Bait Casting Vs Spinning

[Broke bass fisherman]

I have used spinning reels my whole life. I wanted to get feedback from you all on the advantages or disadvantages of bait casting reels. Should I look into a bait casting rig or stay with my spinning combos.

[tomustang]

I use to use spinning my whole life, then I picked up a baitcaster and use them exclusively. Now I can't stand spinning gear since the feeling isn't as 'fluid' as baitcasting

[baluga]

Once you learn how to use baitcasting rig, you'll hate yourself for not trying it sooner. Yes, it is really that much fun compared to spinner.

[j.bruno]

Id look into bait casting if i were you. Alot more fun to throw all day. I think i get more casts in also when i use my bait casting gear compared to spinning. Just push the button and cast. No messing with bail wire. I also think bait casters are more accurate imo.

[LgMouthGambler]

Way more control.

[BobP]

They both have their place. I like baitcasting for anything heavier than 1/4 oz or line larger than 8lb. I like spinning for lighter stuff like dropshot or shaky heads, or when I want to skip lures under docks or overhanging trees. For me, a baitcaster works when I want pin point casts to cover. It's faster and I don't have to worry about line twist. On the other hand, I think spinning combos are inherently a little more sensitive and are easier to cast into the wind - and they don't backlash. Bottom line, you need both.

[BassinMD]

Spinning gear is generally for finesse techniques and baitcaster are for power fishin and larger bait finesse. Bait caster will hold heavier line and have more power for gettin fish out of cover, where as spinning reels will not have as much drag power. Also baitcasters can be far more accurate for close and far targets and will cast farther. But as state you need both to be more successful

[BASSclary]

Spinning gear is generally for finesse techniques and baitcaster are for power fishin and larger bait finesse. Bait caster will hold heavier line and have more power for gettin fish out of cover, where as spinning reels will not have as much drag power. Also baitcasters can be far more accurate for close and far targets and will cast farther. But as state you need both to be more successful

Thats not so. In fact, I find most casting reels and spinning reels have about the same drag, but of course there are always outliers.

[SirSnookalot]

You do not need both to be successful, you only need to learn how to use the one you prefer. My choice is spinning, I don't own a b/c except a conventional reel for live and cut bait, for larger species of fish.

I really can't think of any disadvantage to spinning, I like the reel on the bottom of the rod, and I throw lures of all weights, just use the appropriate sized reel and rod. Drag strength should be of little concern, b/c vs spinning.

What ever your preference is.

[roadwarrior]

I think you will find that a baitcasting reel is more comfortable for fishing "moving" lures.

My spinning tackle is used for weightless soft plastics and live bait. My preference is a

baitcaster for other applications.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A quality spinning reel will have a very good (smooth) drag to protect the typically lighter line and for raw casting distance a properly set up spinning rig can't be beat. In an "Either/Or" scenario you can get by with either but being proficient with both gives you more options and enhances the overall fishing experience IMO.

[Capt.Bob]

As others here have noted, if you only use one, no matter which one it is, you are handicapping yourself if using it for all tactics. A baitcast can't handle 1/4 oz to 1/32 ounce lures for one thing,so on the light fines end they are superior, but when throwing deep cranks or heavier jigs you will be much better off with Baitcasting tackle.

My 2500 MgFB Stradic's and Sustains have a 15 Lbs. Max Drag. Most level winds of comparable size only have 10 to 12 Lbs. Max Drag. My 4000 Stradic and Sustain has a 20Lbs. Max Drag, compared to a 17.5 Lbs. drag on my Calcutta 400B's. So with most shimano spinning gear anyway, they have slightly more drag than equal size baitcast reels! and the better spinning reels will give the better baitcasters a run for their money in the smoothness dept, with the edge going to the baitcasters, but not by much!

Like others have said you may not catch any more fish with one over the other, but they will usually agree you can be much more efficient regardless how you decide to fish if you learn to use both styles of reels, they both outperform the other at certain things!!

[LunkerLust]

I prefer using spinning gear also because the reel hangs below the rod. It feels much more balanced and I don't have to change hand position. I am much better casting a spinning rod, especially skipping baits under docks and overhanging trees.

I do use baitcasters, but only for pitching and flipping in and around heavy pads and weeds. With a BC combo I can winch big bass out of the slop, can't do that with spinning gear.

[Jig Meister]

I love bait casting a lot, I usually am tossing jigs or spinner baits. But when I want to go light with plastics and even some top water's like torpedo s and poppers I will go with spinning. I have caught large fish with both setups, but really it all depends on lure weight to me, I do not rig bait casters to cast light lures, that is what spinning is for to me. I would go above 10/12lb test on spinning, and wont go below 15/17 on a bait caster.

just how I like to do things. I am accurate with both

[Sam]

Spinning rigs are great for light baits (Rapalas and small cranks) and finesse fishing plastics.

Baitcasters are great for moving baits and fishing plastics with weights.

You can throw a Senko without a weight and have a strong hookset with a baitcaster.

Now, with that said, I have caught big ladies over five-pounds on both rigs. So it is personal preference as to which rig to use.

Just remember, you need a strong arsnal of rods, reels, line and baits so you can mix and match for the conditions. The Bait Monkey awaits you.

[SirSnookalot]

I prefer using spinning gear also because the reel hangs below the rod. It feels much more balanced and I don't have to change hand position. I am much better casting a spinning rod, especially skipping baits under docks and overhanging trees.

I do use baitcasters, but only for pitching and flipping in and around heavy pads and weeds. With a BC combo I can winch big bass out of the slop, can't do that with spinning gear.

Yes you can, and this is how. i don't fish anything but spinning gear in all bodies of water. This may take just a little bit of practice but it's real easy. Assuming if you are fishing heavy cover you are most likely using a bit heavier rod, since my hand is always above the reel it easily slides up on the foregrip or even higher to the shaft, now you have more leverage. Then just grab the spool with your retrieving hand and pull the fish thru the weeds, release the spool when the fish is clear. The most important links are a well tied knot and healthy line. Your pulling arm has more strength than the reel.