hi everyone, thanks for any input.

i'm new to really fishing, and i'm really getting into it. I fish on a small lake in northwestern wi. I'm looking for an inexpensive way to get into a nice rod and reel combo. The spinner reel i have now constantly gets tangled when i reel in, its annoying. plus when i try to cast a plastic it wont cast far. we also fish northern in the lake, so i'm looking for something that would hold up with both.

also, whats the benefits, cons to baitcasters, spinners and the enclosed ones?

thanks, please try to keep the "lingo" to a minimum, or i'll get lost, lol

I'll start. Do you mean a spinning/ open-face reel by "spinner"? Tangles might indicate that the lure you are retrieving is too light, and is creating slack while reeling in. Or maybe, you are using a line size that's not within the reels capability to handle (for example, 12 lb mono on an UL trout rig will simply not work out). Casting is more of a function of the rod and operator. The lure must load up (bend) the rod to create the spring action that would throw the lure. What is your set-up (rod/ reel/ line), and what lure are you trying to cast?

Tangled line on a spinning reel generally means you need to replace the line. Give us more detail, ie, look on the reel for the name and model, look on the side of the rod near the reel and tell us what that says, and what kind of line is on the reel. Did the reel come with the line on it. Is it an old reel? What kind of fishing do you want to do?

I'd suggest going to Cabela's/Bass Pro or whatever local tackle shop you have and checking out what combos they have put together. I think that spinning reels are the best option to get both quality and fairly trouble free fishing. Along with the suggestions on why you are possibly getting tangles and poor casting distance with your current reel I would say it sounds like you are using too heavy of line or too light a lure or combination of both. Most bass sized spinning reels will function best with 6-10 and maybe 12 if it's a very supple line. Anything heavier tends to be too stiff and does not work well with intermediate sized spinning reels. Also make sure you are closing the bail (the metal piece that goes around the spool) by hand. If you re-engage the reel by turning the handle it will cause tiny amounts of line twist everytime you cast. Eventually you'll make a cast and half your line will be in a giant ball somewhere around your first line guide. The reel having too much line can also cause tangles. If you're looking for one that can be used for bass and pike I would suggest something around a 2500 or 3000 size. A spinning reel that size is capable of handling any bass or pike you hook as long as the cover allows and you have the drag set right.

I'd suggest going to Cabela's/Bass Pro or whatever local tackle shop you have and checking out what combos they have put together. I think that spinning reels are the best option to get both quality and fairly trouble free fishing. Along with the suggestions on why you are possibly getting tangles and poor casting distance with your current reel I would say it sounds like you are using too heavy of line or too light a lure or combination of both. Most bass sized spinning reels will function best with 6-10 and maybe 12 if it's a very supple line. Anything heavier tends to be too stiff and does not work well with intermediate sized spinning reels. Also make sure you are closing the bail (the metal piece that goes around the spool) by hand. If you re-engage the reel by turning the handle it will cause tiny amounts of line twist everytime you cast. Eventually you'll make a cast and half your line will be in a giant ball somewhere around your first line guide. The reel having too much line can also cause tangles. If you're looking for one that can be used for bass and pike I would suggest something around a 2500 or 3000 size. A spinning reel that size is capable of handling any bass or pike you hook as long as the cover allows and you have the drag set right.

Besides the recommendations about gear, it is also important to consider your technique. Closing the bail manually after each cast definately helps. Also, you need to be aware of the condition of your line before and after EACH cast. All it takes is a slight glance down. If you see a slight tangle or twist, fix it right away. It will get much worse if you cast it out or if you reel line over the small tangle.

BR's fishing articles has a great section for beginners , it'll help you out a lot , I suggest you read it and then start asking questions about what you don't understand.