I’m sure most people will agree that casting is a lot more accurate when it comes to bottom contact baits such as a texas rig or a jig but I want to hear from others about using a spinning rod for bottom contact.

I know that there’s nuisances to “bottom contact” but let’s stick with 1/4-3/8oz jig texas rig with a 3/0 EWG hook and finesse jigs just for this conversation. I’m debating between a P5 X Bites or just keeping my NRX+ 803S JWR.

Here’s some scenarios:

- shorter pitches to the bank/targets
- skipping docks
- dragging/hopping

Main scenario I see a spinning rod excelling between the X Bites and 803S is skipping docks. Don’t have to worry about backlashing. Also I feel a little more connected with my baits on spinning but that might be a personal preference. What do you guys think?

Tubes, ned rigs, drop shot I use spinning. Texas Rigs and pitching jugs I tend to use a bait caster. When set up correctly I have much more control with a bait caster. For feeling the bottom the spinning rods win for me.

I typically use my spinning setups for lighter techniques like what Susky mentioned, but I CAN see the benefit of using a spinning rig from a skipping standpoint. I'm still trying to get efficient skipping with a baitcasters. Getting better, but I still do better with a spinning rod trying to skip a senko or fluke up under trees or docks.

 

I have no doubt you can find the right spinning rod and reel setup to fish heavier lures like a jig,  Sensitivity typically isn't the issue with spinning setups. Most of mine all balance nicely on my fingers. My issue with using spinning rods with heavier setups hasn't been with finding the right rod. It has been with the line tension from the heavier lure tearing up your finger casting it all day.

 

Not to sound like a wuss, but running that line off your finger all day with heavier lures tends to wear at it as the day goes on. To be honest,... I don't think I even own a spinning rod heavier than a medium action. The heaviest thing I probably ever throw is a 5" Senko, which typically run about 3/8oz total weight. A 3/8oz or more jig plus some sort of trailer starts to add up.

I agree with Susky. Wacky rigs, shaky heads, drop shots I'll fish with a spinning outfit. Anything else I'm using a baitcaster. That includes Texas rigged worms and jigs.

Its all about the hook size/wire gauge 

On a Ned rig with a very light wire gauge hook then I use spinning. Texas rig with big worm and supperline hook I would use a casting rod.

I'm sure it can be interchanged.. thankfully no rules on fishing 

just me, but i dont like pitching with a spinning reel.  

 

but, you could do either with either.  no set rules.   i used spinning for neko, and dropshot.  and if i ever fished a Ned.  but in general, if i can cast it with a casting reel, i go that route. 

This is how my personal preferences have evolved.  

 

Lure weight 1/2 oz and over -  100% traditional bait casting.

Lure weight 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz - 80% spinning, 20% BFS

Lure weight less than 1/4 oz - 80% BFS, 20% spinning

 

I'm very comfortable with both for lighter lures.

 

 

20 minutes ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Lure weight 1/2 oz and over -  100% traditional bait casting.

Lure weight 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz - 80% spinning, 20% BFS

Lure weight less than 1/4 oz - 80% BFS, 20% spinning

 

 

Pretty much this for me, except I'll add that on the lighter lure weights for a highly vertical presentation like cypress knees in close quarters, I'll go spinning. The little bit of resistance on a casting set up does change the trajectory of the lure.

I've got a 7' MH with a 4000 size reel that I will use for any bottom contact bait. I also have a 7'6" XH that I throw swimbaits on up to 4 ounces. I started using these when I had shoulder surgery and I had to lob cast for a while. They are still in my rotation. You just need a reel with a great drag.

3 hours ago, Gera said:

Its all about the hook size/wire gauge 

On a Ned rig with a very light wire gauge hook then I use spinning. Texas rig with big worm and supperline hook I would use a casting rod.

I'm sure it can be interchanged.. thankfully no rules on fishing 

This is definitely a great point. I will say I just picked up a windbuster and it’s supposed to be THE free rig rod which is basically similar terminal to a texas rig. Heard the sweet spot for that rod is 1/4-3/8oz. Will be running braid to leader and see how that works out

Finesse worm, 1/16oz weight light wind 15' or less spinning.  Anything over, baitcasting.

i 100% throw my free rig on the X-Bites.  i cant do it any other way.  it is my dedicated free rig rod. 

 

i dont see why a spinning rod/reel is the way to go.  just me, tho.  i only truly know my world.

 

i'll be in Osaka november.  i want to put a windbuster in a tube and mail it to myself.  use it for my heavier drop shot thing..or neko.   (and the Dark Sleeper since it wouldnt cost more to ship)

I'll use spinning tackle with a 1/16 oz weight, or a 1/8 oz weight if there is wind.  Most of the time I will be fishing with a small tube, 4" plastic worm, or a 4" stick bait.

I fish weightless TR’s on a spinning rig all the time. Senkos, Zoom Tricks, etc. Once I add weights, I fish them on a baitcaster.