Spinning or Bait Caster? 2024
AustinHellickson reply :
I have already 1 main bait caster and a cheap $30 spinning combo
What would you recommend to get if you were looking to get another combo?
I mainly fish soft plastics and jigs, sometimes I fish crankbaits
Ideas?
Budget is around $80 for reel and I have St Croix connections so name a few favourite rods of theirs
MickD reply :
I fish spin outfits about 2:1 over casting. Super flukes, 4" swim baits on bullet jigs, wacky, drop shot, small jerks and cranks, swim jigs. Personal preference for the fairly open water that I spend most of my time on. So I would go for spin.
Do you find yourself changing lures on your cast more than spin? Or vice versa? Go with what will minimize having to change.
AustinHellickson reply :
On 12/28/2016 at 10:42 AM, MickD said:I fish spin outfits about 2:1 over casting. Super flukes, 4" swim baits on bullet jigs, wacky, drop shot, small jerks and cranks, swim jigs. Personal preference for the fairly open water that I spend most of my time on. So I would go for spin.
Do you find yourself changing lures on your cast more than spin? Or vice versa? Go with what will minimize having to change.
I'm mainly using lighter baits about 1/8-1/4. I change more on bait caster because that is what I mainly use as a bank fisherman. I am leaning towards the spinning outfit.... Recommendations for reel about $30-60?
On 12/28/2016 at 10:42 AM, MickD said:I fish spin outfits about 2:1 over casting. Super flukes, 4" swim baits on bullet jigs, wacky, drop shot, small jerks and cranks, swim jigs. Personal preference for the fairly open water that I spend most of my time on. So I would go for spin.
Do you find yourself changing lures on your cast more than spin? Or vice versa? Go with what will minimize having to change.
I'm mainly using lighter baits about 1/8-1/4 I am leaning towards the spinning outfit.... Recommendations for reel about $30-60?
fishnkamp reply :
For a reel in the $30 to $60 range a Pflueger President spinning reel int he 6930 or 35 sizewill work really well. it will cast well, has a good drag and will be reliable for a long time.
As for a St Croix rod. This depends on your connection and what you can afford. If your budget allows it look at a St Croix Avid X 6'8" medium extra fast tipped rod. That is a very nice rod for many light texas rigs, Sencos. jigs etc. You could easily fish a bait like a Reaction Innovation Skinny Dipper swimbait on a belly weighted swimbait hook. It will easily fish grubs, tubes etc.
If the Avid X is too high look for the 6'8 MXF or 7'1" foot medium action Mojo Bass rods. They cost almost 1/2 as much.
AustinHellickson reply :
On 12/28/2016 at 12:12 PM, fishnkamp said:For a reel in the $30 to $60 range a Pflueger President spinning reel int he 6930 or 35 sizewill work really well. it will cast well, has a good drag and will be reliable for a long time.
As for a St Croix rod. This depends on your connection and what you can afford. If your budget allows it look at a St Croix Avid X 6'8" medium extra fast tipped rod. That is a very nice rod for many light texas rigs, Sencos. jigs etc. You could easily fish a bait like a Reaction Innovation Skinny Dipper swimbait on a belly weighted swimbait hook. It will easily fish grubs, tubes etc.
If the Avid X is too high look for the 6'8 MXF or 7'1" foot medium action Mojo Bass rods. They cost almost 1/2 as much.
Thanks
MickD reply :
On 12/28/2016 at 11:00 AM, AustinHellickson said:I'm mainly using lighter baits about 1/8-1/4. I change more on bait caster because that is what I mainly use as a bank fisherman. I am leaning towards the spinning outfit.... Recommendations for reel about $30-60?
I'm mainly using lighter baits about 1/8-1/4 I am leaning towards the spinning outfit.... Recommendations for reel about $30-60?
I think the Pflueger recommendation is good; I;ve heard a lot of good things about them. Also look for sales at the usual on-line sources and combos that have the stuff you're happy with. Might luck out.
N Florida Mike reply :
For lighter baits I'd definitely get spinning.I use spinning more,but my frog and swimbait outfits are casting and also have a worm combo that's casting.
I fish spinning at least 75% of the time.Love my stradic !!
new2BC4bass reply :
Based on your reel budget I am going to guess an Avid X is going to be over budget unless you have one heckofa St. Croix connection. The Bass X 6'10" ML-XF looks like the St. Croix spinning rod you want. I'm going by rod specs as I have never used a St. Croix rod. Opinions are that they tend to fish a bit heavier than rated, but I have to assume you are already aware of that.
If you are willing to look an other rods, then take a gander at the Fenwick HMG. I have a few in spinning and casting and think they are well worth the money.
The Pflueger Trion is said to be very nice for its price. The Daiwa REVROS and RG are within your budget. A few on here have commented that they are pretty good reels. I have several Diawas, but they are all older models so I can't comment from experience on those two models.
AustinHellickson reply :
On 12/29/2016 at 7:27 AM, MickD said:I think the Pflueger recommendation is good; I;ve heard a lot of good things about them. Also look for sales at the usual on-line sources and combos that have the stuff you're happy with. Might luck out.
Thank you
On 12/29/2016 at 8:46 AM, new2BC4bass said:Based on your reel budget I am going to guess an Avid X is going to be over budget unless you have one heckofa St. Croix connection. The Bass X 6'10" ML-XF looks like the St. Croix spinning rod you want. I'm going by rod specs as I have never used a St. Croix rod. Opinions are that they tend to fish a bit heavier than rated, but I have to assume you are already aware of that.
If you are willing to look an other rods, then take a gander at the Fenwick HMG. I have a few in spinning and casting and think they are well worth the money.
The Pflueger Trion is said to be very nice for its price. The Daiwa REVROS and RG are within your budget. A few on here have commented that they are pretty good reels. I have several Diawas, but they are all older models so I can't comment from experience on those two models.
I mainly stick with St Croix because my neighbor is a rep for them so I get nice rods for $40, I'd like to stick with a 2 piece about 1/16 or 1/8 minimum
Ideas?
new2BC4bass reply :
Which models can you get for $40? There are some 2-piece models in the Premier line that are rated down to 1/16 oz. The 5'6", 6' and 6'6" Light-Fast are all 2-piece and rated for 1/16-5/16 oz. There are also several 2-piece ML-F rods rated 1/8-1/2 oz. Pick your poison.
Darren. reply :
Spinning predominately for me. I've even sold all but
one of my formerly frequently used casting reels.
My sons use two of my old Accurists, and one uses my
Lexa.
Me, I use 4 Shimano Stradic 1000 spinning reels and one
Chronarch 50e setup.
Jeff H reply :
On 12/29/2016 at 8:56 AM, AustinHellickson said:Thank you
I mainly stick with St Croix because my neighbor is a rep for them so I get nice rods for $40, I'd like to stick with a 2 piece about 1/16 or 1/8 minimum
Ideas?
Why are you not asking your neighbor for his advice/opinion??
AustinHellickson reply :
On 12/29/2016 at 9:21 AM, Jeff H said:Why are you not asking your neighbor for his advice/opinion??
On vacation right now
On 12/29/2016 at 9:17 AM, Darren. said:Spinning predominately for me. I've even sold all but
one of my formerly frequently used casting reels.
My sons use two of my old Accurists, and one uses my
Lexa.
Me, I use 4 Shimano Stradic 1000 spinning reels and one
Chronarch 50e setup.
Why spinning not bait caster in your opinion
On 12/29/2016 at 9:10 AM, new2BC4bass said:Which models can you get for $40? There are some 2-piece models in the Premier line that are rated down to 1/16 oz. The 5'6", 6' and 6'6" Light-Fast are all 2-piece and rated for 1/16-5/16 oz. There are also several 2-piece ML-F rods rated 1/8-1/2 oz. Pick your poison.
Anything listed around $140, I was thinking premier line to get, that's what I have for my bait caster
Darren. reply :
On 12/29/2016 at 10:33 AM, AustinHellickson said:On vacation right now
Why spinning not bait caster in your opinion
Austin, in all honesty, it is a matter of what works
for me and what works well. Spinning works in almost
every situation where casting does not.
My Chronarch 50e is quite capable of light lure casting
as well as in wind...
But when it comes to skipping under docks, bridges,
trees (quite frequent), it does not suffice. Spinning gear
is far more versatile, IMO.
You can't go wrong learning casting gear, but if you are
sufficient and catching fish with spinning gear, there is
no need to change what works....
All this is in my humble opinion 
AustinHellickson reply :
On 12/29/2016 at 10:38 AM, Darren. said:
Austin, in all honesty, it is a matter of what works
for me and what works well. Spinning works in almost
every situation where casting does not.
My Chronarch 50e is quite capable of light lure casting
as well as in wind...
But when it comes to skipping under docks, bridges,
trees (quite frequent), it does not suffice. Spinning gearis far more versatile, IMO.
You can't go wrong learning casting gear, but if you are
sufficient and catching fish with spinning gear, there is
no need to change what works....
All this is in my humble opinion
Thank you
MassYak85 reply :
I'll echo the Pflueger President in the 30 size for a spinning reel. I have 2 and both still function flawlessly
new2BC4bass reply :
I've spent a fair amount of money chasing after baitcast reels for casting light weights. It didn't help that I couldn't afford a true finesse reel. I did finally break down and buy a PXL Type R when TW was closing them out with a $200 savings. Have since picked up a Pixy Airy Red that required repairing. By the time you add the cost of the reel, repairs, upgrades and tuning, I have more in it than the new PXL. 
I much prefer a casting reel to a spinning reel, but am coming to realize that anything under 3/16 oz. is so much easier with a spinning rod....for me. 3/16 oz. is no problem. I am still going to practice with 1/8 oz., but anything lighter will be seeing a spinning rod.
OP, I think it best you stick with a spinning rod for the weights you want to use unless...1) You absolutely love casting reels, 2) have some natural skill, and 3) are willing to put in a lot of time practicing. I would also suggest spending a decent chunk of change getting a finesse reel capable of handling 1/16-1/8 oz. Guys that have been at it a long time...such as Raul...can manage it with reels that most of us would never consider using for such light weights. The rest of us need dedicated gear.
Sittin there reelin em in reply :
On 12/29/2016 at 10:38 AM, Darren. said:Austin, in all honesty, it is a matter of what works
for me and what works well. Spinning works in almost
every situation where casting does not.
My Chronarch 50e is quite capable of light lure casting
as well as in wind...
But when it comes to skipping under docks, bridges,
trees (quite frequent), it does not suffice. Spinning gearis far more versatile, IMO.
You can't go wrong learning casting gear, but if you are
sufficient and catching fish with spinning gear, there is
no need to change what works....
All this is in my humble opinion
What kind of bait casting gear do you have? Mine works perfect in the wind and skipping under docks and with lighter bait. Well you did say " All this is in my humble opinion" I'm just curious.
Darren. reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:33 AM, Sittin there reelin em in said:What kind of bait casting gear do you have? Mine works perfect in the wind and skipping under docks and with lighter bait. Well you did say " All this is in my humble opinion" I'm just curious.
I use a Chronarch 50e 7.1:1 and actually have no
problems casting in the wind, even very light lures.
Skipping is a different animal altogether and requires
a rod that will load up properly for skipping with a BC.
I can skip with my ML and my MH casting rods, but I
simply prefer to use my spinning gear for it. Less to
think about, less coordination of thumb and such for
skipping.
Nothing against casting gear. Been there, done that
and found I prefer spinning after spending hundreds
on reels and rods. My sons are all about it, think
casting is the coolest thing. They'll learn it's just a
tool, not the end all. My plan was to use nothing but
casting gear for everything...found I could *almost*
do it...
AustinHellickson reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:33 AM, Sittin there reelin em in said:What kind of bait casting gear do you have? Mine works perfect in the wind and skipping under docks and with lighter bait. Well you did say " All this is in my humble opinion" I'm just curious.
St Croix premier rod, abu garcia pro max 10lb mono
AC870 reply :
Spinning reels practically never backlash, cast further and have much better accuracy, at least for me. I'll keep couple baitcasters for traps and squarebills but I'm upgrading my spinning stuff.
edfitzvb reply :
I have a couple of St. Croix rods and I really like them. They are the Premier line and I have no issues with them. If I could get them for $40.00 each I would buy several more. At that price point I don't think anyone else makes a "better" rod.
A Pflueger President spinning reel would be my first choice, also keeping my eyes open for a discounted new Shimano or Okuma in the 2500 or 3000 size at the local outlets in case you can pick one up in the same price range
AustinHellickson reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 6:53 PM, edfitzvb said:I have a couple of St. Croix rods and I really like them. They are the Premier line and I have no issues with them. If I could get them for $40.00 each I would buy several more. At that price point I don't think anyone else makes a "better" rod.
A Pflueger President spinning reel would be my first choice, also keeping my eyes open for a discounted new Shimano or Okuma in the 2500 or 3000 size at the local outlets in case you can pick one up in the same price range
For bass what size president reel would be good size?
Darren. reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 10:23 PM, AustinHellickson said:For bass what size president reel would be good size?
Safe to say that most bass fisherfolk like a 2500
size reel. Me, I prefer a 1000 size. I like small and
light reels and have zero issues bringing in bass.
6.6# bass in my avatar was caught in a thick brush
field with a 1000 on a 5'9" M rod...
Closest president to a 1000 is a 20, I believe, then
the 25 series.
AustinHellickson reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 10:26 PM, Darren. said:
Safe to say that most bass fisherfolk like a 2500
size reel. Me, I prefer a 1000 size. I like small and
light reels and have zero issues bringing in bass.
6.6# bass in my avatar was caught in a thick brush
field with a 1000 on a 5'9" M rod...
Closest president to a 1000 is a 20, I believe, then
the 25 series.
I was thinking 25 or 30 size
Angry John reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 10:26 PM, Darren. said:
Safe to say that most bass fisherfolk like a 2500
size reel. Me, I prefer a 1000 size. I like small and
light reels and have zero issues bringing in bass.
6.6# bass in my avatar was caught in a thick brush
field with a 1000 on a 5'9" M rod...
Closest president to a 1000 is a 20, I believe, then
the 25 series.
There is one major factor to consider when choosing a spinning reel IMO. Are you going to fish a lot of strait fluorocarbon. The arbor size on the 2500/3000 sized reels makes dealing with fluorocarbon much easier. If your in the braid camp like most of us then weight of the reel and matching up your drag needs seem to be the most important. I like 2000 sized reels because they weigh less, still have a good drag, and I can find great deals on 2000's. I picked up a NIB 2000 certate for $210 and I would never even dream of finding that reel in a 2500 for that price. Going casting on super light baits can be done but it is way more expensive to accomplish the same goal. The alphas air, pixy, and any of the sol/alphas with the aftermarket zonda spool can cast very light weights, but the cost for entry is easily over 300 just for the reel. For practical fishing the spinning reel is the right choice less than 1/4oz.
http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3438
J Francho reply :
I don't get a new rod until I'm fishing, and think to myself, "If I only had a [insert rod] for this." Often, what need is just a duplicate of what I already have, though I have most bases covered at this point.
d-camarena reply :
Lol this gonna turn into a "baitcaster makes me more macho" thread. Theres nothing wrong with using spinning gear guys. I use it all the time. Infact i prefer spinning for most situations. Sure some guys might give you a hard time at the bass clubs but the bass really dont care what reel it tied on the line... Go on
RoLo reply :
In saltwater, I've always used conventional casting tackle as well as spinning gear.
In freshwater though, I clung strictly to spinning tackle for decades.
I was told that a hammer is used to drive a nail, not a screwdriver. but was having too much fun to pay attention.
For those who recall: SirSnookalot, LowBudgetHooker & Fish Chris are all spinning purists.
Today I use a fairly equal amount of both gear, but rest assured, many of the spinning blanks
I use have more backbone than the average casting blank.
In the final analysis, it's a decision that only you can make, I love'em both.
Roger
LBASS01 reply :
It all depends on the situation, conditions, lures, etc. I prefer casting for crankbaits, but I'll use spinning or casting when using soft plastics. All depends on the situation.
J Francho reply :
I let line diameter determine which to use. Anything over 8# size mono, I use casting gear. Below that, spinning gear. You're not going to throw 1/4 oz. crankbait on casting gear with 12-15# mono or fluoro, and likewise, it isn't likely you'll be throwing a 2+ oz. punch rig on 6# mono or fluoro.
Angry John reply :
if I had that budget I would be buying this reel,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Tierra-2500-Spinning-Reel-w-Spare-Spool-New-condition-Never-fished-/182437279176?hash=item2a7a1bf5c8:g:LIkAAOSw5cNYjP9a
soflabasser reply :
My personal preference is to use spinning combos over baitcasting combos, even though I can easily cast with a baitcaster( I can cast with a 4/0 Penn Senator, which is much harder to cast than a bass baitcaster).I have caught all my trophy bass on spinning combos, and use these spinning combos for inshore saltwater fishing with no problems whatsoever. I often fish with big lures with these spinning combos(both in freshwater and saltwater), so saying spinning gear is not strong enough is incorrect and does not apply to all spinning combos.With that said, choose whatever combo makes you happy since in the end of the day its going to be you that is going to be fishing your gear, not someone else.
Fishes in trees reply :
These days it seems like my fishing is 80/20. 80% of the time I've got a bait caster in my hand, but that is as much of a function of where & how I'm fishing more than personal preference. My first "high dollar" fishing rod was a spinning rod. In 1981 I spent $150 on a Fenwick HMG spinning rod - 5'9" - custom handle - Medium tending toward MH with an extra fast tip. Over the years since then, "high dollar" has become average and I get 1 or 2 or 3 new rods most years. I am sensitive to "bargains". If I find one I will generally buy it. I got 4 at the recent Academy close outs and I've got a total of $90 in those rods. 3 of them are upgrades and made the traveling team - one is being held back as trade bait. I have a buddy who makes jigs and we have to finalize how many jigs he will make me before he gets the rod.
Back to the subject when I get a new rod, I am looking to fill a specific niche and so I get the rod that will best fill that niche. I passed dual and triple rods a long time ago. The only time I have to think about that now is those rare times when I'm fishing out of some one else's boat.
AustinHellickson reply :
Now another quick question... What are the advantages for u to use a spinning order over bait caster? Vise versa
I think the rod I'm getting next is spinning rod for plastics and finesse stuff
dwh4784 reply :
For me, the advantages would be casting distance and the ability to cast lighter line and lures. When fishing open, clear water I almost always use spinning gear.
fluna reply :
I use spinning gear(have 2 seperate set ups) on lures that weigh less than 3/8 oz and baitcasting gear for all of my 1/2 oz lures like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and lipless cranks etc.
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