New fisherman: Go with a baitcaster or spinning reel

[cjack]

I've been fishing for a little over a year with a pretty cheap 5' UglyStik GX2. Now that I'm more into fishing I wanted to upgrade my rod/reel. I was recommended a video with some combos by another user on this forum and can't decide if I should go with a baitcaster, which I've heard casts further, or a spinning reel, which I've heard is better at finesse. The two main combos I was looking at was the Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rod with the Daiwa Revros (spinning reel) LT 2500 reel, versus the Dobyns Colt Series Casting rod with the 13 Fishing Origin A Casting reel (baitcaster).

 

Thanks for any help.

I should mention that my current rod has a spinning reel.

[garroyo130]

Brand new, spinning. If youve used spincast reels before, the transition to baitcaster might be easier. I know for me it was easier than going to spinning simply because the mechanics were more similar. 

[Boomstick]

Spinning will be easier to start, however you will probably want to learn the baitcaster and you gotta start somewhere. So if you are feeling bold and don't mind fighting through some birds nests while you learn, go with the baitcaster. Start with 15lb Big Game, it's fat so it's easier to pick out birds nests and cheap if you have to replace it.

[jimmyjoe]

   If you feel the need to use 12 lb. or heavier monofilament line, try the baitcaster. If you feel comfortable in your location fishing with 6 or 8 lb. mono line or 10 to 12 lb. braided line, get the spinning setup.

   Spinning setups can be more versatile, but you deal with line twist. Casting setups are a better power-to-weight ratio, but for a beginner, don't cast light lures well.

   Fishermen in cold, clearer waters tend to use spinning more. Fishermen in muddy, warmer waters tend to use casting setups more.

   Whichever way you decide to go. there are people here to help you if you have problems.

 

   Good luck!           jj

[Crankin4Bass]

Welcome Colby!

 

In your other thread you mention that you bank fish reservoirs and small ponds. In that case I would recommend a 6'6" medium power fast action spinning rod. It's easier to learn and good for bank fishing especially if you have any trees and bushes around. You will be also be able to fish light lures too.

 

The Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rod in medium with the Daiwa Revros LT 2500 are a great choice.  I would go with a 2 piece rod because it's easier to store and transport. Spool it up with some 8lb mono like Trilene XL and you will be able to fish a lot of techniques and for other species.

 

Don't worry you will have lots of time to get into bait casters. If you hang out here you will wind up buying lots of gear. ?

[Bankc]

Spinning reels, by the way, typically cast further than baitcasters.  They just don't tend to handler thicker lines as well, the drag usually isn't as smooth or powerful, and they get wind knots.  Plus, it's a little more difficult to control a spinning rod than a baitcaster.  

 

But, a spinning rod will likely be easier for you to learn, and if you do a lot of bank fishing, then distance is usually pretty important.  So spinning rod wins again.  Not to mention the fact that they're usually cheaper.  But if you're fishing in a lot of heavy vegetation along those banks, then the baitcaster might be better due to the thicker lines and higher drag that you'll be wanting if you're trying to horse bass out of that stuff.  

 

Really, just get whatever you want.  The differences between them are noticeable, but they're not insurmountable.  Some people only fish with baitcasters.  Some only fish with spinning reels.  Most people fish with both.  No matter what you choose, you can make it work.