Thread: Reels for trolling rods

We use spinning reels for spider rigging and garcia LC's for longlining....but the best puller I know uses the spinners for both. The Cardinal is a great reel but the Shimano Solstace FL's are on sale at Cabella's right now for 25 bucks each....its usually a 40 dollar reel and has a good drag.

Matt, go here and take a look at these. My personal preference is bait casters but using same rod for both I would go spinning.

Fisherman's Factory Outlet: Abu Garcia Card STX20 Recon Reel

Or these
Fisherman's Factory Outlet: Mitchell Avocet Silver Spinning Reel

Originally Posted by JRB

I use the Shimano IX 1000 R spinning reel. Haven't had any problems at all. Light on the pocket book as well.

then use the money savings to by some superslick or nanofil!

I used Shimano AXULS last year for my first year spider rigging because they are extremely light and I had used them for years doing traditional cast and crank crappie fishing. They are $20 apiece and if you don't need 200+ yards of line they are a really good little reel. This year, I wanted to try something a little different and found some Abu Garcia Hank Parker baitcasters in the BPS outlet on clearance for $10 apiece. The price and the fact that these reels have the flipping switch convinced me to give them a try. I LOVE that flipping switch. No flipping the bail or turning the crank to set the reel. Just hit the thumb bar and pull out what you want and let go of the bar.

The only thing that I didn't like about the baitcasters was when started out with the reel on top. That was really unhandy when I tried to set the hook. Now I run them reel down and it is just like using grabbing a rod with a spinning reel.

As I think someone else said, it is strictly a matter of preference and availability. For rigging and dipping, all you need is a a line holder. If you want one reel for both, then you probably want the lighter spinning reels. I sure wouldn't want to hold the full size baitcasters all day.

Matt, I'm a bait caster guy. It's just what I like.
Any chance you can get out and fish a little with someone that has what you are looking at? You are welcome to go fish with me but you probably don't want to drive 3 hours up here, but if you do, let me know

Originally Posted by arkcrappie

Matt, I'm a bait caster guy. It's just what I like.
Any chance you can get out and fish a little with someone that has what you are looking at? You are welcome to go fish with me but you probably don't want to drive 3 hours up here, but if you do, let me know

I appreciate the offer! But your right, I need to stay closer to home. I have a baby on the way. I bet I can find a local to show me the ropes. Thanks!

Originally Posted by D10

I appreciate the offer! But your right, I need to stay closer to home. I have a baby on the way. I bet I can find a local to show me the ropes. Thanks!

Baby on the way? Congrats sir! Yeah you better hurry up and buy what you need for sure. Diapers will limit you quickly

Originally Posted by D10

I'm about to pull the trigger on some trolling rods and I need to figure out what type of reel to put on them. I will mainly be spider rigging but would like to long line also. So spinning reel or baitcaster? Does it really matter or is it personal preference? Thanks.

Any type reel works for spider rigging, but for long lining also, I'd go spinning reels. I have used both for rigging, but I'm seriously thinking of going back to spinners on my spider rig poles. I'm currently using bait casters for rigging, and just got setup for long lining with spinners.

Ask Creekslick about the long lining. He's the best around you for that info.