Bait Case V. Spincast

[OzarkFishman]

I will jump in here and share my side of things ...

I was always a spinning reel guy ... why ... I wasn't good with a baitcaster.

As my fishing knowledge has grown (50% due to getting out there and fishing AND 50% from reading great posts on here), the range of lures that I throw has also grown. Like many before me have stated, throwing a crank or a spinnerbait on a spinnning reel can be a chore (at least anything over an 1/4 ounce). Smaller spinners and cranks do fine on a spinning reel. Throwing a 3/4 ounce jig on a spinning reel is also not fun (3/8 and less, I use a spinning combo). Finesse baits for me are always on a spinning reel (just a personal opinion, others do just fine with many finesse techniques on their baitcaster). I don't believe many dropshot on a baitcaster, but I am sure some do. If fishing a heavy dropshot through shallow cover, a baitcaster would be needed. The list could go on and on and on ... oh ... don't think anyone would want to throw an Alabama rig on a spinning reel ... unless it is a lighter, smaller crappie version ...

As far as price goes ... I tried the cheap baitcasters and was never happy (personally). Then, I got my hands on the Quantum Pro Tour (burner) ... AMAZING (picked it up off of a friend for a STEAL).

You see the pros casting 1,000 feet and you wonder how it is done (exageration was used). Then, you cast a nice baitcaster and realize TECHNOLOGY IS GREAT.

REMEMBER ... these are just my opinions ... others may disagree.

OzarkFishman

[eric1978]

I've made the analogy before...rods and reels are tools. You can rip a sheet of plywood with a drywall saw, and you can drive a nail with a wrench, but those aren't the right tools for those jobs. They can be done much more efficiently and easily with the right tools. Throwing a spinnerbait or big crankbait with a spinning reel, or trying to skip a fluke under some overhanging branches with a BC CAN be done, but it's not the most efficient way to do it.

There's no rod and reel setup that can do it all...it's always a matter of application and choosing the best tool for the job.

[Al Agnew]

Eric is right...but there are some things that can be done almost equally well with either baitcasting or spinning. Personally, in those cases I'll always use baitcasting, because once you get "dialed in", your thumb is educated, your reel is adjusted properly, and your rod matches the lure weight, baitcasting is simply more efficient and trouble free.

On the other hand, under some conditions spinning works better even if you'd ordinarily use a baitcaster. Whenever you have to cast medium light or wind resistant lures on a windy day, you'll have less trouble with spinning tackle. Or, if like I experienced today, your reel isn't quite adjusted perfectly for a light lure, you need to make long casts, and it's a little windy, you'll be picking out a few backlashes. I struggled through even though I could have gone to spinning tackle, because I just prefer to fish jerkbaits on baitcasting tackle.

[hoglaw]

I've always found spinning reels to be more "cantankerous" in the line twist department. I'm sure line twist can happen with a baitcaster, particularly jigging spoons, but I've never noticed it being a problem. New line on a spinning reel and line twist can be a serious pain in the neck.

Building spinning rods is tougher for me too. Guide placement is way more important when it comes to casting efficiency than it is with baitcasters. There's a lot more to it than just static testing. The funny thing is now that I've gotten into building rods, I see how little attention is paid to guide placement and guide size on commercial spinning rods. I've started stripping guides and replacing them with micros for the choke and running guides, and bigger ones for the first two guides and it's a world of difference in how they cast and how they feel. Those big heavy guides and improper placement really kill the action of a lot of off the rack rods.

[Greasy B]

Maybe try a lower profile reel, Greasy. The new Curados are really comfortable. I used to feel kind of the way you do with the big, clunky reels, but the newer models are far more ergonomic. Pair it up with a high-dollar lightweight rod, and I suspect you'll enjoy the BC experience much more.

Bingo! I picked up a Chronarch 51E and a G-Loomis Mossy Back 6’-8” EX Fast, sweet rig. I compared the grip and thumb profile to my other set ups, just enough difference to allow me to grip more of the rod and less of the reel.

Thanks,