Baitcaster v. Spinning 2024

KWM reply :

I just got my first baitcaster, and I don't like it as much as my spinning. I fish for the most part soft plastics, so spinning suits me the most. I am still learning to cast it. I am still on the newbie lob. I just want to know if I'm the only one on here that loves spinning more than baitcasting.

deep reply :

I love spinning rigs. But for lures weighing more than 0.5 oz - deep divers, big spinnerbaits or topwaters, swimbaits, I use the baitcasters.

MFBAB reply :

Prefer baitcaster but I use some spinning tackle when I have to, lighter lures and lines require it.

grimlin reply :

Nope you ain't the only one...I love my spinning rigs.More than my baitcasters

I can cast baitcasters just fine,but I still prefer spinning.I think it's because I'm a light finesse fisherman.

They are all tools to me and have their time and place.

aceman387 reply :

All spinning for me also.

Raul reply :

I love both, how about that ?

islandbass reply :

You're definitely not the only one. I would view the reel types as tools and both reels can handle many applications equally well, there will be a few in which one can be more convenient to use over the other. Therefore it behooves the angler to be skilled (not requires) with both.

A third option of neither or no preference. That would be my choice.For me, it depends on what I am fishing. I like both types very much. However, bottom line is preference.

Hang in there. In no time, you are going to wonder what took you so long to give bc reels a try.

skunked_again reply :

i struggle casting spinning gear with accuracy. im about 98% baitcasting.

Quitlimpin reply :

Quote
i struggle casting spinning gear with accuracy. im about 98% baitcasting.

Exactly this. Only time I bust out the spinning gear is for crappie jigs

K_Mac reply :

I could get by with either. I use both. For lighter stuff I use spinning, everything else baitcast. Use what you like-it's all good. 8-)

Stasher1 reply :

Definitely spinning for me. I've actually gotten rid of all but one of my baitcasters, and that one is on a dedicated spinnerbait/lipless crank rod.

I can (and do) cover all other other lures and techniques with spinning gear. To be honest, I could even get rid of my last baitcast rig as I've been doing quite well with spinnerbaits on a 6'6" MH spinning setup lately.

steezy reply :

Impossible to answer, there is a fit for each one.

If I have to pick an one , its both.

JigMe reply :

Quote
Impossible to answer, there is a fit for each one.
If I have to pick an one , its both.

x2. Each setup has its use, why would you only favorite one?

Fat-G reply :

Each has their time and place.

I do love catching a 6 pounder on a spinning rod though.

Whets Lines reply :

I went into using baitcasters kicking and screaming. Now, I love them. I will pay a little extra to get a finesse rod and reel which casts lighter baits rather than buy new spinning gear. It just feels better to me.

Also, I normally fish with my cousin in an old small bass boat. We each have about 5-7 setups we take along each trip. This can be a mess of fishing equipment. The baitcasting rigs fit together nicely. The spinning reels just cause problems when we try to take them along. For this, i stopped carrying them along and forced myself to learn to use my casting rigs for situations where spinning gear would normally be required. I know that is petty, but it is part of the overall process for me. I'm also much more of a power fisherman than a finesse fisherman.

Whets

8-)

Goose52 reply :

I voted baitcasting but I use both. I have BC rods in L, ML, M, MH, and H. I have spinning rods in UL, L, ML, M, and MH. All are tools and have different strengths and weaknesses. I tend to use BC gear the most, but with lighter baits, in heavy wind, and at night, I tend to use spinning gear.

SirSnookalot reply :

No contest for me, spinning all the way. I used a calcutta on a loomis (inshore saltwater) a few days ago, first time in 30 +years using a b/c, just like riding a bike, pretty easy. The outfit was beautiful but awkward, for me handling fish is much more comfortable with the appropriate spinning gear.

I've been using a saltwater spinning medium 8/17 inshore rod for high banked canals lately, I can use lures 1/4 to an 1 oz easily, get the distance I need and the backbone to hoist larger bass up the side of an 8' bank, still needing no more than 10 or 15# braid. This is the perfect set up for me for this type of fishing.

bilgerat reply :

Been fishing over 30 years and got my first baitcaster last winter. It's nice for fishing pads and slop when some of my waters turn to soup during the summer.

It's a tool, nothing more. The ability to handle line above 8 lb test is what I like about it. I still prefer light line/light tackle spinning, but the baitcaster has it's place.

The Rooster reply :

I love a spinning reel and light line. I hate line twist with a passion. They go together though.

I love my baitcast reels so much that if I could just use them only and NEVER use spinning gear again, I would. However there are times when spinning gear is required, such as when you want a lure to drop vertically. I can't peel line off of a spool fast enough for that, it will always end up pendulum swinging back towards me as it drops. Light line for crappie fishing would be tough too on a bait caster. I'm sure some can do it, but what's the price of a reel that handles lures in the 1/16 oz. range?? So there is always a place for spinning gear, no matter how minimum.

TBendBassin reply :

i voted baitcaster all the way. Dont get me wrong each are important tools. It has alot to do with where you grow up to. Down here baitcasters are pounded into your brain since you were old enough to hold a rod. The only time i use spinning gear is for crappie fishing or when im fishing drop shot. There is nothing i cant do without a baitcaster. Granted you do have to spend more money on equipment to cast lighter baits with a baitcaster, but as you know you get what you pay for in reels so i like higher end reels anyway. Im not putting down spinning gear down in anyway its just the way i was brought up.

Fish Chris reply :

Well I'm a spinning guy all the way. But I'm the first one to tell you, if your good with a baitcaster, go for it ! I absolutely suck with a baitcasster, and no amount of practice could ever change that. I was born left handed, and forced to be right handed.... completely screwed up my hand eye coordination to the point that even after a lifetime of using spinning gear, I'm still only a decent caster, on a good day !

Same reason I was the worst person ever at any ball sport, and why I despise that garbage now.

So there you are

I say, use whatever suites you best.

Peace,

fish

bass or bass ? reply :

I use bait cast, fly cast, and spinning. Started out using spinning gear and used it exclusively for most of my life. Got into bait casting and loved it once I got the hang of it. Then I got into fly casting. Now fly casting is my prefered method followed by bait casting then spinning. I take 2 fly cast, 3 bait cast, and 3 spinning rigs on my boat.

Mike L reply :

Been useing spinning since I was kid.

I'm learning to throw a bc now, but it's not coming along too well right now.

Mike

northern basser reply :

Quote
Nope you ain't the only one...I love my spinning rigs.More than my baitcasters
I can cast baitcasters just fine,but I still prefer spinning.I think it's because I'm a light finesse fisherman.

They are all tools to me and have their time and place.

I prefer baitcasters, but the "time and place" thing is important

SausageFingers23 reply :

I used to use spinning stuff exclusively. I got into the baitcast setups this year because I wanted to throw stuff that isn't really conducive to spinning gear.

I still use my spinning reel quite a bit but I really enjoy the baitcast gear. They each have their time and place. Ultimately, just go with what you have the most confidence in.

ProCraft Joe reply :

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 reply :

Quote
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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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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 reply :

Quote
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.

Quote
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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

Quote
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 reply :

Quote

Quote
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.

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Baitcaster v. Spinning 2024

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