Casting VS Spinning for Bottom Contact

I’m sure most people will agree that casting is a lot more accurate when it comes to bottom contact baits such as a texas rig or a jig but I want to hear from others about using a spinning rod for bottom contact.

I know that there’s nuisances to “bottom contact” but let’s stick with 1/4-3/8oz jig texas rig with a 3/0 EWG hook and finesse jigs just for this conversation. I’m debating between a P5 X Bites or just keeping my NRX+ 803S JWR.

Here’s some scenarios:

- shorter pitches to the bank/targets
- skipping docks
- dragging/hopping

Main scenario I see a spinning rod excelling between the X Bites and 803S is skipping docks. Don’t have to worry about backlashing. Also I feel a little more connected with my baits on spinning but that might be a personal preference. What do you guys think?

The blank doesn’t know it’s a casting or spinning rod; the only difference between the two styles is the reel seat and the first 3-4 guides.

if you prefer spinning, have at it. I know quite a few guys who only use spinning rods for everything. For what you’re asking, I only use casting for the dragging and hopping. The others I use spinning tackle for.

For me, I “think” I feel more with casting rods than I do spinning. could be due to the number of guides but just my observation.

I switch back and forth depending on the bait and the wind.

I suck at skipping, so a spinning rod for those situations would work best for me. On the flip side, I'm much better at pitching accurately with a baitcaster. I personally prefer baitcasters though, so if given the choice I'd go with the X-Bites.

I fish both depending on the bait and conditions. Lighter baits say (anything less than 3/16) go on spinning. I use braid to leader and you definently get a sensitivity boost from that.

The X-bites is a phenominal light t-rig/finesse jig rod. I have a Curado 150 on mine and it's feather light and sensitive. I've owned an built many rods and the X-bites is by far my favorite light t-rig rod hands down.

Comes down to your preference in the end. Good luck.

I pretty much divide it up by line weight - 12lb plus on casting, 10lb or less on spinning. In unfamiliar bottom conditions, I do like to drag a heavy dropshot on a spinning rod, to me this telegraphs the bottom better than anything.

Aside from using one for the obvious stuff, finesse jig, 2.8 keitech, shakey head, Ned rig, I always have a finesse c-rig tied on. Use a light wire 1/0 hook. Braid to swivel, 7' MH. Post spawn, post front bluebird. This set up has saved me more than once.

I fish a free rig on a MH spinning expride. It let's the bait fall straight down and has lots of backbone for even t rig.

Spinning..........can feel the slack/tight right out of the reel. Unless using a jig or BFS.

For what you are stating you want to use = pitching, dragging, hopping 1/4oz + jigs and texas rigs, I go with casting all the way. Except as others have mentioned - dock skipping, below 1/4oz total (jig plus trailer) weight, and if casting into a strong wind.

I generally use spinning tackle for dropshotting, Ned, small swimbaits and grubs. And of course, braid to a leader.

I started fishing I threw everything on spinning. To me I find that worm fishing texas rigs I like dragging and sweeping the bait better on spinning, has a better motion or feel. Hopping or using a reel to slow drag I like casting. pitching and short casting, you can get good at either.

Interesting no mention of cover going into choice. If you have to get a fish out of cover, it's a bait caster all the way.

I'm far more accurate and am able to get a much quieter bait entry with bait casting gear, so if I am pitching to the bank or targets, I'm going with a bait caster.

Can't really comment on skipping docks, as it's something I rarely do.

Dragging and hopping, I use both spinning and casting gear. It just depends how heavy of a bait I need to use. Anything 3/8s and up I use bait casting.

My dragging is a Shakey head, braid to leader. I've got a baitcaster with flouro for wood but the blanks are same construction. The spinning is more sensitive but I think that's due to the braid. I feel them pretty good either way after I went up about $50 on the rods.

All heavier lures go on my casting. Lighter lures/baits spinning.

I used spinning equipment for everything the first 30 years or so I fished. Then someone bought me an Ambassadeur 4200 for Christmas. I was overjoyed. Even though it was Winter I went down to the river with it to practice. After a few tries and as many backlashes I was wanting to throw it in the river. I stuck with it, and now I enjoy using my baitcasters wherever they are appropriate.
I also complement myself on my accuracy and finesse in presentation skills. I still can't walk the dog with one very well, or skip a senko without backlashing. But I'm hell on those with a spinning reel.

Use whatever makes you feel good, and what catches the most and biggest fish.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by billnorman1

I used spinning equipment for everything the first 30 years or so I fished. Then someone bought me an Ambassadeur 4200 for Christmas. I was overjoyed. Even though it was Winter I went down to the river with it to practice. After a few tries and as many backlashes I was wanting to throw it in the river. I stuck with it, and now I enjoy using my baitcasters wherever they are appropriate.
I also complement myself on my accuracy and finesse in presentation skills. I still can't walk the dog with one very well, or skip a senko without backlashing. But I'm hell on those with a spinning reel.

Use whatever makes you feel good, and what catches the most and biggest fish.

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FWIW, and Ambassadeur 4000 series reel is not the best option for fast twitch presentations and skipping baits, IMO.