FS Digest

I’m just looking for a little guidance. I’ve read articles until I can’t read anymore.

I’ve fished on and off my whole life, but I’ve recently picked it up again in a strong way. I’ve mostly used spinning reels growing up fishing with my dad. I’ve never owned one myself before. I’m an very comfortable with them for the most part. My boys have a couple of spincast reels and that’s what I’ve been using lately.

As of right now, I mostly do pond fishing in my 1.5 acre pond on some land I bought. I’m sure as my new found hobby grows stronger that I’ll venture out to other ponds, and I live next to a well known river that’s great for fishing. In my pond, I am not picky about what I fish for. I just put a crankbait lure or sometimes a bobber and cricket on and go to work. I’ve caught small bass, crappie, bream, and sunfish so far in my pond.

I don’t want to spend more than $100 as of right now, but I can’t decide which route to go, Spinning or Baitcast. It would be used as an all around reel right now because I’m not the guy that’s going to go out and buy several different set-ups this early.

Thanks for any help!

Considering this one in the 3000 size. Penn Fierce III
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/penn-fierce-iii-spinning-combo

--
by thatpiccnurse

Johnston89 Loc: Eastern Oregon

I have that reel, in the 3000 size, and I absolutely love it, Ive hooked some nice smallmouth bass, crappie, and trout on it, usually running 6lb Trilene XT mono on it, great sturdy and smooth reel!

Rock Hound Loc: Southeast Minnesota

Looks like a nice combo for exactly what you need!

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

.

🎣🦞


I believe that the 3000 size Penn Fierce III will work great for your fishing 🎣 needs. I don’t see any reason for you to change to a bait-casting rod an reel when your spinning rod and reel gets the job done for you...



Ron620DVS 🎣🐟🐠🐸🦞


🦞

.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

As a second to other's suggestons. i agree, Go with what you know! Just Sayin...RJS

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

The only thing I see spec-wise on that combo in the link, that I find wouldn't work for me, is that it is a "7' ONE-piece rod"....pain-in-the-a$$ to transport, unlike you're just tossing it in the back of a "real (8') truck" bed, or don't mind hanging it out of the window.....jmo.

nonki521 Loc: el cerrito ca

If buying a spin reel, look for one with a push button release spool and get a spare. The old Mitchell 300 is my "standard" for the size and line(s) capacities (the second spool for loading it up with a different line strength, I have braided lines of 10 lb and 30 lb test on my shallow capacity designed spool and deep capacity designed spool resp.) If using braided line, either wrap a rag around your hand or wear gloves before pulling a snag free, or there is a possibility of the braided line cutting your hand. The Mitchell 300 reel was strong enough to bring in a 19 lb striped bass on the 30 lb test.

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Small pond, keep it light. The lighter the tackle, the bigger the fish will “feel”.
Myself, I would go down to a 1000 “size” spinning reel. Six lb test is good, 4lb would be better.
6’ to 6-1/2’ light or ultralight rod. Would balance out well.
Your small pond will probably not hold anything “big”. So light tackle us just right. If you’re going to fish bigger bodies of water, you’re still OK, may want to get heavier tackle as you target larger fish.
Good luck and tight lines.

Don Fischer

Bait cast or spinning doesn't make a lot of difference other than you can cast quite a bit lighter baits with light spinning. I have both. Like my bait casting the best but for crappie I like ultra light spinning and very light line. For bigger fish I much prefer bait casting, round reels! I know there are guy's that can winch in larger fish than I do with their spinning rod and reel but I have a ton of confidence and love my round bait caster. Maybe you should try both. There's a learning period to cast bait caster's but most people usually get it. Taught my son to bait cast years ago but he prefers spinning. He has a few nice level wind reel's he never use's! It's what you like and are comfortable with.

JimCT Loc: Connecticut

Ditto. Keep it light and spinning for small water . I use spinning for just about any lure smaller than 1/4 ounce. I also use spinning for saltwater surf casting and pier fishing . I will use spinning for spinners and some light top water when targeting bass . Crank baits , stick baits, Texas rigged creature and senkos etc gin on the bait casters with heavier lines . Kind of my rule of thumb but I break the rules except for the 1/4 oz rule.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

👍 I agfee

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

I'm with Jeff and Don on this one go to Wal-Mart pick up a bunch of small spinning combos they have ( 2 piece Rod) and buy the one that feels the best to you and go out and have a blast

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

For a $100 you can get 2 ugly stick combos. Plenty of guys have them n they are durable. 👍👍

Chefgrw Loc: Ocean shores, WA

I like to use spinning gear when still fishing with bait. But i prefer a bait casting rig for casting lures. It took practice to become proficient with a bait caster but once I got it down I found it to be much more enjoyable than a spinning reel.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Grizzly I still have two a spinning 2 pc and bait casting2pc that I backpack with to remote spots workhorses and reely not to bad of rods both are the Elite series inexpensive but not cheap and they take a beating I'll tell ya