Baitcaster vs Spinning Reel

[MN Fisher]

9 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

That seems impossible to me.  When I try to cast something light weight with a BC, its just bad news.  Maybe I need to upgrade to better gear or something.

Na - just stay on the dark side with the rest of us.

[kayaking_kev]

34 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

That seems impossible to me.  When I try to cast something light weight with a BC, its just bad news.  Maybe I need to upgrade to better gear or something.

I think a lot of it depends on the gear -  rod, reel, & line. I used an Dobyns Xtasy 723c, which is rated as a MH, but not even close to a MH in reality and it has a really nice soft tip and I had it paired with a Tatula SV and a Metanium MGL with #8 line. I'm sure the BFS guys can throw a lot lighter with some of their setups. I've also seen a few people on here use a Phenix Feather Light Power Rod paired with a Alphas Air or even a Tatula Elite and say they can throw really light stuff with it.

[Dens228]

32 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

That seems impossible to me.  When I try to cast something light weight with a BC, its just bad news.  Maybe I need to upgrade to better gear or something.

It depends on the gear.  Especially the rod for me when casting light lures.  

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

I rarely use spinning, yet I bought a new spinning set up last weekend. 
 

I plan on using them more this year....I’ve said that the last three winters. ?

I've been saying the same thing.  Also have a couple new rods and reels that need to be put into action.  Maybe this year I'll make it happen. 

 

Agree with most every post although I hope to try 6# or even 4# on a casting reel this year.  Got a Light power rod that I want to see how light a lure I can learn to cast.

 

[Mike L]

BC for everything always. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

[MickD]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

That seems impossible to me.  When I try to cast something light weight with a BC, its just bad news.  Maybe I need to upgrade to better gear or something.

There are not many people who can easily and effectively cast 1/10 oz lures on a BC.  Maybe none.  Better gear will not help, IMO.  Don't waste your time trying to cast 1/10 on a BC.  It's just not the right system for that weight.  Use spin for light, BC for not so light.  And be happy.

[soflabasser]

You know it is Winter when people start posting spinning vs baitcasting threads. With that said I have caught fish much larger and powerful on spinning reels than any black bass so I prefer to fish with spinning reels for bass fishing.

[Bankbeater]

BC for baits heavier than about 5/16 or so.  Spinning for light baits, and weightless applications.

[dodgeguy]

5 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

That seems impossible to me.  When I try to cast something light weight with a BC, its just bad news.  Maybe I need to upgrade to better gear or something.

You need a Lews Custom Lite .I never use spinning anymore. I gave my last one to my daughter. I just bought a Custom Lite because of its 4.9 oz. weight and light spool for finesse. Combined with a light rod you'll have a setup that weighs less than spinning and casts great with no line twist.

[NYWayfarer]

Let me ramble for a bit...

 

I like spinning gear for:

 

lighter lures up to 1/8oz

 

lighter lines up to 8#

 

no fear of backlash

 

love of spinning reel drag system

 

I like baitcasters for:

 

heavier lures 1/2oz and above

 

heavier lines over 10#

 

no fear of fighting a fish. I can horse a fish in if I want with the heavier line and rods I use while casting.

 

I always carry both but my spinning reels see more action. Early spring and late fall are almost exclusively spinning reel time for me

[Way north bass guy]

I think a lot of it depends on the location of the fisherman. I would imagine there’s more baitcaster use in the south, especially Florida and areas that have quite a bit of heavy vegetation. Up here in Ontario, we have literally every kind of water you could think of, except for possibly tidal rivers. I generally have around 18-20 rods in the boat all season, and they’re pretty much split 50/50 for spinning/casting outfits. 

[FryDog62]

All BC for everything - possible exception drop-shot... 

[JustJames]

I used to be 100% baitcaster doesn’t matter what weight. Now spinning on some applications like Neko Rig, Jika Rig, shakey head or wacky rig (I don’t like casting too heavy more than 3/8 on spinning).  Baitcaster for the rest.

[N.Y. Yankee]

I'm getting the idea now.?

[NJBasstard]

For bass I really only really use two of my spinning combos. A 6'6" M for smaller jerkbaits and occasionally topwaters like jitterbugs. My 7' ML covers my open water wacky rigs, ned rig, drop shot, shaky heads ect.. Those rods are usually spooled with 6-8lb test line.

 

Casting makes up 90% of my arsenal. They're spooled with 10lb test or more and used for anything 1/4oz or heavier. I'm much more comfortable and accurate with a baitcaster in my hand.

[WRB]

I prefer a bait casting reel for nearly everything for bass fishing. The only exception is using line less then 7 lb test with lures 1/8 oz total weight or less that cast poorly. If I can effectively use a bait caster it’s my 1st choice.

Tom