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

Regor · 12-28-2010, 02:24 PM

I've been doing fine with the gear I have, but always watching and learning as I think of my next reel.

The thing I have not learned as of yet, is why almost 95% of the Reel posts are referencing conventional reels. I have seen a large, LARGE selection of Saltwater Spinning reels, with some great specs that seem to match up to conventional reels, but yet I do not see many posting about them.

In my immediate future is a reel for throwing irons. Right now I am using an ancient saltwater spinning reel, and it is getting the job done, but I fear if it were really put to the test it might let me down. This is not to say that because it is a spinning real, but because of it's age/use.

So, with the lack of birds nests, impressive specs, and some real serious distances, why are less spinning reels used compared to conventional reels?

Greg

Kesepton · 12-28-2010, 02:59 PM

Im with you, I use spinning reels, but I am not usually fishing these heavy species and throwing heavy baits like the guys on here are. So not being an expert, I can give you some of the reasons, wont go into details as thats better left to an expert.

Conventional will allow you to cast further and more accurately with more control due to the fact you can thumb the line to slow it down and that the spool spins freels where as it comes off on a spinning reel.

Another benefit, they are better suited for braid with the way the line lays, and I know a lot the guys here are fishing with it too.

I use spinning because im used to it and generally fish freshwater using finesse techniques.

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?

Billy V · 12-28-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regor

So, with the lack of birds nests, impressive specs, and some real serious distances, why are less spinning reels used compared to conventional reels?

Greg

There are several conventional reels out there that will not birds nest when casting by using magnets or adjusting the cast control.

-How far are you talking about when you say they cast some serious distance ?

Conventional rods and reels cast with a smoother motion. imo
I've use both styles - as an east coast guy.

I like to cast with a long jig stick, but its not absolutely necessary to make a long cast. An 8 ft stick will fly a bait or iron pretty far.

It boils down to time with the tools.

Royak · 12-29-2010, 09:39 AM

The biggest problem with spinning reels is the inherent line-twist when using the drag.

Kesepton · 12-29-2010, 01:46 PM

Oh yeah, another thing....

Spinning reels will be heavier than a comparable conventional set up, especially when taking line capacity and drags into consideration. So like stated, you can get that tennis elbow and I find causes more fatigue when casting a lot on a long day.

I rarely get that much time to fish though...

Jimmyz123 · 12-29-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kesepton

Oh yeah, another thing....

Spinning reels will be heavier than a comparable conventional set up, especially when taking line capacity and drags into consideration. So like stated, you can get that tennis elbow and I find causes more fatigue when casting a lot on a long day.

I rarely get that much time to fish though...

My biggest reason for not using the bigger spinning reels is exactly what was stated here. They are heavier, and when fighting larger fish can tire one out very fast. I mostly use Spinning gear for in the bay, lakes, and from time to time in the kelp. All other times I use baitcasters and the larger conventionals.

fknricter · 12-29-2010, 04:27 PM

i used to be strictly a spinner guy, but when moving up to bigger lb. test and hoping for bigger fish i started to switch to the conventional style. and now spinners just feel awkward to me. and i get so frustrated with the line twists. im sure there are better reels with better roller bearings on the bail so that doesnt happen, but i think im even more confident with the feel of all my conventional reels. IMO everything comes down to preference. i think it would be hard for me to switch back.

12-28-2010, 02:24 PM	#1
Regor Greg Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chula Vista, ca Posts: 509	Why the Conventional reel vs Spinning I've been doing fine with the gear I have, but always watching and learning as I think of my next reel. The thing I have not learned as of yet, is why almost 95% of the Reel posts are referencing conventional reels. I have seen a large, LARGE selection of Saltwater Spinning reels, with some great specs that seem to match up to conventional reels, but yet I do not see many posting about them. In my immediate future is a reel for throwing irons. Right now I am using an ancient saltwater spinning reel, and it is getting the job done, but I fear if it were really put to the test it might let me down. This is not to say that because it is a spinning real, but because of it's age/use. So, with the lack of birds nests, impressive specs, and some real serious distances, why are less spinning reels used compared to conventional reels? Greg

12-28-2010, 04:20 PM	#5
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	#6
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. __________________

12-29-2010, 09:39 AM	#9
Royak Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: La Jolla Posts: 46	Line-Twist The biggest problem with spinning reels is the inherent line-twist when using the drag.

12-28-2010, 02:59 PM	#2
Kesepton Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 70	Im with you, I use spinning reels, but I am not usually fishing these heavy species and throwing heavy baits like the guys on here are. So not being an expert, I can give you some of the reasons, wont go into details as thats better left to an expert. Conventional will allow you to cast further and more accurately with more control due to the fact you can thumb the line to slow it down and that the spool spins freels where as it comes off on a spinning reel. Another benefit, they are better suited for braid with the way the line lays, and I know a lot the guys here are fishing with it too. I use spinning because im used to it and generally fish freshwater using finesse techniques.

12-28-2010, 03:11 PM	#3
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	#4
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	#7
-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?

12-29-2010, 01:46 PM	#10
Kesepton Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 70	Oh yeah, another thing.... Spinning reels will be heavier than a comparable conventional set up, especially when taking line capacity and drags into consideration. So like stated, you can get that tennis elbow and I find causes more fatigue when casting a lot on a long day. I rarely get that much time to fish though...

12-29-2010, 04:27 PM	#12
fknricter Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: redlands, ca Posts: 118	i used to be strictly a spinner guy, but when moving up to bigger lb. test and hoping for bigger fish i started to switch to the conventional style. and now spinners just feel awkward to me. and i get so frustrated with the line twists. im sure there are better reels with better roller bearings on the bail so that doesnt happen, but i think im even more confident with the feel of all my conventional reels. IMO everything comes down to preference. i think it would be hard for me to switch back.