One of the main debates in bass fishing is the never-ending debate about spinning reels vs. baitcast reels. Let’s focus on how this debate plays out when you’re fishing a frog. I’m going to focus and bullet a couple of things that play a big role in choosing a reel for your frog setup. I’ve actually heard a couple of people say that using a spinning reel for frogging actually makes them slow down and fish a frog slower. Pretty interesting, lets take a look.
- Line Capacity/Retrieve/Size- While a baitcast reel has a greater line capacity, believe it or not there are some spinning reels that take in more line per crank that the highest gear ratio of baitcast reels. Braid of any lb. test can be used on both spinning and baitcast setups.
- Drag- Spinning reels are a little more lacking in this category compared to baitcast reels. Baitcast will give you more pulling power when fighting a fish. For those of you looking for more of a fight and challenge though, a spinning reel may be the way to go.
- Ease of Use- When many people think baitcast reels they think backlash. The truth is though that spinning reels can be just as much a pain as a baitcast. Line coming off a stationary spool at a faster rate can cause just as much of a mess as backlash. Casting lighter lures is also much more feasible with a spinning reel than a baitcast.
- Rod- What many people don’t think about when deciding whether to use a baitcast or spinning reel is the availability of heavier rods. While this isn’t a problem for some people, it is certainly a problem for anyone who wants to fish a frog with a spinning reel. Finding a rod with a good backbone can be a little difficult for a spinning setup.
- Casting Accuracy/Distance- This section comes down to the skills of the user. It all comes down to who is using the reel and what they are most comfortable with.
What you are most comfortable with is really what it comes down to in the end. Bottom line is that whether you use a spinning or baitcast reel it’s all about your personal preference.
This guy looks like he’s doing ok with a spinning reel-
