Baitcaster Or Spinning Rod

[Jraut98]

I'm looking to buy a new rod but am not sure what kind of rod to get. I currently own all spinning rods but am starting to bass fish more. I want to be able to fish Texas rigs, crankbaits, and pretty much anything on the rod. I was thinking about getting a at croix avid medium or medium heavy fast action spinning rod or a medium or medium heavy fast action duckett ghost Baitcaster. Not sure what to get

[Jraut98]

Oh I fish largemouth and striped bass

[jignfule]

I would start learning to fish with a baitcaster if I were you. As a general rule use b/c for heavier lures and spinning for lighter lures. I fish with a guy (in his 60's) that never learned a b/c and  I  know some will diagree but I believe it's a handicap for him especially when it comes to froggin and punching into thick heavy cover. Buy a good quaility reel and start out with braid, would be my suggestion, then start training your thumb.

[Darren.]

It is fine to learn baitcasting, but only if you really want to.

 

It is not necessary to use one for bass fishing, as *plenty* 

on this forum can attest to.

 

For me, I can say I chose to learn baitcasting because I 

wanted to, but I could do everything with spinning if that's 

all I had to use.

 

Up to you, man. 

[ABW]

I used to fish only spinning gear too. I always thought I'd never learn to use a baitcaster. I was wrong... and I'm kind of mad at myself for not starting earlier..

[Penguino]

For bigger, stronger fighting fish baitcasters make the job a lot easier. Also, baitcasters have better casting distance, power, and the rods are generally cheaper than spinning rods (cuz of the smaller guides). When I first learned baitcasting a few months ago, it took me a month to get over the learning curve. But eventually, now I love baitcasting and cant imagine using spinning gear for anything else except soft plastic.

[Jraut98]

So what power and action should I get?

[Jraut98]

In a baitcaster

[NJBasstard]

For bigger, stronger fighting fish baitcasters make the job a lot easier. Also, baitcasters have better casting distance, power, and the rods are generally cheaper than spinning rods (cuz of the smaller guides). When I first learned baitcasting a few months ago, it took me a month to get over the learning curve. But eventually, now I love baitcasting and cant imagine using spinning gear for anything else except soft plastic.

 

What reels are you talking about?

 

 

To the OP, most on here are going to recommend getting a mh/f somewhere in the 6'6"-7' range to start with.

[wnspain]

OP, like NJB said, most will recommend a mh/f as it is a good all around rod that performs well using a variety of techniques. I personally would get something in the $100 - 150 price range as there are several at that price point that are outstanding  e.g. AG Veritas, Duckett Ghost, BPS Carbonlite, St. C Rage - the list goes on and on. For a reel, don't cheap out there either. You can find a good used AG Revo on ebay for sometimes as low as $55 or so. Buy as much quality as you can afford, but don't go overboard on your first outfit.

[ABW]

What reels are you talking about?

 

 

I think he was speaking relative to spinning reels. 

[new2BC4bass]

To the above list by wnspain I would add Fenwick HMG and Elite Tech Bass or an *** Black.

 

One rod is going to be a compromise somewhere along the line.  In my eyes a MF or MHF is the most versatile,  I often use a MF for crankbaits.  If I had to pick one rod it would be a 7'- 7'3" MHF, and I'd be very careful with the drag, hooksets, etc. when using a crankbait.

[Pinoy_Basser]

"I'm looking to buy a new rod but am not sure what kind of rod to get. I currently own all spinning rods but am starting to bass fish more. I want to be able to fish Texas rigs, crankbaits, and pretty much anything on the rod. I was thinking about getting a at croix avid medium or medium heavy fast action spinning rod or a medium or medium heavy fast action duckett ghost Baitcaster. Not sure what to get "

 

Since you have a bunch of spinning combo's already and starting to enjoy Bass fishing more,

 

I will suggest you to get a good quality Baitcasting setup this time so you can learn a new bass fishing tool.

Curado, Daiwa, Lews, Abu, Quantum etc are some of the leading reel makers on the market, its up to you which you choose.

There a many rod makers out there so I advice you to focus more on the type of fishing techniques you will do on the rod.

 

" Texas rigs, crankbaits, and pretty much anything on the rod"

 

I suggest to look at MH power, Fast Action, 6'6" to 7' models.  Most guys I know (me included) use these specs for their Allround use rods.

 

 

Ignore the spinning vs Baitcasting debate, in my honest opinion its a waste of good fishing time. 

I don't understand why people even debate about it.

 

In my opinion its like using a spoon and a fork.  A spoon is good for soup, rice, ice cream etc.

A fork is good for spaghetti, meats, veggies etc.  and they go together when enjoying your full meal and deserts.

You can use a fork for your soup but its not suited for it and same goes for spoon when eating spaghetti.

 

Each of them has a their weak and strong points so rather than debating which is better, stronger, farther just learn on how

to use them effectively and enjoy fishing.

[plumworm]

Pinoy: You only use a fork for spaghetti ? What a clutz. You need a spoon too. Pick it up with the fork and then roll it on a spoon so it  becomes a tight little ball. That way you don't get all that red sauce running down your chin and on that $100 tie..LOL

[BaitMonkey1984]

Baitcaster. I agree with some of the other comments that you do not need to throw a bait caster. I got by just fine with all spinning outfits. I got tired of seeing others using a BC and seeing some good looking rod and reels that I was afraid of. So I bought one and learned how to use it a bit. Still learning and using this winter to practice casting in the back yard. If you want to, go for it, it will be a fun new adventure. 

[Penguino]

What reels are you talking about?

 

 

To the OP, most on here are going to recommend getting a mh/f somewhere in the 6'6"-7' range to start with.

Comparitive to spinning reels, Baitcasting reels give you much more power over the fish and there frames don't flex as much.

[Jraut98]

Okay I'm looking at like 6'8-7'0 duckett ghost Baitcaster medium heavy fast action what kinda reel should I get

[jignfule]

Okay I'm looking at like 6'8-7'0 duckett ghost Baitcaster medium heavy fast action what kinda reel should I get

A good one. It can be hard and a bit frustrating learning to use a baitcaster. It will make the task easier and more enjoyable if you have quaility equiptment.  If you are a Shimano fan the Citica is a good place to start. Curado even better.

[NJBasstard]

Comparitive to spinning reels, Baitcasting reels give you much more power over the fish and there frames don't flex as much.

 

You said baitcasters allow greater casting distance I'm just asking what reel your using and what your comparing too that makes you say that?

 

 

OP get the best reel you can afford. Alot of Shimano fans on here including myself that will say you can't go wrong with a Citica or Curado.

[masterbass]

OP, imo if you are used to spinning gear and reeling with your left hand then get a lefty bait caster. 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Its like driving i started with a 4 speed gmc s15 now i can drive anything on the road. Same as starting with a baitcaster once u learn them anything else is a piece of cake

[Felix77]

Learning a baitcaster is a personal preference.  I have a friend who only fishes spinning gear and he does just fine.

 

If you do choose a baitcaster then I would recommend a 7' M with a reel which is a 6x:1 ratio.  Good overall combo to start.

 

FWIW I began with the Abu Silver Max combo.  3 years and 8 more baitcasters later and I still use that combo today.

 

Good luck.

[Penguino]

Spinning rods and casting rods are the same price per manufacturer. Not sure where the "cuz of the smaller guides" come from. There are actually more guides on a casting rod that would drive up cost more.

I stand corrected. I also thought that spinning rods had the same number of guides as casting rods... I guess not.

[corn-on-the-rob]

Get a baitcaster.

 

I am only 24 but I have been fishing since I was able to hold a rod. This past year was my first full season using a baitcaster. I was always so resistant to learn to use one since I was so comfortable with a spinning rod and shared the argument that you don't have to use a baitcaster ever. It is true, but I cannot see myself throwing any size-able (>3/16oz) moving baits like a spinner-bait with out a baitcaster ever again. I always tried throwing heavy flipping jigs on my MH spinning rod and I can't see myself ever doing that again either. I am not gonna claim to have hard data to say that baitcasters are more efficient for throwing certain lures/presentations, but it sure feels that way.

 

Get the BC, put in the time, deal with the learning curve, but once you get a season under your belt, you will be glad you did.

[SirSnookalot]

Comparitive to spinning reels, Baitcasting reels give you much more power over the fish and there frames don't flex as much.

Nonsense !

 

It's preference spinning vs b/c, the power comes from the rod.  I happen to be a spinning only user, have yet to see any of my reels flex while bass fishing.  The majority of my fishing is targeting fish bigger and stronger than bass ( the equipment isn't much different in size), using only spinning my reels don't flex, they have been in service for years.  Where I mostly fish I could for weeks and weeks without ever seeing a b/c.