spinnerbait reel?

[rboat]

I just started getting back into throwing spinnerbaits after moving away to other techniques. A have a rod that is specific for spinnerbaits and works very well, but I am wondering about a good spinnerbait reel. I currently am using an older round reel from Diawa called millionaire. It seems to work ok. I normally throw 1/2 oz spinnerbaits. I am just wondering if there is a better reel option for throwing these baits?  Thanks.

[casts_by_fly]

A 1/2 oz spinnerbait isn't particularly taxing on you or the reel so throw it on any reel you want.  

[1984isNOW]

9 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

A 1/2 oz spinnerbait isn't particularly taxing on you or the reel so throw it on any reel you want.  

What spinnerbaits would be taxing? 

 

I would ask what the IPT is for that millionaire, or at least the ration. I tend to reel way faster than I should, I'm thinking I need a bit of a slower reel so that I can fish at my comfortable and natural pace, way too fast, but not actually be burning the spinnerbait and raising it up in the water column.

 

Are you having an issue with casting the spinnerbaits on that reel? fluff? heavy? like I mentioned, the IPT? If its working for ya, there's no need to change. If you feel like it would feel different or the presentation could be improved explore some options. 

 

A number of factors contribute to a reels performance, but I find that sometimes spinnerbaits can get the reel a bit fluffy on the cast of they catch the wind right. I have been using the Tatula SV103 and diggin it for absolutely everything I throw on it. 3/8-1/2 oz spinnerbaits on 8# hybrid (about same dia as 10#mono) with no trailer or very light short thin body trailers have been really castable and retrieve smooth on the 7:1. Its a 7:1 with a little bit less than typical IPT for that ratio, given the reels/spools smaller size. 

 

I tell ya though I got an old 13 fishing Origin A used for real cheap and might give them a go on that since its a 6:1 to slow me down yet, I find I'm still pulling up colorado and indiana blade baits quicker than I think I should when I'm not muttering to myself "slow down fool"

[casts_by_fly]

7 minutes ago, Kites R4 Skyfishing said:

What spinnerbaits would be taxing? 

 

Not much, that's my point.  No need for a spinnerbait specific reel unless you're throwing really tiny ones or really big ones.  They you might want to consider something specific.  If I was throwing an ounce plus with big blades all day then I might consider a little lower gear ratio or an HD reel, but only if that was something I was doing all the time.  I wouldn't buy a specific reel to do it for an occasional thing.  

[MickD]

If you are interested in going lighter with spinnerbaits, cranks, or chatterbaits you probably can do better with the latest Daiwa SV103 TW.  Best casting reel I've ever found without breaking the bank.  About $200.  If worried about excessive speed, get the 6.3:1 ratio.  

[LrgmouthShad]

You want a 5 speed reel with good line capacity

 

I use a REVO Winch Gen 4

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Crankbaits are harder on a reel, but I dont see a full size spinnerbait being easy.  Decent amount of resistance with colorados and high cranking speed with willows.  I dont everyone else, but I really lean into the hookset and my drag is generally locked down.  You dont have to with anything crazy, but I like a brass main over AL, full AL frame and a ratio in the low 6's with a 100mm handle.

[Captain Phil]

I find most modern reels too fast for spinnerbait fishing.  Cadence is significant when it comes to spinnerbaits. Cadence is rhythm. Spinnerbaits work because they put out fish attracting flash and vibration.  Every spinnerbait has an optimum cadence.  If a spinnerbait goes through the water too fast or too slow,  it's fish attracting property is lessened.  This does not mean you can't catch a fish on a fast spinnerbait.  It means you won't catch as many as you would if the cadence is spot on.

 

The tandem spinnerbaits I use work best when thrown on a 5/1 casting reel.  My reel of choice for this fishing is the good old Shimano Calcutta 200 round reel.  Any reel with a similar line retrieve would work.  My spinnerbait rods are 6'6" graphite medium heavy action rods. I use 20 pound Big Game mono for spinnerbait fishing.  I want a little stretch in my line and toughness in heavy cover.  Comfort is important with spinnerbait fishing.  If a spinnerbait was the only bait you had to use, you would still catch a lot of fish.

 

[Deephaven]

I like a fast reel for spinnerbaits.  I find it really easy to slow down on a reel but it's impossible to make up ground when the strike comes at you with a slow reel.  I also burn them a bunch and waking a spinner bait is easier with a high speed.  If I want to slow roll them, then the retrieve is already so slow a faster reel doesn't matter.

I really only like slow reels when I need cranking power.  Perhaps I have more patience to slow down than others though.

[Captain Phil]

There is no right or wrong in bass fishing.  What is important is that you continue to learn and experiment.  I remember a Federation Tournament I fished years ago on Lake Toho.   I went as a nonboater so my buddy could use his boat.  The guy I drew did everything I thought you shouldn't do.   He fished with a Zebco 33.  He used a weightless worm with the hook placed so that the worm kinked and spun as he reeled it.  It was the strangest way of fishing I had ever seen.  We were fishing offshore hydrilla with about 2-3 feet of clear water above it.   He reeled the spinning worm above the hydrilla and it drove the bass nuts.  When we got back to the weigh-in, someone from his club told me he was the Top Rod.  Who knew?

[LrgmouthShad]

23 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

it's impossible to make up ground when the strike comes at you with a slow reel

There’s not a lot of ground. Keep reeling, set hook. 

26 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

cranking power

You don’t throw thumpers?

24 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

then the retrieve is already so slow a faster reel doesn't matter.

True slow roll is a total crawl on a 5 speed. You likely cannot reach that with a high speed reel

[a1712]

5 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

I find most modern reels too fast for spinnerbait fishing.  Cadence is significant when I comes to spinnerbaits. Cadense is rhythm. Spinnerbaits work because they put out fish attracting flash and vibration.  Every spinnerbait has an optimum cadense.  If a spinnerbait goes through the water too fast or too slow,  it's fish attracting property is lessened.  This does not mean you can't catch a fish on a fast spinnerbait.  It means you won't catch as many as you would if the cadence is spot on.

 

The tandem spinnerbaits I use work best when thrown on a 5/1 casting reel.  My reel of choice for this fishing is the good old Shimano Calcutta 200 round reel.  Any reel with a similar line retrieve would work.  My spinnerbait rods are 6'6" graphite medium heavy action rods. I use 20 pound Big Game mono for spinnerbait fishing.  I want a little stretch in my line and toughness in heavy cover.  Comfort is important with spinnerbait fishing.  If a spinnerbait was the only bait you had to use, you would still catch a lot of fish.

 

I wish I could like this post 10x's. Brian. 

[Deephaven]

6 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

There’s not a lot of ground. Keep reeling, set hook. 

You don’t throw thumpers?

True slow roll is a total crawl on a 5 speed. You likely cannot reach that with a high speed reel

When they smash it and swim right at you full bore there is a lot of ground.  2oz spinnerbaits I don't throw on my normal spinnerbait rod.  You can easily crawl on a 7 speed.  Heck 7 rotations on a 5 are the same as 5 on a 7.  Not hard to go at 3/4 the speed...

[1984isNOW]

25 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

When they smash it and swim right at you full bore there is a lot of ground.  2oz spinnerbaits I don't throw on my normal spinnerbait rod.  You can easily crawl on a 7 speed.  Heck 7 rotations on a 5 are the same as 5 on a 7.  Not hard to go at 3/4 the speed...

I've never even seen or heard if a 2oz spinnerbait haha.

 

But it's all about the IPT, a 7x ratio that's 28IPT and a 5x that's 23IPT are NOT separated by two handle turns - but you are making the right point if one has the self control to slow down. The difference either way is minimal all things considered, but as @Captain Phil pointed out getting that right speed is critical, and I think I might by close with my 28IPT over my 33IPT with a little less thought. But now yall got me thinking I should check what my 21IPT reel will do.

[FrnkNsteen]

I have to agree that the reel isn't critical when fishing spinnerbaits. What is important is feeling comfortable with the setup and being able to comfortably hit the right speed with a given spinnerbait.

 

I have always liked spinnerbait fishing and my two biggest bass have come on spinnerbaits. Both were on big slow rolled colorado blades around timber and stumps.

 

I have a few different setups for spinnerbaits at the moment. My current favorite is a colorado blade slow roller setup is using an old Daiwa TDZ US Trail 100ML 5.7:1 reel that I love for slow rolling those big thumping spinnerbaits. Willow bladed baits get a faster 6 or 7 speed reel depending on size, weight, and how I want them to run.

 

Most of my spinnerbait rods are MH in either Fast or Moderate Fast. I like a little slower rod with a good backbone,.... Like a Dobyns Sierra 734 for example. Love that rod for swimjigs and spinnerbaits!!

 

I love a good spinnerbait bite!!

[gim]

March 2022 I bought a specific spinnerbait setup.  The rod is a 7 foot MH St Croix Bass Mojo in moderate fast that is specifically designed for tossing them.  And the reel is a Shimano SLX XT in 6:3:1 gear ratio.  I spool it with 12 pound sufix advance, but you could go up to 20 pound test.  I personally don't reel spinnerbaits at ultra high speeds.  I have a fair number of spinnberbaits with bigger blades that need to be reeled a little slower in order to give off some good "thump" as they come through the water.

[Deephaven]

9 hours ago, Kites R4 Skyfishing said:

I've never even seen or heard if a 2oz spinnerbait haha.

 

But it's all about the IPT, a 7x ratio that's 28IPT and a 5x that's 23IPT are NOT separated by two handle turns - but you are making the right point if one has the self control to slow down.

In your example it is less than two.  7/5=1.4 28/23=1.2 so in other words go 1.2 times slower and the retrieve is the same.  Exactly why slowing down isn't that big of a deal.  To keep it in distance, over 100' the 28IPT takes 42 revolutions of the reel and the 23IPT takes 52. (at an assumed constant IPT)

[1984isNOW]

39 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

In your example it is less than two.  7/5=1.4 28/23=1.2 so in other words go 1.2 times slower and the retrieve is the same.  Exactly why slowing down isn't that big of a deal.  To keep it in distance, over 100' the 28IPT takes 42 revolutions of the reel and the 23IPT takes 52. (at an assumed constant IPT)

That's my point, its actually less than 2 revolutions in that comparison. But I was tired and didn't complete my thoughts... Sometimes a 7x ratio is 33 IPT and at 100' that puts handle turns at 36 and 52. So with the greater difference (which is more common, 7.x being over 31IPT) this means you would need to reel in 40% slower or faster to compensate either way which is a HUGE difference when comparing your natural reeling cadence to what you are aiming for. a 40% increase in decrease in the rate of anything is absolutely significant and noticeable in practice. 

[softwateronly]

The truth is, you have to get the feel.  IPT changes through out a cast no matter what speed you're throwing and fish want different speeds on different days.  Learn the feel, adjust the speed accordingly.  For me, that's slowing down a 7 speed and using a relatively sensitive graphite rod.

 

scott

[Cbump]

19 hours ago, Deephaven said:

impossible to make up ground when the strike comes at you with a slow reel

How is It impossible to reel faster? How were people catching fish when a 5 gear was considered fast?

[Drew03cmc]

For me, I am using a Steez LTD SV 6.3:1 on my Mojo Bass 7' MHMF for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. It works fantastic and is super light.

[Cbump]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

March 2022 I bought a specific spinnerbait setup.  The rod is a 7 foot MH St Croix Bass Mojo in moderate fast that is specifically designed for tossing them.  And the reel is a Shimano SLX XT in 6:3:1 gear ratio.  I spool it with 12 pound sufix advance, but you could go up to 20 pound test.  I personally don't reel spinnerbaits at ultra high speeds.  I have a fair number of spinnberbaits with bigger blades that need to be reeled a little slower in order to give off some good "thump" as they come through the water.

Excellent bladed jig rod also. 

[FryDog62]

With less than ideal aerodynamic lures like spinnerbaits, buzz baits, etc that are hard to get as much casting distance - I switched from a Tatula SV TW to a Tatula Elite. The difference might be $40 but the benefits are significant and I get easily 20-30% more distance with the Elite, and it's effortless on my tennis elbow.  Unless you are skipping a lure, I've come to the conclusion that SV spools are more limiting than good. I used to have a dozen and am down to two.  Elites rock ~

 

I switch between 2 rods for spinnerbaits - one is 6.3:1 and the other 7.1:1 and both work just fine. 

[bowhunter63]

Good old Round Abu 7 ft rod medium Heavy. BG Mono 

[Jar11591]

23 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

You want a 5 speed reel with good line capacity

 

I agree with this. My prerequisites for a spinnerbait reel are basically something with good line capacity, slow gear ratio, and can sling 3/8-3/4oz spinnerbaits a good distance. I actually use a Kastking White Max for this. It’s served me very well for a <$100 reel. Good for nothing but slingin and slow rolling spinnerbaits, and for that it’s perfect.