Spinning Reel Vs. Bait Casting Reel ? Pros & Cons ?

[Robertqq]

Hi,

 

Got to wonder about this a bit.

 

Have several Spinning Rod setups, and am quite happy with them for Pond and Lake fishing.

 

But, what is the latest thinking and opinions on when it is desireable to use a Bait casting Reel setup rather than a Spinning Reel ?

 

What do the "Pros" usually use ?

Why ?

 

What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each ?

etc. ?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[JeziHogg]

You can do anything from casting heavy to super light baits with either or. The only advantage I can think of with a spinning rod is the ability to open the bail and let the bait drop, a lot more convenient then having to loosen the spool tension knob to let it drop on a baitcaster.

[gulfcaptain]

spinning pros: lighter lures, lighter line applications.  Cons:larger reels vs bait casters.  heavier reels, less line capacity, less control(flipping/pitching), line twist.

 

Baitcaster pros: less weight, more line capacity, better control (flip/pitch), heavier drag, more options(gear ratio), less line twist, manages heavier lines better, handles heavy lures with a smaller sized reel vs spinning.

 

Cons: Doesn't handle lighter lures very well, not very good with light lines (under 6lb test), harder to learn to cast, 

 

Those are my lists of pros and cons, but feel both have a place and time and often have both set ups with me when I'm fishing.

[FirstnameLastname]

Gulf captain hit the nail on the head. I would however would like to add to it. As far as when to use each I find I really prefer my broadcaster in two situations, when it's cold and I have to jig of the bottom "better control with a broadcaster", or when it's hot as an oven and I'm throwing big poppers, keyword big. This is once again due to the superior control. 

[aavery2]

I always like how this question turns out.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I dont care what pros use ..all i know is i use both spinning and casting and proficiate with both and each has a time and place .i see many ppl say they dont use spinning anymoore like they are trying to set a status symbol to other anglers .all i care about is catchin fish .not about impressing others.fish on dudes. Btw spinnings reels have stronger drags then baitcasters some 4000 size ones have 40 lbs of drag .

[gulfcaptain]

I dont care what pros use ..all i know is i use both spinning and casting and proficiate with both and each has a time and place .i see many ppl say they dont use spinning anymoore like they are trying to set a status symbol to other anglers .all i care about is catchin fish .not about impressing others.fish on dudes

it was a pros vs cons question, not what pros fish with vs what cons use....lol But yes both set ups have a time and place and use both as catching fish is the main goal of why I'm out there too and people that choose to not use spinning rods I believe do so because they have never really learned how to finesse fish when the fishing is tough. 

[hoosierbass07]

 I like spinning reels far more than baitcasters because you can cast very light lures to heavy lures (within reason) with a spinning reel.  I have four or five spinning reels all with six to ten pound line. I have one baitcaster with twelve pound line.  If you use 4-10 pound mono line I would stick with spinning reels.  But if you want to use heavier mono line I would go with a baitcaster.  I think baitcasters are made for heavy line.  Of course you can use heavy braid with a spinning reel.  

 

 One of the biggest drawbacks with baitcasters is backlashing.  I never get backlashing with my spinning reels unless some weeds are clogging up my rod eyes.  But with a baitcaster you always have to pay attention to how you cast.  Using a baitcaster is sort like walking a tightrope ten feet above the ground with no net.  

 

 Another thing is cost.  You can buy a decent spinning reel at low cost.  But if you want a decent baitcaster you have to spend more money.  Cheap spinning reels can work.  Cheap baitcasters - junk.  

[tcbass]

I think baitcasters are more better for a heavier set up. If you want to use a heavy spinning gear set up it gets quite large, while a baitcaster can be smaller but still handle bigger lines, lures, and rod weights.

 

As you go up in spinning rod size the reels get considerably larger. Not so the case with baitcasting gear.

 

With spinning gear it is harder to fight a big fish I feel because the reel is farther away from the rod, while with a baitcasting rod it's right on the rod.

 

 

I use baitcasting for 80% of my fishing and I only use spinning gear for the other 20%. I use spinning gear for only Senko's or like Zoom Flukes. Everything else, topwater, frogs, jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and such I use baitcasting.

[Raul]

There are several members that fish exclusively with spinning gear, Snook is one and catches tons of interesting size fish with spinning gear, Fish Chris has caught more 10 + lbers than any member in this forum with spinning gear. So, yes, you can fish the rest of your life without ever needing a BC reel.

[J Francho]

Hammer vs. Screwdriver, which is better? They are different tools. Pros and Joes use the right tool for the job.

[LMB KING]

I use spinning gear 80% of the time. 15% fly gear and 5% baitcaster. The most versatile gear is a spinning outfit. people say baitcasters are for heavier stuff but other people have caught world record catches with spinning gear and fly gear so thats far from the truth. People use fly and spinning gear outfit for 1000+ pound fish, so calling fly gear and spinning gear only light and finesse is a understatement. And just like baitcasters, theirs different size in spinning and fly to get the job done. So its the same across the board. Its all about preference.

[PersicoTrotaVA]

I have 4 baitcasting combos and 1 spinning combo.  For me it's what works better for the situation.  I'm usually pitching and flipping and doing that with a spinning combo can get taxing on my wrist.  I fish wacky rig a lot so I have my spinning combo next to me always.  I'd never try it with any of my baitcasting combos, it just wouldn't feel right.  

 

I caught my PB on a spinning combo before I had all my baitcasters.  5'6 Ugly Stik with a 1.0 KVD squarebill, 5.64lbs.  They both work and have their uses in certain situations or fishing styles, but sometimes its just what you have and you have to make it work.

[BadBassWV]

I think when you use baitcasters you just look "Cooler", Like fishing from a bass boat VS. A Pond Prowler. The main thing is to look good doing it, what ever your doing. LOL

[tcbass]

I use spinning gear 80% of the time. 15% fly gear and 5% baitcaster. The most versatile gear is a spinning outfit. people say baitcasters are for heavier stuff but other people have caught world record catches with spinning gear and fly gear so thats far from the truth. People use fly and spinning gear outfit for 1000+ pound fish, so calling fly gear and spinning gear only light and finesse is a understatement. And just like baitcasters, theirs different size in spinning and fly to get the job done. So its the same across the board. Its all about preference.

I think it's easier to make baitcasting light for heavier gear. A spinning outfit gets pretty big quick to match it. Try casting one of those big spinning outfits. It's hard.

The people who use big spinning outdoors are usually saltwater fishing vertically with no casting.

If spinning gear was of comparable size to bait casters I think you'd see a lot more pros using them.

Try pulling a big bass with grass out of the slop. It's a lot easier with a baitcasting set up then if is of a comparable sized spinning outfit.

[Darren.]

Ah this question again! Not the first time asked, won't be the last.

 

I like and use both. I do not like my gear big and heavy, so spinning gear is mostly 1000 size reels, and they work fantastic for all bass fishing I've done with them, even in thick cover. Caught many a 6 pounder and up with 1000 size Shimano Stradics.

 

On the bait casting side I like small, light. So I now use Shimano Chronarch 50e models. Have some others, but those are the ones I use most of the time when BC'ing.

 

Like JFrancho said, they're tools that do different jobs. I agree with that, but the way I fish them, I do a lot of similar techniques with each. I can throw light baits - I threw 1/16oz + 2" tiny minnows on my BC last week. Granted not far, but far enough to get to where the fish were.

 

These things can be done with practice. I really like using BCs, but don't think they're absolutely necessary. Especially for "weekend anglers" like me. I don't fish tourneys, so I don't need a massive arsenal of rods/reels (and I don't really want a massive arsenal of such).

 

And I also agree that there's a cool element to BCs for some. Won't go into why I think that way, though. Either way you slice it, both will get the bass into your boat.

[einscodek]

I think when you use baitcasters you just look "Cooler", Like fishing from a bass boat VS. A Pond Prowler. The main thing is to look good doing it, what ever your doing. LOL

Birdnestin' lookin good?

[Jrob78]

This thread is as dumb today as it was a week ago when it last came up.

[JickleFish]

I use spinning gear 80% of the time. 15% fly gear and 5% baitcaster. The most versatile gear is a spinning outfit. people say baitcasters are for heavier stuff but other people have caught world record catches with spinning gear and fly gear so thats far from the truth. People use fly and spinning gear outfit for 1000+ pound fish, so calling fly gear and spinning gear only light and finesse is a understatement. And just like baitcasters, theirs different size in spinning and fly to get the job done. So its the same across the board. Its all about preference.

Yeah, but those 1000+ pound are are not bass. This is a bass fishing site.

[LMB KING]

Yeah, but those 1000+ pound are are not bass. This is a bass fishing site.

Do you know how to read? guess not. repeating myself again. I said I use spinning gear 80% of the time because is very versatile. people say baitcasters are better for heavier stuff but people catch big fish up to 1000+ pound on fly and spinning gear, so calling spinning gear and fly gear finesse is an understatement.  

[ThatZX14Fella]

I stick with baitcasters. I can throw a lighter lure a little farther with a baitcaster and I can throw a heavy lure way farther. Not to mention the different gear ratios, more smooth retrieve, heavier drag, they're lighter, more fun to use, etc. That's just my opinion, but then again I never gave spinning reels much of a chance.

[WRB]

Most bass anglers prefer to use traditional baitcasting tackle and use spinning tackle only when fishing light (4-8#) line presentations.

When you use light weight lures 1/8 oz or less it can be difficult to make accurate casts with a baitcaster, lot easier with spinning tackle.

Baiticasting reel is more accurate with 3/16 and up weight lures and bass fishing is often about making accurate cast. It is also difficult to keep in contact with your lure using spinning tackle because you can't feel the line as easy as a baitcaster.

The only pro angler I know of who using spinning tackle exclusively is Gary Yamamoto, all others go with baitcasting first, spinning second.

Tom

[BadBassWV]

This thread is as dumb today as it was a week ago when it last came up.

This says it all!!!

[Darren.]

This thread is as dumb today as it was a week ago when it last came up.

This says it all!!!

 

Come on guys, ease up. Not everyone is at the same place with searching skills, questions, or fishing skills. These questions come up all the time, and always will!

[Darren.]

I have 4 baitcasting combos and 1 spinning combo.  For me it's what works better for the situation.  I'm usually pitching and flipping and doing that with a spinning combo can get taxing on my wrist.  I fish wacky rig a lot so I have my spinning combo next to me always.  I'd never try it with any of my baitcasting combos, it just wouldn't feel right.  

 

I caught my PB on a spinning combo before I had all my baitcasters.  5'6 Ugly Stik with a 1.0 KVD squarebill, 5.64lbs.  They both work and have their uses in certain situations or fishing styles, but sometimes its just what you have and you have to make it work.

 

In response to what I highlighted in blue, I hear you, but in my own experience, I actually use my baitcaster(s) for wacky fishing quite a lot now. With the Chronarch 50e I can throw some light rigs (coupled with the right rod). The best rod I've got for this purpose is a 6' MF Field & Stream rod I bought at DSG several years back. It lets me throw some very light baits, but when I catch (and I caught my PB with it - 7 1/2 lber in thick salad), it has plenty of backbone.

 

For stuff like the tiny fluke - weightless wacky is only done with a spinning outfit for me. But I've gone as light as a weightless 4.75" Zoom Finesse Worm on my BC combo. Not a long distance cast, mind you, but for kayak fishing, I get it to where I want it. 

 

Just FWIW. To each his/her own. We all have preferences and such.