Thread: Going to give spider rigging a good shot soon

Originally Posted by akaslyguy

What reels do you guys like? I saw the ones Ed Duke is using (fly reel).... I read a lot of people like baitcasters with thumb bars.... I like spinning reels on my other stuff. I've never tried a baitcaster for crappie, but understand how the thumb bar would help. Any suggestions on specific reels? I would like to avoid buying something I will regret.

Only advice I can give on BC reels is to buy a low profile one with the thumb bar.
None of the three I use are the same brand, but all three are low profile w/thumb bar. Heck, they don't even have the same size/color/type of main line on them

If you have a local bait shop that has a consignment shelf, you can get some good quality reels at a decent price. If not, you can always keep your eye on the Personal Classifieds Forum & watch for Locator79 to put some up for sale, or some of the other members.

Some of my buddies use spinning reels & just keep the drag loose enough to hand strip line out to land fish (when fishing shallow with long rods). The Shimano IX series reels they use are fairly inexpensive.

Any cheap spinning reel will work for spider rigging as long as it has a smooth drag. The reel is mainly for depth control and extra line when You break off or reeling in a fish from water deeper than the length of Your rod. I like the front drag models. rear drag is more convenient to adjust when the knobs are facing you in the rod holders but I don't like the preset settings of the rear drag. I set mine before the trip and leave them alone. If I know its set right to start with, all is good. Just one thing less to worry with and when You spider rig, think simplicity. Make things as simple as you can for yourself cause it can get complicated real quick especially the rigs.CF

Originally Posted by akaslyguy

What reels do you guys like? I saw the ones Ed Duke is using (fly reel).... I read a lot of people like baitcasters with thumb bars.... I like spinning reels on my other stuff. I've never tried a baitcaster for crappie, but understand how the thumb bar would help. Any suggestions on specific reels? I would like to avoid buying something I will regret.

I just purchased eight of the 14' Southern Crappie Rods for spider rigging and tight lining. I put No. 8 Tackle Cold Gear Inline Reel Silver & Black Left Hand CGI-LH on them as I like the inline system but didn't want to use a fly reel.

nice reel.....

Nice. Make my 23. Zebco 202 s look cheap. Oh wait a minute they are. Just line holders, but they have a drag. Lol

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Originally Posted by jtresn

Nice. Make my 23. Zebco 202 s look cheap. Oh wait a minute they are. Just line holders, but they have a drag. Lol

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LOL....

A good drag is important due to the fact that you WILL catch the occasional bass, stripe, catfish or gar.

Agree you need a decent drag. I have a hodge podge of cheaper spinning reels but all have instant anti-reverse and front spool drag. I keep the drag loose to adjust depth based on what the fish finder is showing me. Find fish or structure at say 20' then I measure the length of the rod (I use 14' rods) and then strip of 6' of line in one foot increments