Spinning reel on a Baitcaster rod

[BPBOB]

I've seen it now a couple of times on an In-Fisherman episode -Doug Stange using a long baitcasting rod with a spinning reel-He's fishing for smallies with a bobber set-up.

Do any of you ever use this type of set-up? The problem I saw was the small line guides on the rod looked like they would inhibit casting ability-then again he didn't seem to be trying to cast a mile.

[Duffman]

We're all fickle at times. It's sort of strange to see on a fishing show, but it's probably he just likes the rod action/feel for that kind of fishing.

More likley, he forgot that his spinning rods were in his other boat.

[goose89]

Haven't watched In-Fisherman for awhile now, but I'm curious about that. IF the said baitcasting rod had the typical "trigger grip", I can't see how that would be of any benefit. It would be digging into your hand if it was "up-side-down."

[BPBOB]

The rod was a typical trigger grip-on the show he makes some comment about "double-duty" use of the rod -yes,the trigger sticking up into your hand isn't ideal by any means.

[Loose]

Hey at least the spinning reel wasn't positioned like a baitcaster.

[Rodbldr4fun]

Can't say I have seen that. However. there really isn't any difference as far as the blank is concerned. Most new rods are being built with small guides. The theory is that you are going to lose the same amount of energy whether you bring the cone down quickly or more gradually. The benefit of small guides is weight reduction, the biggest factor in sensitivity. I can't say I would use a pistol grip for a spinning reel, but you aren't casting a bobber very far so it shouldn't be a big issue. I suspect it is a matter of a longer rod for better hook sets.

[blakjack23]

That seems really odd to me. I can't imagine it would work very well trying to get a spinning reel to cast line into the small eyes of a casting rod. Yes, lots of casting rods are going to smaller micro guides, but spinning rods aren't on that train.

[Rodbldr4fun]

The trend has been to rapidly go to small guides for a number of years in custom and now commercial spinning rod construction.

[delcecchi]

I've seen it now a couple of times on an In-Fisherman episode -Doug Stange using a long baitcasting rod with a spinning reel-He's fishing for smallies with a bobber set-up.

Do any of you ever use this type of set-up? The problem I saw was the small line guides on the rod looked like they would inhibit casting ability-then again he didn't seem to be trying to cast a mile.

He IS from Iowa. Some years ago I saw some Iowa guys on the Mississippi fishing with open face reels on casting rods, holding them reel up and cranking backwards. It was strange. But the stripers were hitting so...

[bemidjibasser]

The smaller the guides that you can use and still effectively pass the line and any connections(line to leader) the more efficient the rod will be. The last several spinning rods that I have built have utilized the "27X" method of guide spacing and using fuji alconite 4mm running and choker guides. They cast extremely well and are lighter than anything you will find on the shelf at the big box stores...

[RK]

Every guide has stories like this, but...

When I worked at Camp Fish I guided a dad and his kid for the day. So the guy hops into my boat with a solid glass saltwater stand-up boat rod - heavy enough to club baby seals, solid wood handle, stainless steel guides - the whole shebang. On the rod is a huge spinning reel full to overflowing with what looked like 17# bright blue monofilament. On the business end was pile of 4 or 5 1/2 oz rubbercore sinkers in a knot, a 14" steel leader, and a 5/0 treble hook. So he sits down, calmly skewers a 7" worm on each barb of the treble hook (the first time I ever saw a wacky rig, now that I think about it - heh...), flings it out with the reel held upside down, then looks at me and in utter sincerity says "so doing this all summer I suppose you get some real dummies now and then, huh?"

I said the only thing I could say: "None so far today..."

Fortunately he got a colossal tangle on about his second cast, and once I convinced him it would work, I loaned him one of my spinning rods with 8# mono and a jigworm, and he finally caught some fish...

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[Burchoid]

I've seen it now a couple of times on an In-Fisherman episode -Doug Stange using a long baitcasting rod with a spinning reel-He's fishing for smallies with a bobber set-up.

Do any of you ever use this type of set-up? The problem I saw was the small line guides on the rod looked like they would inhibit casting ability-then again he didn't seem to be trying to cast a mile.

Sounds like someone just forgot their heavy spinning gear that day, or it was a joke.

[Jig Master]

Sounds like a set up you'd see a hmong fishing with down at the river.

[bemidjibasser]

If I remeber correctly it was a rod that he also used for river fishing salmon/steelhead with that he said doubled as a good float rod with a palstic suspended under the float. Probably not the most comfortable to fish with, but it would work if it had to and was the right action he was looking for.

[MN BassFisher]

Haha that is hilarious!

[blakjack23]

The trend has been to rapidly go to small guides for a number of years in custom and now commercial spinning rod construction.

So you mean, one or two large guides, they rapidly go down in size? I understand that would work as it has a 'buffer' before the small guides. But a spinning reel on a baitcasting rod? I dont' see how that would work well at all.

I guess like the original poster mentioned...Doug wasn't casting very far with that setup.

[slipperybob]

It's funny but seeing enough people making it work, I just keep my chuckles to myself. Heh, heh, heh, heh,...