[A comment on the Rough Fish / Carp forum prompted this thread. Since many of you occasionally catch catfish even bigger than some of our carp, I thought I'd post it here.]

I think most authorities say that baitcasters are better than spinning reels for catching large fish. Do you agree with that statement? If so, what are the advantages? If not, why are spinning reels better?

prolly more just personal preference ... i simply like baitcasters, i guess the main reason is they take up less space ... i do have some spinnin' gear mostly for casting lite stuff ... there are spinnin' reels that no doubt would more than handle any thing swimmin' in the waters we all fish so it's just what a fella prefers

I prefer abu garcia baitcasters with clickers myself. I always thought baitcasters were much stronger but when I went out with a guide that specializes in big kittys back in Dec. I was very suprised to see all he had were spinning reels. I didn't ask why. Like Albert said, I think its just personal preferance.

yup, what they said.
i prefer baitcasters. i just dont like the feel of spinning reels. i use them for 2 things : sand bass and handing them to the girlfriend or novices that i dont want touching my baitcasters.

however, when i went to galveston everyone was using large spinning reels for bay fishing

I like the Abu 7000ic3's and the Penn 209's, I have two of each. I started fishing with spinning reels and now all but one of my reels are bait casting reels. I just feel like I can depend on them to get the job done!

I have both of them, but baitcasting gets the nod first.

That's probably because many of his clients can't handle a baitcaster and he doesn't want to spend all his time picking our birds nests.

It just seems like you have more power with a baitcaster for some reason. I guess because they tend to be built more rigid.

baitcasters

i also agree with the other post made about it is your preference. but i like to throw Baitcasters and spinnin reels when fishin with light tackle.

Big Mick fishes Spinning reels on guide trips and tourneys...and he catches plenty of big fish on them....

I use spinning reels for catfish all the time. I have several 7 ft. medium heavy rods with Pflueger Trion GX-7's and they work great on channel cats. Just my opinion. - Charles

Light baits/rigs, spinning.

Heavy bait/rig, baitcasting.

Just my preference.

Mike

I have 5 abu's 5000 and 5600 but I cant cast them worth a darn. I wish I knew how

if you think about how the line comes off each kind of reel while a fish is taking drag i'd have to say the baitcaster would have to be a better choice because of less resistance. i have ultralight tackle for small lures and small fish. Everything else is baitcasting. You'd be suprised how big of a fish you can land on a small rig. It all depends on good line and a good reel with a good drag.

Spinner's are more user friendly for the less practiced.

I've got 6000's, 6500c3's,6600c4's. I use a heavy weight, around 1oz or better, and when I cast I lob it rather than a direct cast. Usually do pretty well.

I use the baitcast reels for drift fishing and tightlining, Spinning reels for any fishing requiring either light lures or bobbers.

Got both. Use both to fish with. Have caught big fish on both and they handled 30 to 35lb. fish. I guess it is just a matter of"Whatever floats your Boat".

I think that spinning reels are better. But thats just personal opinion. The feel better to me. Agian, its just what you prefer.

I use both , it is definatly personal preference though either works well in my opinion.. I have a freind who uses exclusivly spincast, cause he has to much trouble with bird nests , and he has no problems catching big ens with his setups..

I like spinning rods for medium size work especially from shore; Bait casters for the heavy to super heavy stuff like wrassling flatheads in a log jam and bottom fishing from a boat AND Zebco spincasters for slip float fishing for eating size cats. My spinning reels are all baitrunners and with alarms are the very best for fishing at night when I might need a nap. Carp fishing European style changed a lot of my views on how to fish from shore.

I have both and like both but if I need to make a long cast, the spinning rod beats the baitcaster every time. I have 7 and 8foot ugly stick spinning rigs that can handle catfish up to 20-30 pounds without any problem. For fish bigger than that, well I haven't caught any bigger so can't say

for years I have been saying....once a serious catfisherman sees this gear and how we do it...its going to change the way people bank fish...hasn't happen yet, but I think your right its coming...I have caught 1000's of catfish on accident...the hair rig is amazing for catfish threading shad on to a hair almost 100% hook up