I used a spincasting reel to teach my kids how to fish. I use spinning reels and fly reels for 98% of my fishing; about the only time I use baitcasting reels is to troll crankbaits or bounce slabs.

Ha, sorry. I meant spinning reel.

Thanks for the info guys.

When fishing staight down or for panfish, for all other shallow water light line techniques baitcasters work just fine.

I believe the drags on spinning reels are much better than anything on spin cast reels. Catching 3 lb plus fish from under a dock or other cover don't bet money on a spin cast. Seth Fieder was only using 6 lb test catchin 5 lb smallmouth last fall! You can bet he needed a good drag and the ability to back reel. I don't believe you can back reel on a spin cast or you'd be in free spool.

Also, having your/ trigger finger always connected to the line make a spinning outfit the most sensitive to light bites. You have to overcome the stigma of spinning reels being unmanly compared to baitcasters and you're not serious about a big fish with a spin cast.

I swear I saw Randal Thorp and Bobby Lane both using spinning reels, i may have even seen Gary Klein...

I saw Denny Brauer using a spinning reel and they say Rick Clunn has one in his atic...

How many people have stripped the drags out of spin cast reels on a big fish? Come on be honest, you would have at least liked to seen how big that catfish or carp was right?

How long did you reel on it before you finally realized it was no longer bringing in line?

I saw a couple old folk bank fising and they got a good bite, the ole lady was yellin "Daddy, Daddy, we gotta carp Daddy...Get it Daddy, Daddy." And the reel was pretty much stripped out. Coulda been a worlds funniest video. You can believe that hen pecked ole guy was reelin his [censored] off!

I mainly use spinning reels when wade fishing in the surf on the TX coast. They throw a light plastic jerk bait quite well into the never ending wind, plus they are easier to clean the saltwater from after the eventual dunking. They are usually cheaper to replace too if they don't get cleaned early enough. I also have them for those friends to use who aren't proficient fishing with a bait caster.

Skipping docks is about the only time I use one.

When your wrist is too limp to hold a baitcaster properly

So, Denny has come out of the closet? I always suspected it.

For me for light lures

Versatility is a great thing. It wasn't until I fished with James Biggs that I learned how important of a tool a spinning rod can be. I used them some before then, but I've really made myself learn more since. Caught my PB on spinning gear last week.

I would think that anyone who bass fishes and watches the MLF show would appreciate the importance of using spinning gear at times. The Pros certainly know it is an important tool to keep in the boat.