Baitcast, spinning, Spin-cast, etc. HEY CARPMASTER!!!
I am trying to figure out the different types of reels and advantages or disadvantages. Most of my life I have used a closed face Zebco 33 style reel. Recently I was out boating and found a spinning reel on the bank. It was old and worn, but I have fished with it a time or two. I want to hear from you on the different types and your feelings about ease of use, etc.
Absolute ease of use, Zebco 33 style or what are commonly refered to as "spin-casting". Problems are gear ratios and generally poor drag systems, most are right hand reels only, as are many bait casting reels
Spinning and bait casting reels have become very close to eachother in ease of use, just use them with the right line.
Spinning reels are often best used for light line (under 12lb test) as heavier line will often want to "jump" off of the spool and create a bird's nest. They work great for most types of fishing with jigging and light spinner baits/crankbaits and also livebait situations. For $30 you can get yourself a spinning reel that should give you several years of dependable service. The higher priced ones have better bearings, gears, and are much smoother to cast and reel, thus increasing the feel of your lure and the strike.
Baitcasting can handle heavier line, and generally more line capacity. They have excellent drag systems, and usually have quality componants. They are often used also with heavier (ie larger) tackle and have the strength to crank a big fish out of heavy cover. Magnetic or friction plates have helped eliminate backlash on casting, and increased the popularity of the baitcaster. These reels are also great for flipping plastics. They generally cost a little more, with around $60 being the bare minimum for anything with quality built in.
i do a lot of fishing and i think for all around use a spinning reel is the best and really in the long run. spincast reels are ok and they are easy to use BUT troubleshooting them really sucks. I use lots of spinning reels and baitcasters, will not use or touch a spincast if i dont have to!!!
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Carpmaster, what spinning reel would you recommend? The rod is about a 6' 6" one piece, medium action. I want a good setup that could land a big catfish if I ran across one.
My favorite is the shimano sedona with the rear fighting drag, drag works great for large fish down to small fish, easy to use and very reliable, depending what else you plan on fishing with it the 2000 size is a good all arounder. I use the little 1000 more tan any of my others and wouldnt hesitate to try salmon and steel with it.
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Id recommend a Shimano Sedona 2000 also, however I use the front drag model. A heckuva reel for $50 new.
My personal preference is a Shimano Baitcaster. I own 4, and wouldnt trade them for the world. Currently I have a Citica that I replaced the bushings with bearings, a Curado, A calcutta TE, and a Scorpion (***anese..made for LIGHT lures). I'm also using All Star rods.
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Depends on the fish and technique used one which is best. If buying your first setup or all round - the spinning is probably the best route as it gives you many options for technique and species. Baitcaster is more specialized and in my case while I love using my BC's I probably only use them 20% of the time on pike or lake trout up here. If you fish in Bass country than I could see that usage increasing substantially! Since I fish mostly walleye, pike, perch and some trout I use my Spinning outfits about 70% of the time in a variety of applications for these fish. I don't like spincast reels, because poor drag system, lack of castability and hard to work on/maintain.
As to manufacturer I like/have both Shimano and Quantum. Although for spinning reels now prefer new Quantums to shimano b/c of better drag system, features, smoother and cost less in the higher end models. I agree with the others the Sedona is a pretty nice reel but would also suggest spinning the Quantum Icon for a comparison. Abu also make a pretty nice product in the mid range. Another that use to make a pretty affordable reel that was silky smooth was Pinnacle, however been years since I cranked one so not sure if they are as good as the others mentioned but may be worth a look.
PS if your thinking about a baitcaster I prefer round reel models to low profile and also prefer Shimano's. My absolute fav is the Calcutta but a touch pricy!
Baitcast, spinning, Spin-cast, etc. HEY CARPMASTER!!!
