Conventional or Spinning

[fishbones]

Welcome to the site, Canalboy. I'm not trying to be a smart alec, but is the rod a spinning rod or a conventional set up? That should help you with your answer.

[canalboy]

Actually I have to have the rod customized. I don't know what to have it customized too. I forgot to add that. Sorry.

[gone fishin]

Definately conventional for the ditch & heavy stuff!

[niko]

if you're jigging it might as well be a convench w/ an abu7000cl

[Mike P]

Believe it or not, most of the pro Canal jiggers now use heavy duty spinning reels, like the Van Staal 275 and the Daiwa Saltiga 6000-Z, on their 1209s.

Having both a spinning and converntional built on that blank, I can tell you that it is much more difficult to load the 1209 for a decent cast when you use a conventional. The rod is very stiff and hard to load effectively--a "snap cast" works best and that is very difficult with a conventional--a snap cast is a prescription for a backlash on conventional.

The drags on those two reels will absolutely smoke most conventionals--especially an Abu.

If you think that a spinning reel can't match a conventional for distance--come down to the Canal and watch Slipknot one night. There isn't a guy this side of Ron Arra who can throw a 5 oz jig on a conventional as far as Bruce can on his 1209/Saltiga combo.

10 years ago, the breakdown among reels with Canal sharpies was, 90% conventional, 10% spinning. With the advent of braid, and the better performing/casting spinning reels of the last decade, the breakdown right now is about 65% spinning, 35% conventional.

Trust me on this--you will not enjoy throwing a 3 oz jig with your 1209 set up as a conventional. 5 oz and up, fine.

[canalboy]

Thanks Mike. I think I will go with spinning. I rather not explore the new turf of conventional till I can put aside alot of time for practice. Thanks to you guys who put input to my decision but I have made my choice. Spinning it is and probably with the Van Staal 275.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Mike P

Believe it or not, most of the pro Canal jiggers now use heavy duty spinning reels, like the Van Staal 275 and the Daiwa Saltiga 6000-Z, on their 1209s.


If you think that a spinning reel can't match a conventional for distance--come down to the Canal and watch Slipknot one night. There isn't a guy this side of Ron Arra who can throw a 5 oz jig on a conventional as far as Bruce can on his 1209/Saltiga combo.

Good advice. I've been using spinning more and more with stuff up to 3.5 oz. Still using conventional above 3.5. One of the guys I fish with regularly is considering a saltiga 6000 for heavier stuff. He's my guinea pig for full fledged spinning. If I could only have one rod to jig with it would be a spinner. There is no longer any advantage to conventional as far as distance goes.
I just need one of those Michael Jackson gloves you guys wear and I'll look like a real canal pro..

[JPowers]

Mike P - quote:

"... come down to the Canal and watch Slipknot one night. "

But don't stand too close. Scary as hell when he launches one. Even scarier to hear that 1209 whistling by in the dark - whooooosh!

[OLD GOAT]

CBOY If you want to try a conventional rod to see how you like it give me a pm

[hyefisherman2]

Originally Posted by JPowers

Mike P - quote:

"... come down to the Canal and watch Slipknot one night. "

But don't stand too close. Scary as hell when he launches one. Even scarier to hear that 1209 whistling by in the dark - whooooosh!

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by JPowers

Mike P - quote:

"... come down to the Canal and watch Slipknot one night. "

But don't stand too close. Scary as hell when he launches one. Even scarier to hear that 1209 whistling by in the dark - whooooosh!

I can tell you what's even scarier--fishing across from him, knowing he's there, and hearing "CRAAAAACCCCKKKK"

I give that a solid 8 on the 1 to 10 "Oh, %$%$%$%$" scale".