Spinning vs Baitcasting

[screamindrag]

Am I less of a man because I prefer spinning reels over baitcasting? Anyone else care to admit this?

[Race1Mopar]

I used to only be a baitcast man. Never even considered spinning and considered it a freshwater reel but I have to tell you... my views changed 8 or so years ago when I caught some pretty large freshwater fish on a spinning reel. Transformed my dad too, now we usually put the topwater lures on our baitcast reels and soft plastics on our spinning reels. We cna get a longer more precise case with lighter gigheads on the spinning reels and you can still get 160 to 180 yards of line on it with 10-12lb test.

I also have spinning and baitcast for offshore. It's so much easier to float a bait back to a fish suspended under a bouy or rig with a spinning reel.
I'll put it out there I like both. I almost always use my baitcast when hunting flounder with big lures or mullet on my line.

Joe

[Swells]

Spinning rigs aren't for woosies, and the Mitchel and Penn spinning surf reels are highly prized these days. Many tuna fishermen now use spinning gear.

The issue with spinning reels becomes evident with the drag features - usually drag washers and a set-screw knob on the open end of the reel. For offshore fishing, the lever-drag system can't be beat. For example, many are rated to 25 pounds of drag and are factor pre-set at 22 pounds. That's pretty nice.

For inshore fishing I don't see much difference unless you get into very large black drum. That said, I've caught oversized reds and large tarpon on a light action pole using braided line.

It's like Ford or Chevy pickup trucks, so there is no clear leader or winner other than you like that you like. To me, the spinning reel is simpler, doesn't backlash, and it my go-to reel. The downside is if your drag assembly blows up.

[Race1Mopar]

I agree, to a point. I love the Penn, with a few other models as my second choice. I've caught a ton of big uglies, over sized reds, big trout, and the all too familiar kings who can put a hurt on a drag system with plenty of success on a spinning reel. My dad even hooked up with one of the gar in the canal and kept him pretty occupied for longer than he'd care to remember hahahaha

Either can do the job as long as you buy one built for the job. The main mistake I see when I go to the sporting goods store is a reel that's one size too small fo the rod it's meant for, such as a reel only capable of 120yards of 8lb test on a medium action rod.... duhhh. That's one reason I buy them separate and usually don't go for the combo deals, but also I am pretty specific on my reel.

Getting off track so long story short a spinning is very capable and do the job nicely, but if you are looking for the best of the best drag systems... yep a lever drag will win for a better system.

[Robalo]

Most cajuns and Florida folk use them. I have some, but prefer baitcast because I can throw it more accurately.

[screamindrag]

Great answers. I've used both, but always seem to go back to my spinning reels. I have a Penn and a Shimano I wouldn't trade for the world.

Ya I've heard spinning reels are popular in other parts of the country. Doesn't seem to be the case down here.

[bountyhunter]

I've seen a lot of yankees usin them spinning things........

[Moonpie]

Normally I carry both type of rod/reels in the boat.
The spinner rigs have some advantages over baitcast and vice versa.
If forced to pick one type I'd go spinning.

[Race1Mopar]

Most cajuns and Florida folk use them. I have some, but prefer baitcast because I can throw it more accurately.

Who you callin Cajun!! Hahahahaha

[2112]

You can't wade as deep with a spinner or if you do you have to hold the rod up higher to keep from soaking the reel...try that at the 2nd or 3rd sand bar.
Positioning the bail to trap the line against the rod to make a cast sucks and gets old.
Line twist sucks but I like using them for casting ultralight tackle for casting to specks under the lights.
If I could only have one, make mine a Bait Caster.

[imhammer]

I carry one on the boat for Tina when she goes out with me or when I have someone on board who can't throw a baitcaster, but I know lots of guys that like them.
I have the line twist and can't get anywhere near the accuracy of a baitcaster.

[mjh]

Good information. Thanks I am glad I came across this forum because I really don't know which one to use yet. I have both but have not decided what to use yet.

[txwhaler 22]

they both have their applications...i like to use spinning gear with braid
for jigs and live bait(SHHHH) and only my baitcaster for topwaters!!

[bjinks]

I'm also coming around on the spinners. Bought one for the wife and use it a lot under the lights. Still can't cast it very accurately, but they are pretty nice.

[mjh]

What kind of braided line would you prefer?