Spining Gear

[HugoBox]

Do any of you choose to use spinning gear instead of baitcastng gear for specific situations? I've seen the posts and agree with most that baitcasters are the way to go, but the reason I ask is that I've been in Texas for work and most likely will be doing some surf fishing in the Gulf this weekend. I am trying to decide whether I just pick up a cheap combo to use for the weekend or whether I can justify getting a little better set-up if I think I'll have a decent use for it when I get back.

[JP Z]

Hugo,

In taking a note from the Doug Stange book. My favorite rod for throwing the smaller Berkley Swimshads for Muskies/Eyes etc. Is a Heavier Action Spinning Combo with a 40 Series Reel. Couple that with some 10lb Dia Braid and you are in business.

[Nick Kuhn]

Nothing wrong with using spinning tackle if it can handle the load. It's just not a lot of spinning tackle around here can, and saltwater tackle is often too heavy to cast with. I use a big spinning real for lighter baits (1/2 - 1 ounce). I just wish it had a better retrieval rate.

[Scoot]

I use a spinning rig for a few applications. My favorite is for a jig/plastic combo. I've got a jig and plastic combo that I use for a follow up rig and for sight fishing- it works great for both.

[traveler]

I have a Diawa saltwater series spinner with 30 lb power pro on a 7 ft MH St croix inshore rod. Great setup for light bucktails or super shad rap size cranks. I also use it for sturgeon, casting for kings off WI breakwalls, saltwater fishing for smaller tuna/dorado.

[HugoBox]

Thanks for the info guys - I think you may have just helped me spend more $$!

[JP Z]

your welcome!!! Might I ask what you are looking at for Rod/Reel?

[slipperybob]

Before I used a baitcaster, I used spinning gear exclusively. Hvy action 7' rod with Shimano 4000 Stradic spinning reel. It's underpower for those big baits, but I use for up to 1.5 oz. But now I have a 4000 Stella reel and it's no prob.

With my baitcaster set up I'm in control from 3/4 oz up to 4 oz lures.

[steffanf]

Like I have mentioned in the past, I use spinning gear exclusively for all the fishing I do. For Musky, I have two set-ups. The lighter of the two uses a higher-end 7' extra-heavy spinning rod coupled with a Shimano 4000 series Symetre & 30-50 lb test Spiderwire. The heavier set-up uses a custom rod built by Thorne-Brothers (8' G-Loomis Hvy action Musky blank) coupled with a Shimano 6000 series Sustain with 50-80 lb Spiderwire. With the 7' set-up, I can easily cast lures up to 3 oz. With the heavier 8' set-up, I can cast lures up to 5-6 oz. and can troll with lures larger than that.

-Gregg B.