straight braid, remove the leader. 

 

Braid had no memory, which makes it great to use on spinning reels. Super sensitive, with a tight line. From what I hear Tatsu is some of the best line out there, but I have not used it personally. I am braid to leader on all set ups. Tried straight mono, but it's not for me. 

[ABrugs]

I appreciate your insight! Well, I’m not going to make any changes this year so I have awhile to consider everything before pulling the trigger. I love hearing the ‘why’ behind everyone’s individual strategy and believe that’s a big reason why this forum is so impactful.

[bulldog1935]

On 6/21/2021 at 5:24 PM, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

...

Another point is, Baitcaster is not truly bass fishing, but more like much more enjoy experience once you learn how to use it properly. And no it is not limited to only “MGL” reel. Maybe you should try “SV” reel instead ?????? 

 

Finally made it to this thread, and have a few posts queued up to give some likes - I ran out of those today.  

This year, I put together a couple of Daiwa SV reels using Ray's Studio BFS SV spools that will out-cast any spinning reels.  Proved it on both 8' small game and 6'7" BFS bass rod against comparable 8' small game spinning, Shimano C2000 and same diameter braid. 

First off, the modified SV reels will cast 2 g farther than the spinning tackle will cast 2 g (rated for 1 g).  

Taking them fishing with 3 g, the BFS SV reels gave both greater distance, much improved accuracy and repeatable casts over spinning - to the point of daring long casts deeper into the edge of the grass.  

(People are going to jump in with their personal spinning skills, but mine go back 50 years)

Yes, this spool is shallow, but it will hold 90 m of PE#1.2, which is 27-lb test in X-braid.  

I'll add this about the SV casting brake - once you set the mag to eliminate wind backlash with the lightest thing you're going to throw, the moving rotor SV complication does the rest on all the heavy stuff you're going to throw.  

 

@ABrugs

At least for BFS = bait finesse system.  

Since the Japanese coined it, they pretty much to get to call what it means.  

They make BFS rods for stream trout fishing, bass fishing, shore fishing and even offshore fishing.  

 

Japanese tackle that gets imported to the US by the US affiliate companies is most always bass fishing, most always high gear ratios, and only about 1/3 of the number of models offered to JDM (throw in inshore and large offshore sizes).  

https://www.jpfishingtacklenews.com/shimano-stradic-19/

Thirteen JDM '19 Stradic models, v. five USM Stradic FL models.  

[ABrugs]

@bulldog1935 - That’s all solid information. I’m happy you provided some clarity into ‘BFS’ as well. Thanks! Going back to my initial post about MGL casting reels versus spinning reels, I was thinking of an Aldebaran versus a spinning reel, for example. I realize Daiwa has the SV options as well, but I’ve been interested in the Shimano products.

 

I really do enjoy using casting gear as I’ve been using it exclusively since I started bass fishing last year. However, I’m constantly thinking too much about the cast when I’m throwing lighter lures in fear of getting nasty backlashes. If a Shimano Aldebaran MGL/Curado MGL 70 K would make that much of a difference, I’ll still consider going that route. I’m not worried as much about 5” Senkos unless there’s a lot of wind, but it’s when I’d want to downsize to a 4” or to some of the other lures I mentioned in an above post. Also, I’m starting to pitch a lot more and am curious how much more effective these MGL/SV/‘BFS’ casting reels are at doing that w/ lighter (1/4) oz lures?

[bulldog1935]

I had already figured out I wanted linear mag brake for best distance and wind control with light lures in my salt small game niche - 3-g plug, and I was making repeatable 120' casts. 

The longest-casting spool I have just for the salt UL rig is Roro-X, which weighs 5.5 g, titanium spindle, and fixed rotor in place of the SV complication.  

 

The Ray's SV spool (left) weighs 9.2 g and lets you widen your lure weight range for bass tackle with non-linear SV moving rotor for start-up backlash with big weight.  

Having been through the exercise and greatly exceeding my target capability, I believe you're being obstinate with brand loyalty.  

These are the first Daiwa reels I've bought since they wouldn't support parts on my 7-y-o Millionaire 6H in 1984.  

 

I went with larger 34-mm diameter spool, 1000-size reels, to get the obvious distance you gain with slightly less rotational speed.  The smaller-diameter-spool BFS reels are really intended for stream trout fishing.  

 

I'll also give some credit to Jun Sonada at Japan Tackle, who lists all the aftermarket spools for all brands, and declares the Roro-X as the only capable of casting 2 g (be sure Jun's done it).  

He also provides this nice brake curve, which demonstrates that SV provides comparable start-up protection to centrifugal brake, and when the SV relaxes to linear mag, extends cast distance over centrifugal.  

(this is basically the same thing tournament casters do when they're manually adjusting their mag brake mid-cast)

[ABrugs]

I don’t know if it’s being brand obstinate or simply wanting to try the Shimano product line, but regardless, it’s clear you know what you’re talking about here in the BFS reel space and I appreciate your willingness to help. I’m also going to be honest about most of this BFS reel discussion going over my head a little bit. ? 

 

Thanks to everyone for the replies and opinions so far, I appreciate you!

[bulldog1935]

If you want to understand where I'm coming from, here's the primer I wrote on backlash and casting brakes:  

Adding, here's Jun Sonada's article on braking systems with descriptions of brake types, brake curves, and a table comparing which brake type works best where.  

Brake systems of casting reels (japantackle.com)