Taking the Level Wind/Bait Caster/Spinning Reel debate to the next level

I'm running this Poll as a supplement to my question, guessing some may vote in a poll that might not take the time to reply to the question. I hope to get a good response to both and appreciate your time in advance.

In the event you'ld like to answer the question too, helping myself and other forum members in their future decisions, here's the link:

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,7062.msg73081.html#new

I don't have the option to choose a closed faced spincaster reel



 

My five year old niece out fished me with "her" new Zebco 33, anotherone is hooked

Them Zebco's are the bomb! You would not believe the amount of rat's nests that I did not have to untangle due to the kidoes trying to cast their own lines.

It's also a very regional thing.  Up in WA, a lot of people use levelwinds.  Down here in NorCal, a lot of people use conventional.  Over in Hawaii, a lot of people use spinners.  To each their own.

-Allen

Are not all "conventional" reels "level winds"?  I know of 3 kinds of level winds.  Low-profile bait casting reels like the Shimano Calais hit the market about a decade ago.  There is the "round" bait casting reels like the Shimano Calcutta.  Then there are "conventional" reels like the Shimano Tekota.  You can cast low-profile and round level winds, but not conventionals. 

Personally, I don't lump the low-profile bait casters in with the round bait casters, because from what I see the low-profile bait casters are used in the same light fishing venues as spinning reels.  I don't own a low-profile bait caster, though I do see the advantages over a smaller spinning reel (line twist, better drags, thumbing). 

Are not all "conventional" reels "level winds"?

Uh ... do you mean aren't all level winds reels conventional.  Yeah, likely.  I should have used non-levelwind where I used conventional.

-Allen

Caig Im with you!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK I was just kidding I use both depending on what I am fishing for and how, I cant chose based on just the best reel.

It has always been my understanding that a Baitcaster is a lever wind reel that utilizes a button to place the spool in casting / free spool model.  That button might be one your thumb rests on directly behind the spool, or off to the side like the Penn International or most Abu Garcia reels for example.  These reels are designed specifically for casting and often have an externally adjustable casting control feature to help prevent backlashing.


Conventional reels have a lever to engage / disengage the free spool function and can come with or without the lever wind feature.   That lever on lever drag versions also sets the drag level.    .   Smaller conventional reels can also easily be cast though an externally adjustable casting control system is typically not provided.  Larger versions typically never employ a lever wind.

Try to cast with this puppy:


 

 

Conventional doesn't have to be lever drag.

-Allen

You can cast low-profile and round level winds, but not a conventionals.

Actually, in world distance casting competitions,  all of the top distances are held by casters using finely tuned none leverwind casting  reels .   I believe the record is getting pretty close to 290 meters with mono.    I read where 300 meters was passed, but that was with smaller super braid which is not allowed in world competitions.

Here is a cool video of a competition caster stripping 270 meters of line off a reel during a cast.

       
If you ever get to see the hard core sturgeon bank casters on the Columbia by Bonneyville who are trying to get out as far as possible,  spinning reels are the minority. 

In all actuality though,  I think you are right as most can cast farther with their spinning reels than they can with off the shelf conventional reels.


Allen,   I don't see where I mentioned that all conventional reels are lever drag, only that there are versions that are.

   

You can cast low-profile and round level winds, but not a conventionals. 

I'm with CraigVM62 on this...

Back home (Guam) we used big conventional reels when fishing from the cliffs for Ulua (Giant White Trevally). I had buddies back home that I would practice casting on football fields to perfect our distance. A couple of them used to cast over 150 yards, it was amazing to see them cast from one goal and see the 12oz sinkers go another 40 yards past the other goal, my average casts were just under 100 yds.

I used a Newell 4/0 Conventional with a modified 12 ft Big Water Ugly Stick. I actually brought it with me when I moved here to WA, I've been thinking of trying it out at the Columbia for Sturgeon...maybe next year during the shad run.

Allen,   I don't see where I mentioned that all conventional reels are lever drag, only that there are versions that are.

   

That's what I was saying.

It sounded to me like in your previous post that you were saying that leveldrag=conventional.  Sorry if I misread that.

-Allen

The nomenclature discussion has been useful, though somewhat confusing.   I always thought the term was "level wind" not "lever wind", because the spool was (held generally) level.  I also understand the distinction between a lever actuated free-spool, and a button/flipper actuated free-spool, so now I see the distinction between "bait casting" and "conventional" reels.  Thanks.