Redfish Cup - Pros Using Spinning Reels

bunkie6696 · Post by **bunkie6696** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:35 am

I enjoy watching the Redfish Cup on cable and it just occurred to me that 95 % of the pros I see are not using baitcasting reels for any type of lure - soft plastics, top waters or popping corks. Since baitcasters are so popular on this board I was curious if anyone has a clue as to why this is?

thanks for the input,

Bunkie

GetBent · Post by **GetBent** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:42 am

easier to use, less chance to foul up and can cast further. i like the way a bait caster feels that is a plus, spinning reels are heavier as well

siupilot · Post by **siupilot** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:06 pm

they don't want to mess up on national television and have to dig out a bird's nest of line in front of everyone....

pepaw · Post by **pepaw** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:12 pm

They can use lighter line.

They can cast lighter baits

They can cast weightless tout tails and git zits.

They can cast farther.

They take the wind out of the equation.

MarkT · Post by **MarkT** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:21 pm

They're from Florida.

Big Perm · Post by **Big Perm** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:36 pm

i'll stick with the baitcasters. i bought a cheap penn spinner at the FTU tent sale just to try it. I can't cast it worth a damn.

Wolfman57 · Post by **Wolfman57** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:56 pm

I was watchign that this mornign and noticed the exact same thing.

H-D · Post by **H-D** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 1:11 pm

siupilot wrote:they don't want to mess up on national television and have to dig out a bird's nest of line in front of everyone....

MarkT wrote:They're from Florida.

I'm with these guys

.

Flyfisher · Post by **Flyfisher** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 2:11 pm

I remember Joe Doggett writing about this 10-15 years ago and at that time he said it was mainly a Texas thing. Whenever he would hire guides in other states, he found that most people used spinning gear. He said that many times when rods and gear were stacked on the dock, in the process of loading or unloading, people would pass by and say "Hello Tex".

Ray

Mrs Backlasher · Post by **Mrs Backlasher** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 2:31 pm

I've heard that in Florida, you'll only see spinning reels used.

Since I've only begun fishing in recent years, I can tell you that a spinning rig is LOTS easier to learn on. So far I'm just NO good on a level-wind, bait-caster, or whatever you call it.

Maybe 2008 will be the year that I'll finally "get" it.

Mrs. B

double dip · Post by **double dip** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 2:32 pm

I have lived in Texas all my life (except for a few years working for Uncle Sam) and fished mainly spinners. I do get some funny looks from Texas Fisherman. But a lot of the nations use more spinners than baitcasters. I think it's whatever works for you. I used spinners because I did a lot of float tubing and fished under trees, docks and structure where I wanted to skip things. Spinners are much easier to skip. But everyone has their preference. It is unusual that baitcasters are a Texas preference.

bing · Post by **bing** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 2:51 pm

as long as u dont fish it upside down .. i'm ok with spinning reelz

skateministry · Post by **skateministry** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 4:12 pm

great question / comments
i just bought my first bait caster and have been trying it out and learning how to set it up, been casting in the street outside.

it seems a little more complicated, than a spinner.

hopefully i'll try it out soon

bunkie6696 · Post by **bunkie6696** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 4:23 pm

Lots of interesting input. I grew up in Louisiana before there were spinners and learned on baitcasters and cane poles (can't be beat for blue gills) Anyway my dad was a die hard pfleuger man and thats all I used until I went away to college, started working and stopped fishing, more or less, for 20 plus years. I'm back into it now and haven't been able to get the touch back with baitcasters yet ! But, I will prevail.

Thanks for all the great posts.

Bunkie

Backlasher · Post by **Backlasher** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 4:41 pm

Baitcasters have a more direct connection to your lure or fish. They have better drags. Under some circumstances, they can cast further. In Texas, all the big trout guys use baitcasters. McBride and Cocheran come to mind. That said, I agree with Mark T. Unless they're from Texas, they probably use spinners.

Hambone911 · Post by **Hambone911** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 4:48 pm

Mrs Backlasher wrote:I've heard that in Florida, you'll only see spinning reels used.

Since I've only begun fishing in recent years, I can tell you that a spinning rig is LOTS easier to learn on. So far I'm just NO good on a level-wind, bait-caster, or whatever you call it.

Maybe 2008 will be the year that I'll finally "get" it.

Mrs. B

Mrs. B, If i can teach my 12 year old to cast his new Abu 5500, I can teach anyone.

But so far I have not. He had done well for several casts, then I had to cut about 100 yards of birdsnest out. I probably should have had him do it, but my patience was gone then. He doesnt seem to have problems with my Shimano low profile, but I wanted him to learn on the older style so he had more options later, like driving a stick shift. I figured it would be hard to learn the older ambassadeurs after using the newer technology.
I dont like him using spinning reels because of new line for each trip with line twist. I was able to stop the twists initially, but he kept finding new ways to foul it up. He has not cost me that much with the baitcasting so far.
Keep practicing.

Minnow · Post by **Minnow** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:27 pm

Four words........they-can-cast-farther! That is all I fished with when I fished the Redfish Cup.

backlashcharlie · Post by **backlashcharlie** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:34 pm

H-D fisherman wrote:
siupilot wrote:they don't want to mess up on national television and have to dig out a bird's nest of line in front of everyone....

MarkT wrote:They're from Florida.
I'm with these guys .

sounds like a logical explanation

Big Irish · Post by **Big Irish** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 7:12 pm

Nowdays I think alot of it is whatever fits in with the crowd. Also when we bass fishermen crossed over we brought our casting reels with us. We were used to making short, accurate casts to structure and the casting reel excels at this. I find my self going to the casting reel in the marsh when I'm making those pocket casts for reds but switching to spinning when casting popping corks or jigs out in open water where distance and wind are a factor. I also switch back and forth to rest my wrist and forearm during an all day event. Finally-and most importantly- YOU MUST USE A CASTING REEL WHEN CHEWING REDMAN TOBACCO - It is the proper form.

capt red · Post by **capt red** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:16 am

i learned on spinners 37 yrs ago and still prefer them. although last year i bought a Daiwa Coastal combo on sale at Cabela's. i am getting better with it but still prone to an occasional backlash.......

Spuds (Piscator Eximius) · Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:21 am

Not all of them are "Pros."

Slingshot · Post by **Slingshot** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:24 am

Minnow wrote:Four words........they-can-cast-farther! That is all I fished with when I fished the Redfish Cup.

I never thought I would ever say this, but I agree with Minnow.

When Rob and I fished the cup in Kemah and Port Arthur last year, I actually made custom rods that were longer, had more backbone, and an extra fast tip, that can cast farther than you want to, and can still handle upper slot reds. That rod is so tough you can take a 22" red, and skip him across the water like a dink trout.

All with spinning reels.

blesker · Post by **blesker** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:28 am

Big Irish wrote: I also switch back and forth to rest my wrist and forearm during an all day event.

That's the ticket - same here.

b (...and mix in the fly rod for a True Tackle Triumvirate!)

s1rGr1nG0 · Post by **s1rGr1nG0** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:31 am

capt red wrote:i learned on spinners 37 yrs ago and still prefer them. although last year i bought a Daiwa Coastal combo on sale at Cabela's. i am getting better with it but still prone to an occasional backlash.......

Lol, I'm just the opposite. I learned on baitcasters, (old skool Abu Garcia's) and prefer them. To me it's just a personal preference. Working at BPS though I get to play with all the new stuff we get in the fishing dept. and I must admit I am eyeballing some of those spinning setups we have. They are so smooth!

FISHINGARTIST · Post by **FISHINGARTIST** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:33 am

I carry both spincast and baitcast. Baitcast for my topwaters and spin for my light soft plastics. Also I use spincast when I get into a mess of fish cuz I like the way the drag sounds. Just me though.

TexasKayakFisherman.com

Redfish Cup - Pros Using Spinning Reels

Redfish Cup - Pros Using Spinning Reels

spinners

Re: spinners