Hey guys, I wanted to know the difference between a surf/boat conventional outfit and spinning outfit. I use spinning most of time on the boat and surf. I always thought that you can't cast a bait or a lure from a conventional outfit. Maybe I'm wrong, so can you correct me on that one? And is using a spinning outfit for a big-ass striper on a boat? What sort of model should I purchase?

Basic gear nomenclature:

Conventional = Revolving spool, often called baitcasters when reels are used for surf fishing and some boat fishing. Heavier conventional boat reels are often called, boat reels

Spinning = Fixed Spool, usually used in nearly any style but not always so good for heavy duty fishing boat or surf. Certainly easier to use with less learning curve than a conventional reel.

Most well tuned conventionals will usually out cast most spinning reels in all but the lightest weights in practical situations - not talking competition but talking the surf...

so are you saying that i should use a conventional outfit for the surf? i never tried using one of them. i would like to learn and try.

Originally posted by Notaro
so are you saying that i should use a conventional outfit for the surf? i never tried using one of them. i would like to learn and try.

Welcome

Thanks, BasicFredFlinstone. Yabba-yabba-doo!
:D

Notaro -

Try to learn both spinning and conventional - but take it slow with the conventional.

Understand that there are different conventional reels suited to different situations (boat vs. surf).

If you have a friend who fishes a conventional, ask him/her to show you how they use it. It's not that hard, but it takes a little while to get used to using it.

-WW

I would recommend for simplicity sake, you start off with a simple & reliable spinning outfit. Your going to try to get up to speed surfcasting, no need to complicate things more than necessary. Get a year or two under your belt surf fishing, get more comfortable, THEN get a conventional.

Keeping it simple will likely reduce some frustrations and might make it a more enjoyable experience for you...

Johr- thanks, man. well, i am accustomed to the spinning outfit. i just wanted to feel the conventional. however, there is a con. you have to clean it up, every detail.

"fishpeepee"- thanks for your tips. alright, i will ask one of them, but they dont use conventional outfit.

Go for it....Pick up a used penn 140 squidder load it with 30lb Ande and get a used rod that throws about 2-6 oz,,,great chunking outfit or snot flinger...Practice with a 3oz plug...popper or pencil popper cast nice....not a danny.....Good thing about a 140 you can slip the spool out the side to untangle your mess.. After a pound of line you will be good..Now If you really like conventional after that you can start looking at high end stuff...
good luck....you can do it !!

tagger, are you sure about that? does a conventional outfit cast better than a spinning outfit?

Depends who is casting it...Its a winch...Great for fishing the bottom in rocks.. The way spinning reels cast with the new braids (no memory) I'd say to the novice its close in distance ..If your interrested try it, if not don't .. I enjoy casting conventional reels and I like the feeling with a good fish on..I got her on the winch..Fishing heavy mono there is no question convetional reels have the advantage..I know how to fish both..I don't want to limit myself..throw me a flyrod I'll fish that too..

good point, tagger. yeah, i will ask phil klug to throw you a flyrod combo. :D