spincast or spinning reel

[bucketmouth64]

I have a friend who wants to learn how to fish. He has no equipment. I have both spincast and spinning reels. What would you recommend that he should start to use? I am leaning towards spinning reels. I don't want to show him baitcasters since it takes time to learn and he is just learning how to fish. I mainly fish bass and panfish. I figured that a spinning reel is more versatile should he want to try to fish other species.

[IFallsRon]

Unless your friend is physically challenged, either will work. If you're really concerned, try a basic Zebco.

[Granny]

I would stay away from a biatcaster for a new fisherman. Go with a spinning reel, more time fishing and less time messing with a backlash for both of you.

Granny

[1Yogi]

I would advise against a spincasting reel. nothing but trouble in my opinion. A lot less problems with an inexpensive Spinning reel. just my 2 pennies worth

[This message has been edited by 1Yogi (edited 05-28-2004).]

[icehousebob]

My daughter-in-law, the pretty little red haired girl, came from a non fishing family. My first gift to her was an under-spin rod and reel. Its the spincast reel that hangs under the rod like the spinning reel. It took her less than five minutes to learn to use it and it was easy to convert her to a spinning reel.

[klbowe]

What I have found with spin casting reels is that if you have a line twist, knot or if the cotton wood trees are molting you will not see or know about the problem until it is too late. Someone casts and creates a line tangle on the floor of the boat because of a second line tangle inside the reel. (twice the bother). Then you have to twist the lid off and unload 20 yards of line into the boat because the lid keeps you from pulling the excess line into the lake. With a open face spinning reel you will notice the line f--k before it is too late ! Open the bail and let the wind or water take the excess line out of the boat until you reach the tangle. Fix the tangle pinch the line while reeling the excess line up and away you go !

I tried starting the kids out on quality spin cast reels and they always handed them to me when there was a problem. With a open face spinning reel they notice when there is a problem and fix it on their own and I spend less time stripping and reloading reels with fresh line.

My 2 cents + a nickle.

[delmuts]

get him or her started with a spinning reel. once mastered they can use different sizes for all types of fishing. del