Flipping switch vs standard baitcaster

[bugman]

I picked up a Shimano Castic with a instagauge flipping switch. I fish with Shimano reels most of the time and this reel has all the qualities of my other shimano's. The only thing that I'm having a hard time getting use to is the flipping switch location. The problem is when I palm the reel my hand bumps the switch and will stop or free up the spool. I would like to hear what others are using, or if you rather pitch/flip with a baitcaster without a flipping switch.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I bought that reel thinking I would like the flipping switch.  In the end I ended up hating it.  I hit the switch WAAAYYYYY too many times while making a hookset.  I lost more fish than I gained from the switch.

[Sam]

I will NEVER purchase a reel with any type of switch, be it flippin or bail or swimmin or runnin or jumpin, etc. anymore.

Never, never, never.

In fact, I plan to replace the ones I have this year or next year.

Can't stand them.

Worthless IMHO.

[WIII-60]

I'm with you guys. I had an accurist PT with the switch. It was neat in theory, that's about it.

[The Next KVD]

Super glue those stupid worthless things so that you only use the standard baitcaster.  IF you try to make a regular cast with the switch on than you can seriously damage your reel.  Trust me, been there done that.

[Infidel.]

I don't like the big switch on the Castaic but I have never fished one so I can't really say. What I can say is that I do like the flipping switch feature on a standard baitcaster. It doesn't make that big of a difference for me when I am flipping but it is nice while I am working a bait. If I am working a bait over a branch but then need it to fall back down 5+ feet, I like to just press the thumbar to let the line out. If I get a hit on the fall (which is nomally the case) all I have to do is lift my thumb and pull. I don't have to worry about engaging the reel.

But I guess if the structure I was pitching in was only a foot or so deep like most of the country, I wouldn't need it.

[Jeff H]

I love my Castaics!  I've been using them since they came out and I've never "bumped" the switch or had any kind of problems with using it.  The thing I love MOST about these reels is the Instagage feature.  

I have some older reels with the flippin switch and I've never used them.  Don't know anyone else who has either.

If any of you guys have a mint Castaic you don't want, PM me.

[cart7t]

I've used flippin switch reels for years without a problem.  Started first over 20 years ago with Ultra Mag Garcia's and now have a pair of 2005LP's with them.

I've only occasionally, accidently turned the flippin switch on and had a problem cutting a cast short.  The feature really works best with Pitchin more than anything,  depress thumbar,  make pitch, release thumbar and you've got instant reel engagement.

I've used the Castaic before, the Instagage is just a different twist on the same theory.  You either love the flippin feature or hate it.

[HOIST-N-HAWGS]

Copied from my reply to a similar question:

To be honest I'm not a big fan of the flipping switch. Have had a few, the last one was a Diawa Pro caster. Experimented for a very short time and sold it after 4 months due to the F-switch getting in the way and accidentely engaging becuase of they way I palm the reel.  I can pretty much do the same with all the reels I have now by making small ajustments.There are many more experienced and skilled fisherman here then I, that should be able to provide more indepth info and choices. Good luck in your search.

[ba7ss3in]

I'm with you guys. I had an accurist PT with the switch. It was neat in theory, that's about it.

same here

[Raul]

My old Abus XLT Plus and Black Max have a flipping switch, in the 2 + decades I 've had them I think I 've used the switch maybe 20 times.

[burleytog]

If you're activating the Instagage on the Castaic while palming, you're either not palming correctly or you have hands as big as Andre the Giant.

[cootertom]

Lost two fish on hook-set the first day by hitting the switch with thumb (Shimano). Changed the way I hook-set on that reel and now looking for another for jigs.

[Just_Old_Fisherman]

Have a older Quantum reel with left hand retrieve and flipping switch on my flipping rod.  I like it since I get instant engage on the reel the minute I release the thumb bar.  I do lots of flipping and have times I get many bites the instant it hits the water---left hand and flipping switch both help in this case.  But it is one of those things you have to get used to.

[.ghoti.]

Don't use one and don't like them. Hitting it by accident won't hurt anything, until the next cast, when you don't realize it's engaged until it's too late. It's good way to get a face full of hooks. Doesn't do the reel much good either.

Also, when you tear the reel down for cleaaning, it's one, or two, more springs you have to go look for when they go flying off into the ether.

None of the reels I've bought in the last several years has one, and I intend to keep it that way.