Spinning rod for dragging tubes?

[bnl]

Question, why is using spinning gear the accepted practice when dragging a tube for smallmouths? What are the advantages or spinning over casting gear for this technique?

Anyone out there ever use casting gear for this? I was thinking of using my NRX893c for dragging 1/4 to 3/8 tubes and since I don't own a lot of spinning gear, I was wondering what I'm missing in using casting gear over spinning.

Thanks!

[cndbasshunter]

Vanquish with NRX852S is my new spinning outfit for dragging tubes. I use spinning as it really helps when fishing for smallies in the big water. When you are on simcoe or erie the winds can get nasty, the spinning outfit helps allot.

I also use reels with deep spool, you are often letting out 100 yards of line.

[smalljaw]

For flipping tube and casting that size tube in shallow water I use a casting set up but when I'm going for smallies in deeper water or on the river I prefer the spinning rod for a couple of reasons. The first is the bait falling straight down without having to strip line as there are times when the smallies will hit it on the fall and when stripping line you'll never know it. Another reason is wind, especially on big water like Erie but over all it is the sraight fall that makes the difference as you want to grag the tube on the bottom as long as you can and if it comes back toward you well you can loose 2 feet or more depending on how deep you're fishing.

[ec1]

There really is no advantage for a baitcaster with deep water and barely any cover. I find myself trying to horse these fish in once the baitcasters are out, and I've lost a couple of pigs last fall doing that.
As discussed, unless you are tucked away somewhere, you are often fishing in 2-3 feet waves. The baitcasters may look more "pro" but you are just making life harder for yourself

[njbasscat]

Tubes also fall better on slack line and in deep water, this is more easily accomplished with a spinning rod in my opinion.

[fishingandfords]

Vanquish with NRX852S is my new spinning outfit for dragging tubes. I use spinning as it really helps when fishing for smallies in the big water. When you are on simcoe or erie the winds can get nasty, the spinning outfit helps allot.

I also use reels with deep spool, you are often letting out 100 yards of line.

100 yards? Seems crazy and I would see setting the hook being hard with a spinning rod

[vinnieb729]

I find it easier to have a hard hook set with a spinning reel. I hold my spinning reels with two fingers in front and two behind the reel. I can grip the rod quite firm...kinda like your making a fist and snap the rod tip up. That being said, I rarley set the hook very hard anyway

[rubs96]

I was thinking of using my NRX893c for dragging 1/4 to 3/8 tubes and since I don't own a lot of spinning gear, I was wondering what I'm missing in using casting gear over spinning.

That rod would be sweet for tubes. When I was out on St. Clair last summer I wish I would've thought of using mine instead of my spinning rod to test it out!

I love that rod for several techniques and species… great for swimming a grub too!

[teamdaiwa5]

There's something about having a 6 lb smallmouth peeling drag off a spinning reel that just makes me keep it in my hands. That said, when dragging, you'll discover its easier to maintain bottom contact by opening the bail occasionally...especially in 3-5 footers. Casting gear has its place, but with deeper water, lighter line, and little cover, I'd much prefer spinning gear. NRX852S and Steez 2500 for me.

[MTBF]

Excellent tube jig rod the NRX852S JWR is, perfect length soft tip with a unreal amount of backbone. Balances well and look for a 3000 size reel. I paired mine up with a Stella FB 3000, it's older but a tank. Can't get enough of 2 power NRX.

Good luck in your search, I was handling a 7'6" Medium Cumara. Haven't fished it but have a look at them, very nice rods.

MTBF

[JerryC]

Honestly the difference isnt between a spinning setup vs casting.. the rod is the biggest game changer IMO.. for tubes, I, Myself would use a spinning outfit, mainly because it can hold more line and for me with a wrist problem, it helps me fish longer.. When fishing a tube its mostly cast and drag with the occational flip off the bottom here and there.. dont over think this technique, its very simple..

[fishingandfords]

Honestly the difference isnt between a spinning setup vs casting.. the rod is the biggest game changer IMO.. for tubes, I, Myself would use a spinning outfit, mainly because it can hold more line and for me with a wrist problem, it helps me fish longer.. When fishing a tube its mostly cast and drag with the occational flip off the bottom here and there.. dont over think this technique, its very simple..

I'm the opposite spinning reels cause pain in my wrist so I only use them when I have too.

[bemo]

Honestly the difference isnt between a spinning setup vs casting.. the rod is the biggest game changer IMO.. for tubes, I, Myself would use a spinning outfit, mainly because it can hold more line and for me with a wrist problem, it helps me fish longer.. When fishing a tube its mostly cast and drag with the occational flip off the bottom here and there.. dont over think this technique, its very simple..

Agree to not over think this. Just make sure it's a longer stout rod for distant hook sets. Big mature smallmouth have very thick and dense flesh in and around the mouth and can be tough to pin when far off. The rod also has to be sensitive enough to feel the fish pick up the tube...

[bnl]

Thanks for all the info. It is a good discussion and is going to help me out for sure.

[cueball]

One issue with a bait caster for dragging is that the rod and reel wants spin so that the reel is down. You have to control the rod to keep the reel up. Granted this is not a lot of effort, but with a spinning reel you can completely relax your hand and just let it hang. Spiral wrapped bait casting rods help mitigate this.