Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jewelz on December 22, 2012, 09:28:01 AM
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I would like to start chucking spoons for steelhead this season but im not really sure which way to go, spinning reel or casting reel. I would like to hear everyone's opinions about the two, and what would the pros and cons of each one would be. I'm hoping this will help me decide which one to go towards.
Just to give some background about my usage of the two; I've used casting reels to float fish and bb for salmon and I've used spinning reels to toss spoons and spinners for trout and other smaller fish.
Lemme know what u think, thanks!
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I use both but prefer to use the bait caster ......
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Any particular reason as to why u prefer the casting reel?
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Easier to release line for a longer swing and if is a deep hole
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My choice would be a spinning reel. You can cast smaller spoons.
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Spinning...
I find it easier to cast them in tight places, and like FA says they are able to cast lighter presentations more easily and accurately.
I also like to have the drag set very loose while actually swinging, etc so that when a hit occurs you can allow them to take it and hook themselves (also helps with not breaking off on the initial hit which is unbelievably hard at times). Once I hook a fish I will set the drag a bit tighter or will use my finger on the spool of the spinning reel as drag - so I find it easier in the end to use a spinning reel rather than a bait caster.
Other advantage is you look like a beak... I had lots of guys get pissed last year on the vedder when I walked into a run with a spinning set up, and they would leave grumbling, leaving the run completely to myself.
Cheers,
Dan
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Hmm... I like the idea of casting smaller spoons.
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I take both set ups with me since I tend to have better precision/aim with spoons using my spinning set up. Also, if you don't have your casting reel set just right you might be more likely to get some birds nests and waste time (or maybe that's just me because I am still new).
I have a telescopic amundson spinning set up that fits in my backpack that I can take with me. That way i'm set either way.
since using spoons without a float will typically have a shorter time in the water its nice to have the spinning for ease of casting also.
Just my thoughts
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It's a trade off between easy of casting light spoons vs. ease of line release while swinging a spoon.
I typically use spinning out fit for pinks and coho as casting 1/8 and 3/16 oz spoons is essential in warmer water.
Where as bait caster for winter steelhead as heavier 3/8 and 1/2 oz spoons are typically used and quick and accurate depth control is essential for success in cold water.
When I swing a spoon for winter steelhead, I don't engage the gear and hold on to the line with my thumb.
If I feel the spoon is rising and getting away from the bottom, I would release a burst of line using my thumb to get it back to the required depth.
However, I have seen that some people are also good at depth control with their spinning reels by feathering the line, but I have found this to be more difficult in my case.
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It's a trade off between easy of casting light spoons vs. ease of line release while swinging a spoon.
I typically use spinning out fit for pinks and coho as casting 1/8 and 3/16 oz spoons is essential in warmer water.
Where as bait caster for winter steelhead as heavier 3/8 and 1/2 oz spoons are typically used and quick and accurate depth control is essential for success in cold water.
When I swing a spoon for winter steelhead, I don't engage the gear and hold on to the line with my thumb.
If I feel the spoon is rising and getting away from the bottom, I would release a burst of line using my thumb to get it back to the required depth.
However, I have seen that some people are also good at depth control with their spinning reels by feathering the line, but I have found this to be more difficult in my case.
When swinging spoons you shouldn't ever have to release line to control your depth.
Releasing line from what I have found actually hurts the swing, and doesn't allow effective coverage of water (same as with fly fishing).
Effective coverage of water being casting same distance every time and taking the same amount of steps down to cover a run 3-5 ft at a time.
I normally adjust how deep I am fishing by casting upstream a certain amount to let the spoon sink. Once on the swing nothing gets touched.
I guess if you are planning to release line on the swing then a baitcaster would definitely be better than a spinning outfit.
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Well, i personally use spin setup for spinners and spoons or buzzbombs o whatnot. and then the baitcaster for float fishing and bottom bouncing. a baitcaster allows u to release line as u drift. When u cast a baitcaster to hard, the spool will spin out more line that it can take and it will knot up 'birds nest' i call it. A spinning reel will allow you to cast alot farther and the line can release from the reel as fast as it wants.
Hope that helps, cheers.
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When swinging spoons you shouldn't ever have to release line to control your depth.
Releasing line from what I have found actually hurts the swing, and doesn't allow effective coverage of water(same as with fly fishing).
Effective coverage of water being casting same distance every time and taking the same amount of steps down to cover a run 3-5 ft at a time.
I normally adjust how deep I am fishing by casting upstream a certain amount to let the spoon sink. Once on the swing nothing gets touched.
Even if you cast just right and low stick, sometimes you might need to make corrections as water deepens or speeds up down a run and takes the spoon off the bottom.
Quick release of some line is one way to make needed adjustments.
Yes it will make the swing less effective and I don't like doing it, but sometimes benefits of getting it down outweighs continuing the swing at a shallower plane in cold winter water.
This method is described by Bill Hertzog in his widely respected spoon fishing book for steelhead.
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I should say my baitcaster is a Calais it is designed for light weight lures be they spinners spoons or jigs .
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I'm with Herzog. The only advantage of a spinning reel is that you can cast smaller hardware further a levelwind is a way more versatile tool. Being able to let line out whilst staying in contact with the lure is a big advantage especially if you want to get a spoon down in really deep canyon water or keep you hardware in the zone once it starts to lift as it swings out. I have always been a spinning guy but have switched to the levelwind for winter steelhead for those reasons. Also a levelwind is a way better tool for floatfshing or legit bottom bouncing than a spinning reel so you only have to carry one rod if you want to switch it up.
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I have no problem casting small spoons if I use a little lighter Line with me low profile and I can double it as a drifting reel. I also like that you can free spool and with you thumb on the spool set the hook whereas with the spinning reel you have to flip the bail
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I have spent the past few years using both spinning and casting reels for spoon chucking, they both have their pros and cons. If I had to choose only one, it would be a spinning setup.
Using a casting reel, it is easy to chuck small spoons and spinners as long as there is no wind, throw in a 7k wind and its birds nests all day. Nothing will make you hate fishing more than watching your buddies smash fish while you are constantly picking birds nests out of your reel. IMO a casting reel is perfect if you are only using 1/4oz spoons or bigger, anything smaller and it becomes a problem if there is wind.
A spinning reel is perfect for all conditions, tiny spinners and spoons in the wind, no problem. Big spoons in big water, no problem. I find it very accurate, and it's little to no effort to cast. The only negative that I found was I find it hard to float fish with. So I carry my float..
tight lines.
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I have a telescopic amundson spinning set up that fits in my backpack that I can take with me. That way i'm set either way.
since using spoons without a float will typically have a shorter time in the water its nice to have the spinning for ease of casting also.
This sounds like a good idea as I rarely use my spinning gear Bc I try to avoid carrying second rod. What did the rod set you back?
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I can't quite remember as it was a few years back I think between $40-50 for the rod and I already had a spinning reel that I just switched over. I got it at army and navy primarily to take with me backpacking (ie. greendrop lake/Garibaldi lake) but it works great on the rivers too.
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I can't quite remember as it was a few years back I think between $40-50 for the rod and I already had a spinning reel that I just switched over. I got it at army and navy primarily to take with me backpacking (ie. greendrop lake/Garibaldi lake) but it works great on the rivers too.
There is one at Walmart in USA: Calypso Mako 6-Section Telescopic Spin Rod. 7 or 8 ft. line rate: 30lb, lure rate 1-3 oz.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Calypso-Mako-6-Section-Telescopic-Spin-Rod/17128356. There is also a review at: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjoj4s_calypso-mako-8-telescoping-spinning-fishing-rod-review-by-m_sport#.UNeSK5H4Kgo. Good price: $18.99. I plan to buy one next summer.
I have a 6ft one from Mako bought from Dolarama for $2. It is not nicely made, but functions very well.
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For blades spinning reel
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Any opinion for using a centre pin reel to fish a spinner under a float? Also, you can retrieve a spinner at a slower speed with a centre pin reel. I am new and like opinions. Thanks.
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I should say my baitcaster is a Calais it is designed for light weight lures be they spinners spoons or jigs .
That sure is a sweet reel EZ. I was sorry to see Shimano discontinue the analog version of that reel.
I guess they could not cover the cost at that price.
Same goes for the old Curado E7. :'(
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Love it
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(http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/EZ_Rolling/PC220153.jpg)
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(http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o15/EZ_Rolling/PC220153.jpg)
Braid, no way!
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Way!!!......... Better line capacity more sensitive for detecting bites and bottom, swivel and 3 ft of flouro and its good to go
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Way!!!......... Better line capacity more sensitive for detecting bites and bottom, swivel and 3 ft of flouro and its good to go
Agreed... braid is the way to go 100%. Better hook sets too due to no stretch.
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Ive been rocking the low pro reel for hardware for years, its a very versatile system
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8304063983_0d296ab517.jpg)
I cant imagine needing braid
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I'm a spinning reel fan.
Have always wanted to try out braid, especially fishing with jigs, but worried it will cut into the roller.
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Well I went with a casting reel. Reasons for doing so.... I already have a casting rod to pair it up with and I like the versatility of being able to throw a float on and use it to drift with. I bought a pretty cheap one because I don't know if i'm going to stick with it. I really like pinning and I just got into it last season, so the thought of not using it every time I go to the flow doesn't sit very well with me. But a change from time to time doesn't hurt :) Thanks y'all for your input.
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I know a lot of people say "Why braid?", but it does have many strong points and .... also weaknesses.
Merits: no stretch (fast & strong hook sets), floats (easier to mend line), thinner and lighter (easier long drifts, use smaller floats, less wind resistance) ...
Demerits: dreaded tip wrap (especially during rain), more expensive than mono ....
I used to use braid with 8~9 feet of mono leader, but switched back to mono because of tip wraps during rainy weather which at one time almost broke my favourite Sage rod.
However, I still miss the lightening fast hooksets and almost lazy way of line mending possible with braid lines.