How necessary is a baitcast rig? 2024

Pikeman12 reply :

Hey guys,

I have used spinning setups my whole life, very comfortable with them. Im usually throwing lures no heavier than a half oz on either a med/fast or med heavy/ fast spinning setup. Am I really missing out by just using these? I know high gear ratios are nice, and being able to throw big lures is great, but can spinning setups not be used for everything? I'm not tournament fishing, I just fish a lot. Been thinking about this because I am planning on buying another setup.

Derek1 reply :

This last season was my first time with a bc. I don’t know if it’s necessary others can tell you the pros better then I can. I’m glad I did it though it feels more efficient in certain things and it’s deffinitly more comfortable for me then a spinning set up. If you go a couple times a week it’s a real short learning curve. The way you hold it definitely feels more powerful with allot more leverage. Grab yourself some decent quality gear and go for it, I don’t think you’ll regret it. If you don’t like it you can sell it and get another spinning set up.

Koz reply :

Like you I used a spinning setup exclusively for years and never thought twice about getting a baitcaster. Then one day I was in Dick's Sporting Goods and I had $10 in Dick's cash to spend plus Dick's also had a promotion they were running for a few hours that day that gave me $20 off if I spent $50 or more. And on top of that they had some combos on sale so there was no better time to buy a new rod and reel.

I ended up buying a Lew's American Hero baitcaster combo that cost me around $25 after the sales and incentives. That was one of the best fishing purchases I ever made because it got me into using baitcasters and I've never looked back. I still throw spinning gear now and then, but I prefer the baitcaster and I've purchased a few more since then.

I like everything about them although initially I had a hard time getting the cadence down with a right hand retrieve. But I overcame that in a day or two. I bird's nest a little now and then but that's usually because I forgot to reset the tension after changing baits or because I get a little too whippy with my casts.

Is it necessary? Not for the average bank angler. But I can tell you that for me it seems easier to fish than a spinning reel especially working different presentations with the right hand retrieve (although it feel feel awkward at first). I guess the best way to describe it is that it "feels right", especially when your fishing a frog or a walking bait. Maybe that's just me.

Go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

jimmyjoe reply :

Spinning can do anything. Spinning gear catches marlin and tuna. It depends what you want, what you like, and what you expect. 1) Heavy-duty spinning gear is usually physically heavier than the same casting gear. The recently-introduced long fiber carbon spinning reels may change this, though. 2) With weightless presentations, spinning gear lets the bait sink vertically. Big advantage in my book. 3) Spinning gear is used by your strong side. This is a big advantage in high-torque presentations, like twitching, snapping and jerking. 4) Casting gear puts its weight closer to the fulcrum point of your hold, so it causes less fatigue with a high-resistance retrieve. Spinning gear can partially overcome this simply by aiming the rod at the lure and retrieving straight-line. You sacrifice the rod's shock absorption abilities, though. 5) Into the wind. This is the big one for me. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastic .... it makes no difference. You never have to worry about a backlash with spinning gear. You may have to worry about wind knots, but that's another matter. 6) It's easier to design drag capacity into a spinner than a caster. For higher priced reels, there's not any appreciable difference. But on the cheap end, spinner drag is usually smoother. I don't know about you, but I appreciate a smooth drag that's low poundage much more than a strong drag that's erratic. 7) The one huge advantage casting gear has over spinning gear is handling large diameter mono/copolymer line. There are people on this site who religiously use braided line. They more or less have the opinion that mono is outmoded. For better or for worse, I'm not one of those people. I love monofilament line for situations that need "give". I also hate the abrasion characteristics of braid. So for heavier line, I use baitcasters only, and they're spooled with mono. You can use spinning gear for large-diameter mono, but see #1, above.

Lots of people will tell you to give it a try, and they're right. Try it. But your original question was, "Am I missing out by just using these?" If you're talking about limiting yourself to 1/2 oz. lures, then YES. If you're talking about using spinning gear, then NO. jj

islandbass reply :

Necessary? Absolutely not. Will it make you more versatile or enable you to greater access to techniques more suited to a bc reel? Absolutely yes.

Because it’s a given that you’re a life long spinning gear guy, you’re going to have to be willing to reprogram yourself to the timing of the mechanics of the cast.

I highly recommend you read and research all of the threads related to anglers coming from a spinning background learning to use a bc reel here. Many, including me, have repeated posted on this topic every time it surfaces.

This will shave a ton of time off of your learning curve.

Also, the bc reel is one tool you CANNOT afford to skimp on in quality. Higher quality bc reels not only perform better and last longer, the also make learning to use a bc reel much easier. Trust me. No, you don’t need $300 reel, but don’t make things more difficult for you by learning on junk.

I too come from a spinning background. If you put in your due diligence and start off with a decent bc reel, I can guarantee that you will kick yourself in the rear and ask why you didn’t do this earlier.

Good luck and keep us posted on your journey.

Angry John reply :

Can a box end wrench do everything and is it worth getting a ratchet. Yes factually it can, but there is a chance your experience could be improved by trying new things.

livin2fish reply :

I grew up on spinning. Never used a baitcaster until age 60. I now have 5 spinning and about 12 baitcasters. In my opinion, they are all needed, based on the time of the year, conditions of the day, wind etc., the mood of the fish. Each has advantages and disadvantages as listed above. It's fun to have options.

BassWhole! reply :

Necessary? No. There is very little you can do with one and not the other. If you are happy with spinning throwing what you throw, so be it. Of course trying a BC to see if you are missing out on anything is a pretty simple matter, so why not.

redmeansdistortion reply :

I wouldn't worry so much about the reel type as I would what you're throwing to the fish. Use what's most comfortable for you, but don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

LionHeart reply :

The only real world advantage a baitcaster has in my opinion is the ability to easily control the distance of your cast. But that can be kind of a big deal. If you have never owned one, it's worth checking out.

Like Islandbass said, don't get the cheapest reel you can find. Learning a baitcaster is usually pretty frustrating, but even worse if you don't use decent quality gear.

Brad Reid reply :

jimmiejoe covered most of my thoughts and sentiments. If you had to use one or the other, silliness of course as no such limitations exist, spinning gear covers everything either better . . . or at least functionally. Not so with bait casting gear.

I will say that I have seen anglers who can use a casting reel for almost any possible circumstance or occasion. They are not common in this respect.

But, the new casting reels are getting closer and closer to solving most of their limiting issues.

One thing, for certain at least for me, that a casting reel does better is the rapidity of recasting. So, if I am firing off a crankbait or some similar power presentation and my intent is to go "KVD" on the fish in an area, I think a casting reel can make consecutive casts quicker. For me, 2X, that is, I think for every 5 casts I make with my spinning tackle, I could make 10 with a casting reel. It rarely influences me since I am more finesse than power.

Brad

redmeansdistortion reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 8:28 PM, LionHeart said:

The only real world advantage a baitcaster has in my opinion is the ability to easily control the distance of your cast. But that can be kind of a big deal. If you have never owned one, it's worth checking out.

Like Islandbass said, don't get the cheapest reel you can find. Learning a baitcaster is usually pretty frustrating, but even worse if you don't use decent quality gear.

I learned on an old Shakespeare direct drive knuckle buster given to me by my grandfather when I was a kid 30 some years back. No fancy level wind tech, no bearings, no brake, no drag, just a spool tension knob. I placed a bucket in the yard and tied on a 3/4oz sinker and had at it. I got some nasty bird nests early on, but got fairly good after a few days of practice. I feel learning on such a primitive reel made me able to pick up any baitcaster and fish it effectively. The reels made the last 60 years are far more advanced than what I learned on, but the simplicity and lack of 'training wheels' of the knuckle buster made me great at spool control. I still fish that reel from time to time. Nothing like having a steelhead make a run for it and the only drag you have is your thumb. Such a raw and unadultered feeling.

BigAngus752 reply :

I fished my entire life with spinning and didn't try a bc until I was 47 years old. It's definitely worth it for many presentations. As @Koz pointed out:

On 1/18/2019 at 3:20 PM, Koz said:

right hand retrieve (although it feel feel awkward at first).

There is a learning curve with this...but I fixed that by buying left-handed baitcasters. That is just as natural as can be for me. I'm just surprised at how many guys prefer the right-handed and switching hands with the rod. If you decide to go for it, borrow a lefty from someone and give it a try before you buy your reel.

WRB reply :

Use what you are skilled at casting with. Gary Yamamoto used spinning tackle successfully as a pro bass angler.

Tom

Derek1 reply :

If you do go for it, reel in the line with the same hand you do now. I feel it will be more natural. I’m a lefty who always held the rod with my left hand. I didn’t know people even held the rod in their off hand until I started reading here. IMO it’s more natural and they have the reels for it now, for the people just starting out.

NYWayfarer reply :

No it's not necessary. I used spinning gear my entire life for finesse presentations. When I started developing a love of power fishing about two years ago I picked up a baitcaster again.

I encourage everyone to give baitcasters a try. I assume you would encourage someone who has only ever used a spincast reel to try a spinning reel. It's the next step and it gives you more than one tool in the toolbox.

fishballer06 reply :

At this point in my bass fishing career, is a spinning rig necessary? Outside of dropshotting for smallies on Erie, I rarely find myself picking up a spinning setup.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 8:10 PM, livin2fish said:

I grew up on spinning. Never used a baitcaster until age 60. I now have 5 spinning and about 12 baitcasters. In my opinion, they are all needed, based on the time of the year, conditions of the day, wind etc., the mood of the fish. Each has advantages and disadvantages as listed above. It's fun to have options.

I was 61 when I got my first low profile casting reel. I know of at least 2 people on here that only use spinning gear and I can guarantee they catch more fish than I do using both types.

OP: If you were to turn out like me, then I would suggest you don't get a baitcast combo (unless financially well off). I've bought enough baitcasting rods and reels to be able to put a nice down payment on a bass boat in the (almost) 10 years since buying my first baitcast reel. And...no...I don't have a bass boat and probably never will considering my age and finances. I put too much money into baitcasting rods and reels.

Jrob78 reply :

It's pretty funny. I use spinning gear about once or twice or year, mainly because I own it so I might as well use it. Spinning gear offers nothing that I can't do better with baitcasting gear, including ultra light fishing. I hate spinning gear and don't care if I ever use it.

My point is, use what works for you but don't limit yourself to one thing without at least seeing what the other has to offer.

roadwarrior reply :

My two cents:

1. Baitcasters are more suitable for heavier line

2. Baitcasters are more comfortable for retrieving "moving lures"

I use spinning tackle exclusiively for finesse presentations

diehardbassfishing reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 10:50 PM, Jrob78 said:

It's pretty funny. I use spinning gear about once or twice or year, mainly because I own it so I might as well use it. Spinning gear offers nothing that I can't do better with baitcasting gear, including ultra light fishing. I hate spinning gear and don't care if I ever use it.

I don't even have THAT spinning gear use concern! When decided to get serious about bass fishing I gave up my Zebco 404, and decided to get good with one type of reel. A baitcaster just seemed right. Never looked back or anywhere else. I can throw everything from unweighted soft-plastics to 3 oz swim-baits. Yea, they are higher maintenance, but I like that too...

Karl

redmeansdistortion reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 11:08 PM, diehardbassfishing said:

Yea, they are higher maintenance, but I like that too...

Karl

That's much of the the draw for me as well. I like to tinker, and there are so many ways to fine tune a baitcaster. When the dead of winter sets in, I'm in my workshop disassembling my reels and getting them ready for spring time fishing.

Pikeman12 reply :

First off thank you for all of the amazing feedback. I should mention I’m not totally unfamiliar with baitcasters as I use 1 for catfish, but as far as casting lures go, totally unfamiliar. I’m thinking a medium heavy would be good for the heavier lures over 1/2 oz and could be used as a top water rod at least.

Gundog reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 11:32 PM, Pikeman12 said:

First off thank you for all of the amazing feedback. I should mention I’m not totally unfamiliar with baitcasters as I use 1 for catfish, but as far as casting lures go, totally unfamiliar. I’m thinking a medium heavy would be good for the heavier lures over 1/2 oz and could be used as a top water rod at least.

These days lure companies make lures in all sizes and weights, so a baitcaster isn't necessary. I got a friend I fish with that only uses spinning gear and he catches just as many fish as I do. Never more, cause that would be wrong.

DogBone_384 reply :

I started using baitcast setups in 2014. I'm glad I did.

I can't say baitcasters are necessary, but for me, they provide a better overall experience for the following reasons:

better accuracy.
more comfortable.
no line twist, especially with flurocarbon line.
longer casts, in most cases.

I use spinning gear at night and when it's very windy.

NYWayfarer reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 12:00 AM, DogBone_384 said:

I use spinning gear at night and when it's very windy.

Spinning gear is a great choice when it's windy.

Spinning gear will always have a spot in my arsenal. I love a small spinning reel and light to medium light rod when fishing for Trout and Sunfish.

MIbassyaker reply :

I have been using baitcasting for three years after being a lifelong spinning-exclusive. I now use them about half and half. Here is what I have found:

baitcasting has a huge advantage casting and retrieving efficiency with heavier lures and heavier line (say, over 10lb test). While you can use heavy spinning gear with braid, being able to palm a reel is much less awkward than managing a heavy spinning reel. I also find it advantageous for cast-and -crank presentations, as spinning reels add a twist in the line every time the bail goes around. so if you're spending a lot of time cranking the reel, you add line twist on spinning fast. This isn't a problem with baitcasting because there is no twist. A third advantage is thumb control of the spool, which makes it more efficient to make a series of pitches one after another

Where spinning has advantage is casting lighter lures and the ability to use much smaller-diameter line that would dig in on baitcaster. Also, because the line comes freely off the spool, baits fall with very little resistance, which makes spinning very good for vertical presentations, espeically if working a vertical drop from some distance away. I also like spinning for retrieves where I am not cranking constantly, especially if I'm fishing at some depth. I use spinning for all light baits and light line applications, and I even prefer it for casting texas rigged plastics whenever I'm fishing deeper than about 5 feet.

One thing I do not see is any clear indication that baitcasters are inherently more accurate than spinning. I suspect casting accuracy is determined much more by practice level than by any inherent property of the gear. I have long experience with a spinning gear and am highly accurate. I can get close to that level of accuracy sometimes with a baitcaster, but no with every rod, not consistently, and certainly not at longer distances.

Pikeman12 reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 11:55 PM, Gundog said:

These days lure companies make lures in all sizes and weights, so a baitcaster isn't necessary. I got a friend I fish with that only uses spinning gear and he catches just as many fish as I do. Never more, cause that would be wrong.

I feel you guys. I like to pack real light since I’m usually hiking the rivers. So if I can get away with carrying 2 rods, a medium spinning and a medium heavy baitcaster, that would be perfect

redmeansdistortion reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 12:22 AM, MIbassyaker said:

One thing I do not see is any clear indication that baitcasters are inherently more accurate than spinning. I suspect casting accuracy is determined much more by practice level than by any inherent property of the gear. I have long experience with a spinning gear and am highly accurate. I can get close to that level of accuracy sometimes with a baitcaster, but no with every rod, not consistently, and certainly not at longer distances.

I've always wondered what the knock against spinning gear being inaccurate was all about. Like you, I'm pretty accurate with a spinning setup as well. When I want my bait to drop I just bend my index finger and down she goes. The only time I really had an issue was using too stiff of a line, it just wanted to jump off the spool. That was completely my fault choosing the wrong line for the way I fish.

Jrob78 reply :

If you fish spinning gear only, how do you fish say, a 1/2oz double willow spinnerbait or a deep diving crankbait or pitch a bait into cover with 3/8oz-3/4oz weight or a work a Zara Spook or a hollow body frog or a football jig and trailer?

There are so many baits that don't lend themselves to spinning gear at all. I'm sure you can find a spinning rod strong enough to do those things but the combo is going to weigh twice what comparably powered baitcast combo would weigh and the awkwardness of trying to fish and cast those baits with spinning gear seems so inefficient.

Maybe you don't employ any of those techniques and don't fish in waters where heavier line and heavier baits are necessary. I am in TX and I am sure our fishing here is much different than the northern smallmouth waters many of you fish.

A-Jay reply :

Doing The Right Thing, at The Right Time, in The Right Place can often produce above average results.

How one goes about it, may be a matter of personal preference.

On 1/19/2019 at 1:28 AM, Jrob78 said:

If you fish spinning gear only, how do you fish say, a 1/2oz double willow spinnerbait or a deep diving crankbait or pitch a bait into cover with 3/8oz-3/4oz weight or a work a Zara Spook or a hollow body frog or a football jig and trailer?

There are so many baits that don't lend themselves to spinning gear at all. I'm sure you can find a spinning rod strong enough to do those things but the combo is going to weigh twice what comparably powered baitcast combo would weigh and the awkwardness of trying to fish and cast those baits with spinning gear seems so inefficient.

Maybe you don't employ any of those techniques and don't fish in waters where heavier line and heavier baits are necessary. I am in TX and I am sure our fishing here is much different than the northern smallmouth waters many of you fish.

Topwater, including walking baits, on spinning gear works for me.

A-Jay

Jrob78 reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 1:34 AM, A-Jay said:

Doing The Right Thing, at The Right Time, in The Right Place can often produce above average results.

How one goes about, it may be a matter of personal preference.

Topwater, including walking baits, on spinning gear works for me.

I completely agree that whatever works for someone is great, I'm not here to say anyone is doing anything wrong. There are no rules in fishing. I'm sure people would think I'm crazy for throwing a shaky head or drop shot or weightless worm or whatever on casting gear.

A-Jay reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 1:39 AM, Jrob78 said:

I completely agree that whatever works for someone is great, I'm not here to say anyone is doing anything wrong. There are no rules in fishing. I'm sure people would think I'm crazy for throwing a shaky head or drop shot or weightless worm or whatever on casting gear.

Yup ~

A-Jay

Pikeman12 reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 1:28 AM, Jrob78 said:

If you fish spinning gear only, how do you fish say, a 1/2oz double willow spinnerbait or a deep diving crankbait or pitch a bait into cover with 3/8oz-3/4oz weight or a work a Zara Spook or a hollow body frog or a football jig and trailer?

There are so many baits that don't lend themselves to spinning gear at all. I'm sure you can find a spinning rod strong enough to do those things but the combo is going to weigh twice what comparably powered baitcast combo would weigh and the awkwardness of trying to fish and cast those baits with spinning gear seems so inefficient.

Maybe you don't employ any of those techniques and don't fish in waters where heavier line and heavier baits are necessary. I am in TX and I am sure our fishing here is much different than the northern smallmouth waters many of you fish.

Well I am in the northern Illinois area and we do have a lot of areas with tough cover and Lilly pads and weeds. Which is why I figured a med heavy would be good. I generally don’t throw anything over 1/2 oz, but now I might be looking to start, I am considering a baitcaster. I was just wondering if me using spinning gear would make it a lot tougher for me.

MIbassyaker reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 1:28 AM, Jrob78 said:

If you fish spinning gear only, how do you fish say, a 1/2oz double willow spinnerbait or a deep diving crankbait or pitch a bait into cover with 3/8oz-3/4oz weight or a work a Zara Spook or a hollow body frog or a football jig and trailer?

Use an MH or heavy spinning rod, which is what I used for every one of these things before I started using a baitcaster. The limitations of spinning for these things are more about awkwardness than power.

The places I usually fish are probably much more similar to yours than they are to a typical smallmouth lake.

Koz reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 8:45 PM, BigAngus752 said:

There is a learning curve with this...but I fixed that by buying left-handed baitcasters.

My son bought a LH baitcasting reel and I tried it out a few weeks ago and it just didn't feel right - kind of like when I bought my first LH baitcaster after all of those years fishing with RH spinning.

The one thing that caught me off guard when I first bought my RH baitcaster was when I caught my first 4-5 pounder on that setup. Since my right hand is my dominant hand I felt weak horsing in the fish with my left hand holding the rod.

BassWhole! reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 1:28 AM, Jrob78 said:

If you fish spinning gear only, how do you fish say, a 1/2oz double willow spinnerbait or a deep diving crankbait or pitch a bait into cover with 3/8oz-3/4oz weight or a work a Zara Spook or a hollow body frog or a football jig and trailer?

There are so many baits that don't lend themselves to spinning gear at all. I'm sure you can find a spinning rod strong enough to do those things but the combo is going to weigh twice what comparably powered baitcast combo would weigh and the awkwardness of trying to fish and cast those baits with spinning gear seems so inefficient.

Maybe you don't employ any of those techniques and don't fish in waters where heavier line and heavier baits are necessary. I am in TX and I am sure our fishing here is much different than the northern smallmouth waters many of you fish.

Why would a spinning rod with the same Power and action as a BC be so much heavier? Oh yeah, those huge guides...

Jrob78 reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 2:30 AM, MIbassyaker said:

Use an MH or heavy spinning rod, which is what I used for every one of these things before I started using a baitcaster. The limitations of spinning for these things are more about awkwardness than power.

The places I usually fish are probably much more similar to yours than they are to a typical smallmouth lake.

On 1/19/2019 at 2:34 AM, reason said:

Why would a spinning rod with the same Power and action as a BC be so much heavier? Oh yeah, those huge guides...

I was mostly under the impression that there weren't many bass spinning rods in heavy enough powers to throw baits that would normally be thrown on a heavy powered baitcaster and the accompanying spinning reel would have to be very large to handle large diameter line that isn't braid. That's where my weight comment comes from. I also freely admit that I don't really know, which is why I asked the question in the first place.

Bass Junke reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 8:44 PM, redmeansdistortion said:

I learned on an old Shakespeare direct drive knuckle buster given to me by my grandfather when I was a kid 30 some years back. No fancy level wind tech, no bearings, no brake, no drag, just a spool tension knob. I placed a bucket in the yard and tied on a 3/4oz sinker and had at it. I got some nasty bird nests early on, but got fairly good after a few days of practice. I feel learning on such a primitive reel made me able to pick up any baitcaster and fish it effectively. The reels made the last 60 years are far more advanced than what I learned on, but the simplicity and lack of 'training wheels' of the knuckle buster made me great at spool control. I still fish that reel from time to time. Nothing like having a steelhead make a run for it and the only drag you have is your thumb. Such a raw and unadultered feeling.

When I was a kid my dad gave me a reel that was not even as refined as redmeansdistortion's was. It was basically a deep sea reel. No brakes, no drag and no line guide. Not only did my thumb have to learn to feather the reel pretty quick, I had to use my thumb and index finger to weave the line back and forth on the spool. I cursed my father for years for buying me that until the day I bought a baitcaster. I felt like Ralph Macchio, wax on wax off. Needless to say the learning curve for my first baitcaster was not so steep thanks to Mr Miyagi ( my dad).

IMO the most difficult thing to learn with a baitcaster is casting. What makes it even more difficult is having to learn to work the rod and crank the handle with hands you are not used to. I am quite happy the fishing world is a little backwards when it comes to baitcasters, I am a lefty and enjoy the vast selection of right handed baitcaster speed options. So Pikeman if you decide to go with a baitcaster don't make the learning curve so steep get a lefty.

813basstard reply :

Throw what you have confidence in. Work at what you don’t have confidence in.

I throw jigs on spinning gear, 8 ft rod and braid no leader and haven’t had issues catchin’em.

Contrary to what most think, it’s not the feeling with the right hand that’s funky (to right handlers) it’s working the rod with the left hand/arm.

I throw both casting and spinning every time all the time. These two didn’t seem to care

Pikeman12 reply :

So what size lures separate finesse from not? Would it be everything under a half oz? I plan on getting a lefty like I did with my catfish reel which is a round shimano Cardiff. I was planning on just going with a mh duckett with a pflueger baitcaster reel

gimruis reply :

Like several people have mentioned, the more tools you have in your tool box, the better equipped you'll be. And the better equipped you are, the better chance of success.

A lot of people that try a BC for the first time fail and have problems. The key it to keep trying and practicing. You're simply not going to pick one up and master it your first time. I have friends who tried them and failed so they don't use them and when I fish with them in specific situations they are at a disadvantage.

Generally speaking, spinning is for lighter presentations and/or vertical presentations. Bait casting is for heavier presentations and/or horizontal presentations.

redmeansdistortion reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 3:14 AM, Bass Junke said:

When I was a kid my dad gave me a reel that was not even as refined as redmeansdistortion's was. It was basically a deep sea reel. No brakes, no drag and no line guide. Not only did my thumb have to learn to feather the reel pretty quick, I had to use my thumb and index finger to weave the line back and forth on the spool. I cursed my father for years for buying me that until the day I bought a baitcaster. I felt like Ralph Macchio, wax on wax off. Needless to say the learning curve for my first baitcaster was not so steep thanks to Mr Miyagi ( my dad).

IMO the most difficult thing to learn with a baitcaster is casting. What makes it even more difficult is having to learn to work the rod and crank the handle with hands you are not used to. I am quite happy the fishing world is a little backwards when it comes to baitcasters, I am a lefty and enjoy the vast selection of right handed baitcaster speed options. So Pikeman if you decide to go with a baitcaster don't make the learning curve so steep get a lefty.

A lot of surf fishermen use baitcasters with no level wind. They do this for distance. It's quite a sight watching a surf fisherman cast an Abu 6500 CT down to the knot. They launch those 4oz baits over 200yd, and sometimes even reach 300yd. The plug fishermen don't fish the CT reels since they need the level wind to work their plugs, but bait fishermen like to forgo the level wind.

islandbass reply :

Another critical thing to consider!!!!!!!!

Choose a casting reel with the retrieve on the same side your spinning reel handle is.

You readily admit you’ve been spinning for years so if you retrieve left handed, get a left handed casting reel ...

The type of reprogramming required to get casting down opposite handed is not something to focus on when learning to use a casting reel for the first time.

I will wager a Rapala size 5 floating minnow that you will prefer by 10 country miles a casting reel with a retrieve on the same side you’re already accustomed.

Mike L reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 10:50 PM, Jrob78 said:

It's pretty funny. I use spinning gear about once or twice or year, mainly because I own it so I might as well use it. Spinning gear offers nothing that I can't do better with baitcasting gear, including ultra light fishing. I hate spinning gear and don't care if I ever use it.

My point is, use what works for you but don't limit yourself to one thing without at least seeing what the other has to offer.

Exactly!

You beat me to it.

I got a spinning combo somewhere that I used when I started the kids fishing and took it away.

I bought them thier own so they can use both if and when they ever felt the need.

Mike

WRB reply :

Bass anglers are a unusual breed of fishermen and only adopted spinning tackle country wide about a decade ago for finesse presentations do to the light line spinning reels excel with. That doesn't mean spinning tackle can't be used with heavier lines, they make salt water spinning reels and rods that cast 30 lb mono effectively, they are bigger reels. Bill Murphy the author of In Pursuit of Gaint Bass used special custom spinning rods and salt water size spinning reels so he could cast unweighted live crawdads and split shot weighted soft platic worms using 15lb to 20 lb mono. Bill knew how to cast baitcasting reels and believed the over size spinning tackle gave him an advantage for his specific presentations.

I am not a fan of spinning tackle for general bass fishing and prefer baitcasting reels but use spinning tackle for finesse applications like most other bass anglers do. Why....that what I have always used and very comfortable with both baitcasting and spinning tackle.

Use what you like to use.

Tom

redmeansdistortion reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 5:29 AM, WRB said:

Bass anglers are a unusual breed of fishermen and only adopted spinning tackle country wide about a decade ago for finesse presentations do to the light line spinning reels excel with.

I have some old In-Fisherman magazines from about '91 or '92 that have full articles about finesse bass fishing with spinning tackle. A couple of them even go into detail about similar tactics for pike fishing. If I remember right, the train of thought at that time was to throw finesse baits for fish that were slow to bite or when fishing cold water. We have come a long way since and methods and tactics change as we learn more.

Pikeman12 reply :

So up to what weight of the lure is it considered finesse fishing?

MN Fisher reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 5:29 AM, WRB said:

Bass anglers are a unusual breed of fishermen and only adopted spinning tackle country wide about a decade ago for finesse presentations do to the light line spinning reels excel with.

I am not a fan of spinning tackle for general bass fishing and prefer baitcasting reels but use spinning tackle for finesse applications like most other bass anglers do. Why....that what I have always used and very comfortable with both baitcasting and spinning tackle.

Use what you like to use.

Tom

I used Spinning tackle from the beginning as that's what I grew up using for panfish and trout. Adding bass to my 'targets' didn't change my habits. I only added a baitcaster when my dad decided, after an accident at work, that he wasn't going to fish anymore and gave me his rod/reel - my Ambassdeur 500R that I just retired.

For me, heavier lures or heavy cover fishing (pitching/flipping/frogging) will be done with my two baitcasters. The rest of my fishing will be with my spinning gear

On 1/19/2019 at 6:10 AM, Pikeman12 said:

So up to what weight of the lure is it considered finesse fishing?

I would consider 3/16 to maybe 1/4 to be the limit for finesse work.

Personally - my finesse rod will be relegated to 1/8 oz or less. Above that I will go to my medium spinning rig.

redmeansdistortion reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 6:10 AM, Pikeman12 said:

So up to what weight of the lure is it considered finesse fishing?

I've always thought of it as sub 1/4oz when it comes to bass.

MickD reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 4:31 PM, jimmyjoe said:

Spinning can do anything.

Not quite. When you want to go from retrieving or trolling to giving line quickly and easily, spinning cannot do it as well as baitcasting. Not as big a deal with bass as with some other species, but it's a fact. When you want to go to freely giving line instantly, spinning cannot do it. You have to open the bail instead of just hitting the thumb bar. An example, trolling for cuda-they notoriously cut the bait in half and come back for the part they missed. Which will have the hook in it. Easy, efficient, with baitcaster, not at all easy and fast with a spinner.

I also prefer the more "direct" connection offered by the baitcaster for some techniques, but I admit it is a preference, nothing like a show-stopper.

Pikeman12 reply :

Gotcha. My main spinning setup is a 7' medium/fast st croix with a shimano sustain 2500 on it. I use 20-30 lb braid most of the time and the sweet spot has been throwing 3/8-1/2 oz. I figured anything under 3/8 is pretty much ultra lite fishing lol.

Sam reply :

Confidence.

It boils down to confidence.

If you have strong confidence in your spinning setups then stay with them.

If you want to purchase a baitcasting rig and give it a try then do so and decide if you can have confidence in it.

Be sure to know how to set up your baitcaster or you will have some terrible backlashes.

Good luck and have fun giving your baitcaster a try.

LonnieP reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 10:50 PM, Jrob78 said:

It's pretty funny. I use spinning gear about once or twice or year, mainly because I own it so I might as well use it. Spinning gear offers nothing that I can't do better with baitcasting gear, including ultra light fishing. I hate spinning gear and don't care if I ever use it.

My point is, use what works for you but don't limit yourself to one thing without at least seeing what the other has to offer.

I totally agree. Once in a blue moon I’ll bring my one spinning rod and maybe make 5 or 6 casts with it. It just doesn’t feel right to me.

Darren. reply :

You can use spinning for every single bass fishing technique.

Casting, as @roadwarrior suggested, probably handles moving

baits better. Cranks, for instance, can get tiring if thrown all day

on spinning.

As has been said, confidence is what it boils down to.

My own experience has led me to spinning for the majority of all

I throw, and I have one casting reel and two rods to change out

based on what I want to throw.

I set out to go 100% casting, and did quite well doing so. But one

day a light came on while I was on the water with only two casting

rigs. One of them backlashed (and I'm very competent at casting,

BTW). That day it dawned on me that there are certain things

spinning rigs excel at, including windy conditions, straight drops,

etc. Point being, use what you feel competent/confident in, and don't

bow to pressure that you *have* to use x or y in order to be a complete

fisherman. That's just not true.

If @Fish Chris and @SirSnookalot were still around, they'd have some

good spinning advice. And Fish Chris has caught some of the biggest

bass you and I will ever see - on spinning gear.

jimmyjoe reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 6:38 AM, MickD said:

Not quite. When you want to go from retrieving or trolling to giving line quickly and easily, spinning cannot do it as well as baitcasting. Not as big a deal with bass as with some other species, but it's a fact. When you want to go to freely giving line instantly, spinning cannot do it. You have to open the bail instead of just hitting the thumb bar. An example, trolling for cuda-they notoriously cut the bait in half and come back for the part they missed. Which will have the hook in it. Easy, efficient, with baitcaster, not at all easy and fast with a spinner.

I also prefer the more "direct" connection offered by the baitcaster for some techniques, but I admit it is a preference, nothing like a show-stopper.

Well, I learned something today! I guess you can figure out how often I've trolled, or even been around other people who have trolled. But I see what you mean, and it makes sense. Thnx. jj

BassWhole! reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 7:56 AM, jimmyjoe said:

Well, I learned something today! I guess you can figure out how often I've trolled, or even been around other people who have trolled. But I see what you mean, and it makes sense. Thnx. jj

Yeah, except it's wrong.

MN Fisher reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 7:33 AM, LonnieP said:

I totally agree. Once in a blue moon I’ll bring my one spinning rod and maybe make 5 or 6 casts with it. It just doesn’t feel right to me.

On 1/19/2019 at 7:56 AM, jimmyjoe said:

Well, I learned something today! I guess you can figure out how often I've trolled, or even been around other people who have trolled. But I see what you mean, and it makes sense. Thnx. jj

On 1/19/2019 at 8:22 AM, reason said:

Yeah, except it's wrong.

Exactly, @reason, it depends on the spinning reel. If I do any trolling it's with my Cardinal, which has a trigger on the side of the bail to instantly open it if I get caught on a snag or a larger fish grabs it and runs. It's as fast as the thumb-trigger on my baitcasters.

jimmyjoe reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 8:27 AM, MN Fisher said:

Exactly, @reason, it depends on the spinning reel. If I do any trolling it's with my Cardinal, which has a trigger on the side of the bail to instantly open it if I get caught on a snag or a larger fish grabs it and runs. It's as fast as the thumb-trigger on my baitcasters.

Okay .... now I'm REALLY confused! I think I'll have a sazerac and turn in. jj

MN Fisher reply :

A pic of me activating the bail trigger. I can do this with the hand on the rod, never needing to remove my hand from the reel-handle.

CrankFate reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 4:41 PM, islandbass said:

Also, the bc reel is one tool you CANNOT afford to skimp on in quality. Higher quality bc reels not only perform better and last longer, the also make learning to use a bc reel much easier. Trust me. No, you don’t need $300 reel, but don’t make things more difficult for you by learning on junk.

Good luck and keep us posted on your journey.

This.

jimmyjoe reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 9:14 AM, MN Fisher said:

A pic of me activating the bail trigger. I can do this with the hand on the rod, never needing to remove my hand from the reel-handle.

Oh. Yeah. One of those. I've seen them. I didn't know they could be used that way. Now I do. You realize, of course, that you made me oxidize 2 ounces of sazerac for no reason at all, don't you?

Thank you for that. ???? jj

Mobasser reply :

After you fish for a while, you can make your choice of tackle based on what you like, and what works best for you. Don't worry about what others think. Fish your style! That's what all the best fisherman do. You'll be more successful doing this.

AC870 reply :

May have been mentioned (I only read the first page) but stuff like Alabama rigs, big spinnerbaits and really “chunking and winding) traps and squarebills, you really need a baitcaster. Heavy vegetation, baitcasters have more power to winch them out. And I don’t know anyone fishing an Alabama rig on spinning gear.

That said, I love fishing Texas rigs around docks with my spinning gear. I just kinda beefed up a spinning rig for that.

MN Fisher reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 11:26 AM, AC870 said:

May have been mentioned (I only read the first page) but stuff like Alabama rigs, big spinnerbaits and really “chunking and winding) traps and squarebills, you really need a baitcaster. Heavy vegetation, baitcasters have more power to winch them out.

I think it has been mentioned - but I'll re-iterate. Buzzbaits, big twin spinners, chatterbaits, larger jerk and crank baits all get done on my 'lighter' Baitcaster...use to be the Ambassadeur, now will be the President with 20#PP

Can't use Alabama rigs here - at least not with hooks on every end...illegal in MN. One end can have a hook or lure, the rest have to be hookless.

Heavy vegetation - that calls for the Fuego CT with the 50#PP

FishTank reply :

For me they are different tools for different things (techniques). I prefer baitcasters for certain things and spinning reels for others. It's not a iPhone versus Android type thing for me. It's more like Mac versus PC> each one excels at different things and I have to use both to be good at my job.

Pikeman12 reply :

How heavy of lures are you guys throwing on your med-heavy bcs?

MN Fisher reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 12:09 PM, Pikeman12 said:

How heavy of lures are you guys throwing on your med-heavy bcs?

My MH rig is the Fuego CT on a Diawa Aird-X MH/F - it's not the weight of the lure that's the issue, it's getting the lure through the lily-pads, reeds and milfoil that needs the heavier equipment.

My President will be on a M/F Aird-X - the chatters/buzz/spinners are 3/8 (all I got since I have to be a frugal fisherman by need)

Heartland reply :

It casts the line to da fishes

Jrob78 reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 12:09 PM, Pikeman12 said:

How heavy of lures are you guys throwing on your med-heavy bcs?

It isn't quite as cut and dry as that. Since manufacturers can put any label they want on their rods, one companies MH might range from 1/4-5/8oz while another might be 1/2-1oz. It's hard to say without actually fishing with the rod.

BigAngus752 reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 2:34 AM, Koz said:

My son bought a LH baitcasting reel and I tried it out a few weeks ago and it just didn't feel right - kind of like when I bought my first LH baitcaster after all of those years fishing with RH spinning.

The one thing that caught me off guard when I first bought my RH baitcaster was when I caught my first 4-5 pounder on that setup. Since my right hand is my dominant hand I felt weak horsing in the fish with my left hand holding the rod.

That makes sense too. It just felt natural to me going LH but that sure isn't how most people feel. The only downside for me is the LH reels are harder to find, especially used or on clearance.

BassWhole! reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 12:32 PM, Heartland said:

It casts the line to da fishes

"or it gets the hose again"....

roadwarrior reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 11:13 PM, BigAngus752 said:

The only downside for me is the LH reels are harder to find, especially used or on clearance.

Most new reels come in "wrong-handed" and we have several used reels offered on our

Flea Market right now. Keep an eye on the Flea Market or post "WTB".

bigfruits reply :

not necessary but you'll be glad once you try one. spend a little bit and get a good one. IMO - dominant hand on the rod is the way to go.

NYWayfarer reply :

On 1/19/2019 at 1:39 AM, Jrob78 said:

I completely agree that whatever works for someone is great, I'm not here to say anyone is doing anything wrong. There are no rules in fishing. I'm sure people would think I'm crazy for throwing a shaky head or drop shot or weightless worm or whatever on casting gear.

A show I watched when I was a kid had a theme song that sums it up nicely,

Now, the world don't move to the beat of just one drum
What might be right for you, may not be right for some
A man is born, he's a man of means
Then along come two, they got nothing but their jeans

But they got, Diff'rent Strokes
It takes, Diff'rent Strokes
It takes, Diff'rent Strokes to move the world

Everybody's got a special kind of story
Everybody finds a way to shine
It don't matter that you got not alot
So what
They'll have theirs, and you'll have yours, and I'll have mine
And together we'll be fine....

Because it takes, Diff'rent Strokes to move the world
Yes it does
It takes, Diff'rent Strokes to move the world

Angry John reply :

Hulkster reply :

it is not necessary, but it is certainly a much better tool for throwing big lipped crankbaits and big blade baits (these baits have a ton of water resistance and will tire you out fishing them on a spinning reel quickly. I learned that the hard way).

FCPhil reply :

On 1/18/2019 at 11:32 PM, Pikeman12 said:

First off thank you for all of the amazing feedback. I should mention I’m not totally unfamiliar with baitcasters as I use 1 for catfish, but as far as casting lures go, totally unfamiliar. I’m thinking a medium heavy would be good for the heavier lures over 1/2 oz and could be used as a top water rod at least.

I highly recommend you give baitcasting a decent shot for bass. It is so much more enjoyable to cast in my opinion that I still use it for light lures even though I can’t get much casting distance. I can’t imagine trying to fish a frog or fishing heavy cover with a spinning rod. I also can’t imaging trying to cast larger swimbaits on a spinning reel.

I started with a $50 Abu Garcia Black Max and a $25 Daiwa Crossfire Rod from Walmart. Could not be happier with both. During the winter when the ponds were frozen I went out to a park and spent a half hour learning to cast it well enough to use.

I was on a tight budget. If you want to spend more for a better reel I highly recommend the Daiwa Tatula CT.

I strongly suggest you get a left hand retrieve baitcaster (assuming you’re right handed). You will have more leverage fighting the fish with your strong arm and you won’t have to switch hands when you cast.

On 1/19/2019 at 12:09 PM, Pikeman12 said:

How heavy of lures are you guys throwing on your med-heavy bcs?

On my medium heavy rod I can smoothly cast a lure ranging between 1/2oz and 1oz. I can cast 1/4oz to 1-1/2oz if needed.

MN Fisher reply :

On 1/20/2019 at 12:38 PM, FCPhil said:

I was on a tight budget. If you want to spend more for a better reel I highly recommend the Daiwa Tatula CT.

I strongly suggest you get a left hand retrieve baitcaster (assuming you’re right handed). You will have more leverage fighting the fish with your strong arm and you won’t have to switch hands when you cast.

There's reels and rods that work well at various price points, just have to decide how much you want to spend.

Far as the right/left thing is concerned, that's also a personal thing. I'm a rightie in most things, but my left arm is stronger and steadier than my right. That's why I swapped the handles of my spinning reels to the right side - except the old Pleuger 640...it doesn't swap.

You have to try it yourself to see how it works...places with a exchange policy are the best. Get a reel...right or left...and try it out. If it doesn't seem to work quite right, swap it for the other model. Or swap it back if the first one is better.

bayvalle reply :

Baitcast pros vs spinning ...more accuracy, lighter weight (less fatigue), faster casting, easier to adjust the depth when jigging, stronger drag, better for heavier line, less line twist.

Spinning pros vs Baitcast... Better for smaller diameter line (flouro under 10lbs, braid under 15 lbs), better in wind, easier to learn, less backlash issues ( settings, practice and improved reels minimize this in baitcasters), cheaper, easier maintenance.

Baitcasters are my preference unless I'm fishing light rigs or needing to cast into the wind on windy days

I am right handed and prefer left handed retrieve. This allows me to make faster casts since I don't have to switch hands to retrieve. Plus if I get a bite as soon as the bait hits the water I'm not caught switching hands.

Choporoz reply :

I use both, but primarily casting for bass. I still use spinning for drop shot, split shot, many jerk baits and weightless plastics lighter than a senko, like flukes.

I prefer baitcasters because for me:

1. I am more accurate

2. I can make many more casts/pitches/flips/retrieves in same amount of time

3. I do most of my fishing seated in a kayak, wearing a pfd, and when holding a spinning rod, my hands are unnaturally farther out from my torso and it is surprisingly tiring.

4. Strike detection. Two factors. I feel that I detect a lot of strikes through the reel handle of my baitcaster and that doesn't seem to be the case when I have a spinning rod...might only give me a tiny fraction of a second over what I get from the rod specifically, but I think that makes a difference for me. The other strike detection factor is that with a baitcaster, I can often have a finger touching the line forward of the reel, but i haven't mastered that with a spinning rod.

dodgeguy reply :

I grew up using spinning. At about age 30 I bought my first baitcasters. 30 years later I have given my last spinning rod to my daughter and now have nothing but baitcasters.

Hulkster reply :

On 1/20/2019 at 9:22 AM, Angry John said:

I posted this on my bulletin board at my work. a few of my coworkers are fishermen too. and none use a baitcaster except me hahahaha.

Pikeman12 reply :

Hey guys, thanks again for all the help. Decided that I am gonna go with a Pflueger president for my first low profile baitcaster with a med heavy rod. Gonna use it for frogging and throwing bigger lures in general. Thanks for the insight guys!

superkamikazee reply :

I throw jerk baits / crank baits on spinning setups, and frogs on my bait caster in the thick stuff. I personally prefer the spinning setups, and have no issues with accuracy, casting distance, or see any difference with which bait is tied on. I use the lightest weight spinning setups I can, 6-7 oz spinning reels at size 2000, and they feel great all day. My spinning setups are 6:2:1 ratio and 31"-32" of line per turn which exceed my bait casters 7:1:1 29" of line per turn. 10lb / 15lb braid on the spinning setups, and 50lb braid on the bait caster. My bait caster is a left had retrieve since I didn't want another variable to deal with when learning the bait caster. I only have 4 rods, 3 spinning, 1 bait caster. One of the spinning rods is a trunk setup I keep on me, and the rest are for kayak fishing.

Just some info, and my experience. Regardless, I enjoy both styles, I prefer spinning, but I also can't ignore the bait casters muscle for pulling fish out of the thick stuff when I'm playing in there.

2100

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