I just finished watching a show with Zona and Kevin Wirth on my home water where they were fishing suspending jerk baits on spinning gear. I usually only resort to this when the wind is so bad that I can't use my casting gear, but it looked pretty calm where they were fishing. Is there any advantage to using spinning gear in this application? Am I missing something?

A lot of guys find it easier with spinning gear.

I go either way, but always use spinning equipment at night.

8-)

I know a lot of people (me included) who prefer to fish the smaller ones. (XR6, XR8, Pointer 78s) on spinning gear.  I just find them easier to cast and work on spinning gear.

I really think it comes down to personal preference.

I use it when Im using 8 lb test or less, anything above I use the baitcaster.

For me I use a 6'6'' MH spinning rod with 14 lb Fireline for jerk baits and x-raps.  I normally prefer baitcasting tackle but find spinning easier for these baits.

Since I like fishing those jerkbaits with light (10-15lb) braid and a leader, spinning gear makes it a lot easier to have such a light main line.

I guess it's just a matter of preference. I throw all different sizes on a 6'6" All Star Rod with a Pflueger baitcaster spooled with 10 or 12 pound Berkley XL and never have any problems, except in tough winds. That's the only time I'll switch to a spinning outfit.

Any of the smaller jerkbaits get thrown with spinning gear. Also when I want to twitch in real short, real fast reps I'll use spinning gear, it just feels more natural with my right hand doing the work with those kind of reps....plus I have a bad left elbow.

Also when I want to twitch in real short, real fast reps I'll use spinning gear

x2

I find after 8 hours my shoulder doesn't feel like it has seized either.

Spinning gear is coming back into vogue. I have always used it. A few simple tips will make their use less frustrating.

1) Manually close the bail as this will eliminate loops which lead to snarls.

2) Backreel when possible as pulling out drag leads to twist.

3) Choose a reel with a smooth drag system and match it to a balanced rod with matching line size. Don't use 6lb line on a 7 foot heavy action rod or use 20 lb line on a lighter action rod for splitshotting etc.

4) Get over the stigma that spinning outfits are for wimps.

There are too many benefits not to use spinning gear.

Any of the smaller jerkbaits get thrown with spinning gear.

x2

Any jerkbait under 9 grams ist thrown on spinning gear.

9 grams, is that about 1/3 oz (for those of use who haven't embraced the metric system yet)?  

Today I've watched a number of fishing shows on TV and there were a lot of spinning reels used for a variety of fish. Just watched one where they were fishing for and catching Cobia. It seemed they only used spinning gear.