Fishing Victoria Forum

Does anyone still use side cast reels and what situations do you use them in?

Nope, never. It's weird and alien to me.

Yes, I have a fifty year old Alvey with a red cedar spool which I use for all sorts of surf fishing but particularly for throwing pilchards or slugs for tailer.
Properly rigged ( swivel above and below a running sinker) they are simple,effective and impervious to sand and salt water, so ideal for beach work.
Perfect for salmon - if you really want to catch them.
They were the go-to reel for NSW surf fishers. They have gone out of fashion, but not because they were not effective.