Baitcast vs. Spinning Reels

[NCthompson]

I want to really start bass fishing over other types of fishing and I want to know if I should get a baitcast reel. There the ones that are mainly for bass fishing right? and what are the benefits of those vs spinning reels.

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

They are both used for all types of fishing including bass fishing.  One is not better than the other.  If you have never used a baitcaster before and you really want to do some bass fishing right away then go with a spinning reel and later on buy a baitcaster and practice with it EVERYDAY.  This isn't something that will develope overnight.

I started out with a spinning reel and then went to a baitcaster.  Now I use both of them, which depends on the type of bait and technique that I am using.

[NCthompson]

what baits do you usually use with each of them

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

You can use the same baits for a spinning reel as you would a baitcaster.  Its just that some baits may perform better on a spinning set up than it would for a baitcaster.  That option is up to you and how YOU feel.  You have to experiment with both to come up with your own conclusion.  What works for me may not work for you, but I will tell you how I rig each one of mine.

Spinning reels--I use  T-rig plastics, Some jigs, and some types of topwater baits

(walk the dog style topwater baits)

Baitcaster reels--I use  Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater baits, some jigs, some plastic baits.

It is all on how confident you feel for a particular bait on a particular reel style.

[Valascus]

Let's see if I can try to shed some more light on ths subject for you. First of all if you want to start bas fishing right away TBP is right on the money with starting out with spinning gear. It is easy to learn and will help you hit the ground running to start off with. Baitcasting gear is great gear, but does take a lot of practice to learn to use it well.

Now...as far as what each is used for, this is how I break it down. You can use any bait for either, but sometimes one will definately outperform the other. An good example is using lighter lures. It takes a decent amount of skill to throw an 1/4oz. bait with a baitcaster, whereas a spinning reel will handle it with greater ease.

I usually use my spinning gear for lighter lures...anything from 1/8oz. to about 7/16oz. I'll throw on my spinning gear. As far as my baitcasting gear goes I will throw lures from 3/8oz. to 1 1/2oz. on it. Generally speaking spinning gear is better at throwing lighter baits whereas baitcasting gear handles the heavier artillery better.

One thing to remember when choosing the size lure you want to throw, regardless of type of reel you are using, is to pay attention to the maximum amount of weight that s recommended for use on your rod. If your rod says the max weight is 1/2oz then do not try to cast more than 1/2oz on it. Casting a lure that weighs more than the max recommended could overstress the rod causing it to snap towards the end.

[NBR]

I have been bass fishing for a lot longer than choices were magnetic or centrifugal systems. I use baitcasters for nearly everthing because I can cast more accurately, I have better control over the fish and if conditions warrant it I can horse the fish out of cover.

I have 1 spinning outfit spooled with 10# line (sometimes heavier) that I use to skip under docks. All my other spinning outfits are spooled with 6# or less for 1/8 oz lures.

But, spool up your spinning reel with pound test line appropriate for where you fish and have at it. In time you may want/need a baitcaster but its not needed to start.

[The_Natural]

Yes; if you have decided to get serious about your bass fishing, a baitcaster is a must.  Baitcasters allow you significantly more bait control by enabling you to feather the spool, and the ability to throw heavier lures easier.  If you tie on a worm with a 3/8oz bullet sinker, it isn't possible to get your bait to a target 30 feet away with no splash with a spinning rod.  After tightening down the spool tension knob and turning the brakes on the highest setting, its inevitable that you will still backlash some, but it isn't horrible, and you shouldn't be intimidated.  I learned when I was 11 on my uncle's Abu Garcia XLT plus Synchro paired with a lightning rod, which was a high dollar combo at the time.  I started fishing tournaments at 13 in a bass club, but couldn't win money until I was 16.  The things I learned in my bass club were invaluable, because there was no internet at the time.

[ga_hawghauler]

a bait caster is an all around good choice for bass fishing but like others have said you will need to practice with some to avoid a lot of frustrations later. One thing i lke about a spinnig real is it is better at handling lighter weight jigs and lures. But  neither really has a big advantage over the other.

[Guest avid]

there are alot of advantages to baitcasters, and some disadvantages as well.

The big advantage is the ability to efficiently use heavy line and baits.

Also todays baitcasters are one handed, whereas to delay the inevitable misery of line twist, the spinning reel bail should be closed manually.  

It's easier to learn pinpoint accuracy with a baitcaster because you can feather the spool.

a spinning reel handles really light lines better, and gives better distance with finesse lures.

Line twist vs. backlash.   Each can ruin your day if you don't have a spare outfit, but I find that I can usually pick out a backlash whereas a higher percentage of line twist incidents require the line to be cut.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I've barely touched my B/c gear in maybe 5-6 yrs.

I'm the oddball but my catch ratio certainly hasn't been effected.   If anything it has gone up but my main priority in the clear water I fish is DISTANCE.  Long cast gets the bass.

[Rattlinrogue]

I like a baitcaster for power fishing situations such as crankbaits,spinnerbaits,C-rig,pitchin'/flippin',jerkbaits,and larger topwaters.I love my spinning rigs just as much.Use them for finese situations like dropshotting,splitshotting,weightless senkos,and downsized,light weight lures(for easier casting.).

[RoLo]

They're the ones used mainly for bass fishing right?

Well...someone who likes baitcasting tackle would definitely agree with that.

On my boat, if you find a baitcaster it usually means we'll be fishing in saltwater.

My spinning tackle casts all my bass lures better than my casting tackle, from 1/16oz to 1oz.

The best tackle to use, is the tackle that you prefer, not what someone else prefers.

Roger

[justfishin]

I would rather use a baitcaster anytime and I do for smallmouth in the rivers in the slow water or deep water fishing. My personal rule of thumb is if I need quick line pickup or am in fast water I chose a spinning rod. For me, so I do not make anyone mad, a baitcaster is much easier and much more accurate.

Spinning---#6-#8 test---anything above that like #10 and above it  is a baitcaster.

[Grey Wolf]

They both have their place. Try them both and make your decision for your self.