good spinning reel for river

[Lunker]

i am going to do some river fishing for cats and carp this summer, but cannot stand fishing with a baitcaster because i am bad at casting. Im thinking of getting a saltwater reel with some 20 pound mono. Will this work? Will i be able to cast well?

[Fisher Dave]

I spend countless hours on the rivers during the summer fishing cats (Flatheads mostly). Spinning gear will cast just as well as baitcasting equipment, and often times, better. The baitcasting reel is better for fighting large fish ... but spinning will get you by.

Be sure Your reel and rod both are capable and balanced to handle the heavier line. The best heavy spinning reels I have found are Shimano Baitrunners, Stradic (very expensive), and the larger Penn reels. If you need any kind of distance for casting go with an 8'+ heavy action rod.... Light surf gear works perfectly.