Baitcaster v. Spinning

[ProCraft Joe]

I think the bait caster you learn with has a lot to do with how easily you can learn it. A higher end reel usually has a better braking system and more precise spool tension that makes it easier to use. My first bait caster was a cheap Quantum and I hated it. After I bought a Curado I was hooked on them.

[Fish Chris]

I wanted to throw stuff that isn't really conducive to spinning gear.

Just curious as to what lures are not really conducive to spinning gear ?

I do fine with 5 oz swimbaits ...or handling a 4 oz pyramid sinker, with a 1/2 to 1 lb live Split Tail (like I will be doing tomorrow ! Whooo Hooo ! Can't wait ...besides the rain

Peace,

Fish

[plymouthrockbass]

like stated before, they are "tools". And having the "right tool" for a particular situation can make all the difference in the world. I like the accuracy and speed a baitcaster brings at certain times but the function of a spinning outfit will always have its place. And its what most of us anglers grew up fishing with so despite the fact that many people have 7, 8, 9 or even more baitcasters, you'll always find a few spinning rods with them as well.

[Scorcher214]

Both. Those who say they cant be accurate with spinning gear have never seen ME fish. With the rod I own now, after casting a few times with a lure, I am completely in tune with the rod and the lure weight and can put it where you point.

[skunked_again]

Both. Those who say they cant be accurate with spinning gear have never seen ME fish. With the rod I own now, after casting a few times with a lure, I am completely in tune with the rod and the lure weight and can put it where you point.

im not sure me seeing you use a spinning reel will help me at all. the fact is i can toss most anything i want with a baitcaster, well. #7 shad raps can be a pain but as long as the wind isnt blowing hard im good to go.

[Fish Chris]

Those who say they cant be accurate with spinning gear have never seen ME fish. With the rod I own now, after casting a few times with a lure, I am completely in tune with the rod and the lure weight and can put it where you point.

im not sure me seeing you use a spinning reel will help me at all.

Ha ha !  I am sure seeing him cast with a spinning reel would not help me Like I say, with nearly 40 years of practice with a spinning reel, I'm only an okay caster, on a good day ! And I can't cast a baitcaster to save my life !

But what difference ? I still seem to get it in front a good one every now and again

Peace,

Fish

[flippin and pitchin]

It's not about baitcast versus spinning.  You need to be proficient with both if you want to maximize your ability to apply all techniques.  Anglers who fish alot of super clear deep water will lean toward spinning because of techniques and dirt dredgers will lean toward baitcast.  Learn both well and increase your options. 

[breezy]

If you're trying to learn to use a casting reel and getting frustrated don't give up. It really does just take some time and practice. Like a few other people mentioned, if you're trying to use a $20 wal mart combo to learn you may want to look into at least buying a decent entry level reel.

Each one definitely has its uses. I don't have an interest in casting 1/16oz jigs on a baitcaster, I would rather just use a spinning reel out of convenience. If I'm fishing a half oz jig, mid-deep diving crank, etc though there's no substitute (IMO) for a baitcaster. It's MUCH easier for me to make accurate casts using a baitcaster when the lure is 3/8oz+. I've had to do it before but I can't stand using crankbaits with a spinning reel, the entire process feels awkward to me.

[Fish Chris]

It's MUCH easier for me to make accurate casts using a baitcaster when the lure is 3/8oz+. I've had to do it before but I can't stand using crankbaits with a spinning reel, the entire process feels awkward to me.

It's all in what your used to.

It feels totally normal for me to whip out a 5oz swimbait, on a heavy action spinning rod.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey now, while we are on the subject....

I've already explained why I am so lousy with a baitcaster, and not even great with spinning reels, but none the less, I just have to say this about baitcasters;

Just the fact that the reel is "on top" of the rod, means you will always have to grip the rod and fight gravity, to make that reel stay on top.

This always reminds me of the occasional newby, who will pick up a spinning rod with the wrong hand, try to hold the reel on top, and start cranking backwards ....it's like, "Uhhhh, hey buddy.... has anybody shown you how to use that thing" ? Doh ! 

With my spinning rods, I can counter balance the butt ends, then hook a few fingers under the handle, and let the rod hang in my hand, perfectly balanced, with zero grip pressure whatsoever. And I do this often, for different presentations.

Peace,

Fish

[SausageFingers23]

I wanted to throw stuff that isn't really conducive to spinning gear.

Just curious as to what lures are not really conducive to spinning gear ?

I do fine with 5 oz swimbaits ...or handling a 4 oz pyramid sinker, with a 1/2 to 1 lb live Split Tail (like I will be doing tomorrow ! Whooo Hooo ! Can't wait ...besides the rain

Peace,

Fish

Good point. I should have been more specific.  Light spinning gear.  I throw my havier stuff on baitcasters (jigs, spinner baits, heavier cranks).  Weightless plastics, etc. are on my spinning stuff.

Good luck on your outing today.  Cant wait to see the results.