1.) Swamp Fox - 06/24/2015

When you think of your friends and acquaintances, or of yourself, would they/you prefer to fish with baitcasting or spinning equipment if they/you were to take a trip and use someone else's equipment, such as a guide's? Let's say we're talking about fishing for bass on up, with the possibility of some better-than-average fish. Let's also assume that the quality of the equipment is good for the task at hand no matter which method.

If you would answer differently for your friends or the majority of people you know than you would answer for yourself, please answer for your friends and the majority.


I'd prefer baitcasting, but vote spinning for others.

I'd prefer spinning, but vote baitcasting for others.

What's baitcasting?

What's spinning?

No one uses spinning equipment unless they're retarded.

No one uses baitcasting equipment unless they're inbred.

I'm okay using either.

2.) Triton Rich - 06/24/2015

[B]OK,I answered before reading the post. I prefer baitcasting because that generally means I'm fishing for muskies! However, the general population would probably be better off with spinning gear. Easier to use and more versatile.[/B]

3.) Swamp Fox - 06/24/2015

This is a multiple-choice poll....and...I don't claim to have spent a lot of time crafting it...I'm sure I left some options out, LOL...So explain in your posts...

I'll vote soon, as soon as I know the poll is at least half-way presentable....

If not, we can always delete it and start over, LOL...

4.) Swamp Fox - 06/24/2015

Rich, would you ever feel you were undergunned if handed spinning gear to fish for muskies?

Let's assume the spinning gear is appropriate for medium to heavy freshwater...

5.) Swamp Fox - 06/24/2015

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;32742]This is a multiple-choice poll...[/QUOTE]


Well, that's what I intended anyway...Someone let me know if something (someone? :wink) goofed up.


Where's Polemaster KyHunter when you need him?

6.) Deerminator - 06/25/2015

.....

[B] OR[/B]

7.) Swamp Fox - 06/25/2015

Re. the first video...he should specify wet or dry fly...We have a similar technique here for panfish (which is usually a wet fly). Anybody use dry flies?

8.) Jon - 06/25/2015

The word "retarded", when describing a person who isn't smart could be offensive to some viewers, just sayin

9.) Triton Rich - 06/25/2015

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;32743]Rich, would you ever feel you were undergunned if handed spinning gear to fish for muskies?

Let's assume the spinning gear is appropriate for medium to heavy freshwater...[/QUOTE]

[B]Generally, yes. I would feel undergunned especially in the fall. I tend to be throwing very large spinners that require a lot of leverage just to retrieve through the water. Also, there are several times when you need to thumb the spool such as when setting the hook or when doing a figure 8 boatside (on freespool). Of course, a guy can catch them pretty easily with smaller lures on spinning gear especially in the spring. [/B]

10.) Swamp Fox - 06/25/2015

Good answer!

I learn something new every day...Usually not as important or interesting as that, but still...LOL

11.) Swamp Fox - 06/25/2015

[QUOTE=Jon;32747]The word "retarded", when describing a person who isn't smart could be offensive to some viewers, just sayin[/QUOTE]


Thanks, Jon! I'll keep that in mind.



:tc:

12.) Swamp Fox - 06/25/2015

I'm leaning toward an option I didn't list---for some reason---which is "I'm okay using either, but vote spinning for others." I don't think I can add that or any other choices to the poll at this point, but I'll go look at that.

Having watched numerous people make a mess of well-set-up baitcasting gear they didn't bring to the water themselves, I'd have to say it happens a lot more frequently than when you hand someone some spinning gear. So I can see TR's early point very easily.

Perhaps a few practice casts would fix the problem, LOL, but I'm not sure that works for more than a few anglers. I think there's a semi-permanently rusty class of fisherman out there who would get better with more time behind the reel, and then there are the permanently hopeless, who are completely unfamiliar with the equipment and don't need to be trying it out except in the privacy of their own backyards. :tap::wink

I know that whenever I pick up someone else's baitcast equipment, my first thought is, "How big of a bird's nest am I gonna put in this thing?", considering everyone sets up their equipment differently, and some take no care in how they do it and other times one guy's casting style just isn't compatible with even the most finely-tuned gear, LOL.

13.) Swamp Fox - 06/25/2015

Nope: Doesn't look like I can add more choices to the poll at this point. If you have a different answer than the choices allow, sock it to me...

14.) Wild Bob - 06/25/2015

IMHO, I feel that each type of fishing set up is a tool; as such, some tools are better for certain jobs, while others are better. Obviously, you can often use either method for some fish so I guess that's where choices 5 & 6 come into play...but to me, I use both and each has its place.

Interesting to see where everyone stands on it though...

15.) Wild Bob - 06/25/2015

OK...come on now guys. All three of us voted. Come on really? :tap:

I know that more than 3 of us viewed this today. :cf:

What has to occur to spur some more participation!?! Ok, here it is - from now on who ever responds to a thread...will get a $2.50 gift certificate from Alex for either Wal-Mart or Cabela’s. :-)

16.) Triton Rich - 06/26/2015

[B]Baitcasting equipment is far more sensitive to the weight of the lure vs the weight of the rod. If things aren't balanced fairly well, it's difficult to get good results. On the other hand, I've got outfits that are set up for a certain class of lures that I can cast all day with barely a hitch.[/B]

17.) Swamp Fox - 06/26/2015

Those items are key...Plus there is a huge difference in ease of use as you move up the price and quality ladder. At least that's been my experience. I think it's a bit less true with spinning gear, at least as far as casting goes.

I'm not sure I have a really strong opinion on the ability of less expensive gear of either persuasion to hold up in normal use. I do know hard use, long use or big fish will tear up cheap gear, though, LOL. Not sure either type has an advantage over the other as far as that goes, though.

18.) Swamp Fox - 06/26/2015

[QUOTE=Wild Bob;32754]...Ok, here it is - from now on who ever responds to a thread...will get a $2.50 gift certificate from Alex for either Wal-Mart or Cabela’s. :-)[/QUOTE]



Not sure Alex is a member here anymore, but maybe you could talk to awesomeangelina....

19.) Hunter - 06/26/2015

[QUOTE=Wild Bob;32754]OK...come on now guys. All three of us voted. Come on really? :tap:

I know that more than 3 of us viewed this today. :cf:

What has to occur to spur some more participation!?! Ok, here it is - from now on who ever responds to a thread...will get a $2.50 gift certificate from Alex for either Wal-Mart or Cabela’s. :-)[/QUOTE]

I don't fish so I wouldn't have any intelligent input............................... oh,wait..................I guess that would apply to all my responses! :bang:

20.) Swamp Fox - 06/26/2015

LOL...

Well, thanks for playing....For your parting gift, we have a box of rice...Rice-a-Roni, even...


:-)

21.) Wild Bob - 06/26/2015

Can we have Ramen Noodles instead of Rice-a-Roni? :-)

22.) billy b - 06/26/2015

I just jig fish for crappie, spinning reels make my jig twirl around when slowly reeled, no self respecting crappie will bite a spinning jig. So there:lol:

23.) Swamp Fox - 06/27/2015

What reel do you like for crappie jigging, Billy, and what rod(s)?

24.) billy b - 06/27/2015

I mostly fish sunken brush piles & bridge pilings, I use Bass Pro on sale reels, most of mine are the Enigma, I got them on sale a couple years ago for about $35 each, my rods are med action 5 & 6 foot long casting rods, I don't cast I vertical jig, I only put enough line on the reel to measure 1 foot per reel crank, usually the fish are all about that debt after I catch the first one, I let my jig down about a foot past the fish & start up at a 1 turn = 3 seconds, it sounds complicated but it comes natural after a few minutes.

25.) Swamp Fox - 06/27/2015

Are you using a count-down method, stripping a measured length of line or watching your fishfinder to lower the jig to the proper depth?

I started spider-rigging a few years ago, in my own way, and even when I go "old-school" I JIG, rather than use the SLOW REEL UP technique you have described. I'm excited about trying this REEL UP technique because you don't have to find the depth the fish are HOLDING, you just have to find the depth you need to run your jig THROUGH.

Or am I wrong? LOL


My "rig" rigs are all long (8-9 ft.) B n M rods with Daiwa Regal spinning reels I got at a steal, and I have always been interested in a baitcasting alternative. My other "crappie rigs" are a mish-mash.

26.) billy b - 06/27/2015

You are right kinda, I find the depth, then I vertical jig thru it from just below it to
about 6 feet above then spool it off & go again, sometimes speed of jig makes a difference but reeling too fast will twirl the jig & that doesn't work here. I pay no attention to electronics other than locating structure, there will be crappie there.

27.) Wild Bob - 06/27/2015

I have a neat old St. Crouis (? not sure if spelled right!) jigging pole that my mother-in-law picked my up at a yard sale years ago. Kind of a neat set up...I've never used it, but have held on to it thinking that one of these years I would.

I'll try to snap a picture of it later to post...anyone else have one of these or ever use it for crappie?

28.) Swamp Fox - 06/27/2015

I have "a few" St. Croix rods and like them a bunch. They make a very good product and have useful "lines" of rods that you can actually shop through logically instead of going to a store and never being able to find what you need when you need it, plus you can know what you're getting sight unseen based on the way they rate their rods. Normally I don't like to buy rods without putting my hands on them first (took me many years to learn that lesson), but I don't feel I have to worry about being surprised at what a certain type of St. Croix rod feels like.

I'd like to see the jigging rod and the specs on it when you get a second.

One of Pflueger's President spinning reels is listed as an "Ice" model. I assume it is the smallest in that line, but don't know if something else makes a reel an "ice" reel. I never noticed what I think is the reel I'm talking about listed as "ice" by Pflueger before, so I don't know what's up with that. I am in and out of love with the two smallest Presidents for a little project which I may or may not get to, so I thought I was paying pretty good attention...

29.) Swamp Fox - 06/27/2015

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;32771]What reel do you like for crappie jigging, Billy, and what rod(s)?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=billy b;32774]... I use Bass Pro on sale reels, most of mine are the Enigma, I got them on sale a couple years ago for about $35 each, my rods are med action 5 & 6 foot long casting rods.. [/QUOTE]


Some people might remember me putting a small, good-quality spinning reel (Abu Cardinal STX---don't quote me on the STX, but it's something like that) on a 5/6 flyrod a couple of years ago. That was supposed to be a jig rig but wouldn't cast worth a flip, at least not with the accuracy I wanted, so I put an Abu Black Max baitcaster on there. It's also a 35 or 39 dollar reel along the lines of the Enigma.

I wanted to keep the fly rod in my arsenal because it's long and I can "dabble" a jig way on out there (think cane poles or bream busters) or I can stick it in a rod holder with a tube jig (tentacled tube or skirt) and deadstick it while fishing something else. The idea is that the jig has some action from the rocking motion of the boat. You wouldn't believe the fish I've caught doing this, and even the small ones are a blast on the flyrod. They hook themselves on the soft action of the long rod.

I liked the spinning reel for its smooth drag before I got control of the fish, and I'm hoping the inexpensive BC will do as good a job.

30.) Triton Rich - 06/28/2015

[B]I have an Abu Black Max. It is strictly a walleye trolling rod now, I couldn't get it to cast. This kinda gets to your point about quality of reels. With spinning reels, a reasonably priced one with 3 bearings will do the job just fine where I think you need at least 4-6 bearings in a baitcaster to make it smooth enough to cast well. Naturally, that generally means more expensive reels. [/B]

31.) Swamp Fox - 06/28/2015

I made the rounds of the tackle shops this evening and saw a Black Max at Gander for $49. I know I didn't pay but $39 on sale from Cabelas a while back. They repeated the sale recently. For $39 to drop a jig overboard and let it sink, the Black Max works great, LOL. I didn't want or need a high-efficiency reel on the flyrod, just something to goof around with. So far, so good.

And yes, the spinning reel was the Cardinal STX. Nice reel. Drag like buttah!

My guess is you can have a boo-coo of ball bearings and if your magnet or washer system for spool tension sucks, the thing still isn't going to cast worth a darn. It's not like I don't own a bunch of lower-priced baitcasters (and chose them deliberately, along with the better quality stuff), but it always suprises me when one of them doesn't have me spending more time picking out "professional over-runs" than fishing, LOL.

I bought a few Pinnacle Matrix reels a few years ago and they are very decent. Naturally, they are discontinued and I haven't tried their replacement. I am about to give a couple of Lew's American Hero reels a whirl in the next few weeks. If anyone's interested, let me know and I'll move it up the to-do list.

32.) Triton Rich - 06/28/2015

[B]Wait. I bet you are talking about the low profile version of the Black Max. I have an older round version. I have a newer low profile Abu Silver Max that I absolutely love. As for the number of bearings, it might just be coincidence. I replaced some old 3 bearing (I think) abu garcia round baitcasters with Pfleuger reels with higher bearing counts that cast much nicer.
[/B]

33.) Swamp Fox - 06/28/2015

Yes, I have a recent-vintage low profile Black Max. I didn't know there was a round version. The only round reels I have are Abu 5500 and 6600's and a couple of Penns for catfish/stripers/saltwater.

So far, I like the low-profile Black Max for what I'm using it for. I probably wouldn't buy it again as a chunk-and-wind reel since I like several others at higher price points for go-to use, but as a reel on a vertical jig rod it's fine, LOL.

I've been impressed with Pflueger...My Magic 8 Ball tells me there is at least a spinning reel from them in my future.

34.) Swamp Fox - 06/28/2015

If you had the C3's, I think those are very sensitive to lure weight and to the rod. I know guys who can cast them all day long, but I have to really work to watch the weights and actions and match them to how I set up the reels. They are not my favorite reels to cast, but are some of my favorites to fish...if that makes any sense, LOL.

Basically, I chose a certain lure or sinker weight for each C3 and stick to that, LOL.

35.) Swamp Fox - 06/28/2015

And I still pick out a lot of backlashes, even so...LOL

36.) Wild Bob - 06/29/2015

"I'd like to see the jigging rod and the specs on it when you get a second." - Swamp Fox

It's a funky pole; it telescopes out to about 12' in lenght and has the line running through the middle of the poles with a small crude reel that holds may be 30 feet of line, if that.

This is about the best I can do for ya Swampy: (I figured a few pictures are worth a thousand words :-) )


[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150628_151814_zpsxaokjryl.jpg.html][/URL]

[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150628_151652_zps1pepnpgt.jpg.html][/URL]

[URL=http://s763.photobucket.com/user/WildBob_2009/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150628_151736_zpstplhsfeg.jpg.html][/URL]

37.) Swamp Fox - 06/29/2015

I think I've seen some of those --or at least very similar--by someone relatively recently, so they must work, LOL.

38.) Swamp Fox - 06/29/2015

I mentioned a bream buster earlier...I thought this would be interesting for those who don't know what they are:





[I]Yes, you read it correctly...we are bringing back the original design for the oldest bream and bluegill pole on the market. This is the genuine BreamBuster design made of 100% lightweight fiberglass, a leatherette wrapped handle for comfort in your hands, and the cylindrical shape design that maintains the original action that makes bluegills fun! Each section is individually "flocked" to prevent sections from sticking. The eyelet is wrapped with thread for the best sensitivity.



Remember the good ole days fishing with your Dad? Well, they're back.

[/I]


[url]http://www.bnmpoles.com/p-148-breambuster-pole.aspx[/url]

39.) Wild Bob - 06/29/2015

I've found that it works really good for electrical taping a heavy wire hook on the end and using it to fish frisbees out the the rain gutter and taking it duckhunting and using it to reach out there and snag the lines on your floating decoys. :-)

40.) Swamp Fox - 06/29/2015

There you go... LOL...