Spinning vs. Baitcast

[pelleeklund]

Hey just wanted to throw a couple of questions out there to see what I have been missing. Just a reminder, this is year 3 of fishing for me, so I'm still trying to catch up.

Question 1 - Do people hate spincast reels? All I use is spincast and I have heard a few people poo-poo them like they are not for real fisherman. Is there advantages to the baitcaster aside from the angle the line feeds on the spool, flipping etc? I'd like to try one but I am the lord of the birds nest and I don't have the patience to constantly untangle line when Im amped to fish. I might try to pick one up and work on casting over the next winter.

Question 2 - In the meantime, can anyone recommend a reel in the 50-60 dollar range that they think would stay smooth and hold up for a couple years. I was looking at a couple different Shimanos, (Spirex) (Sedona) I have heard good things about them.

 

[cmj15]

i honestly prefer a spinning reel over any type of reel for just about any type of fishing, I can pitch and flip better than most of the people I fish with who use baitcasters

 

[wantokeeptrout]

I like spinning reels for casting but if you are trolling or jigging baitcasters provide better action. I never figured out how to cast them without getting a bird nest or getting almost no range. If you get bird nests with spincasters you will likely go through 1000 feet of line in a season with a baitcaster given how bad they get nests.

Though honestly true fishing masters use fly gear...

 

[pelleeklund]

Im a shore fisher mostly, actually all the time, so the only thing I troll for is booty. I always use 10lb powerpro with flouro leaders so I don't really tangle my spinning gear, I was just talking about the two nightmare times I tried baitcasting and created some legendary nests. I am comfortable using spinning equipment so as long as I am not missing out on anything outstanding by switching it up I'm going to stick with it. To hell with what's fashionable. Any personal recommendations for reels? I had a Pflueger Asaro and broke the bailer somehow, it was nice, but not for long.

 

[wantokeeptrout]

your asking the wrong person, my favourite is a hand me down from my father built in the 60s

 

[NCStateFisher]

This question has been asked many many many times. At the end of the day all different kinds of reels will catch fish. if you are simply recreational and go now and again, get a sedona, oil and grease it regularly, and you will be happy for the next 10 years with no problem. as you get more involved in fishing however you learn the small differences in the types of reels and the quality of reels. Baitcasters provide a much better connection between your line and your rod, something incredibly important when fishing baits you have to feel out like soft plastics, jigs, etc. When tuned properly they also get better casting distance in many cases particularly round reel baitcasters used for catfish or other bottom fishing. There are many many many reasons that each reel is better in each situation. For bass fishing I carry my 2 main baitcasters but I also carry a small spinning setup for light lures if the fish are being finicky or if i need to try to cast in a tight spot the shorter rod and less need for a full swing is nice. If you do try baitcasters again watch some basic youtube videos about how to set the magnetic brakes and tension knobs.

If you're looking in the $60ish price range I would recommend a sedona to keep things simple, but the $30 sienna is also a surprisingly good reel for the price. good luck

 

[303mfk]

All i use is spinning. I pick this one up at walmart a few years back for about 30$ on sale. caught everything from small mouth to kokannes and hasnt failed me once. As far as birdnesting goes, dont over spool the line and you should be alright

Edit: Forgot to add the link, here you go http://www.walmart.com/ip/Optix-Size-40-Spinning-Reel-with-Spare-Spool/16652584

 

[kodzzz]

TRy the Shimano Conquest No regretted although is abit pricey.

 

[JD7.62]

I never understood how people cant use baitcasters. Ive been using them since I was eight or nine. For my tenth birthday I received an ambassador on a G-loomis rod, a heck of a present for a ten year old.

Conventional/baitcasters have more pulling power then spinning reels because the spool itself spins to put line on. I only use conventional reels these days for extra heavy duty cranking power for bottom fishing and what not. I use mostly spinning reels now because I need the ability to cast well AND hold a alot of line. Generally a spinning reel is easier to cast and tote around because its smaller then a conventional reel of the same line capacity.

 

[pelleeklund]

I saw that Quantum at the store the other day and was actually considering it. I know both Quantum and Shimano are quality but does either one have an advantage over the other. Thanks for the heads up 303.