FS Digest

Hi there.

What are the uses for a fishing rod with triggers? When is it useful to use a rod with trigger? When is it not?

Maybe it's pretty obvious, but I'm struggling to really see the benefits/downsides without just reading the manufacturers description, which, obviously, is quite one sided.

Hope you guys have some theoretical or practical knowledge on the subject.

Thank you.

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by krischrill

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I’m not sure I understand. Are you talking about casting rod with the finger grip “trigger” and a spinning rod without this feature?

GlennMc928 Loc: Tualatin OR

It all comes down to comfort and feel in a rod and it adds a bit of style to the rod and the downside is ???

Nighthunter Loc: St. Francisville, LA

If I'm understanding the question correctly, the trigger you are talking about is a baitcasting rod designed to be used with a baitcasting or a conventional reel. Baitcasting rods are constructed so that the reel sits on the top of the rod unlike a spinning rod where the reel hangs below the rod on the underside. Spinning rods unlike a baitcaster will have the reel on the underside of the rod. They differ in design in that the line guide closest to the reel will be much large than on a baitcasting rod. This is because the line comes off of the spool in a cylindrical motion and in order to reduce the friction of the line on the guide the wider it is the better. You should never attempt to use a baitcasting reel on a spinning rod and fish the rod upside down, or spinning reel on a baitcasting rod. Each is designed for the specific reel type, and fishing a rod upside down is asking for a broken rod when you hook into a good fish.

nonki521 Loc: el cerrito ca

If you are talking about a spinning reel with trigger release, close face, I bought that kind (Daiwa) for my children (at age 3 or 4) to learn how to cast, reel, & drag adjustment. Kind of like how one learns how to drive on a car with automatic trans vs stick shift. The trigger release spin reel requires less mechanical knowledge to be successful casting faster and with a turn of the crank to lock in the line. Less chance for the line to get tangled around the spool of an open face spin reel and with it being a spinning reel, its weight is below the level of the rod so the child does not need to hold the reel's weight up while reeling in. Also, the trigger release is good for the "once a year" type of fishing person, who just like to tag along for the social aspect for the same above reasons. Down side is shorter casting distance, more wear to the line, more care and things to do needed to load new line onto the spool , and more problems if line gets tangled within the close face. Note, my grandkid age 3 is learning on the same Daiwa trigger release reel of his father's. He was able to cast, set hook, reel in the trout at age 5 (we baited the hook, too dangerous for him at that age).

brianleffler Loc: Fairport N.Y. 14450

by trigger I'm assuming your talking about a Zebco type, which I LOVED and kinda miss since I was a kid and teen ager. I always looked at Bail type reels and said (to my self) ...of course. Okay yeah I talk to my head. I can't wait to own one of those! Bait casting reels are my nemesis! Oooops got off track there for a second but, anyway whatever you're comfortable with and cathin' fish with is totally okay by me!
Enjoy our chosen sport and keep on Catchin'!
Brian

Iceman86 Loc: Miramichi NB

Iceman86 Loc: Miramichi NB

Been using Shimano Open Faced Spinning reels with trigger for years Personally wouldn’t use anything else So much more convenient and easy to handle with no downside that I am aware of If there is would be interested to know what it is
Tight Lines

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Seems to be a bit of confusion over WHERE the trigger is.

On the ROD.... it's a baitcaster or push-button spincast rod.
On the spinning REEL, it's a "helper" for those who have difficulty in using the forefinger to release line in casting.... kinda hate those... always returns to where trigger is positioned for next cast, disallowing good hookset (usually 1/2 turn before engagement).... not good.

Trigger on the rod would be in the way by being on the top (or just plain useless) if using a spinning reel.....and it's totally necessary for a baitcaster (or push-button) to maintain grip and put your thumb in the correct position, while casting.
Also might take note of guides, top or bottom, as well as diameter size, and "backbone" the rod manufacturer has built in.

They have opposing designs for good reason and simple practicality.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

What model Shimano are you using? I Googled and came up with nothing that has a trigger.

curtisb733 Loc: lake wallenpaupack, pa

I had an old shimano open face with a trigger . I loved it till it wore out. It is good for fast spin fishing for trout and fast shore fishing for bass with crank bait. I could not find one any more so now just back to using finger to hold the line, which is ok because new reels stop in the right spot and you don't have to turn it to grab the line imho

Don Fischer

Well if he's talking about casting rods, I've no clue what they do. Been using them since about 1965 and never found a reason for the trigger, I palm the reels. If it's on a casting rod with an offset handle behind the reel seat. I believe that rod is designed for spin cast reels and i suspect it gives you something to help hold onto. The only trigger I'm aware of on spinning gear is actually on the reel, pull the trigger to open the bail to cast. Now that makes a lot of sense! Inagine how much time you save using the trigger over opening the bail by hand! :-)

curtisb733 Loc: lake wallenpaupack, pa

yes trigger on open bail reels. pull trigger you grab line same time. wham bam thank you mame