baitcasters for jig fishing

[ampersat]

so, who out there prefers a baitcaster for jig fishing?

i went to the mountain (mark, of first cast fame), i've read the posts, i've tried to fall in with the crowd and i just can't stand it. i hate spinning reels. no offense to those who prefer them.

i grew up fishing baitcasters once i was old enough to handle one. i know them, they feel real in my hand (no pun intended). i can cast with accuracy with them. i can freespool them effortlessly (almost) into the current. i trust them. they give me the positive control i demand. i've fished mono on a baitcaster for the last two years with no complaints. i just haven't caught fish this setup. i thought it was my rod and reel so i got a new setup.

for some reason, i feel the pressure to conform (which is highly unusual for me). the folks that catch fish say i should use this setup. i feel i should stick it out for the season, give the coffee grinder a chance. on the other hand, i don't want to miss my chances, i want to fish my best.

[steelheadslayer]

Amp, I like that shorter callsign. I prefer baitcasters due to me having small hands for a guy and not able to control line coming off the reel. I use a Shimano castaic which has two spool control switches. One releases the spool and the next one towards the tip of the rod requires just pushing my thumb forward to reengage the levelwind or drag? Pretty sweet setup for me. Now if I could just catch a fish on a jig I'd be more confident and maybe try the spinning rod more. :cheers:

[Thumper]

Amp keep the faith! I cannot see the advantage in using a coffee grinder for bobber fishing. I use a good levelwind and have twice the control for casting and freespooling. I cast a jig on 24 inches of leader tied to a snap swivel with substantial slinky weight and a sliding bobber. Most folks who use spinning reels say that such reels favor casting lighter weights. So why use lighter weights? With my set-up I can cast clear across the river and have total control in any depth of water.

Stick with the levelwind.

[Stew]

Hey Thumper...............nah! :grin: Baitcasters for any bobber fishing other than tidewater is anarchy :tongue:

[Firedog]

Amp, I am with you on this one. I have a beuatiful loomis 1143 that I built that is a spinning rod just for bobber and jig fishing but I prefer a levelwind. I guess old habits are hard to break. :smile:

[husker]

i prefer spinning reels for bobber and jig fishing.....its easier to cast....i have used both but.....just easier for me.....

[Fish Finder]

Ampersat fish with what you are comfortable with. Fish don't care which setup you're using. At the end, it's the fisherman not the setup that catches the fish.

[KillerDave]

It all depends on what your priorities are. Many anglers enjoy the feel of a quality casting reel. Since sportsfishing is all about enjoying your time on the water, use the tackle you enjoy fishing with the most.

Here's the rub. Many anglers want to hook as many steelhead as possible. For maximum hookups with the jig, you want (1) a little slack line for a perfectly drag free drift and (2) nothing on the line between the jig and the float. Casting reels just don’t do the best job, kind of like using a chain saw to build a deck.

Last year, I tried the setup Thumper describes thinking it’s just makes sense. The heavier weight is much easier to cast and keeps me in the strike zone. I caught some steelhead, but was out fished by a 4 to 1 margin (two guys in the same boat. I used weight and a slip float, my partner used a 1/8oz jig & Thill turbo master).

[Thumper]

I didn't want to hear that....... Don't confuse me with facts!

[ampersat]

anyone want to buy a spinning rod setup?

[First Bite]

Amp

I use a Shimano Curado with my bait casting set-up.

I agree with Jack (Thumper) that you can easily extend your drift with a bait caster. I normally don't free spool that far so a spinning set-up works better for me on the rivers I fish.

Mark

[KillerDave]

Thumper-
Thanks for the laugh. I'm still waiting for the morning coffee to kick in!

We almost met and the christmas party. I was hanging out with Nick from STS, which guarantees I remain anonymous at fishing functions.

I was at the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association christmas party last night talking to Buzz Ramsey. We're suppossed to have a really good run of winter steelhead this season.

Regardless of rigging & reels, I think we'd agree a drag free drift is critical to jig fishing success. It's sounding like we'll all get our share :dance:

[Plum Crazy]

I like bait casters too. BUT I carry two spinners for the reason that I have tried to take people fishing that don't understand the bait caster idea and have spent the day pickin out rat's nests allllllllll daaaaay looooong...
So it really is what you like. I could careless about what a guy uses If he's catching fish.
Have fun..... :cheers:
Fire :dance:

[Sturgeon Tom]

amp I'll take the old coffie grinder off your hands. :grin:

[husker]

tom what are u going to do with that ginder?....u have to many u dont use already..... :grin: :grin: .....good luck tom.....

[slamin salmon]

Fish with what you want to fish with. Better to feel comfortable in YOUR element than not in a precieved pressured one. And that's that! :grin: