questions about rod and reel combo's

[Gantt]

hey folks, i hate to ask noob questions.

 

i am currently using an old ugly stick, about 6 feet, with an equally old Mitchell spin reel.  i, in my ignorance have never noticed these to be inadequate in any way, though i have never used very nice fishing equipment.    reminds me of the time i was busting doves from 60 yards out with my dads old H&R 20 gauge break barrel and the older guys at the hunt was getting a kick out of seeing me bust them so well, with three shells stuck in my mouth for faster reloads.     one guy let me shoot his Benelli shotgun, and i was forever changed.   same with riding a friends faster motorcycle, you instintly notice the shortcomings of your own equipment.    

anyway,  i have used a baitcaster before, but just prefer the ease of use from an open face reel.

i see a few threads that state to use a spinning reel for lighter tackle, and a casting reel for soft plastic.    

i know that just because you read something does not mean you have to mimic everything someone else does, but the question arises, what pro's and con's do you all think of when forming an opinion on spinning vs casting reels??    

i am not wanting to get a list of new stuff i "need", merely trying to learn about bass fishing past the point that i have now, which is farm ponds and all self learned knowledge.   

i mostly have been a panfisherman, and my dad and i used to only hit dock lights with minnows at night. simple stuff.   

i have never had good luck bass fishing, and now that i have starting reading about it more, and taking a more adult approach i have really enjoyed catching bass, using mostly soft plastics for now.  as a kid i would simply pick a random lure and fish it, and so basically lost interest in such "difficult" fishing and moved to the tried and true cork and bobber, roostertail and beetle spin fishing methods since childhood up until now.   

thanks for the insight!!

[LCG]

since you used a hunting reference let's put it this way. A friend of mine said it best, spinning VS baitcasting isn't a vs thing, it's a pairing thing. Think rifle and shotgun, two tools for two different type of hunting or game. 

 

For me, spinning is for more light line finesse fishing. Ned rigs, drop shot, weightless worn, etc. 

 

Baitcasting is for heavier, thicker plastic baits and lures. Spinnerbait, chatterbait, Texas rigged plastics. For me, I am more accurate with casting gear and pitching feels very natural with baitcasters. heavier line and stouter rods for heavier cover is also a good fit for baitcasting gear. 

 

Generally I carry both when I go out. 

[Hammer 4]

To add what LCG said, some folks feel more comfy skipping docks with a spinning rig. Also a Very long time ago before I bought my first baitcast reel I use to catch 10 lb Bonita on a spinning rig, the same spinning rig I used for bass fishing...