Baitcaster vs Spinning (help)

[David P]

Ok guys, I asked a similar question a few months back, but didn't get much of an answer, maybe I didn't ask it right.

 I've always used a spinning reel, never used anything else.  I was curious as to why people use baitcasting reels as opposed to a spinning reel, and what rigs you use with a baitcaster over a spinning reel..

What reason should I start using a baitcaster, and what advantage does it have? The only thing I've heard is casting accuracy, but I can cast on a dime from far out with a spinning reel, so that doesn't appeal much to me... Any other reasons?

[islandbass]

I see both reel types as tools and because of this each has its advantages and drawbacks. Spinning reels excel in certain applications while Casting reels in others.

The only way you will really know if the take the plunge for yourself. I tried a casting reel just after a few months of fishing (4th season this year) and I asked why I took so long.

You are right about accuracy. IMHO it is a myth for those skilled with a spinning reel. I am accurate with either.  With that said, casting reels are a blast to use. You will soon see why once you get started.  

[jdw174]

I used to fish with a guy who could plant a spinnerbait anywhere he wanted it and barely leave a ripple on the water......with spinning tackle.  Like anything else, it takes practice to be that good with something.  I like spinning rigs for dropshotting/shakeyheads, fishing smaller worms (6" or less in fairly open water), skipping docks, and small CB's like the Bandit Footloose.  For all else, there's baitcasting.

[eastkybass]

I like to use baitcasting for my flipping and pitching and topwater.  I own both and can use both pretty well I am more accurate with my baitcaster but that is from using it more because of comfort.  I also feel like I have more feel for what the bait is doing with my baitcaster than with my spinning reel.  JMHO.

[Raul]

The advantages of one over the other are reduced to:

1.- Spinning reels twist the line no matter how great the anti twist system is, some do it more than others; but baitcasters backlash if you do something stoopid so that pretty much levels it.

2.- Spinning reels are picky on the line diameter and line material, it 's the nature of the beast and the only thing you can do about it is to choose limper lines for spinning reels or ***** happens .... there you are with your spinning reel spooled with 25 pound test P-line CXX, you open the bail and the line jumps from the spool like a spring, who 's fault is it ?. Baitcasters are not that picky with line diameter and line material, you can litrally spool any type and the baitcaster is not going to bother. In that aspect baitcasters win.

3.- To level things a little bit, spinning reels can cast almost any weight and are fantastic to cast the light stuff, not all baitcasters can do that. In that aspect spinning reels win.

4.- You can get a good spinning reel with little money, a good baitcaster for little money is less likely.

Most of us are everyday Joes and most of us do not compete in casting distance competitions, baitcasters do out cast spinning reels in the casting distance competitions.

[vicdotcom]

I asked the same question when I startd using a baitcaster.  But I gave it a shot and I like it because.... well it looked like fun!  I like casting with a baitcaster better now that a spinner reel.  I was very accurate with a spinner reel and it did take me more time to get used to a baitcaster.

For me the main advantage is the angles and places I am able to cast.  When I was casting a spinner reel, I had to lob a lot of casts in an arc especially when im aiming far away.  I eventually learned how to do an underhand and sidearm cast with a spinner reel later to hit hard to reach spots.  With the baitcaster, the lures and line travel at a much straighter angle giving me more places that I could cast like under a low bridge etc.  I can still throw lobs if I wanted or I can toss a laser.  

Its just fun really.  Thats the reason I tried it and fell in love with it.  Also as with anything, its just another skill to learn and practice.   I like to learn and try new things.  Getting good at it is part of the fun for me.  Once I got bored of that I tried fly fishing and that is taking a lot more time to learn than baitasting.  But in the end, the bottom line is having fun fishing wether your using a tin can with a rope, baitcaster, flyrod, or spinner reel.  Its the same result.  Having fun fishing

Vic

[David P]

I asked the same question when I startd using a baitcaster.  But I gave it a shot and I like it because.... well it looked like fun!  I like casting with a baitcaster better now that a spinner reel.  I was very accurate with a spinner reel and it did take me more time to get used to a baitcaster.

For me the main advantage is the angles and places I am able to cast.  When I was casting a spinner reel, I had to lob a lot of casts in an arc especially when im aiming far away.  I eventually learned how to do an underhand and sidearm cast with a spinner reel later to hit hard to reach spots.  With the baitcaster, the lures and line travel at a much straighter angle giving me more places that I could cast like under a low bridge etc.  I can still throw lobs if I wanted or I can toss a laser.  

Its just fun really.  Thats the reason I tried it and fell in love with it.  Also as with anything, its just another skill to learn and practice.   I like to learn and try new things.  Getting good at it is part of the fun for me.  Once I got bored of that I tried fly fishing and that is taking a lot more time to learn than baitasting.  But in the end, the bottom line is having fun fishing wether your using a tin can with a rope, baitcaster, flyrod, or spinner reel.  Its the same result.  Having fun fishing

Vic

I have a $70 Shimano Baitcaster (not sure if it's good or not but i've had it for a year or two but havne't used it) also it came with a decent baitcasting rod. What is the easiest lure to practice it with out on the water? Spinner bait ? I was thinking about throwing a spinnerbait on there and having a go at it..

[vicdotcom]

I have a $70 Shimano Baitcaster (not sure if it's good or not but i've had it for a year or two but havne't used it) also it came with a decent baitcasting rod. What is the easiest lure to practice it with out on the water? Spinner bait ? I was thinking about throwing a spinnerbait on there and having a go at it..

I think that depends on what line you put on it. If you use a lighter line then a spinnerbait will work well. But if you use a heavier line, you might want to start with a crankbait. A spinnerbait may be a little harder to learn with when using heavier line due to its lack of weight.

So that depends on the line you use. Your cant really go wrong with a shimano reel.

The most important things in the begining is to set the cast control knob correctly for the lure that you are using. It should drop to the floor smoothly and when the lure hits the floor, the spool holding the line should not move anymore on its own. To see what I mean you can turn the cast control knob completely loose and drop the lure to the floor. The spool will continue to spin after the lure hits the floor causing a backlash. So set the control knob.

Second important thing is when casting remember to let the spool and the line go SOONER than you would a spinner reel. This may be the hardest thing because you are so used to a spinner reel. At least this was the case for me. If you release the line at the same time as a spinner reel, the lure will spike into the water at a 45degree angle like a football hahaha. So release sooner than you would a regular spinner reel cast.

If you have the reel and rod already, I say try it out. You might like it and have fun, or you might think they suck. But you already have the equiptment give ita shot. wont hurt anything:) (except the fish)

But after a while, you should be able to see what everyone means about better accuracy.  The way the line comes off the rod and reel have a much more direct line than with a spinning reel.  Kinda like throwing a football in a long arching lob or throwing it in a tight spinning spiral.

Vic

[rdneckhntr]

I use my spinning gear for throwing light stuff like weightless worms and small spinners n crankbaits. When Im flippin or pitchin I got to a baitcaster.  If im throwing anything heavier than 1/4oz im throwin it with my baitcaster...  

Just get one and throw it...you WILL get backlashes...you WILL have trouble with it...at first.  Eventually you will get a lot better and it becomes second nature.

[George Welcome]

All you are going to get is opinions for your question. Some like and swear by spinning and some like and swear by baitcasters. The actual differences start with the possibility of bigger fish, which Raul alluded to. If you need big line and stout pole than you need a bait caster. Although you can up line strength on spinning equipment by using braid, you can't add rod stoutness. So if you live in the land of the small bass, use what you like: if you live where the bass get big use the baitcaster.

[RoLo]

Throughout the years I have used baitcasting outfits on countless occasions, but I always go back to spinning gear.

I enjoy spinning far more, I'm happier and more comfortable with spinning gear and far more accurate with it.

The reel doesn't fight the fish, but can make the angler's job much easier. Baitcasting reels use the "revolving drum" principle,

so whenever I need the winching ability of a revolving drum I'll break out my conventional outfits.

That said, about the only time I resort to conventional tackle is when live-bait fishing and for some saltwater fishing,

but whenever casting is involved, it's spinning tackle all the way.

It goes without saying, if I enjoyed baitcasting gear more than spinning gear, then my baitcasters would be in the boat with me,

instead of collecting dust at home. It also goes without saying, to each his own

Roger

[OldGuyAl]

I like them both equally - no preference other than the situation and the bait I'm throwing.  

I don't know if this is typical or weird but I have all my spinning reels set up for left handed rereive and all my baitcasters are right handed.  It just seems natural to me for some reason.

It's good to be comfortable with both, I think.

I am equally profecient with both and expert with neither.  

[vicdotcom]

I don't know if this is typical or weird but I have all my spinning reels set up for left handed rereive and all my baitcasters are right handed. It just seems natural to me for some reason.

Ha I do the same thing also!  I always has my spinning reels set up for leftys even though im right handed.  I didnt even know that I was switched arround until I went to the store looking for a new spinning reel  and i thought to myself "why are all the display reels set up for leftys???"  Then I realized that they were actually set up for right handed people but I was fishing spinner reels left handed all along lol

Vic

[Bud]

            I don't know if this is typical or weird but I have all my spinning reels set up for left handed rereive and all my baitcasters are right handed.  It just seems natural to me for some reason      

I do this also.