Pickle Loc: Duplin co, NC

I've tried bait casters before. And found I don't have the patience to deal with the bird nesting. I much prefer spinning reels.

WhiskerKnight

My first BC it took weeks to get the hang of it..... several years later now they are all I use.... got a dozen of them

badbobby Loc: Humble Texas

very true
try holding your rod perpendicularly above the water
adjust the tension until your lure slowly descends
you may not have as much distance but you will have far fewer snags
and besides distance is not the main thing in casting your lure
it is accuracy that matters most

Kendallqn Loc: Phoenix, AZ

For those that have problems with learning to thumb the spool. You can now get a Shimano DC reel and not worry about it. I bought a Currado DC about a month ago and can now just cast. The digital breaking is nothing short of amazing. There is a guy online that shows himself casting into a wall and it barely fluffs. I haven't had a backlash since on that reel even when casting into a headwind. And I love my spinning gear but for finesse fishing the bait-cast is hands down a better go too.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Funny how when a problem regarding spinning reels comes up, answers are given , problem solved,... aaand... we're moving on.
With level-winds (hate the term "baitcasters", a total misnomer, we ALL throw actual bait AND lures regardless of reel type) the problem(s) are put forth and...whoa, Nelly....we have bird'snest, crank handle side controversy, line dissed, line loved, knobs tightened, knobs need loosening, knobs need tuning, swagger of expertise, shame of incompetence, frustration, pride, and on and on. So much energy, $$, and time wasted(IMHO) over trying to emulate the latest Bassmaster hero or impress your buddies. And yet, even among the faithful, not much consensus except "keep trying".
I have 3 level-winds, all relegated to trolling, since I don't have to cast and they do have excellent drag. Besides the fact, I hate to have expensive gear just gather dust. I have never been out-fished by anyone simply on reel choice. Presentation of lure, surely. Experience with body of water, you bet. I also have not lost a fish based on "my spinning reel wasn't up to the task". I find the advantage of level-winds comes in to play only on true biggies. Not salmon, muskies or cats.... but marlin, big tarpon, sharks.... something the size of the fisherman trying to best the beast he's hooked. The very nature of the retrieval (line perpendicular to the rotation) is admittedly a stronger force.
So to the original premise of the question.....yeah, I have basically given up on level winds(ok, ok, .. baitcasters !) in favor of spinning reels (and fly gear, of course).
Sooo,.... when you step back for awhile to untangle yourself.... you don't mind if I take your spot, do you ? Lol !

GlennMc928 Loc: Tualatin OR

Learn to do a flip cast by using your wrist.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

To achieve what advantage ?

Andy J

I tried one years ago. It wasn’t for me. I fish fresh and salt , I’m a very experienced fisherman. I’m sure people love them but I’ll always use my spinning reels. Like you said.... spend the time fishing not fixing. I’m sure a low budget bait caster is not gonna pay off on the water either. I used braided line for the first time this summer as well. The jury is still out on that. Andy

Mikebrinn

I gave up when I hooked myself in the back of the head. Spinning ever since.

Jakestake83 Loc: Mooresville NC

If you adjust the clutch on the crank side of the reel and the brake on the opposite side to the specific lure that you are using, you will eliminate the birdsnests. Crank the lure up to the end of the rod and release the line. If the lure drops, tighten the clutch. Do this several times until the lure just starts dropping when the line is released. Set the break at its middle point during these tests. Also cast with the smoothest arm motion that you can use. Snap casts or power casts will change the results and create the problem.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Again with all the "do this, then do that, if...." Geesh....so much totally avoidable hassle. As I've said many a time, gluttons for punishment is what you are. I bet you're also wishing that there is a crank on the front of your truck to start it with, and a knob to set the spark just so, and then pull out the choke for 2 or 3 cranks......vroooom. OK, now you can back up to your boat trailer.... you'll get to fishin'.... eventually.

coyoteman186

Hey don't gige up it takes time.Braid line is too thin,when it nests on you it a bi--h to get untangled.Try a quality mono line trilene xl(extra limp) keep your bearings adjusted wher it not too loose learn to stop or slow down the line with your thumb.Every time you change your set up you will need to check your bearing tension.

Jody

When using baitcasters try to adjust the magnetism

TexDanm Loc: East Texas

I think that a lot of people get hung up on just how important the type and cost of your tackle is. Fishing in this day and time is a sporting activity for most people. They are not generally fishing to put food on the table to stave off starvation and other than a few pros you aren't trying to make a living. The idea is or should be to go out and have a good time and enjoy being outdoors.

I own 40 or 50 baitcasting reels. When I was a kid we either used a knuckle buster baitcasting reel, a Mitchel spinning reel or a cane pole. I learned early how to cast a baitcaster but then again I so well remember my first Zebco. It was GREAT. No backlashes, I could cast lighter baits and it was a lot more fun for crappie and perch fishing since it was lighter and the rods for the spincast were lighter actions. I'm left-handed so the Mitchel spinning reel just didn't work for me.

When I go fishing, and I do it a lot, my tackle choices have to do with what kind of fishing I am going to be doing. My choice is based on what will be the most fun and not what I think is the most in style. I own a couple of nearly all the ABUs made before 2000. They never wear out and when I quit tournament fishing I stopped buying a couple of new reels every time a new model came out.

If I am just going fishing I carry several rods and reels. Which I use is dependent on what I'm fishing for and the conditions. I have caught thousands of bass with Zebco reels. My biggest on a spincast was an 8 pounder that took a worm that I was casting without any weight. I had no problems landing it. I was fishing in a pond and just didn't need the power, line capacity or precision sort of casting that I might need in a big lake or river with a lot of cover and structure. I never go fishing without a spincast reel. I use them for dock shooting jigs, working 1/8 oz jigs with curly tail grubs, and beetle spins for perch and crappie.

About the only sort of fishing that I am hardcore for baitcasters is when I am fishing for Red Drum on the coast in the bays or when I'm catfishing for bigger cats. If I'm fishing for eater size cats I prefer a spinning reel or a spincaster. I like my baitcasting reels and am good with them but if I'm fishing for fun I like lighter tackle, lighter line and smaller baits and both the spincast and the spinning reels are better for this to me.

If casting reels are not adding to your pleasure then use something else. I like the Zebco reels and also like the more mid-level priced spinning reels. You don't get the same level of improvement in spincast and spinning reels as you do with baitcasters. With baitcasters, you really DO get what you pay for. Do what brings you the most pleasure.

Andy J

Perfectly said texdanm! Fishing is a personal thing. Funny... those giants always show up when your just messing around for minnows. I actually love a crawler on just a hook with 6 or 8lb mono. Lob it out and let it sink slowly. It’s poetry when the limp line lands slowly on the calm water. I live for that feeling. Andy