Looking for a setup to throw 1/16oz and above baits. What do you prefer, bait caster or spinning reels?

What rods and reels do you suggest?

Never thrown anything like this, but am looking to start throwing some finesse type baits.

Price range is around $280 for reel and $250 or so for the rod. Could go less on the reel and more on the rod, or vice versa.

Thanks,

1/16-1/4 go spinning.1/4-3/8 you can either.  3/8+ go casting.

Consider snagging one of these in the 9025 size while they're still in the Bargain Cave.http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0053583122676a&navCount=1&podId=0053583&parentId=cat601360&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat21404-cat21406-cat601360_TGP&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601360&hasJS=true

I just got one last week and spooled it with Sufix 10 lb braid (4 lb dia.)

I throw a lot of stuff on 1/16 oz jigheads. This is my third Flooger, they're excellent reels. At 6.5 oz, it's next to nothing.

Go with what you want on the rod, mine is going on an Avid.

I throw 1/8 oz with gurbs on a hopped up Curado CU 200 and a 6'10" ML Btonze back.

Considering that you're going to be throwing sizes down to 1/16, you should probably go with a spinning set up. That's a nice chunk of change you're willing to part with, so your options are nearly limitless. That being said, I'd probably go with an Avid (AVS63MLXF) and paired with a Stradic CI4 (STCI41000F). If you went with a rod rated 1/8 and above, your options really open up (I'm sure a number of higher end rods will still launch a 1/16 bait despite being rated 1/8). Best of luck with your search.

Consider snagging one of these in the 9025 size while they're still in the Bargain Cave.http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0053583122676a&navCount=1&podId=0053583&parentId=cat601360&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat21404-cat21406-cat601360_TGP&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601360&hasJS=true

I just got one last week and spooled it with Sufix 10 lb braid (4 lb dia.)

I throw a lot of stuff on 1/16 oz jigheads. This is my third Flooger, they're excellent reels. At 6.5 oz, it's next to nothing.

Go with what you want on the rod, mine is going on an Avid.

I have that reel (25 size) on a Lamiglas Excel 703, it is amazing. 

Consider snagging one of these in the 9025 size while they're still in the Bargain Cave.http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0053583122676a&navCount=1&podId=0053583&parentId=cat601360&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat21404-cat21406-cat601360_TGP&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601360&hasJS=true

I just got one last week and spooled it with Sufix 10 lb braid (4 lb dia.)

I throw a lot of stuff on 1/16 oz jigheads. This is my third Flooger, they're excellent reels. At 6.5 oz, it's next to nothing.

Go with what you want on the rod, mine is going on an Avid.

They're routinely available on that big auction site for about $105 shipped, with the "standard" Supreme being about $20 cheaper.

I use this setup.

St Croix LT 6'9" ML-Xfast rod,

Daiwa R type Alphas reel

#8 trilene XL

I throw a 1/32oz Gammy Wacky jig / zoom finesse worm rig with this combo, with no problems. I can actually throw it farther than I can set the hook.

However, if I have  some serious wind to contend with, I pick up the fairy wand for baits this light.

However, if I have some serious wind to contend with, I pick up the fairy wand for baits this light.

 

I fish with a "fairy wand" with weightless soft plastics and

live bait. The fish in my avatar were both caught using a

"wand".

A TD-Z 105, Alphas, pick you up a used Pixy spool with 6-8# line throw it on a stick that will handle 1/8oz (a rod that will handle 1/8th will handle 1/16th fairly) Throw you a set of ABEC7 bearings on the spool of any of these reels listed and the right line and rod and they will all handle a 1/16th no problem. The Steez 103 will do it to but out of the price range you said.

My choice would be the TD-Z 105 because they will handle 1/16th very well and still give you a reel with some power thats ultra comfy to ffish/palm

Then the Pixy TD-Z 105's are easier to find but the pixy will with out a doubt do the job better then any other reel out there.. My PX68R's out preform the two stock pixys I have (Stock cept for ABEC7's on the spool and side plate) and will go really low just as my Pixilla's will... they will go well under 1/16th and do it with much more control then a spinning reel.. the right bait caster for handling light baits is far better then doing it with a spinning reel.. I dont even bring but one spinning reel with me its a TD-Z Type R+ 2508.. and I cant remember the last time I used it.. I have BC reel that will handle baits that are lighter then anything I have on the boat to throw.

If you want to be able to go low with ease and totally love the reel grab you a Pixy..

If you want more of a full size reel that is wicked comfortable to fish and is just a totally awesome reel grab you a TD-Z 105.

RW that's because the fish in your avatar look so big they look make believe.  Having said that what are the specs on your fairy wand?

However, if I have some serious wind to contend with, I pick up the fairy wand for baits this light.

I fish with a "fairy wand" with weightless soft plastics and

live bait. The fish in my avatar were both caught using a

"wand".

I know what you use, my friend. I was just jerkin yer chain.

I have two spinning rods; one of which I bought this year, and have been using them more this season than the last few. Been getting re-acquainted, as it were. I'm starting to like them, but still truly prefer baicasting gear for almost everything.

1/16-1/4 go spinning.1/4-3/8 you can either. 3/8+ go casting.

thats basically what i do.

go with a spinning rod with a shimano stradic CI4 2500.

This is what I 've got for that weight ( 1/16 -1/8 )

BC

Rods.-

GLoomis CR721/722 IMX

Reels.-

8 lbs test

TDZ105H, Chronarch 50 Mg

6 lb test

Alphas Itö, Liberto Pixy.

Spinning

Rods

Graphiteleader Bosco GLBS602ML, GLoomis SJR782 IMX

Reels

6 lbs test

Revros 2004,

6-8 lbs test

Sahara 2500, Theory 2000

RW that's because the fish in your avatar look so big they look make believe. Having said that what are the specs on your fairy wand?

For live bait: PR844S. Technically this is a "popping rod".

I find the soft tip combined with a stout lower third ideal

for minnows fished on a split shot with octopus circle hooks.

These hooks require a firm "lift" but NEVER a hookset.

For weightless soft plastics, St. Croix ES70MF. This rod would

be rated MH in most lines. The relatively stiff tip and 7' length

allows for a powerful hookset. 

8-)

I've fished, briefly, with that Legend Elite rod of RW's. It is schweeeet.

What he didn't tell you is that he has those "Marlon Brando" reels on his spinning rods.

If I had a couple of those gems, I'd no doubt use "em more often. Awesome reels.

A TD-Z 105, Alphas, pick you up a used Pixy spool with 6-8# line throw it on a stick that will handle 1/8oz (a rod that will handle 1/8th will handle 1/16th fairly) Throw you a set of ABEC7 bearings on the spool of any of these reels listed and the right line and rod and they will all handle a 1/16th no problem. The Steez 103 will do it to but out of the price range you said.

My choice would be the TD-Z 105 because they will handle 1/16th very well and still give you a reel with some power thats ultra comfy to ffish/palm

Then the Pixy TD-Z 105's are easier to find but the pixy will with out a doubt do the job better then any other reel out there.. My PX68R's out preform the two stock pixys I have (Stock cept for ABEC7's on the spool and side plate) and will go really low just as my Pixilla's will... they will go well under 1/16th and do it with much more control then a spinning reel.. the right bait caster for handling light baits is far better then doing it with a spinning reel.. I dont even bring but one spinning reel with me its a TD-Z Type R+ 2508.. and I cant remember the last time I used it.. I have BC reel that will handle baits that are lighter then anything I have on the boat to throw.

Kinda depends on who's doing the casting, doesn't it?   

Well after reading info on here and a lot of thinking I have decided on the following items.

Shimano Stradic C14F 2500

Shimano 6' 8" M/XF Crucial rod

or St Croix LTB 6' 9" ML/XF rod

Really leaning toward the Crucial rod, this setup is amazingly light and well balanced.

Will be using Seaguar InvizX in 8lbs test.

Later,

Well after reading info on here and a lot of thinking I have decided on the following items.

Shimano Stradic C14F 2500

Shimano 6' 8" M/XF Crucial rod

or St Croix LTB 6' 9" ML/XF rod

Really leaning toward the Crucial rod, this setup is amazingly light and well balanced.

Will be using Seaguar InvizX in 8lbs test.

Later,

With that reel, those rods, and that line I don't really think you can go wrong.

I have that LTB you mentioned.  It is really nice.