I am new to saltwater fishing. Other than a few surf, pier, and shore trips, I haven’t done much in saltwater. I prefer spinning reels in fresh water, mainly because I never really learned how to throw bait casters. So for saltwater, do I start learning how to throw bait casters, or are spinners just as good? Does the salt corrode one faster than the other?
Spinning reels are preferred for inshore saltwater fishing. Baitcasters have their place with throwing plugs and poppers but spinning reels seem to be a lot more popular. They’re easy to cast, easy to maintain and have a simplistic design.
As long as you wash down your reel with freshwater and keep it oiled and lubricated, whatever you chose to fish with should last a while and catch you plenty of fish.
^^That about sums it up. I come from a bass background so for me, typically anything 3/8oz. or bigger, i’m throwing on a baitcaster, just out of habit. That was mainly because baits of those sizes demanded a heavier rod and the spinning gear that could accommodate those baits was just too bulky. With today’s rods and reels, its not an issue anymore. Same could be said for the drag on some spinning reels. Its not uncommon to handle everything on 3000 spinning outfit anymore.
X3
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
Spinning reels for me. I’ve never been much good at casting a bait caster. Some friends I fish with use them in saltwater and can cast just as well with them as I can with a spinning reel, maybe even better. Both work if you know how. Use what you are comfortable with.
The only thing I use a conventional spool reel for is offshore trolling and bottom fishing, where casting isn’t necessary [:I] Even then I often use spinning reels instead.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
X 2 on Larrys comment , also since the advent of the “bait runner”
spinning reels either spinners or bait casters will do the same job.
just sayin!!!
[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org
When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown
I use both, probably 70% spinning 30% baitcasters. I always bring at least 1 baitcaster on every trip just to add variety and the Ambassadeurs remind me of my dad. You can feel even the slightest tick of a bite on a good baitcaster when it’s dialed in right.
Jack Taylor
If I’m soaking baits, they’re on a spinning reel. If I’m CASTING all day with a plug or lure or something, it’s a baitCASTER…
A properly setup baitcaster can be thrown by anyone. The key is setting all of the brakes for the lure you’re throwing. Once done, even a rookie can cast with the best of them.
Wadmalaw native
1999 16’ Bentz-Craft flats
1994 16’ Bentz-Craft flats
15’ Alumacraft, 1979 35 Johnson
ISLAND ARMORY, LLC - CONTACT ME FOR ALL OF YOUR FFL NEEDS!
I learned how to use a baitcaster about 2 years ago for light tackle and now its what I reach for first. I still prefer a spinner for working topwater. But for casting artificials I prefer a low profile baitcaster. I think for most people once they get past the bird nest phase they prefer the baitcaster.
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com
Depends mostly on the WEIGHT of what your throwing. You are not going to have much fun throwing 1/8 oz. jigheads with baitcasters. On average, you will achieve much more distance with spinners but more control (casting and fighting fish) with baitcasters.
X2 on not throwing 1/8 oz. jigheads, however, you can easily throw fairly light baits such as a floating worm on a baitcaster, if properly setup.
I fish a lot of spoons especially in the fall and winter months. They will cause some line twist even using a good swivel. The baitcasters aren’t bothered by this but open face reels with a lot of line twist will bird nest badly once you flip the bail open. Try fishing with someone who uses baitcasters and borrow one of theirs while you’re out with them. Once you get the hang of them you’ll like them. Don’t buy the cheapest one you see. A good baitcaster will last for many years if properly cared for.
Totally agree!! Once you get proficient with your baitcaster and you have it truly dialed in, you’d be surprised how light of a bait you can toss a country mile. Keep in mind the line you have the reel spooled with plays a part too. It’s actually pretty easy to toss an 1/8oz jighead on 10lb-12lb test line, 15lb if you’ve got it dialed in, but when you start getting into 17lb test and above, it becomes more difficult. Also agree about the quality of reel you buy. Too many people get hung up on how many bearings the reel has. Where the bearing are is more important than how many there are. Subsequently, your better-quality reels have the bearings in the proper places.
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.