Equipment Preferences

[alra195]

Okay here's another newbee question for you all.

I read the thread on "You Show Me You's and I'll Show You Mine" Great info on the variety of stuff you all have. Here's the quesstion -

What's your preference? Would it be Spinning or Casting ?

Throw out all the variable like one for Blue's, one for cobia, one for surf, one for pier, etc. What type and size would you pick if you could only have (god forbid!) one?

Joe

[fish4kings104]

For me if I was fishing in the surf i would use a 12ft baitcasting rod. I hardly ever use spinning. For the piers I use a 7 ft spining rod for spanish. Some people use 9ft and even 12ft rods for jigging. People have their own preferances

[Bassboy]

My vote goes to the casting gear. Ive been throwin a bait caster since I was like 10 and Im 16. I still use spinning rods for some things but its hard to have one rod for everything. I probally have a 5 to 1 ratio in casting rods compared to spinning rods.

[Cdog]

I guess 90% of my rods are conv. For lure tossing for trout, blues, spanish and schoolie stripers I use spinners.

As to having only one rod and reel thats a tough one. But I would have to say my OM lite with a 525 mag on it. I could still throw lures and in a pinch it will handle 8 and bait.

[Kayode]

Shame on you.
You should be suspended from the site for having suggested that it's even possible.
You need to think about the consequences of your actions.
What if our wives saw your question and believed that it might be possible to own only one. That would mean that everything we have ever told would be lies and everything would ever tell them again would be suspect. We would forever be under constant suspicion. I only hope that the damage isn't already done.
Think Man. :D
Gregg

[surf rat]

If I could only have one rig I would spend more time working and less time fishing. When it was no longer an issue I would start fishing again.

[alra195]

Okay Kayode - Point well taken! :eek: Lets try it this way. I'm looking to upgrade from the walmart special I've got. Current rig is a medium action 10' spinning outfit that cast 2 - 4 oz out to a 100+ yard. It's been a prefectly acceptable rig for surfing for the usual suspects, i.e. roundhead, croaker, grey trout, and the occasional small shark. I'm looking to upgrade to a better rig. I still feel like the vast majority of what I'll do will be in the surf. Given that, whats the next best move up? The buzz seems to be leaning toward 12' medium heavy action rods in a conventional (casting) rig. Say something like the Mokuma Solaris. SO with that said what do you'll think? :cool:

Joe

[catman]

If you asked this question last year I wold have said spinning without question. Early this spring I was introduced to baitcasting, bought a few custom made rods 7' and 10', and haven't used my spinning stuff since. Went through a learning curve with the reels until I got them tuned in. Anyone need some quality spinning gear cheap. :D

Catman. :)

[Digger]

Are you going to upgrade your Targets or continue to go after the same?
In general I would recomend beginning to go to conventional. Since Greater distance is avaiable to you as well as heavier tackle. :cool: It really depends on the target and how much you are going for it.

[alra195]

Hey Digger thanks for the reply. You pose a good question. I've had tremendous fun with roundhead, trout, croakers, etc and don't mind catching them. But, I'd also like to try for puppies, flounder, spainish, blues, etc. Since most of my fishing will be from the sand, I'm trying to get an idea of what my next logical step up in equipment is?

I'd like to try pier fishing and next time down that way I intend to give it a shot. My biggest problem (beside a good understanding of some of the equipment needs) is a highly under-developed herd instinct. A good time fishing for me is not always measured by how many or how big the fish are. Don't get me wrong, I love the catching part, I'm just not big into the group thing. I happiest with a couple of hundered yards between me and everybody else!

I know better than to go hunting bears with a .22 and I'm pretty sure my daughters crappie rod is not the right move. So, since I need to shop for a new rod and reel what are the recommendations?

Joe

[davehunt]

Baitcasters require a bit more practice than spinning gear (and I still occasioanlly space out and get the occasional back lash) but it's well worth it.

For want of a better word, it just "handles" better.

All things being equal (same size rod, line, etc.) a baitcaster outcasts and is more accurate than spinning gear. I also find it much more comfortable since the reel is above the rod.

I still prefer my spinning gear in the dark, I'm nowhere near good enough to cast well in the dark without causing the mother of all rats nests :p

[AL_N_VB]

casting equipment,no doubt.11 ft tica and my 525 mag,15lbs Suffix tritanium.....best combo fer under $300.oo,IMHO.

Cast rigs and metal,plus with the mag controls on the 525,casting in the dark gets a lil easier.

If ya had the loot,the Avet SX-5 is aslo an awesome lil reel.No mag controls,but an adjustable casting knob

[Fish Hunter]

That would have to be the Rainshadow # 1418 or the Breakaway # 1418 wrapped conventional with an ABU 6500 CT on it. The Penn mag 525 or the Avet SX would be as good a choice, but the ABU seems perfect on that rod.

You can throw 8nbait with it and you can throw down to 3nbait. You can enjoy catching mullets and you can whip a large drum on it.

Nuff said :cool:

[AL_N_VB]

That would have to be the Rainshadow # 1418 or the Breakaway # 1418 wrapped conventional with an ABU 6500 CT on it. The Penn mag 525 or the Avet SX would be as good a choice, but the ABU seems perfect on that rod.

You can throw 8nbait with it and you can throw down to 3nbait. You can enjoy catching mullets and you can whip a large drum on it.

Nuff said :cool:

I am in the market or lookin fer a custom rod to be built.Does any of the local shops down south have any of the rods you mention for Demo purposes?Would like to see if it's all that....Casted Hat80's 1509,joe Mullet custom @ AI,and it had me sold.

[Fish Hunter]

Not sure if RDT has them, but I would bet that Ryan has one at Hatteras Jacks. Let me know when you are going down and if I can schedule it, you are welcome to cast mine.

Mine is the Rainshadow and its spiral wrapped. :eek:

[AL_N_VB]

Not sure if RDT has them, but I would bet that Ryan has one at Hatteras Jacks. Let me know when you are going down and if I can schedule it, you are welcome to cast mine.

Mine is the Rainshadow and its spiral wrapped. :eek:

What did that custom run ya...if ya mind me askin

[Drumdum]

Get with Tres,he can let ya demo the 1509 Rainshadow.. Ya won't be disapointed.. ;)

[Fish Hunter]

me correctly, it was around $ 275.00

DD is right, Tres has a large assortment for trying. I cast 4 or 5 in one days time when fishing with him. I like the 1508 better than the 1509. Its easier on an old man's back and shoulders. :D

[BubbaBlue]

I still prefer my spinning gear in the dark, I'm nowhere near good enough to cast well in the dark without causing the mother of all rats nests :p
You bring up a good point.

For the serious baitcasters out there:
I'm a beginner serious caster, have used only spinners in the past, and am considering getting a baitcaster setup for larger fish.

From what I gather, the time you thumb your reel is when you see the lead hit the water. If it's at night, how do you know when to stop the reel? Sounds like bird's nest city to me.

Right now, I do most of my fishing at night. Is it still worth considering upgrading to a baitcaster?

thx...

.

[Cdog]

You bring up a good point.

For the serious baitcasters out there:
I'm a beginner serious caster, have used only spinners in the past, and am considering getting a baitcaster setup for larger fish.

From what I gather, the time you thumb your reel is when you see the lead hit the water. If it's at night, how do you know when to stop the reel? Sounds like bird's nest city to me.

Right now, I do most of my fishing at night. Is it still worth considering upgrading to a baitcaster?

thx...

.


BubbaBlue, I wont lie and say I don't backlash day or night. But I have found that after tossing during the day you get a mental clock on your cast. I usally thumb mine sooner than I should at night.

[Big EL]

.. Other sense's turn on. you will feel the weight hit the water, the trick is to stop the spool the moment ya feel it. Takes some practice and most of us still fuzz it depending the choice of beverages on the menu that evening ;) :D

><))))*>

[BubbaBlue]

Thanks for the honest feedback.

I still plan on moving to baitcasters eventually but I think I'll hold off for a little while. Have invested some coin in my spinners and I should get some use outta them before I chunk them.

Will probably change my mind next week though. :D

Thanks again.

.