Spinning vs B/C for Worm & Jig Fishing

[LAO162]

Are there any significant advantages of Bait Casting reels over Spinning reels for jigging techniques? I've used spinning gear for nearly 40 years, but started with a bait caster last year.

Since I will only get a couple hour a fishing in per week (if lucky ), I'm thinking that I might want to stick with spinning gear so I don't use valuable fishing time practicing my casting.

I hope to get a worm/jig together this year, but that's a new topic

Thanks

lEON

[Tin]

A baitcasting set up is always better for the jig and most t-rig's, because most times you are fishing these baits, you are fishing them in or around cover. You want the power to winch those fish out of there and get them in the boat.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

A baitcasting set up is always better for the jig and most t-rig's, because most times you are fishing these baits, you are fishing them in or around cover. You want the power to winch those fish out of there and get them in the boat.

I disagree.  I have spinning reels that will pull your house off the foundation.

Once a drag (spinning OR b/c) is locked down, it's locked down.  The line or rod will break long before the drag will slip.

It's personal preference.

[Tin]

The cat-fishing rod Russ? ;D   j/k

I should have also added, I feel more accurate pitching with a baitcasting set-up too. Plus, if you use fluro or mono, you can use heavier line on a casting set-up.

[roadwarrior]

It's personal preference.

I am VERY comfortable with both spinning tackle and baitcasting

equipment. I have a Strong preference for spinning gear fishing

soft plastics and my baitcaster for jigs!

8-)

[dave]

If you have watched the video from Shimano with Larry Dalberg catching those big ocean fish on a spinning rod and reel,  you'd see how strong spinning reels can be.  I was always told that a spinning rod was inherently stronger than bait casting rods due to guide placement.  Which is one of the advantages of spiral wrapped bait casting rods.  There is a short video from Doug Hannon on the subject.  He prefers spinning rods for jigs.

[LAO162]

Thanks everyone, sounds as though spinning may be the way to go since I am more comfortable with them.

Does it make any since to step up from the 2500 size to 3000 or larger?  My fishing will be pretty casual and from shore.  I've never used line over 8lb test.  

[Davis]

2500 is fine man.

I have four spinning rigs and none of them are larger than a 2500 size reel. You can go up to 10 lb on most 2500 sizes. Going up higher to a 3000 size will gain you a couple ounces in unneeded weight.

Same as you....I prefer spinning gear. Just more comfortable with it and I can pitch and flip just fine with it since I grew up with that style. Fished 1/2 ounce jigs last year as well with no issues.

I know I should pick up a baitcaster to try them out but until I start fishing lures heavier than 5/8 than I see no need in it.

Heck I was pulling out fish in the slop with 4lb vanish and a medium rated rod last year (all I had on me at the time). As long as your drag is set correctly you should have no issues.

My 2 cents anyway. But I'm also a shore fisherman most of the time.

[dodgeguy]

i use a 4000 size spinning reel for 10 lb line.advantages are less line twist do to bigger spool and a heavier drag.the reel will also take more abuse because everything inside is beefier.over 10 pound line i use a baitcaster.

[Shadcranker]

It is a personal preference, but the main reason I use BC gear is the control I have with different casting styles.

I can flip and pitch a BC presentation into a coffee cup, so if I'm pitching specific targets, I cannot use spinning tackle.

Also, for horsing fish out of heavy cover and grass, I have much more power with heavy line applications so you can turn her head, and horse her out of the stuff.

Finally, I like spinning tackle for light line applications like finesse worms, shaky heads, small grubs, jigs, etc. When I'm fishing a big worm or jig, I'm much more comfortable with BC equipment.

[The_Natural]

How can you pitch to a target (such as a laydown) with a spinning reel without making a splash?  I'm pretty accurate with my spinning setups, but once you fling your bait out there, you can't slow your bait's descent.  Anything 1/4oz and over is not going to make a very stealthy entry.  I didn't mention the baitcasting accuracy advantage, because there might be some miracle workers out there that can consistently place their bait in a coffee cup from 40ft with their spinning setups.  I can't, but I can by pitching with a casting setup.   I like working hard and soft jerkbaits, all finesse techniques, etc. with my spinning setups, but for jig and worm fishing...got to go with the casting setup.  

[roadwarrior]

Oh, c'mon...

During the cast I (you) can feather the line with your left hand.

[LAO162]

Great folks  It sounds as though Spinning may be appropriate for me THIS year.  I realize that Baitcasters ultimately may be more accurate and flexible in use.  But with only a few hours of casual fishing per month, I'd rather spend time fishing with a spinning reel, than practicing and untangling birds nests with the B/C  :)

I actually did ok with the B/C last year, but my fishing was more productive with my spinning outfits.    So, I guess if I stick with spinning gear I might be able to concentrate more on finding bass and learning to use new types of tackle.  Thanks!  

Leon

[The_Natural]

Oh, c'mon...

During the cast I (you) can feather the line with your left hand.

I disagree (X gets a square!).  Just kidding.   Seriously though, open water and I'm down with the spinning gear, but cruising down a cover laden bank with laydowns, brush, stickups, etc. and pitching with casting gear is the easy choice.  

[OldGuyAl]

I have the same answer as most folks - I love 'em both for different situations.

For me, it's more about the weight of the bait I plan to present than anything.  I feel like I can control the lighter baits fished on lighter lines much better with spinning gear.   Somewhere around 1/4 oz. if my "break even" point because I can use that weight pretty equally on either.   Then, it comes to a choice of line sizes - if it's 8lb line or less then, I'm going with a spinning rod.  Above that, a baitcaster.  

This winter, I've been fishing ponds with almost nothing but spinning rods throwing almost nothing but weightless Senkos in the smaller sizes and have had lots of great bites but, I did have a monster fish break off right next to the shore - her whole back was exposed for just a second and then she bolted and snapped my 8lb line.

So, like everything, it's a trade off.   You've got the best perspective - the trade-off is making sure you enjoy your limited fishing time so, do it your way!

There was a time when folks thought they had to apologize for bass fishing with a spinning rod but we're way past that.  ;-)

[sal669]

I have the same answer as most folks - I love 'em both for different situations.

For me, it's more about the weight of the bait I plan to present than anything. I feel like I can control the lighter baits fished on lighter lines much better with spinning gear. Somewhere around 1/4 oz. if my "break even" point because I can use that weight pretty equally on either. Then, it comes to a choice of line sizes - if it's 8lb line or less then, I'm going with a spinning rod. Above that, a baitcaster.

...

So, like everything, it's a trade off. You've got the best perspective - the trade-off is making sure you enjoy your limited fishing time so, do it your way!

There was a time when folks thought they had to apologize for bass fishing with a spinning rod but we're way past that. ;-)

Same here!

[roadwarrior]

I like them both, too!

Spinning tackle:  Finesse

Baitcasting equipment: Power fishing

8-)

[detroit1]

I agree with LBH, but my rod would only pull you off the porch. I don't flip, but do pitch some (clear water), and bc is  quieter, but most of my worming/jigging is done away from the bank. My 7' mh/3500 size spin reel works just fine for me with 8 or 10# line. To me, spinning is just more comfortable.

[David P]

It's personal preference.

I am VERY comfortable with both spinning tackle and baitcasting equipment. I have a Strong preference for spinning gear fishing soft plastics and my baitcaster for jigs!

8-)

Same here, although big plastics, 10" worms and such, I like to throw on a BC. Anything over 3/8oz BC, anything under spinning, is pretty much how I do it.

[zelmo]

What about fishing a jig or shakey head in deep water?  Add some current or wind and the need for a heavier weight.  Would  a spinning rig make more sense so that you don't get a backlash when you hit the bottom?

[Joel W]

I pitch 3/8 oz and heavier jigs & weighted plastics with baitcasters. 1/4 oz and down is finesse fishing for me, and I use spinning reels for that.  Personally, I'm much more accurate pitching with a baitcaster then I am with a spinning reel. I still don't palm the spool on a spinning reel well enough to accurately pitch with it in tight cover.  

As for Shaky Head fishing, I consider that a finesse presentation and fish it with a spinning reel.