Baitcasters For Finnese Techniques

[msolorio]

im not a big fan of spinning outfits as is evident if you were to see my rods/reels. i know in some cases theyre better to use but if i can get away with using a baitcaster for the same techniques one would employ with a spinning out fit i will. that bein said, i was just wondering how many of you feel the same.

[zell_pop1]

I only like spinning rods for skipping docks or panfishing.

[Red]

I only use BC rigs. My Revos cast light baits just fine. I do have a Curado 51E now as well, but haven't used it enough yet to say weather it is better at light stuff than the Revo.

[KCL655321]

Line size pretty much determines what I'm gonna use. If I'm using 8lb diameter & less(with the exception of braid, which I'll use 8lb diameter/30lb test on casting reels), I'll be using a spinning reel. If I'm using 10 or over(90% of the time I'm betting), I'll most likely be using casting gear. I just use whatever tool I think will work best for what I'm trying to do. If I think I need really light line & lures or finesse applications that I think work better with one, I'll be picking up a spinning set-up, otherwise I'll have a casting set-up in hand.

[msolorio]

good to know theres other that feel the same. idk what it is, ive just never been fond of or very comfortable using spinning gear.

[shootermcbob]

How much have you fished with spinning gear?????

I would say why limit yourself? Just another tool in the arsenal.

I enjoy fishing with spinning gear now, and find that fighting a fish on spinning gear, especially with light line, to be a challenge and at least as enjoyable as winching them in with a baitcaster.

When I first started fishing I did not like spinning gear and tried not to use it. Now there are times when it makes more sense and makes fishing just as enjoyable to use the spinning outfits...maybe more.

[Bass Junkie]

Check out the Daiwa PX Type R......

[smalljaw67]

Line size pretty much determines what I'm gonna use. If I'm using 8lb diameter & less(with the exception of braid, which I'll use 8lb diameter/30lb test on casting reels), I'll be using a spinning reel. If I'm using 10 or over(90% of the time I'm betting), I'll most likely be using casting gear. I just use whatever tool I think will work best for what I'm trying to do. If I think I need really light line & lures or finesse applications that I think work better with one, I'll be picking up a spinning set-up, otherwise I'll have a casting set-up in hand.

I feel like the same way, my spinning reels are loaded with 8# line, once I hit 10# it is casting gears all the way. I can and do use a few casting outfits for finesse presentations but they are 1/4oz , no lighter, once I hit 3/16oz the spinning reel gets involved and not because I can't use it with that size lure, it is because I feel the spinning rod and reel are better suited and I feel more comfortable and confident in my presentation of small offerings with a spiining outfit rather than the casting gear. Plus my lightest casting rod is a medium power but it is rated higher in line and lure weight and is more stout than my medium spinning rod. When I began using casting reels there was no way you could throw light baits with it, the reels today you can but I still like spinning for those finesse applications and it works so if it isn't broke don't fix it.

[Darren.]

I've got 8lb P-Line floroclear on one of my Quantum Accurists, coupled with a 6' M rod, and have been able to throw as light as 1/8 oz TX rigged 4.75" Zoom finesse worms and done quite well with that setup. I should say I have been able to cast that weight even w/o a worm on, just to see if I could loft a 1/8 oz lead weight and an empty 1/0 round bend hook. I can if I tweak the brakes, and use my thumb with diligence. Don't get a long cast, but c'est la vie.

I love using baitcasters, but when my "fisherman's elbow" doesn't bother me too much (thanks ibuprofen) I prefer using my Stradic 1000's because I can skip weightless baits and such with ease and accuracy and have zero worries about backlashing, or catching the rod in the holder behind me that I forgot to think about. Ahh kayak fishing :-). With my new yak I can lay down the rods so not as much a worry.

I've seen some pretty wicked videos of guys able to skip baitcasters, but it takes a lot of practice and is simply not conducive for me to attempt in my kayak. More headache than it is worth. YMMV.

So do you have to have a finesse (PX-R) baitcaster to finesse with a baitcaster? No, but if you want to go below 1/8 oz with more success, it would assuredly help. If your wallet can afford such a sweet beast. Spool up one you already have with 6 or 8lb test line and try it out.

To highlight something I mentioned above, I think the rod has a ton to do with the ability to cast light stuff on a BC. If you had say a 7' L, ML, or M you could load up way better than my 6' M rod and should be able to toss a 1/8 or lighter a decent distance.

Edited February 11, 2012 by DarrenM

[Christian M]

I agree, why limit yourself, each rig has its time & place for use. Do you do much drop shotting? I've caught some really nice Bass in 10'-30' of clear water on 4-6lb line that I know I wouldn't have been able to catch using a casting rig. When u get a bite in 20' of water & set the hook & reel up a good 10 ' to realize theres nothing on the end of you line, its essential to be able to open that bail & let that bait drop right back down into that school of bass, into the strike zine, where more often than not you will hook either that same fish or another one. Whereas with casting gear you just wouldn't be able to do the same thing with the half the ease or speed.

I started bass fishing with spinning gear then when I got my first casting setup I never wanted to put it down or buy another spinning rig, but as my knowledge & experience expanded, I realized that it really is another tool in the arsenal that is going to help you catch more fish.

[msolorio]

i used to fish with spinning gear a lot when i first started bass fishing when i was a kid and thought it was ok. then i got a baitcaster and after that, i never wanted another spinning setup. i just feel like i have more control of my bait and the fish with a bc setup and its a lot more fun to me. this may sound weird to some but if i dont absolutely have to drop shot, i wont. i know its a great technique thats proven to catch fish but its just hard for me to sit there n wiggle a worm or shad shaped bait until i get bit. id rather throw a jig, swimbait, crankbait, or even better, find some cover to pick apart flippin and pitchin. ive got one of my bc rigs spooled with 8lb test sunline that ive been using to throw 1/8-1/4oz. darter heads and drop shot and its been doin just find which makes it even harder now to justify spending the money on a spinning rig. i wanna get a couple either way because i know theyre another tool and probably will be needed at sometime, its just tough cus i love bc's so darn much lol