Mismatching rod and reels

[Chris Krikorian]

Hi,

I really don't like baitcasting reels and was wondering what the problem would be if I used a medium heavy action baitcasting rod with a pistol grip and put on a larger spinning reel. I'd use this to fight big largemouth, pike and musky.

[Chris Krikorian]

Could somebody please help me out.

[CHUCK]

I think you will find the combo hard to use because the pistol grip will get in the way.

[Dutchman]

Why not use a Med Heavy or Heavy spinning rod? They make very large spinning tackle for shore fishing and deep sea. Lots of different rods built for different purposes. If you already have the rod and have a spinning reel on it and it works for you, I would say it works then. I have used cranking rods without the trigger for trolling with spinning reels, just because I had them and couldn't afford the "right " rods. Who knows maybe it'll catch on.....:)

[gettum]

I have done this, as we typically had some old baitcasting rods around, perhaps they are more hardy or maybe we just had stopped using them. The problem is that the guides on the rod are not quite right- the holes close to the reel are too small for spinning reels. You can't cast as well, as the line does not clear them as smoothly. On the other hand, I have trolled with such a hybrid combo and caught walleye with it without any problems.

[GORD]

I doubt if any serious fisherman would use a set up like the one you describe. Sounds like a clumsy combo to me. If you put the reel under the rod, the rod will be upsidedown with the trigger pointing upward. If you hold the rod properly, then the spinning reel would be up in the air above the rod. Any time you see a set up like this, it is usually being used by a kid or an immigrant that just got off the boat. Casting would probably be very difficult. If you already have the rod and reel, see if the reel can be mounted on the rod. Take it out and try it. Decide for yourself if you like it. Do yourself a favour, do your homework before you buy anything. Learn about rods and reels. Learn about ballanced outfits. Talk to people in tackle stores. Read all the articles you can. One of the best ways to learn is by going fishing with good fishermen. Pro/ Amateur tournaments can teach you a lot and are great fun. Try joining a local fishing club. Good luck.

[Chris Krikorian]

Thanks for the help. I've used it before and was quite happy. I do in fact have a baitcasting reel. It is a bass pro shop 1 piece. I find that when I use spinnerbaits and even big crankbaits their is not enough weight to cast accurate and far. I know how to cast with a baitcaster but the problem I stated earlier causes birdsnests. I don't understand what the problem is. I see Bill Dance, Bob Izumi etc casting light spinnerbaits with baitcasting reels and they cast them like bullets. What do you think the problem might be? By the way I was using the standard kind of baitcaster not the newer style.

[James Morris]

You may already know this, and I'm not trying to be sarcastic or facetious, but do you adjust the mechanical brake every time you switch baits? If not, then have someone show you or e-mail me and I'll be happy to explain. This will make your baitcasting a much friendlier experience. The other option is to check out the new ambassadeur anti-backlash reel. It might be something to look in to if you don't have the time to master the traditional baitcaster.

Good luck,

James

[Chris Krikorian]

Yeah I adjust the mechanical break to the lowest it will go. It still seems to not come out fast???

[BD]

I think your best bet would to go with a heavy duty spinning outfit. I use a Mitchel 900 (I know it's old) on a matching rod for northern/muskie/bass fishing. I always had trouble trying to cast using bait casting gear. I have improved greatly by using what my buddies call a throwing type motion when using bait casting gear. With my partners 6000 I can now do a decent job of it. If you really want to go with the casting gear try a good anti-backlash reel with a matching rod and practice out in the yard until you get a good rhythm going. Have fun and give the neighbors a good laugh.

"Has it ever struck you that trout bite best on the Sabbath? God's critters tempting decent men." --- James Barrie (author of Peter Pan, circa 1891)

[manitobawalleye]

i have bought 70$ blowout rods for 10$ .... usually they are blowing out baitcaster rods.....
heres what i have done for buddy's that buy one and have only spinning reels,,,,,
cut the trigger off with a hacksaw..... they are still jigging these rods and have landed large walleyes
do they notice the rod loads differently .... NO
even use the rods myself once in a while and i still like them
you just have to make sure the spinning reel you buy fits in the reel seat..............

[Starfish]

It sounds like your brake adjustment is your problem. You DON'T want to adjust it to the minimum-- you want to adjust it so your lure will barely drop when you freespool the reel (sometimes so you even have to shake the rod slightly to get it to drop, if it's windy or you're just getting started). You want to avoid having the spool turn too freely.

I had a friend that used a trigger rod with a spinning reel, but it was uncomfortable due to the trigger digging into his palm and he could never cast as far due to the small line guides.

[badmisterevil]

Another problem of using a baitcasting rod with a spinning reel, or vice-versa is that the natural bend, or spine of the rod is backwards. Rods are made with the eyelets going on the natural bend in the rod. Putting a bend the wrong direction into one of your rods especially with a load will eventually lead to a catastrophic failure.

[cisco]

He could do it like my misguided nephew does -- He fishes with the spinning reel on top, cranking backwards with his right hand to reel line in -- it's good for laughs and to test coordination. My nephew insists he can't reel with his left hand, but will not switch to right-hand crank spin reels.

[REW]

The solution is very simple.
1. If you don't like what you have either get a new rod or reel or both.
2. Use your rod as is - put on a spinning reel, and put up with the ackward guids and trigger and use it as is.
3. Get a spinning reel, saw and or grind off the trigger, and fill the hole with epoxy, take off the first two guides on your bait casting rod, and replace them with spinning guides and enjoy.
4. Perhaps the best solution is to obtain a "modern" bait casting reel, with a good centriphical brake. Go out fishing with a good baist casting fisherman and have he or she spend a couple of hours fishing with you and getting your new reel dialed in for the type baits that you are using.
If you don't have your rod balanced, get a rod balancing kit and balance the rod. My guess is that is you use the right line for the rod and luree, and type of fishing, and if you use a contemporary bait casting reel, and have a coupld of hours of instruction of hands on instruction -- that you will be very happy fishing with your bait caster.

Yes, the spinning reel is the easiest reel to use with no instruction for any style fishing -- however, the bait casting reel is really the reel of choice - any time that you are fishing large and or heavy baits with heavier line. Basically you have a rotary winch -- with no way to twist line and is simply much more efficient at casting and retrieving line.
__________________________________________________ ___________
Summary --
For the near term, if you aren't happy with your rod and reel, and if you don't want to, or are unable to get a new reel and or assistence - my best recommendation is to simply purchase a new heavy duty spinning rod and reel. Many different vendors have combos on sale for very reasonable prices. As a matter of fact, I was a wallmart the other day and saw just such a rig -- of ok quality -- that they were closing out for $29. yes, that was for both the rod and reel.

The next solution is to modify your rodd and purchase a spinning reel and mount on your modified rod. However, I really don't recommend that you grind up a perfectly good bait casting rod. It would make much more sense to trade and or sell that rod and obtain a spinning rod rather than grind up a good rod.

Take care and enjoy.

REW

[GORD]

CRIS. you got me thinking at work today. There are a few unanswered questions here. like... Why don't you like baitcasting reels? If you have problems using one, what are they? Perhaps you tried to use it in bad conditions, like casting into the wind. That can be big problem for backlashes. It could be enough for some people to throw their rod in the water and quit fishing. To be an all round walleye fisherman you must be versatile and be able to handle all types of equipment. Walleye fishing is no place for a one trick pony. There are many techniques needed in walleye fishing because conditions and situations keep changing. Baitcasting equipment just works better for some things (and not all baitcasting techniques require casting ie. bottom bouncing, trolling etc.) If you want to use a spinning reel, why would you want to put it on a baitcasting rod? Are you just trying to use what you already have? If you can't afford to buy another rod, you are in good company here. There are a lot of broke fisherman reading this. Can you not find a heavy enough spinning rod? or Are you just considering trying something unorthadox? Tell us more.... we all want to help you, like others helped us.

[Chris Krikorian]

The reason I'm asking all these question is because I find using spinnerbaits and deep diving crankbaits like a risto rap annoying with a normal spinning combo because the rod tip is curved as though I have a fish on. This is due to the action in the rod. When I use my baitcaster with lures like spinnerbaits and crankbaits like the shad rap RS I find the lures are not heavy enough to cast efficiently. If I put a heavy weight on the end of my baitcasting rod I can cast fine. I have problems when I use lures that are not heavy enough. But on tv I always see people baitcasting light lures like spinnerbaits and I don't know how they do it. I have a light action rod and reel for panfish and smallmouth bass. And now I think I'm going to buy the stiffest spinning reel and put on a tougher spinning reel and use it for casting spinnerbaits and bigger plugs. And finally put on another spinning reel and put it on my baitcasting medium heavy action rod and use it for pike and musky.

[GORD]

Like the kids story about the three bears, too hot, too cold, and just right. There are wimpy fly rods and there are telephone poles. you need one that's "right" for what you are doing. it must be stiff enough yet must be limber enough to "load up". loading up means it must bend a bit like a spring when you are casting. this springing action will catipault the bait. works kind of like the rubbers on a sling shot. it shoots your bait forward. rods are designed to achieve this action with particular weight baits. a light rod casts a light bait. a heavier rod casts a heavier bait. there are rods designed to do what you want. read the specs on the blank. Is your reel a bit stiff? does it need servicing? old stiff heavy line will give you headaches too. Are your buddies happy with their equipment? if so try theirs. keep the term "ballanced" in mind. rod/reel/line/ the weight of the bait etc. they all must be a matched set for things to work properly. If you want a real headach try figuring out boats, motors, electronics, trolling motors etc. fishermen spend a lifetime trying to improve on everything.. equipment, presentation etc. welcome to the club.

[johnwaleye]

what lb. test line are you using.