6 replies to this topic

[getin]

Anybody used baitcaster rods with spinning reels? I have a couple of nice baitcast rods that barely used with baitcaster reels (bird-nesting!!) so was gonna put a spinning reel on them or sell them. I know they have a smaller last guide than the spinning rods but not sure how it affects castability, etc.

[IR4J]

You will see an increase in line twist well using a spinning reel on a casting rod, you will also have the trigger grip facing up which will likely be uncomfortable on your hand whilst reeling. 

 

Some could also argue that having the spline on the wrong side of the blank can affect the performance and durability of your rod but that one is really up to you to decide. 

[riddickulous]

Consider taping your baitcaster reel a little bit past your longest cast. This way, a birdsnest will only tangle up part of the spool. I use electrical tape. This way you can your baitcast combo as intended.

[ChasinTails]

you should either practice with the bait caster to get good with it, or sell the rods and buy spinning rods. If you need help with a bait caster you can msg me and ill try to help you out

[fishfight]

I change 3 guides closes to the handle on 3 baitcasting rod few years ago, and they are still intact today, just for spinning reel application. since I was able to buy stiff baitcasting rod price at a good deal either new or used ones for under $20 , some were 8' ,9' and 7 footer., That was when inexpensive stiff action spinning rod were not too popular 10-15 years ago. Spinning rods were used to be more flexible. Nowadays with IM9, and made in china, price of stiff spinning or baitcasting rod can be bought for $25-$40. 

 

I always admire the stiff action of bait casting rod, just not always impress with the price.

 

I also salvage the guides from broken rods or pick them up on fishing ground whenever I saw broken rod section. 

 

In terms of birdnesting, there are few videos on how to untangle them in no time. After I saw those videos, and how easy to untangle  birdnest,  that was when I bought my first baitcasting reel.

 

Practice with 15 lb mono, easier to untangle them. then put 30 lb braided as minimum size, or leave the 15 lb mono there. When fishing heavy weedy carpet type area, such as fishing at rice lake, I would be using 50 lb braid, easier to untangle them on birdnest., and more power to haul fish out of cover. The size of lure should also be at least 1/2 oz or more. lighter size lure casted on windy day have more potential of causing birdnest.

[Paulie]

I think you'd might as well tape your spinning reel to a branch rather than use a baitcaster rod with it. Lol

Like others have said just keep practicing with the baitcaster, once you get the hang of it, it's well worth it.

When I was first learning some of the tips I used were set the break to max, use a heavier lure (make sure to adjust spool tension knob to suit the weight of the lure), and always keep your thumb on the spool (lightly). This will stop most birdsnests. Once you get a feel for your baitcaster you'll know when to take your thumb off or apply pressure (if you time it right apply pressure to the spool just before the lure hits the water). As you get better you can set the brake to lighter.

Once you get the hang of it you'll love it. The accuracy and distance you can cast is just amazing. Not too mention the power in it when your reeling in a lunker. Quite a different feeling than a spinning rod.

[alwayscatching]

The rods just aren't made for spinning reels. Really not worth it. The taper in the blank is very different and the position of the guides follow with that taper. I would suggest looking at selling/trading your rods for spinning rods or a new reel.