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Spinning reel or casting reel for finesse fishing

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I still pretty new into bass fishing so I have recently been interested in expanding my arsenal and want to buy a finesse fishing reel and rod setup. But the only issue is that I do not know which type of reel would be the best for finesse fishing (spinning or baitcaster).  I have started using a baitcaster and have loved it!  But I am wondering whether it would be better to use a spinning reel for finesse bass fishing rather than a casting reel.  What type of reel should I use for finesse fishing?  

  • Global Moderator

Being new I would recommend a spinning setup. It would be easier, lighter and you would probably enjoy it more. 

That said being I use a casting setup for everything including skipping under docks, but there are many, many folks who use spinning rods for everything. 

There are very few "this is better for that" presentations. Finesse fishing isn't one of them .. It's what you feel comfortable with and have confidence in. 

Since you already have a casting setup I would get a spinning also.

Good Luck and Welcome 

 

Mike 

 

  • Super User

I'll second what Mike said. I'd go for a spinning setup for finesse fishing. I throw just about everything on my casting reels, but I still own spinning rods for the lighter side of finesse presentations. It's not that you can't do it with casting gear, but it's generally easier on spinning.

Finesse casting reels are expensive and they are only 1 piece of the puzzle because you'll also need a capable rod that can load and cast light lures.  I'd say just go with spinning gear.  Most spinning reels are capable of casting light stuff because of the design.  Personally, I have several finesse casting combos because I just prefer casting gear.  None of my combos are under $300 and these are on the cheaper side.

  • Super User

Welcome aboard!

And what @Mike L said...spinning.

You can do it with casting, I have, I 
just prefer spinning for its ability to 
be less headachy in windy conditions.

  • Super User

Spinning gear: Finesse

Baitcasting tackle: Power fishing

 

:fishing-026:

Like stated above spinning is the way to go for your finesse rigs.

  • Super User

i like both to be honest, i know that doesn't help, but truly both.  it might help too if you really provide some details on the baits/weights your'e talking about as everyone's definition of "finesse" can vary a bit.

  • Author

@buzed bait Well my type of finesse fishing I'm mostly made up of  Texas rigging soft plastics such as craws, worms or creature baits on a 4/0 offset hook weightless or like a shaky head and wacky rig.  Most of them are weightless but occasionally I will add an 1/4 tungsten weight.  Hope that helps a little bit. 

Spinning for sure!  It should be able to handle any soft plastic with a 1/4oz weight with no problems.

  • Super User
1 hour ago, Aloff10 said:

@buzed bait Well my type of finesse fishing I'm mostly made up of  Texas rigging soft plastics such as craws, worms or creature baits on a 4/0 offset hook weightless or like a shaky head and wacky rig.  Most of them are weightless but occasionally I will add an 1/4 tungsten weight.  Hope that helps a little bit. 

i honestly do all of those on both!  i personally prefer the baitcaster, but i will use spinning too.  i really prefer spinning if you're talking about skipping anything though because i can't skip consistently on the baitcaster to save my life!

Drop shot and shakeyhead are the only times I really want a spinning reel (open bail, let line hit bottom without hassle, profit). Everything else is preference. Modern casting equipment is getting to be pretty good, even near $100, at going lower in lure weights.

Spinning gear is better in the wind but I think if you're finesse fishing in a stiff breeze you're going to be sad no matter what you do.

  • Super User
9 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Spinning gear: Finesse

Baitcasting tackle: Power fishing

 

:fishing-026:

THIS

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