Baitcasting Vs. Spinning Reels. Which One Is Better? 2024
BassMaster311 reply :
im looking to get a new reels bt am confused on wat to get. any help? please.
MIbassin reply :
Neither one is better, they are different. It would help to know what kind if cover you will be fishing and your target species
livetofish28 reply :
depending on how many reels you are planning on getting. get one or two of each they both have their pluses and weaknesses its mostly just personal preference
Bladesmith, reply :
Which one is better? Both types of reels have their strengths and weaknesses. For instance; casting reels will give you better control of your casting accuracy and control of a fish once he is hooked, On the down side, it's hard to cast a very light lure with it. Backlashes can be a problem. Spinning reels make it easier to cast a lighter lure and backlashes are not a problem. A spinning rig will he a little harder to get the casting accuracy with and fish control is not as sure. That has been my experience with them. I'm sure you will get different opinions from different people. If you are just starting out, I would recommend a spinning rig since a bait caster will require some practice to cast without backlashes. I use both types for different things but use my bait casters most (just what I'm comfortable with). Which one will suit your needs the best is going to depend upon what kind of fishing you plan to do with it.
Tuckahoe Joe reply :
As others have said, they're different and both have pros/cons. Your really comparing apples and oranges. Let us know what kind of baits your planning to fish with it and what the lakes/rivers you fish are like. Ill also add this...you mention getting a new reel but you don't say anything about getting a new rod. A baitcasting reel will not work or a spinning rod and a spinning reel will not work on a casting rod. So if you already own a spinning rod, I wouldn't plan on getting a baitcaster to put on it. You'd need to get a casting rod to go with it.
Mccallister25 reply :
As stated above, they both have their pros and cons.. Its personal preference mainly. I agree with livetofish on getting 1 or 2 of each. I started on a spinning reel, and it actually took me a while to enjoy fishing with casting gear. I throw worms, dropshots, and the occasional lipless crankbait on spinning gear, and jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, buzzbaits, etc. on casting gear.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Which is better, a saw or a hammer? This is what you asking in reality. Baitcasting & Spinning are just two techniques in the use of the tools we fish with. Each has it's place and time. Learn and use both.
Arv reply :
What are you using it for? How long have you been fishing? Both are good. A lot depends on preference and application.
rmcguirk reply :
For most of my life, I've been a spinning guy. Last year I started with bait casting gear and jumped in with both feet this year. As others have pointed out, they are different tools. If you have never used a bait caster, you should be prepared for a lot of practice to get good at it. Bassresource has a video with some good tips on setting up and casting that you should watch. Also, if you're going to get a "cheap" bait casting reel, my experience is that you shouldn't bother. There are bargains out there, both new (e.g., BPS Pro Qualifiers) and used (Flea Market Forum), but cheap is going to cause you nothing but headaches and you should get a spinning set up.
As some have mentioned, you can be more accurate with a baitcaster. But, to get to that point (unless you've got pretty incredible hand-eye coordination) is going to take a while. I'd say that I've been 75-25 baitcasting this season and I'm now to the point where I can throw baitcasting gear farther and generally with more accuracy than with spinning gear, when both are within recommend lure weight for the set up.
J Francho reply :
In general....
Spinning is more accommodating with lighter, small diameter line and light lures and baits (under 1/4 oz.).
Casting gear works better with heavier lines, and baits heavier than 1/4 oz.
There are exceptions, though options get pretty expensive outside these parameters.
jason41987 reply :
i used to fish spinning reels exclusively.. then i got a baitcaster about 3 weeks ago and there are differences in the way you do a lot of things.. biggest issue is getting the hang of casting them backlash free, but after that i prefer the way it balances and casts, and i like being able to put my thumb on the spool for things like hook sets, or adding more drag, but i have an all metal round baitcaster and i really love the sheer power provided by this workhorse of a reel
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 7/26/2013 at 9:44 PM, J Francho said:In general....
Spinning is more accommodating with lighter, small diameter line and light lures and baits (under 1/4 oz.).
Casting gear works better with heavier lines, and baits heavier than 1/4 oz.
There are exceptions, though options get pretty expensive outside these parameters.
x2 - exactly. I also feel that becoming proficient with different styles of tackle enhances your overall fishing experience.
SirSnookalot reply :
Which is better is personal choice. If one prefers spinning there is a rod and reel made to handle just about any kind of fish, almost any weight lure. This being a bass forum there is no question about b/c being more popular for heavier lures and bass fishing. I prefer spinning and that probably will never change, it's best for me.
Renesis07 reply :
For me personally, I use my caster for heavier tackle such as craw jigs, spinners, buzzbaits, crank baits, etc. I use my spinning real for my texas rigs, plastics, drop shot, etc. This has worked for me personally. Few of my fishing buddies look at me like I'm crazy when I'm fishing with a spinning reel getting into cover with a powerworm, but I personally prefer and have more accuracy with anything 'lighter' on a spinning reel. However, when it comes to the heavier lures, I won't use anything but my caster. My humble .02.
derekxec reply :
if you arent using spinning you arent fishing.... 
Khong reply :
On 7/26/2013 at 10:45 AM, BassMaster311 said:im looking to get a new reels bt am confused on wat to get. any help? please.
One has advantage and other doesn't.
Baitcast reel is better for pitching. It's hard to cast finest or very light lure on Baitcast reel. Baitcast causes backlash if you're a beginner. You would hate it so much that you might want to stick to spinning reel, but if you just stick with it and educate your thumb and get a better reel. You'll like the feel and cast a lot more then a spinning reel. You can cast more accurately and you won't have to worried about line twist from Mono and FLC. You can also use heavier line set-up with Baitcast reel and cast better with it too.
Spinning reel is better for light or finest lure. Spinning reel just plain out suck with mono and FLC. Memory just causes all sort of tangle. If you land a heavy fish with a finest set-up. Your line will just twist like mad pulling it back in and you might as well just re-line it. Unless you put in Braids, then it's a whole new story. To cast farther and smoother, you need a more expensive spinning reel. You also need to learn how not to get wind knot. That means watching your bail and how it close so your line doesn't over run causing the wind knot.
Spinning reel are great for beginner to intermediate fisherman. Baitcast reel are better for intermediate to advance fisherman.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 7/29/2013 at 11:57 AM, Khong said:One has advantage and other doesn't.
Baitcast reel is better for pitching. It's hard to cast finest or very light lure on Baitcast reel. Baitcast causes backlash if you're a beginner. You would hate it so much that you might want to stick to spinning reel, but if you just stick with it and educate your thumb and get a better reel. You'll like the feel and cast a lot more then a spinning reel. You can cast more accurately and you won't have to worried about line twist from Mono and FLC. You can also use heavier line set-up with Baitcast reel and cast better with it too.
Spinning reel is better for light or finest lure. Spinning reel just plain out suck with mono and FLC. Memory just causes all sort of tangle. If you land a heavy fish with a finest set-up. Your line will just twist like mad pulling it back in and you might as well just re-line it. Unless you put in Braids, then it's a whole new story. To cast farther and smoother, you need a more expensive spinning reel. You also need to learn how not to get wind knot. That means watching your bail and how it close so your line doesn't over run causing the wind knot.
Spinning reel are great for beginner to intermediate fisherman. Baitcast reel are better for intermediate to advance fisherman.
Reading this nonsense makes even my hair hurt. There are so many people that are far from beginners that use nothing but spinning gear, some on this site and can put that lure wherever they want it to be. I don't think there is any need to repost some the pics of the 20, 30 or 100# fish that have been caught on spinning. Nearly every anti spinning comment can easily be debated and people that use nothing but spinning do not constantly have the problems described. One problem not encountered are backlashes and windknots are rare, if you know what you are doing. It could be said spinning is for the more advanced fishermen , we are not dragging in 5# fish with 65# braided line.
Khong reply :
On 7/29/2013 at 2:01 PM, SirSnookalot said:Reading this nonsense makes even my hair hurt. There are so many people that are far from beginners that use nothing but spinning gear, some on this site and can put that lure wherever they want it to be. I don't think there is any need to repost some the pics of the 20, 30 or 100# fish that have been caught on spinning. Nearly every anti spinning comment can easily be debated and people that use nothing but spinning do not constantly have the problems described. One problem not encountered are backlashes and windknots are rare, if you know what you are doing. It could be said spinning is for the more advanced fishermen , we are not dragging in 5# fish with 65# braided line.
At what part does it not make sense to you? I am merely speaking the truth! Have I said that you can't pitch a spinning reel! I've only mention that it's better on a baitcast reel. Again, it is true if you give a beginner a baitcast reel and they will shy away from it! Only those who really want to learn it will lean toward learning it.
Like I said, I never mention that Spinning reel are not great for advance fisherman. I merely stated that it's great for beginner and intermediate because those fisherman are the one that don't normally want to deal with Baitcast reel and it's dreaded backlash.
If there was no internet and no youtube, I wouldn't be casting a baitcast reel! Who's going to teach me how to properly set it up and cast it without backlash! Who's going to teach you how to untangle a backlash! I'm sure you have a lot of money learning to cut and cast. 
This is why I said baitcast reel is not for beginner.
SirSnookalot reply :
Quote
I am merely speaking the truth!
An opinion.
Quote
If there was no internet and no youtube, I wouldn't be casting a baitcast reel!
I was using a b/c back in the early 50's, long before the internet and youtube, and before I used spinning gear or a fly rod. Nothing overly complicated just a reel and rod.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
On 7/30/2013 at 11:34 AM, Khong said:If there was no internet and no youtube, I wouldn't be casting a baitcast reel! Who's going to teach me how to properly set it up and cast it without backlash! Who's going to teach you how to untangle a backlash! I'm sure you have a lot of money learning to cut and cast.
This is why I said baitcast reel is not for beginner.
I learned on my own many years also. People are to dependent on the internet instead if learning on their own.
Khong reply :
On 7/30/2013 at 3:09 PM, OkeechobeeAngler said:I learned on my own many years also. People are to dependent on the internet instead if learning on their own.
Yeah and I'm sure both off you are beginner fisherman just eagerly wanting to cast a baitcasting reel.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 7/30/2013 at 3:40 PM, Khong said:Yeah and I'm sure both off you are beginner fisherman just eagerly wanting to cast a baitcasting reel.
In the early 50's I was beginner and that's what we learned on, it wasn't all that hard. Are modern day b/c more difficult ?
If I can put my lure where I want it to be, handle fish of all sizes, species and locations with the comfort I like, I'm sticking with what I'm using.
tugsandpulls reply :
i use both but bc are more comfortable all day
roadwarrior reply :
This is my take:
Spinning tackle is very "user friendly" and the learning curve is short.
I prefer spinning tackle for lighter lures, generally referred to as finnesse.
Baitcasting gear is a bit more challenging, especially with "entry level"
equipment. Modern reels have dramatically reduced the problems beginners
usually face. The learning curve is a bit steeper, but certainly not insurmountable.
I prefer a baitcaster for both heavier lures and anything that involves continuous
retrivel. This is generally referred to as power fishing.
In terms of effectiveness, control or power, there is no significant differences for
experienced fishermen. Both can be tweaked for light or heavy applications. All
of the major brands offer a rod, reel or combination to address virtually every situation.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 7/29/2013 at 11:57 AM, Khong said:One has advantage and other doesn't.
Spinning reel are great for beginner to intermediate fisherman. Baitcast reel are better for intermediate to advance fisherman.
WHAT, this has to be the biggest typing error I have ever witnessed!!!!
There are advantages to both types of reels, to say one has no advantage over the other would show a lack of knowledge on the subject as both have huge advantages for different applications, and most Pro's are well aware of them.
I personally would never be without both. I as others with experience with both have said, prefer spinning tackle for finesse fishing when very light slow presentations that require the utmost sensitivity are being used. I think it is easier and more natural for that type of fishing. I also prefer spinning for most fishing targeting small trout, panfish, perch, and when fishing for bait, creek Chub's, and small fish, it's a lot more fun than seining them, I am talking 3" to 10" minnows, do that with a baitcaster and see how much advantage there is over a spinning reel. 
Like others I also think there is an advantage to using baitcast equipment, like anytime I am throwing and working crannkbaits, for me it is much more comfortable and eaier to change speeds and retrieve these harder dragging lures on the baitcasting reel. I also like them for heavier jig's and plastic's in heavy cover, and when fishing live bait on weighted bottom rig's, these are usually times when we encounter a lot more drag and hangup's and require a lot more heavy pulling and the use of the heavier lines, it is easier for me to use the baitcaster in these situations, I also prefer them for throwing the heavier lures, anything over 1 oz. continuous I feel more comfort in using baitact equipment over spinning.
It is obvious that one could use either type for any of those application's, but there are advantages to being efficient with both. Most farmers know they could plant a 100 acre field with a garden tractor, or mow the lawn with their farm tractor, but all of them I have ever seen know the advantages of using both types of tractors and own both and take advantage of the convenience of each!
I would like to point out the HUGE difference in a baitcast reel available in 1950,,, and one available today,,,,,there is a huge difference has no valid comparison to today's reel's Snook, and if I had to use what they called a baitcaster back then I would use nothing but spinning also, today they can outcast a spinning reel in many situations, and they found a way to make them payout line and revolve the spool without the handles turning. If you haven't tried one in the last half century, you would be amazed at what baitcasting reels have evolved into, if you try one of today's, you may even want one or two to go with all that spinning gear!!!!! many are even smoother than spinning reels!! 
SirSnookalot reply :
I do have a modern b/c, an Avet mxj, no question it's way more refined than anything I had over 50 years ago. On occasion I will mount it on a 10' rod and do some surf or pier casting using a diamond jig and it's fun for a change of pace. It is different than a low profile b/c, no level wind and lever drag, but easy to master. I do dislike the rod torque with a larger fish on, and the operation is not near as comfortable as comparable spinning for me.
I can break up my fishing into 2 basic categories, inshore saltwater (surf, jetties, flats from a boat) and freshwater (LMB, peacock bass and snakeheads, there are as many similarities as differences in the two. I just love spinning, doing it for over 60 years I'm proficient enough to put a lure where I choose it to be. I find heavy vegetation not to be an insurmountable obstacle that would require me to switch to 50 # line and a heavy rod with a b/c to use for bass fishing. Thanks all the same, but I'm sticking with spinning.
J Francho reply :
I think some are taking khong's point to the extreme. In some respects, I agree - spinning IS easier for a beginner. I find it is often best to hand a beginner - adult or child - a spinning rod. It takes just a few minutes of instruction to get them fishing and catch (hopefully) and it is far less discouraging than casting gear. If you can make it easy for them, then they will be more likely to enjoy fishing.
All that said, I have several of both. They all have a time and place.
stk reply :
On 8/1/2013 at 2:23 AM, J Francho said:I think some are taking khong's point to the extreme. In some respects, I agree - spinning IS easier for a beginner. I find it is often best to hand a beginner - adult or child - a spinning rod. It takes just a few minutes of instruction to get them fishing and catch (hopefully) and it is far less discouraging than casting gear. If you can make it easy for them, then they will be more likely to enjoy fishing.
All that said, I have several of both. They all have a time and place.
Well said J Francho.
FrogFreak reply :
Ha, what a great debate. I will say that my own experience is that I like both for different reasons. That's been covered already here. I own 3 of each and use both spinners and b/cs every time out. I do get irritated with loops in my spinner but I also get backlashes on my b/c. Both my fault totally.
I will say this, either way please spend the extra money and get a good quality reel and match it to the right rod for the type of fishing you'll be doing. I recommend the flea market forum on this site. Your dollar goes much farther and the people selling will be fair and honest with you (my experience so far anyway).
Also, just a suggestion, if you give more detail in your question, you'll get a better answer. Although I've enjoyed the debate.
kickerfish1 reply :
Neither is better than the other. Just a matter of preference. I have casting gear that can finesse the light stuff and spinning gear that I could fish jigs and frogs with but I prefer it the other way around.
Generally in the spring/fall I fish more spinning rigs but during the summer it is 90% casting rigs.
I enjoy both and couldn't imagine having to pick between exclusively using one.
derekxec reply :
On 8/1/2013 at 1:19 AM, SirSnookalot said:I do dislike the rod torque with a larger fish on, and the operation is not near as comfortable as comparable spinning for me.
you should try out a spiral wrapped rod it reduces the torque nicely so thats what all my rods with conv. reels are getting now 
but honestly spinning a lot more comfortable for me too...you can throw anything on it from light to very heavy without a problem.
for everyone else i like spinning unless im using heavily weighted baits(cut bait with 8oz+ of lead) then i like conventional reels only because when my hands get wet for a while and it loosens the skin casting heavy stuff on a spinning rod with braid cuts my fingers up lol
SirSnookalot reply :
On 8/2/2013 at 12:39 AM, derekxec said:you should try out a spiral wrapped rod it reduces the torque nicely so thats what all my rods with conv. reels are getting now
for everyone else i like spinning unless im using heavily weighted baits(cut bait with 8oz+ of lead) then i like conventional reels only because when my hands get wet for a while and it loosens the skin casting heavy stuff on a spinning rod with braid cuts my fingers up lol
When I use my conventional reel offshore I put it on a 25lb class Star handcraft, being as the Avet mxj is a fairly light duty reel it's primarily a kingfish outfit. My offshore spinning outfits pack punch 30 and 40# class rods with reels having over 30# max drag, they handle most of we encounter.
gravestone reply :
Hello all, I'm new to the forum seems like a knowledgeable place!
The age old question...Spinning vs Conventional,well in my 44 year of bass fishing I've gone from spinning to convench and back to spinning.
When braid entered the picture it was spinning all the way! For me personally whatever I did with a baitcaster I was able to just as well or better with spinning tackle.
If you do a lot of flipping conventional tackle IMO is better.
0119 reply :
Posts like these serve me well to remind me why I don't visit here anymore. Khong telling a 70 year old man whose fished his whole life, he's a beginner all because he advocates a spinning reel. Khong, you might take into account that the style of fishing that serves you well in your area doesn't mean its the masters style of angling. Carp anglers have to use spinning to lob baits, and carp have been proven to be the most intelligent species of fish, far ahead of bass. Try to use your casting reel to throw a unweighted trick worm into a heavy headwind. Look at the lunker photo's in Bassmaster and count how many 10# + bass are caught with that technique. Try that casting reel to throw a weightless fluke at a La. marsh Red into a 30degree January headwind. What good is that species specific casting reel in the rest of the world? Are you only going to fish at home so you can be that expert caster? Better yet...... why don't we concentrate all this energy into defending our right to fish against the onslaught of anti fishing peta types instead of calling a long time angler a beginner.
gravestone reply :
In all honesty i'm as accurate casting with spinning gear as I was with conventional. I hold the spinning reel between my middle and ring finger and feather or stop the line with my index finger.
Bassfishing375 reply :
I would not say that one is better than the other. They are both really different and are used with different techniques. If you don't have a baitcaster it won't hurt to try them out.
EvanT123 reply :
Reading this thread it appears to have gotten quite contentious. Ill throw my 2 cents in. I like to fish with gear that gives me the confidence to land the fish but at the same time gives the fish a fighting chance.
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