Spinning reel bail trip method(manual vs. trip lever)

[wfjord]

I mostly use baitcasters now, but I've got a 712z and two 714z Penn spinfishers I've had for a long time --the oldest being a 714z I bought about 35 years ago and have a faint memory of getting some problem with the bail assembly fixed over 20+ years ago, probably a lost screw. Otherwise I've never had any problems with the mechanical bail closing function on the z models (except they sometimes close down and pinch the line in the inside corner of the bail assembly). I also have a bunch of ss spinning reels and rarely ever manually closed the bails on them. Then a fishing buddy explained to me why he always manually closed the bail on his reels and recommended I do the same, so now when I do carry spinning tackle I use skirted spool reels and try to practice the manual bail method. It does allow a little more control.