6 minutes ago, WRB said:

What about size 5 Shad Rap don't you get.....it kites.

You are also asking for trouble using FC line IMO.

Tom

I honestly didn't know about the casting differences for the different lines as it relates to spinning gear. I figured once I put it on spinning gear it would be just fine. I was going to use the spinning gear for weightless senkos and flukes so from what I read I figured FC would be the best route to go. I can always switch it out though. I can go pick up some mono or braid for the spinning reel and use a flouro leader if needs be. 

1 hour ago, Sharkicane said:

I honestly didn't know about the casting differences for the different lines as it relates to spinning gear. I figured once I put it on spinning gear it would be just fine. I was going to use the spinning gear for weightless senkos and flukes so from what I read I figured FC would be the best route to go. I can always switch it out though. I can go pick up some mono or braid for the spinning reel and use a flouro leader if needs be. 

If you are focused on a Shad Rap get the size 7 or better yet a Bomber 6A that casts good.

FC line tends to twist more then mono of equal diameter and doesn't require nearly as much TLC. With FC you need a line conditioner like KVD and tie knots carefully. 

Braid is expensive line and you need 2 good knots if you use a leader.

Keep what you have and learn to use it. You may be whipping the rod too fast snap casting it, let the rod cast the lure. After using your outfit then make changes based on your own experience.

Tom

On 5/11/2018 at 11:45 AM, Drew03cmc said:

I don't see this as viable. Most spinning reels, at most, are 6:1. I own ONE baitcaster with a sub 6:1 speed. Most are 7+. Ergo, most spinning reels are considerably slower than most casting reels. The casting reels that would be slower are either old or designed as cranking reels, intended for long casts, large line capacities and deep running, water resistant baits. 

 

On 5/11/2018 at 1:38 PM, J Francho said:

My 6:1 Stradic CI4 2500 takes up 35" of per turn, or MORE than your typical 7:1 baitcaster.   Some larger spool spinning reels can take 40+" per turn.  It's all IPT, not ratio.

 

This is my exact point. Look at the diameter difference between a spinning reel spool and a baitcaster spool and it's easy to understand this. Same theory as taking a 15" tire and rolling it one full rotation, and then doing the same thing with an 18" tire. The diameter is only 3" different. The 15" tire will roll 47.1", where as the 18" tire will roll 56.5".

I don't know how this has went three pages. Spinning rod with braid. There ya go. 

On 5/15/2018 at 8:48 PM, Yeajray231 said:

I don't know how this has went three pages. Spinning rod with braid. There ya go. 

 

LOL...I agree.

 

If you're fishing professionally to support yourself and others then it makes sense to spend the money on your gear, but if you're just a regular Joe who likes to fish then it can be ridiculous. I got wrapped up in all the hype over rods and reels until I realized I only need one or two good setups and they don't need to break the bank. I settled on a Pflueger President XT 3500 and a 6" 6" Field & Stream Tech Spec rod. This setup has served me well through many fish and the whole thing cost me $160. I use 15lb Power Pro braid with AFW Surflon wire leader, double uni-knots to mainline then cinch knot to clip for lure changes. The other rig I had was a Diawa Revros 3000H and a Berkley 7" Lightning Shock rod. Unfortunately the reel stopped working and I had to return it.

 

I have been considering a Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000 FB, simply for the quality and dependability that a reel of that caliber would offer. I've been hesitating because of the price, but then it's not as expensive as say a Stella, lol. I started using Power Pro braid last year and it has proven itself time and time again through many fish, even a 26lb shovelhead which had the whole rod bent over past the reel at one point and there was no line breakage. I was even impressed with the knots, holding up to that monster. With braid you can put more on your reel, cast farther and it doesn't kink or twist like fluoro or mono. 

For years I used a Jimmy Houston spinning rod that was like 30 bucks for the combo. Spooled it with braid and used anything from senkos, jerkbaits, jigs and everything else including the #5 shad rap OP has a problem casting. 

 

I now have a bunch of set ups and use the spinning rods for "finesse" stuff but at the time it got it done and I caught fish with that ultra cheap combo consistently. 

 

Location/timing trumps gear every time. 

The problem is NOT your rod, nor your reel, the problem IS YOUR LINE. With 15 lb CXX that bait is going lo land at your feet. I cast a SR5 with a MH rod and a REGULAR BC ( not a small bait specific reel ) without problems BUT with 10 lbs test Trilene Big Game.