Baitcaster - Am I missing out?

[breakyourrod]

I have been using spinning reels my whole life. I have never had a problem with them. I use every and all lures on them.

I have never used a baitcaster before and honestly I never thought about getting one. For some reason I have the urge to try one out and possibly buy one.

My question is - Am I missing out already by not having one?

Is the any significant difference between the two (spin,cast)?

I hear they cast further...that would be nice.

Everyone seems to love them...what am I missing out on?

Any insight would be great!

[islandbass]

The grass isn't necessarily greener. There are many applications and techniques that both reels can do very well.

If anything it would help you expand your arsenal.

Just search up just about anything baitcasting here and you will uncover a wealth of information.

Personally I see both as tools and as such I use and love to use both types.

So to answer your question, you're missing out just a little.  ;D

[ksbasser]

If you mostly fish from the bank, then I don't think you are missing out. There are spinning reels available that can handle just about any fish you can catch and they can cast just as most baitcasters. However, if you fish from a boat and especially if you fish targets and cover, then you are missing the opportunity to achieve accuracy that can't be matched with a spinning reel, very few people could present a lure as accurately and quietly, with almost no disturbance using a spinning reel as you can with a casting reel. You also have to have a bigger , heavier spinning reel to match the power of most casting reels. They are both tools and I would hate to have to choose between one or the other as my only option. I can do things with a spinning rig that I cant do with a casting reel. I can skip a zoom super fluke with my spinning reel, much like you would skip a flat rock. Done correctly , I can make it skip dozens of times as it flies under overhanging trees or under docks. Some super experienced casters can do that somewhat with a casting reel, but I can't. These are just my opinions, others will difer.

[rubba bubba]

To me they are a lot more fun to fish with, but others don't like them at all.  I fell in love with how fun they are when I started practicing in my backyard years ago, particularly when I learned how to pitch with them, and it hasn't worn off yet.

It's a preference thing - give it a shot and try one.  If you get a decent one and you don't like it, you can sell it and not be out much dough

[J Francho]

For me its all about comfort. The way you fish with a BC reel keeps your hands up, in front.  Casting is a low effort affair. There are a few things I can do with a BC that I can't do with a spinning reel, and vice versa. You definitely have more control, once yu become adept at using a BC. However, you can be just as deadly accurate with a spinning reel.. The last thing is, a BC can handle larger diameter lines, and lines that are notoriously troublesome on spinning gear. There was a time when I had 3 or 4 BC rigs, and many spinning rigs. Now I have one spinning, and many BC rigs.

[breakyourrod]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I understand where you are all coming from with the preference.

I guess I really just wanted someone to talk me into buying one. ;D

I am not a boater and I do not like carrying 7 rods with me when i go out fishing. I guess I'll have to try one out and use it when the time is right.

I would really like to pick up a cheap setup incase I hate it then I wont feel bad. But then I feel like if I hate it, it's because I bought a cheap setup.

I'll keep an eye out for a decent used setup maybe.

[J Francho]

Look for a used get up, preferably a metal framed reel, and have a pro clean and lube it.  Its worth the $20 or so. For a rod, anything in the 6-7' medium power, fast action will be fine - it doesn't need to be super high end. Get yourself some inexpensive 12-14# mono, like Trilene or Big Game. While you are learning, pull 50 yards or so off the spool, and tape it up. Then reel the line back in. Now any birds nests won't be terminal. Once you are confident, you can remove the tape training wheels. Reel Mechanic has a great article here: http://www.***/education/baitcaster-setup-101.html.

[Daniel My Brother]

You could buy a nicer reel, such as a Citica E, for around $120. Then if you don't like it, sell it on the flea market for $90. If you do like it, you've got a great reel that will serve you for years.

I generally prefer a baitcaster as an all around rig for shore fishing.

I prefer a spinning reel when wading streams.

[mrlitetackle]

IMO....

no, you are not missing out.

i stick to spinners, while i have had my hand... and patience... in the past with BC's.....................the spinners are my final choice.

for me (as an enjoyment fisherman) the spinners keep my "enjoyment level" higher.

.....as long as you are catching fish, then trust me.... you are not missing anything!!!

[retiredbosn]

I never thought about getting one. For some reason I have the urge to try one out and possibly buy one.

Confession time, when I joined this site I had two baitcasters, and two spinning set ups and was happier than a pig in slop.  I now have 6 baitcasters and two spinning rods, and sometimes wonder if I have enough, and other times wonder why I have so many.  Sometimes I am confused as a breast fed baby in a topless bar.  Reading about everyone else's set ups always triggers the "need" for another set up.

This website is awesome, there is always a reson to get another rod, reel.  If you haven't been introduced to it yet there is a bait/tackle monkey that inhabits this url and will convince you of the need for every concievable set up.  In all honesty there are times I prefer a bc setup, and notice I said prefer, it isn't a need.  For me I prefer b-casters for crankbaits, large spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jigging and larger t-rigs.  I like the backbone of a bc rod to force the hook through the plastic and into the fish with t-rigs and carolina rigs.  But anything 3/8 of an ounce and less I use spinning tackle.  I have made the ignorant comment before that the drags on spinning tackle are inferior, but I have since noticed that there are fresh water spinning reels (bass size) that produce 16lbs of drag, more than enough for bass.  There are also rods out there that have enough backbone to set the hook on weedless rigged plastics.  Good luck.  

[Grey Wolf]

I have been using spinning reels my whole life. I have never had a problem with them. I use every and all lures on them.

I have never used a baitcaster before and honestly I never thought about getting one. For some reason I have the urge to try one out and possibly buy one.

My question is - Am I missing out already by not having one?

Is the any significant difference between the two (spin,cast)?

I hear they cast further...that would be nice.

Everyone seems to love them...what am I missing out on?

Any insight would be great!

NO.

[Jake.]

I only use baitcasters. It's more personal preference than anything. You should probably try one out just to see if you like it. Even if you didn't, you could sell it and get most of your money back.

[shootermcbob]

I too use both. I really like the versatility I have when I can use either one and have both when needed. I shore fish as well and usually carry 4 rods with me, 3 baitcasting and 1 spinning. I tend to use the spinning for the more finesse presentations(mostly weightless plastics or very light weight presentations) and baitcasters for everything else. As was suggested earlier, get a better reel to start with, if you don't like it, you can recoup most of your money right here in the flea market.

[NBR]

I prefer bait casters over spinning for every thing except baits under 1/8 ounce, drop shot and skipping. My reasons are more accurate casting and better fish control.

I have one fishing buddy who switched to bait caster about ten years ago and now doesn't use his spinning gear at all.

Another decided he should use a bait caster and bought a Curado paired with a St. Croix rod and a Pflueger on an Ugly stick.

The first guy practiced a lot and got very good with the bait caster. The second never practiced and never developed the skills needed. Number 2 and I have fished together for several weeks in Canada and I would bet he has not used his bail casters over a hour a week.

My take is that bcers. have advantages over spinning gear but if you are not willing to go through the learning curve don't bother.

[roadwarrior]

I fish both. For weightless soft plastics and most

light lures, I have a strong preference for spinning

tackle. For "moving" lures and everything heavy, my

preference is baitcasting gear.

As far as power, casting distance or accuracy, both

types of equipment are comparable in experienced

hands.

8-)

[bwell]

I fish both. For weightless soft plastics and most

light lures, I have a strong preference for spinning

tackle. For "moving" lures and everything heavy, my

preference is baitcasting gear.

As far as power, casting distance or accuracy, both

types of equipment are comparable in experienced

hands.

8-)

I am new to baitcasters, and I agree that trying to cast a weightless bait is very tough and often will result in a nice nest.  But casting something heavier is just an amazing feeling with a baitcaster IMHO...  Its just an around different feeling to me, and I am loving it.  I would say give it a shot.

On a side note: I bought a Abu Garcia baitcaster rod and reel combo at Dick's Sporting Goods for around 50-60 bucks and it works very well, and made learning on a baitcaster easy, and if you dont like it your only out 50 or so bucks...

[kikstand454]

im realatively new to baitcasting (a few years) and i was always of the mindset that i didnt need a b.c. at all cause i was doing just fine with my spinning gear.

this was true.

however... when i started fishing with people in real boats and doing different techniques and such i felt that i needed to learn to b.c.  and i havent looked back.

i still love my spinning gear but now i use it like diffenent action rods or what ever and it is technique specific.

before when i was wading and fishing from shore a good spinning rod was all i need cause when it came down to it all i was doign was chunking and winding. even when fishing on the bottom...spinning gear was fine.

i think you should give it a shot with a decent rod and reel (make sure to match it..my brother made this mistake with a super heavy rod and could never get the casting down...) and just learn to do it in your yard. it will seem exciting to be learning something new and soon will you will notice that accuracy is easier to attain with baitcasters. and distance too.

not that you cant do those things with a spinning rig.... its just easier.

and more fun too i.m.h.o.

[BigJohnny]

Ever since I bought a baitcaster, the only thing I use my spinning gear for is anything too light to throw with my baitcaster. Realistically, you could fish effectively with a cane pole...so there's nothing wrong with using spinning gear if that's what you're comfortable with. That being said, I still think everybody should give baitcasting a try. Once you learn it, it's irreplaceable in my opinion.

[Kowen117]

personally i dont think your missing out much i use both but im dont think im castin any farther than my spinning outfit but then again its a carrot stix and my whole combo is under a pound but unless you do a ton of jig fishing and pitching and flipping you dont really need one

[roadwarrior]

but unless you do a ton of jig fishing and pitching and flipping you dont really need one

;D ;D ;D ;D

[broncoboxer]

I enjoy both and believe you should definitely take the time to learn baitcasting.  Baitcasters are fun to cast.  It's true (except for when they back lash...).  Learning to thumb the spool to drop your bait into the water with nary a splash is fun.  Learning to flip and pitch is fun.

But since I'm still no expert with baitcasters, I do have professional overruns (back lashes).  And the time I take picking out tangles could be used fishing instead.  That's when the spinning reels really come in handy.  Cast as hard as you want, those babies won't backlash. 

[YeahSure]

YES YOU ARE

I dont know if it because the people that are saying no are not proficient in using them but I feel like they are a very important tool if you want to expand your fishing ability. I will never fish a crankbait on a spinning rod, ever again.

[Grey Wolf]

YES YOU ARE

I dont know if it because the people that are saying no are not proficient in using them but I feel like they are a very important tool if you want to expand your fishing ability. I will never fish a crankbait on a spinning rod, ever again.

WHY ???????????

[wickyman]

In all actuality, you aren't missing much.  Yes, each type of reel has a different application, where they may or may not excel.  I use both, and my bait casting reels are usually used for heavier lures.  I think it easier this way, and this is why.

Baitcasting a lure that weighs and ounce, or more, saves your fingers.  They would get shredded using a spinning reel.

Spinning tackle can be just as strong as a bait casting setup, if you add braided line.  Though, you can throw lighter tackle, much better in the wind, with the spinning gear. 

Of course they make smaller bait casting reels, for finesse applications, I still prefer to use my light spinning tackle.  I use a quantum Array for my worming rod, it's a spinning.  I also use a quantum optix 10 spinning reel for my drop shot rod.

I use my bass pro shops bionic reel for smaller swimbaits, and jigs, and crank baits.  It's strong, fast, and gets the bait where I need it, when the time calls for it. 

But I also use my abu garcia ambasadeur maxx for casting larger baits, and heavier jigs.

These are just my preferences.  Only because I have practiced with them for a long time.

Never let anyone tell you that one reel has an advantage over the other, until you get the chance to decide for yourself.  You will have your own preference, and you will use it to your own advantage. 

With this said, test it out, see what you think, and don't get discouraged!  Bait casting is a little more difficult than using spinning tackle.  You will need to learn how to set up the reel for the lure you plan to use, and there is info on here about it. 

Next, you will probably get a nice rats nest, and get frustrated.  It happens to everyone, even pros, don't get discouraged, it takes practice, and understanding of the situation in which is was caused.  And try not to cast into the wind, you will get backlash, and at this point will have a mess that you will want to just throw the pole in the water...  If this happens, and you can't get the tangle out at that moment, just relax, set it down, and deal with it later, and switch rods!

Hope this info helps you on your decision, and you decide for yourself if you are ready to make the switch!  Have fun, keep the fish on the line, and land a hog!