I’m frequently asked about using spinning or casting tackle. Anglers want to know what they should be using when they go fishing. The answer, of course, is that there is no answer. You can catch bass with either type so you should always use what you feel comfortable with given the way you fish and your level of experience.
I will, however, tell you what I use — when and why.
If my lure weighs less than 1/4 ounce I almost always go with a spinning outfit. Lighter baits are easier to handle with spinning tackle. You can cast them farther and more accurately. But, if my lure weighs a 1/4 ounce or more, I almost always go with casting tackle, and for the same reasons — longer casts and better accuracy.
That’s my thinking, though. In truth, given the wide array of quality rods and reels that are available these days you can fish almost anything on either one.
One thing I do want to mention is line twist with spinning reels. The fact is that there’s no way to avoid it with monofilament and fluorocarbon. The thing to do is spool up with braid and tie a leader to it. If you tie a good knot, you won’t have any problems. I prefer a Double Uni Knot.
Another thing I want to mention in this context is the problem of backlashes with casting reels. I’ve seen guys struggling when they’re using casting reels and the wind is blowing into their faces or when they’re fishing with light baits.
If you’re throwing a spinnerbait into the wind and backlashing, change to a spinning rod and reel. The same thing is true if you’re throwing a 1/16 ounce jig. There’s nothing unmanly about spinning tackle.
And don’t be seduced by watching us pros fish. We do this every single day and we’ve been doing it for years. Just because you see us casting a spinnerbait into the wind or throwing baits on spinning tackle without a lot of line twist doesn’t mean you as a recreational angler should be able to do it. (Besides, the hidden secret is that we do have those problems. You just don’t see them when they happen. We get real good at hiding stuff like that.)
My basic spinning reel is a 30 size Abu Garcia REVO Premier with a 6.8:1 gear ratio. My basic casting reel is an Abu Garcia REVO Premier Generation 3 model with a 7.1:1 gear ratio.
Obviously, I own dozens of spinning and casting reels that have specific features that help me fish specific ways. But again, I’m a professional and I’m sponsored by Abu Garcia. If you’re a recreational angler, the two I’ve described above will do you just fine. I’m not going to recommend specific rods for either
reel because I don’t know how you fish. My advice is to select a length and an action
that’ll handle what you typically throw. Check out Abu Garcia rods if you’re unsure. They have quality rods for any type of fishing you can imagine, and some you can’t.
I’m not going to recommend specific rods for either reel because I don’t know how you fish. My advice is to select a length and an action that’ll handle what you typically throw. Check out Abu Garcia rods if you’re unsure. They have quality rods for any type of fishing you can imagine, and some you can’t.
Don’t get locked into one type of tackle. Successful fishing is about adapting and fishing the moment. The best way to do that is to fish with whatever makes you comfortable.
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What to learn more? Check out these videos:
Abu Garcia REVO Premier Spinning Reel Product Review
Abu Garcia REVO Premier Generation 3 Casting Reel with ICAST 2012 Best of Show
Justin Lucas, Mike Iaconelli, and Brandon Palaniuk Fishing the Revo Spinning
How to Spool a Spinning Reel (Ike in the Shop)
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