Why the Conventional reel vs Spinning - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Jimmyz123 · 12-28-2010, 03:11 PM

If you watch a lot of the fishing shows that are filmed on the East Coast you will see a lot of Spinning Reels being used and there is nothing wrong with them. I have used spinning reels for Saltwater and Freshwater. I have never used one for big game saltwater however not saying that I would not, but I just haven't.

I'm interested to see what a lot of the replies will be on this thread. I like spinning gear and use it often. The last time I went on a Long range boat a guy brought two Spinning reels with him. He won the jackpot and caught more Albies than anyone on the boat because he was able to cast the baits further out.

Personally I think less spinning reels are used because of the perception that some have of spinning reels. You'll hear people say they are Coffee Grinders, or that is a whimpy fishing reel or something. Some people just like the way the conventional reels feel also. What I do know is using a spinning reel too much can lead to tennis elbow. I learned that the hard way 4 years ago. I was fishing every Saturday and Sunday and using a Dropshot rig on a spinning rod. After about 2 months of doing this I noticed I was developing Tennis Elbow from it. That's one reason I switch between types of reels.

dorado50 · 12-28-2010, 03:43 PM

I like and use my Van Staal with 65# braid for inshore and offshore, catches big fish.....alot of fun when your outgunned.

T-Rex · 12-28-2010, 04:20 PM

I lived on the east coast for 10 years and big spinning reels were very common. I used a big Shimano Baitrunner all the time for stripers, bluefish, cobia and smaller tarpon with no problems.

roadx · 12-28-2010, 04:31 PM

im with ya on the spinning reels, im in the market now, just trying to figure out the right size reel. spec's on the spinner are impressive.

-scallywag- · 12-28-2010, 04:49 PM

spinners have thier place.....the main reasons I don't use them is;

price- they are pretty expensive if you want one with the drags to handle braid...

reliability - alot more moving parts and tighter tolorences make rebuilding at home more difficult/time consuming/expensive.

no bait clicker or lever drag make trolling difficult

Line capacity - you would need a pretty big spinner to hold 200yrds of 40b mono.

All that so you can cast without backlash? whynot buy a mag'd reel or just practice casting?

roadx · 12-28-2010, 04:55 PM

the baitrunner series reels takes care of the trolling/fly lining drag

line capacity with 40lb lb spectra is not a concern, most medium size spinning reel will handle it

GregAndrew · 12-28-2010, 06:22 PM

On one tuna trip that turned into a YT trip a couple of guys were killing us by using spinners. They were able to get their flylined baits about 10 feet further away from the boat than anyone with conventional. Of course the captain was pissed cause it took them 5-10 minutes longer to land their fish when he wanted to move or reset. I agree with Scallywag on the Price and Reliability issues. In order to get a spinner that is saltwater and spectra approved and has a good enough drag that you can put the screws to a fish and not be afraid of a breakoff you must pay through the nose. You must also keep up with your maintainance more with most spinners. That said, I have seen 40+ lb YT and WSB caught on good spinning setups.

FishinReelDeals · 12-29-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -scallywag-

spinners have thier place.....the main reasons I don't use them is;

price- they are pretty expensive if you want one with the drags to handle braid...

reliability - alot more moving parts and tighter tolorences make rebuilding at home more difficult/time consuming/expensive.

no bait clicker or lever drag make trolling difficult

Line capacity - you would need a pretty big spinner to hold 200yrds of 40b mono.

All that so you can cast without backlash? whynot buy a mag'd reel or just practice casting?

x2 Way Way to expensive for a quality one. If my lotto #s ever come up, all be buying a couple of stellas!

THE DARKHORSE · 12-31-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -scallywag-

All that so you can cast without backlash? why not buy a mag'd reel or just practice casting?

Just sayin'

12-28-2010, 04:20 PM	#3
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	I lived on the east coast for 10 years and big spinning reels were very common. I used a big Shimano Baitrunner all the time for stripers, bluefish, cobia and smaller tarpon with no problems. __________________ Last edited by T-Rex; 12-28-2010 at 07:18 PM.

12-28-2010, 04:31 PM	#4
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	im with ya on the spinning reels, im in the market now, just trying to figure out the right size reel. spec's on the spinner are impressive. __________________

12-28-2010, 04:55 PM	#6
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	the baitrunner series reels takes care of the trolling/fly lining drag line capacity with 40lb lb spectra is not a concern, most medium size spinning reel will handle it __________________

12-28-2010, 03:11 PM	#1
Jimmyz123 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,385	If you watch a lot of the fishing shows that are filmed on the East Coast you will see a lot of Spinning Reels being used and there is nothing wrong with them. I have used spinning reels for Saltwater and Freshwater. I have never used one for big game saltwater however not saying that I would not, but I just haven't. I'm interested to see what a lot of the replies will be on this thread. I like spinning gear and use it often. The last time I went on a Long range boat a guy brought two Spinning reels with him. He won the jackpot and caught more Albies than anyone on the boat because he was able to cast the baits further out. Personally I think less spinning reels are used because of the perception that some have of spinning reels. You'll hear people say they are Coffee Grinders, or that is a whimpy fishing reel or something. Some people just like the way the conventional reels feel also. What I do know is using a spinning reel too much can lead to tennis elbow. I learned that the hard way 4 years ago. I was fishing every Saturday and Sunday and using a Dropshot rig on a spinning rod. After about 2 months of doing this I noticed I was developing Tennis Elbow from it. That's one reason I switch between types of reels.

12-28-2010, 03:43 PM	#2
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	I like and use my Van Staal with 65# braid for inshore and offshore, catches big fish.....alot of fun when your outgunned.

12-28-2010, 04:49 PM	#5
-scallywag- Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: on the road... Posts: 598	spinners have thier place.....the main reasons I don't use them is; price- they are pretty expensive if you want one with the drags to handle braid... reliability - alot more moving parts and tighter tolorences make rebuilding at home more difficult/time consuming/expensive. no bait clicker or lever drag make trolling difficult Line capacity - you would need a pretty big spinner to hold 200yrds of 40b mono. All that so you can cast without backlash? whynot buy a mag'd reel or just practice casting?

12-28-2010, 06:22 PM	#7
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	On one tuna trip that turned into a YT trip a couple of guys were killing us by using spinners. They were able to get their flylined baits about 10 feet further away from the boat than anyone with conventional. Of course the captain was pissed cause it took them 5-10 minutes longer to land their fish when he wanted to move or reset. I agree with Scallywag on the Price and Reliability issues. In order to get a spinner that is saltwater and spectra approved and has a good enough drag that you can put the screws to a fish and not be afraid of a breakoff you must pay through the nose. You must also keep up with your maintainance more with most spinners. That said, I have seen 40+ lb YT and WSB caught on good spinning setups.