what kind of reel

[flyfisher31]

what kind of reel do you for salmon/ steelhead i use a spinning but my uncle let me use his and it was a baitcaster what is the better reel

[curado]

baitcaster

[Toni]

Spinning

[kzoo]

I use both, baitcaster for floats and spinning for drifting.

[nickbell]

I'v heard baitcasters are better, you can't controll the spool on a spinning. This is just what I hear on different websites.

[scott080379]

I hate baitcasters but that is only because I have never taken the real time to learn how to cast with them properly. I do know for float fishing they are better though. It is all up to the fisherman, I really don't think one is better than the other when it comes to throwing out spoons, spinners or drift gear. I love spinning reels for fresh water fishing, that is all I used growing up.

[donman]

I have both, but mainly use my spinning rod. I have had good success with both. It comes down to what you're comfortable with.

[spokey9]

baitcasters have a more effecient drag design then spinning reels. the other benefit of a baitcaster is if u gotta turn a fish's head, just put ur thumb on the spool to give u that extra lil bit of pressure. i use a spinning rod tho for jig & bobber cuz it's easier for me to cast the lighter weights with accuracy. the most important thing tho is knowin how to fight a fish.

[jens]

If I had to choose between the 2 I would go with a baitcaster. And this is from a guy who almost tossed his Curado in the river because I just couldn't cast it . With help of some of the fellas on here and practice, practice, practice, I can almost cast a spoon over Mt Rainier.

[scott080379]

This is tempting me to go buy a baitcaster today.

[jens]

This is tempting me to go buy a baitcaster today.

I still have issues casting light weight, but I just feel cool using one. I landed about an 18-20lb King and 11-12 Steelie a couple weeks ago with my Curado and the feeling reminded me of that girl you have a secret crush on and then finding out she feels the same way.

[donman]

The one thing about a bait caster I can't stand is when it backlashes on you. I know it's a personal problem and one that I have to get better at. As you say Jens, practice, practice, practice! But it really ruins a trip when you have the mother load of all birds nest and it takes 30 minutes to get it untangled, especially if it happens twice in one day.

I have a Shimano Citica E, the step down from the Curado. I like it alot, and for the price it's a great reel.



One thing you also need to consider about a bait caster is do you want to retrieve left handed or right handed? On a spinning reel I'm a left handed retriever. So why not get a left handed retrieve on a bait caster? I don't see the logic, IMHO, casting with your right, then switching the rod into your left hand only to retrieve with your right. Never understood that. So I always make sure the one I want has a left handed option.

For my spinning reel, I went to WalMart and bought this $40 Abu Garcia Cardinal 104.



This is an excellent spinning reel that I caught this beautiful Springer on . . .



In the end, you have to ask your self, does it do what I want it to do in the most efficient manner?

[jens]

I just picked up a Shimano Symetre 3000FJ a couple weeks ago and it is the best spinning reel I have ever used. I will look into the Citca since I need another baitcaster. I have been eyeballing the Curado 200E and just use it for my hardware set up.

[kinghunter]

I started off with spinning reel and been happy with it. But due to peer pressure of trying the baitcaster, I find the baitcaster reel once you get the hang of it, you can cast much farther and is extremely light (low profile baitcasters). I also have a left handed reel, cast with my right and retrieve with my left, equal less work. You have to expect bird's nest every once in a while, but I find it happens to me when I'm not paying attention. Whatever you pick, make sure you pick a good quality reel, nothing more frustrating when you have a nice 30#er on your line and your cheap reel malfunctions. Of course that's never happened to me before, I meant the 30#er on my line.

[Gringo Pescador]

Like Spokey9 said, the most important thing is knowing how to fight the fish.

I use baitcasters for bass, but spinning reels for my river setups. I have a couple of Pflueger President 6730s one on a 10'6" rod for float/jig and the other on a 9' rod for everything else (throwing spoons/ spinners & drifting). They have worked great for me.
I have thought I would like to switch over to baitcasters, but that would mean new rods too and since what I have has been working, I haven't been too motivated to change it!

[tommytitan08]

Jens......that wasn't my curado by any chance u were about to chuck into the river was it?

[jens]

Jens......that wasn't my curado by any chance u were about to chuck into the river was it?

Your stuff is my stuff, and my stuff is my stuff . Get the picture? LOL
I purchased the Curado 300e after you let me practice with yours.
Let's do Pho' next week and you can have your gear back. Thanks bud. :cyclops: :cyclopsan

[curado]

i use the Curados, it has taken alot of big fish and is still kickin

[fear_no_fish]

All about personal prefrence and if you can even use the reel. Bait casters tend to hold more line then spinners. If you do end up with a baitcaster really and i mean REALLY pay attention when you cast. Birds nest are the worst when you can pull them out in more than 30 seconds. good luck with your choice

[jens]

i use the Curados, it has taken alot of big fish and is still kickin

So if you use a different brand will you change your handle?