Baitcast vs. Spinning

[B A S S E R]

I did a search and couldn't find much on this.

What are the advantages of a baitcast reel versus a spinning? I used spinning up until last year. I can cast my spinning more accurately. I still get backlash on my baitcasters especially since I fish from shore alot in tough casting situations. Why is it that the pros always use BC except when finesse fishing?

[Senkoman12]

they both haventheir time and place to most people are more accurate on baitcasters, baitcasters are like winches that just pull the fish out, they can handle heavier weights and line, its really preference, i know a guy who even touch baitcasters and only uses spinning

[B A S S E R]

yeah thats what I generally use my bc's for. I am gradually getting more and more comfortable with them.

[Senkoman12]

im the same way i just started really using baitcasters last year and now i can use one for just about any application except for dropshotting which i prefer a spinning rod for

[Jigfishn10]

If your comfortable and feel you are more accurate with spinning reels then stick with them. IMHO.

I use BC's 90% (the other 10% is when I cast very light lures) of the time because that's what I like and I'm used to. There are some spinning reels out there that have the capability of catching some very large saltwater fish, so don't sell them short.

[kLuo]

I just started using baitcasters this season, and they have completely edged out all my spinning setups. I think they are better than spinning reels in almost every aspect possible. The only application I still use spinning setups for are when I am throwing a really light weight soft plastic.

[Raul]

I have and use both, makes no difference to me.

[SirSnookalot]

Haven't used a conventional reel in 40 years, except for ocean offshore.  I can do whatever I need with spinning.  I'm using the same basic equipment for freshwater as for inshore saltwater.  Slop or not, I'm looking for challenge.

[CPT Scrap]

In my opinion baitcasters give you a more direct line to the fish.  with a baitcaster, im not worried about line twist, that is the big plus for me.  I also have more control over the fish once hooked that if i were using a spinning reel.

Its really a matter of preference, use what your comfortable with.

[endless]

I just started using baitcasters this season, and they have completely edged out all my spinning setups. I think they are better than spinning reels in almost every aspect possible. The only application I still use spinning setups for are when I am throwing a really light weight soft plastic.

+1 not that I think baticasters are better, just I'm always using it more.

[northern basser]

I use both,  but prefer bc in most situations.  As already mentioned,  lack of line twist,  casting accuracy and I like having some that are high speed.  When fishing certain lures you can burn the lure home to make another cast after you have left the "sweet spot".

[K_Mac]

I'm not sure how to define your search, but I can tell you this topic comes up often. It really comes down to personal preference IMO.

There are many fine bass fishermen that don't carry a spinning combo in their boat. There are others that don't use baitcasting at all. Most of us use both.

I use both on every fishing trip and would be limited  without either one.

[bass or bass ?]

I carry 3 baitcast, 3 spinning, and 1 fly cast on my boat rigged with different lures.  Light, medium, and medium heavy weight rods, and 6 weight fly rod. They each have their place and time. I also like the diversity. All are right hand retrieve.

[BlaineFred]

I did a search and couldn't find much on this.

What are the advantages of a baitcast reel versus a spinning? I used spinning up until last year. I can cast my spinning more accurately. I still get backlash on my baitcasters especially since I fish from shore a lot

in tough casting situations. Why is it that the pros always use BC except when finesse fishing?

I also fish from shore a lot, and I agree that baitcasters can be a challenge in tight situations.  Just having your line touch a tree limb on a cast can mess up the braking action and create a horrible backlash.  A spinning rig is much more foregivable in such tight situations, especially when you are forced to pitch-cast to avoid the trees, bushes, etc.

 

I tourney fish in the back of the boat, and I have fished with guys who only use spinning rods.  The spinning-only guy had 20-lb Fireline on all of his reels.  It worked for him as he caught a nice limit.  As others have said, it's whatever you are comfortable with and what works for you.

I have also fished with a former-pro who only uses baitcasters.  I saw him do a lot of flipping around docks.  He also used 20-lb line on a drop shot rig.

I have talked to many, and some say that you can get more accuracy with baitcasters. 

I was also a spinning-only angler up until a few years ago.  I had been away from fishing for many yeas, and returned to bass fishing using spinning tackle.

After two or three years, I decided to go to baitcasting.  I began with cheap used reels which is not the best way to learn to baitcast.  I soon moved up to the $100 price-class reels, and quality rods in the $100-150 range, although the Bass Pro Extremes on sale at $68 were a good deal, and I have a a few of those.

The advice I give is not to try baitcasting with cheap gear, buy go with good quality.  Reel companies are coming our with some new reels models every year, discontinuing the "older" models.  The discontinued models are usually on super-clearance sales if you shop around to find them.  For example, the Quantum Energy PT models sold new for around $250, but were on clearance for around $85.  At the moment, the Abu Garcia Revos are being replaced with new 2010 models, but the "older" models are very good reels and can be obtained at good prices.

You can also find excellent used reels for sale on various boards.

Good luck.