Am I Missing Out? 2024
Sp032o reply :
Hello! I usually fish in the spring and summer on the banks of small to medium sized lakes with my friends. I fish with a spinning rod for bass, and occasionally bluegill and catfish. I know that many people say that you can't throw heavier lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs on a spinning rod and reel, and that you need a bait caster to do that. I was wondering if the type of rod used for different baits really does matter for catching fish. If I do throw heavier type lures such as the ones mentioned above on a spinning rod and reel, will I still be able to successfully catch fish? All opinions are appreciated, thanks.
Ozark_Basser reply :
Baitcasters handle bigger baits better once you get the hang of them. You can control your casts easier, and they do better with larger diameter lines unless you have a large spinning reel.
wisconsin heat reply :
I would say it easier to throw heavier lures more accurately on casting gear, for me at least. But you can throw whatever you want on spinning gear, there is no size restriction. People fish for northern pike, muskellunge, and a plethora of saltwater species with spinning gear casting MUCH larger lures than your average sized bass lure. You don't have to learn casting gear if you don't want to. It won't hinder your performance at all.
Many, many anglers however, prefer casting gear for a lot reasons. In my opinion, it is easier to cast more accurately. I'm not flat out saying that casting gear is more accurate than spinning gear, but rather that is easier to be accurate with casting gear than spinning. Once you learn how to use baitcasting of course. Also, casting gear does give you more power over the fish, which can make a difference in some cases, but in most I think just feel of casting gear is more preferable here.
ABW reply :
You don't "need" a baitcaster, but I enjoy fishing with one.
lectricbassman reply :
Sirsnookalot is living proof that a baitcaster is not necessary, you are only missing out if you let it get to you. Fish with what you like and what you are comfortable with.
bucky reply :
You can fish any lure with a spinning reel and rod. Some of the larger lures and spinnerbaits can cause your line to twist a lot, but other than that, I don't see any reason to limit the types of lures you throw. I use a sinning reel fairly often.
geo g reply :
We Can't really help you much, when we don't know where you live, what type lakes you fish, or if your fishing from a boat or from the shore. If your asking for advice fill out your profile. Example, if your were from Florida I would say yes a baitcaster, heavy line, and strong rods, because you will be pulling bigger bass out of heavy cover constantly. Fish Okeechobee, and you need beefed up gear, and strong line, or you will lose quality fish in the junk. If you fishing draw down deep lakes in the north with very little weeds and grasses, then you can get away with medium rods, lighter line, and spinning reels. Keep in mind the rods give you weights for that set up for max performance. You also have to consider the environment they frequent or you get very frustrated with your results.
Fill out the profile it helps with all the answers, and what could possibly be so secret!!!!!!!! 
RoLo reply :
For bluewater species in the ocean, I use conventional gear. However, when fishing for freshwater bass,
the forum members will attest that I used spinning tackle exclusively until just a few years ago.
Among the BR spinning aficionados were Glenn, Russ (LBH), Fish Chris, Snook & myself.
What many angler overlook is 'Tackle Class', which is really the main man, not whether it's spinning or casting.
The bulk of my spinning tackle for Florida bass is rated Med-Hvy | 10 to 20 lb line | 1/4 to 1 oz lure weight.
Many anglers who looked down their nose at my spinning gear, were toting casting gear that was lighter
than my spinning gear. Many moon ago, I boated my PB mossback on spinning tackle.
Roger
OntarioFishingGuy reply :
No, you're not missing out. I throw frogs, punch rigs and DT-16s on spinning rods and have no issues.
scaleface reply :
I use to snag with some friends. They all used big spinning rods to cast the heavy weights. I just used a Abu 5000 D and a flipping rod and could cast twice the distance as them .
yugrac reply :
I have only recently started using baitcasters after nearly 50 years of fishing, and the last 40 years of it with spinning gear. I feel its more a matter of matching rod power and taper to specific types and weights of lures. I have a 7 ft Abu Garcia Vendetta rod with the big Pflueger president spinning rig that I bought just to throw large crankbaits with. It handles 10XD strike kings, and 3 oz catch-em-caro crankbaits just fine. The baitcasters for me are just something new to learn, but they do have times when they may have advantages over spinning gear, but there are times when the spinning rods are better. I think its all a matter of what your comfortable with.
BaitMonkey1984 reply :
On 3/3/2015 at 8:20 AM, ABW said:You don't "need" a baitcaster, but I enjoy fishing with one.
I just made the switch to bait casters. With the exception of big swimsuits you can do everything with spinning reels, just won't be able to cast as far.
roadwarrior reply :
Give it a try, I think you will like some techniques better with a baitcaster.
smalljaw67 reply :
You can fish just fine with a spinning set up, my problem with them was larger baits and speed baits. I don't like really big spinning reels, a 4000 size is where it begins to get too big and in order to get the speed of a casting reel with a spinning reel the spinning reel has to have a large spool. The same thing with power, even medium heavy spinning feels softer than a casting rod and then you have the weight issue, a big spinning reel is heavy, unless you buy one of the magnesium ones which will run a good buck as the ones for less are still up there in weight, I have MH casting set ups that I can throw 1oz baits with easily and both the rod and reel together weight less than 10oz. So casting to me is something I love doing and I can't imagine running all lure types with a spinning rod but it can be done and if you are comfortable like that then so bie it but if you feel like you are missing out, try casting for a bit.
RoLo reply :
On 3/3/2015 at 7:24 PM, roadwarrior said:Give it a try, I think you will like some techniques better with a baitcaster.
I agree.
For example, 'mat-punching' is possible with spinning gear, but casting gear is the correct tool 
Roger
tomustang reply :
Braid is a good equalizer
SirSnookalot reply :
The rod is what propels the lure not the reel. True with a b/c the spool has to move to cast, not so with spinning as the line is coming off a fixed spool, the rod does all the work. Very light lures can casted with spinning as long as the rod loads. A practice I don't bass fishing is overloading, inshore is very common.
About the only difficult cast with spinning for me is a pitch with a 7' and over rod, 6'6 and under I simply make a make backhand flip which I find very easy to do. For the most part I find spinning much more versatile, I can buy any size rod I need to propel a lure.
0119 reply :
On 3/3/2015 at 8:02 AM, Sp032o said:I know that many people say that you can't throw heavier lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs on a spinning rod and reel, and that you need a bait caster to do that.
If I do throw heavier type lures such as the ones mentioned above on a spinning rod and reel, will I still be able to successfully catch fish?
I have a true love hate relationship with spinning gear. I prefer mono which can be a pain with spinning. I prefer short rods which are difficult to find in spinning. In my part of the state you'd be hard pressed to find baitcasting gear locally. Shops have no interest in fixing them either. Everyone here throws every kind of bait/lure on spinning without hesitation. A mile from my house in the Gulf they catch huge tarpon on very heavy jigs and even bigger jewfish on baits weighing pounds. All on spinning. I've been transitioning into more use of spinning gear because of a hand injury thats not going to be repaired. I'm enjoying not worrying about wind or is my lure heavy enough for my baitcasters. I've found I can control my line better during a fight with a spinners increased IPT. I've found accuracy can be just as good as with baitcasters. Not palming a casting reel, I feel like I have more control of the fight with a solid handhold on the rod and the butt end tight against my forearm. Enjoy what you use, avoid "internet experts" and remember Guido Hibdon won a Bassmasters Classic with spinning tackle.
Alonerankin2 reply :
All good advice, I will only add.. Use what you want, what keeps you fishing, what gives you the most pleasure, I use both, and enjoy both!
Best wishes..
roadwarrior reply :
On 3/4/2015 at 12:19 AM, 119 said:Enjoy what you use, avoid "internet experts".
OP is asking for opinions and we have some members that are pretty talented and knowledgable.
0119 reply :
Didn't say they existed here
Jrob78 reply :
The key is matching the rod to the bait you're throwing. You will have a hard time throwing a 1oz jig on a med light spinning rod, just like you would have a hard time throwing a 1/8oz Beetle Spin on a 8' XH flipping stick. Stay within the parameters of your gear and you can use whatever you want.
Patrick Morrow reply :
I have been throwing bigger baits with spinning reels all my life. I don`t see a problem in that.
ClackerBuzz reply :
unfortunately a baitcaster won't help you catch more fish.
studying structure will
geo g reply :
A lot depends on where your fishing, what part of the country, the amount of vegetation in the lake, and the experiences of the angler using the equipment. A lot of transplanted northern anglers, who grew up using spinning gear, will often continue using it in our southern lakes, thick with heavy cover. Why, because they grew up using that stuff, and that's what their used to, not because it is best for the conditions. If you look at the professional angler, he is going to match the equipment to the conditions. In thick southern lakes with big bass, 90% are going to spend the majority of their day using baitcasters. They use baitcasters for a reason, it is the best match for the conditions. You don't take a monster truck to a drag race, and you don't take a drag racer off road. Pros do nothing by accident, its all part of the overall plan. Do whatever makes you happy, but there is equipment made to handle certain situations better then other equipment.
new2BC4bass reply :
ABSOLUTELY !!!! If you don't have a minimum of 10 baitcast combos you aren't doing it right.
Naturally I am just kidding.........................you should have a minimum of 20. 
masterbass reply :
A few years ago I used nothing but spinning gear and I didn't feel like I was missing out at all. My curiosity about bait casters triggered me to buy one and I back lashed like a maniac so I went back to my trusty spinning reels. The mistake I made was I went cheap on my first bc reel. My buddy bought a lews and raved about it so I became curious again and bought one. Today I use bc gear for 99% of my fishing because it's my preference. For the techniques I use I could still use spinning gear for everything, but I just enjoy using a bait caster.
SirSnookalot reply :
Quote
If you look at the professional angler, he is going to match the equipment to the conditions.
I never thought to emulate a professional fisherman, 50# braid (didn't mention heavier, I don't want those he-men feeling like weenies) skimming a 3# fish back to the boat in 10 seconds or less. You really don't call that fishing or at least sport, does one? There is plenty of thick vegetation up north and don't think for second the surf is always clean. Thick mats of floating seaweed is common place, try pulling a just a 3 # jack thru that, yet it's done all the time with spinning gear. The reel doesn't pull the fish thru it any way, the rod does, so just use a heavier rod when needed.
The right tool is the one that you are most comfortable with.
lmbfisherman reply :
Oh definitely you are missing out, using baitcasters increases your catch rate by 10 fish a day. 
J Francho reply :
Here's my take. I use both, and I like casting for mid to heavy stuff, spinning for the light stuff. Casting for line over 8#, spinning for below. Yeah, there's specialist gear, if you want to get technical, but that is the break down in a nut shell.
There's a handful of guys here that do spinning only, and will tell you don't need to use casting. There's also a few that use casting only. All the rest either use both or want to get started with casting.
Pick your group - no one has the right answer.
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