Spincast reel
Has anyone put a closed face thumb controlled spincast reel on a spinning rod as opposed to a bait cast style rod? Any problems because of the higher mounted guides?
my preferred setup with spincast.
Thanks Alan. Never seen that setup before but I got a spincast reel for Father's Day and I have a bare spinning rod in the corner. I'll give it a try.
I always use my baitcast reels for bottom fishing in salt water. It's got smooth consistent drag and I like the quick release when I need to feed more line as we drift into deeper waters. Being able to thumb the spool is another welcomed benefit.
I have mostly spinning rods so I use those to pair up with my baitcast reels. I have no problems at all when fishing this combination. You'd think the first high guide might offer some resistance to line flow, but to me the difference has been negligible. Seasoned baitcasters may think different. Go for whatever you're comfortable with.
Aloha.
Oooops, thought spincast and bait cast reels were the same. I have never owned a spincast reel. Sorry about the mistake. However, I think a spinning rod will hardly make a difference.
It will work fine but isn't as comfortable and your hold on the rod isn't as good as it would be with a casting rod.
I exclusively fish with spincast reels and it makes little difference to me if my reels are on a spinning rod or a baitcast rod. The only issue I've had with any rod is the handle portion below the reel. I have big hands and if I don't have at least 10 or so inches below the reel it is uncomfortable. I have my favorite spincast reels, Zebco Omega 3 Pros and a Zebco Bullet, on Daiwa AIRD-X 2 pc. 6'6" Medium Graphite Casting Rods, but others I have on Ugly Sticks which are spinning rods. I'd say, whatever you're comfortable with. Try them out and see what works for you. One thing I have learned about fishing gear is that you should NEVER base your gear on what someone else says you should be using, i.e. baitcasting reels. My friends who said I should be using baitcasting reels instead of "those kids reels" almost always end up buying at least one Zebco Omega 3 after they accept the challenge of trying mine. They haven't tried my Zebco Bullet yet. After they do, I figure there will be several baitcasting reels on eBay.
Spincast rods are made to have the reel hanging below your hand, not on top of the rod like a baitcasting rig. Spincast rods have larger eyes at the reel end because the line comes off the reel in loops and the bigger eyes offer less friction. Your closed face spinning reel delivers its line through a small diameter hole in the reel cover. It can use a rod with smaller eyelets. It is also designed to sit on top of a baitcasting reel with good balance and thumb position.
If you want a spincast reel that is designed to sit below the handle you want to get a lever type spincast reel that you operate with your index finger. Those are more common for ultralite rigs, but I have seen some larger ones.
If you want superior casting distance you need to go to an open-face spinning reel and a good quality reel.
Thanks to all that replied. I have used open face spinning reels for 70 years but have never learned to cast them well. Proper line release is not in my genes. I use them with Carolina rigs on points,creek channels etc. where accuracy is not needed. Bait casters and fly rods provide that. I like spincast because I can still have accuracy, a little more distance and the ability to use light lures. I have owned most brands of spincast reels over the years but they are unreliable. I'm getting a Pflueger President for Father's day and will give it a try. At the tender age of 84 I finally thought of putting it on a spinning rod. Who knows! Now I fish from a kayak at a much slower pace. The excitement of the bite hasn't changed.
Hi Buckeye,
I left Zebco reels since I have a 5gal bucket of old ones so I haven't tried the Bullet yet.
I'm using Pflueger President Spincast reels these days and they are the best spincast reels I've ever used. Flawless casting even after catching numerous ten pound range catfish. I suspect your Bullet reels are probably along the same quality.
woodnfish; As far as casting distance, I doubt any spinning reel will top the presidential spincast on a 7ft rod. You try one and you'll see. :)
Give the new Zebcos a try. The Omega 3 Pro is the best reel I've ever used and for a more heavy duty reel, the Zebco Bullet is great. I'd put them against any baitcaster for casting distance and accuracy. I have heard nothing but good reports concerning the Pflueger President series of reels.
I understand why a lot of people put a spin cast reel on a spinning rod. It is hard to find light and medium light action casting rods and the spinning rods actions better match the use most people put a spin cast
to. Zebco makes a nice line of lighter rods but they are hard t find except as part of a combo package. I have bought them on Ebay though.
McGill & Wright make a nice worm casting rod. I have one with a Johnny Morris baitcaster on it. I love the rod, but not the reel, and I have two fo them. so I am going to replace them with a Shimano Curado.
Hi ALan,
I've seen some people get good distance off a spincast reel, but I never have. I bought the most expensive Zebco spincast reel available a dozen years back and put it on a nice rod, but couldn't get the distance and it kept having problems with the pickup pin and wouldn't reel in the line.
Openface spinning reels will throw the lightest lure I have and I use them for all my freshwater fishing. I have an ultralight rig that is a lot of fun for panfish, but my favorites for bass are my Shimano Stradics. Go into a Bass Pro store or similar and the Shimanos are the only reels that keep spinning long after all the others have stopped. (Makes me wonder what Speed Bearings might do for my Johnny Morris reels.)
I also stopped using baitcasting reels several years ago but after reading again and again about the quality of the Zebco Omega series reels I gave one a try. I was shocked at how the first one consistently performed. I now have two Omega 3 Pros and a Zebco Bullet. Yes, people still laugh at me for using them but they often end up owning Omega 3 Pros after trying mine. Higher end spincast reels are much improved in recent years and with the right line you efficiently cast any weight lure.
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