Spinning Reel Vs. Bait Casting Reel ? Pros & Cons ? 2024
Robertqq reply :
Hi,
Got to wonder about this a bit.
Have several Spinning Rod setups, and am quite happy with them for Pond and Lake fishing.
But, what is the latest thinking and opinions on when it is desireable to use a Bait casting Reel setup rather than a Spinning Reel ?
What do the "Pros" usually use ?
Why ?
What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each ?
etc. ?
Thanks,
Bob
JeziHogg reply :
You can do anything from casting heavy to super light baits with either or. The only advantage I can think of with a spinning rod is the ability to open the bail and let the bait drop, a lot more convenient then having to loosen the spool tension knob to let it drop on a baitcaster.
gulfcaptain reply :
spinning pros: lighter lures, lighter line applications. Cons:larger reels vs bait casters. heavier reels, less line capacity, less control(flipping/pitching), line twist.
Baitcaster pros: less weight, more line capacity, better control (flip/pitch), heavier drag, more options(gear ratio), less line twist, manages heavier lines better, handles heavy lures with a smaller sized reel vs spinning.
Cons: Doesn't handle lighter lures very well, not very good with light lines (under 6lb test), harder to learn to cast,
Those are my lists of pros and cons, but feel both have a place and time and often have both set ups with me when I'm fishing.
FirstnameLastname reply :
Gulf captain hit the nail on the head. I would however would like to add to it. As far as when to use each I find I really prefer my broadcaster in two situations, when it's cold and I have to jig of the bottom "better control with a broadcaster", or when it's hot as an oven and I'm throwing big poppers, keyword big. This is once again due to the superior control.
aavery2 reply :
I always like how this question turns out.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
I dont care what pros use ..all i know is i use both spinning and casting and proficiate with both and each has a time and place .i see many ppl say they dont use spinning anymoore like they are trying to set a status symbol to other anglers .all i care about is catchin fish .not about impressing others.fish on dudes. Btw spinnings reels have stronger drags then baitcasters some 4000 size ones have 40 lbs of drag .
gulfcaptain reply :
On 6/28/2014 at 5:39 AM, Maxximus Redneckus said:I dont care what pros use ..all i know is i use both spinning and casting and proficiate with both and each has a time and place .i see many ppl say they dont use spinning anymoore like they are trying to set a status symbol to other anglers .all i care about is catchin fish .not about impressing others.fish on dudes
it was a pros vs cons question, not what pros fish with vs what cons use....lol But yes both set ups have a time and place and use both as catching fish is the main goal of why I'm out there too and people that choose to not use spinning rods I believe do so because they have never really learned how to finesse fish when the fishing is tough.
hoosierbass07 reply :
I like spinning reels far more than baitcasters because you can cast very light lures to heavy lures (within reason) with a spinning reel. I have four or five spinning reels all with six to ten pound line. I have one baitcaster with twelve pound line. If you use 4-10 pound mono line I would stick with spinning reels. But if you want to use heavier mono line I would go with a baitcaster. I think baitcasters are made for heavy line. Of course you can use heavy braid with a spinning reel.
One of the biggest drawbacks with baitcasters is backlashing. I never get backlashing with my spinning reels unless some weeds are clogging up my rod eyes. But with a baitcaster you always have to pay attention to how you cast. Using a baitcaster is sort like walking a tightrope ten feet above the ground with no net.
Another thing is cost. You can buy a decent spinning reel at low cost. But if you want a decent baitcaster you have to spend more money. Cheap spinning reels can work. Cheap baitcasters - junk.
tcbass reply :
I think baitcasters are more better for a heavier set up. If you want to use a heavy spinning gear set up it gets quite large, while a baitcaster can be smaller but still handle bigger lines, lures, and rod weights.
As you go up in spinning rod size the reels get considerably larger. Not so the case with baitcasting gear.
With spinning gear it is harder to fight a big fish I feel because the reel is farther away from the rod, while with a baitcasting rod it's right on the rod.
I use baitcasting for 80% of my fishing and I only use spinning gear for the other 20%. I use spinning gear for only Senko's or like Zoom Flukes. Everything else, topwater, frogs, jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and such I use baitcasting.
Raul reply :
There are several members that fish exclusively with spinning gear, Snook is one and catches tons of interesting size fish with spinning gear, Fish Chris has caught more 10 + lbers than any member in this forum with spinning gear. So, yes, you can fish the rest of your life without ever needing a BC reel.
J Francho reply :
Hammer vs. Screwdriver, which is better? They are different tools. Pros and Joes use the right tool for the job.
LMB KING reply :
I use spinning gear 80% of the time. 15% fly gear and 5% baitcaster. The most versatile gear is a spinning outfit. people say baitcasters are for heavier stuff but other people have caught world record catches with spinning gear and fly gear so thats far from the truth. People use fly and spinning gear outfit for 1000+ pound fish, so calling fly gear and spinning gear only light and finesse is a understatement. And just like baitcasters, theirs different size in spinning and fly to get the job done. So its the same across the board. Its all about preference.
PersicoTrotaVA reply :
I have 4 baitcasting combos and 1 spinning combo. For me it's what works better for the situation. I'm usually pitching and flipping and doing that with a spinning combo can get taxing on my wrist. I fish wacky rig a lot so I have my spinning combo next to me always. I'd never try it with any of my baitcasting combos, it just wouldn't feel right.
I caught my PB on a spinning combo before I had all my baitcasters. 5'6 Ugly Stik with a 1.0 KVD squarebill, 5.64lbs. They both work and have their uses in certain situations or fishing styles, but sometimes its just what you have and you have to make it work.
BadBassWV reply :
I think when you use baitcasters you just look "Cooler", Like fishing from a bass boat VS. A Pond Prowler. The main thing is to look good doing it, what ever your doing. LOL
tcbass reply :
On 6/28/2014 at 7:45 AM, LMB KING said:I use spinning gear 80% of the time. 15% fly gear and 5% baitcaster. The most versatile gear is a spinning outfit. people say baitcasters are for heavier stuff but other people have caught world record catches with spinning gear and fly gear so thats far from the truth. People use fly and spinning gear outfit for 1000+ pound fish, so calling fly gear and spinning gear only light and finesse is a understatement. And just like baitcasters, theirs different size in spinning and fly to get the job done. So its the same across the board. Its all about preference.
I think it's easier to make baitcasting light for heavier gear. A spinning outfit gets pretty big quick to match it. Try casting one of those big spinning outfits. It's hard.
The people who use big spinning outdoors are usually saltwater fishing vertically with no casting.
If spinning gear was of comparable size to bait casters I think you'd see a lot more pros using them.
Try pulling a big bass with grass out of the slop. It's a lot easier with a baitcasting set up then if is of a comparable sized spinning outfit.
Darren. reply :
Ah this question again! Not the first time asked, won't be the last.
I like and use both. I do not like my gear big and heavy, so spinning gear is mostly 1000 size reels, and they work fantastic for all bass fishing I've done with them, even in thick cover. Caught many a 6 pounder and up with 1000 size Shimano Stradics.
On the bait casting side I like small, light. So I now use Shimano Chronarch 50e models. Have some others, but those are the ones I use most of the time when BC'ing.
Like JFrancho said, they're tools that do different jobs. I agree with that, but the way I fish them, I do a lot of similar techniques with each. I can throw light baits - I threw 1/16oz + 2" tiny minnows on my BC last week. Granted not far, but far enough to get to where the fish were.
These things can be done with practice. I really like using BCs, but don't think they're absolutely necessary. Especially for "weekend anglers" like me. I don't fish tourneys, so I don't need a massive arsenal of rods/reels (and I don't really want a massive arsenal of such).
And I also agree that there's a cool element to BCs for some. Won't go into why I think that way, though. Either way you slice it, both will get the bass into your boat.
einscodek reply :
On 6/28/2014 at 9:16 PM, BadBassWV said:I think when you use baitcasters you just look "Cooler", Like fishing from a bass boat VS. A Pond Prowler. The main thing is to look good doing it, what ever your doing. LOL
Birdnestin' lookin good?
Jrob78 reply :
This thread is as dumb today as it was a week ago when it last came up.
JickleFish reply :
On 6/28/2014 at 7:45 AM, LMB KING said:I use spinning gear 80% of the time. 15% fly gear and 5% baitcaster. The most versatile gear is a spinning outfit. people say baitcasters are for heavier stuff but other people have caught world record catches with spinning gear and fly gear so thats far from the truth. People use fly and spinning gear outfit for 1000+ pound fish, so calling fly gear and spinning gear only light and finesse is a understatement. And just like baitcasters, theirs different size in spinning and fly to get the job done. So its the same across the board. Its all about preference.
Yeah, but those 1000+ pound are are not bass. This is a bass fishing site.
LMB KING reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 3:52 AM, JickleFish said:Yeah, but those 1000+ pound are are not bass. This is a bass fishing site.
Do you know how to read? guess not. repeating myself again. I said I use spinning gear 80% of the time because is very versatile. people say baitcasters are better for heavier stuff but people catch big fish up to 1000+ pound on fly and spinning gear, so calling spinning gear and fly gear finesse is an understatement.
Slipknot_Fan666 reply :
I stick with baitcasters. I can throw a lighter lure a little farther with a baitcaster and I can throw a heavy lure way farther. Not to mention the different gear ratios, more smooth retrieve, heavier drag, they're lighter, more fun to use, etc. That's just my opinion, but then again I never gave spinning reels much of a chance.
WRB reply :
Most bass anglers prefer to use traditional baitcasting tackle and use spinning tackle only when fishing light (4-8#) line presentations.
When you use light weight lures 1/8 oz or less it can be difficult to make accurate casts with a baitcaster, lot easier with spinning tackle.
Baiticasting reel is more accurate with 3/16 and up weight lures and bass fishing is often about making accurate cast. It is also difficult to keep in contact with your lure using spinning tackle because you can't feel the line as easy as a baitcaster.
The only pro angler I know of who using spinning tackle exclusively is Gary Yamamoto, all others go with baitcasting first, spinning second.
Tom
BadBassWV reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 3:32 AM, Jrob78 said:This thread is as dumb today as it was a week ago when it last came up.
This says it all!!!
Darren. reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 3:32 AM, Jrob78 said:This thread is as dumb today as it was a week ago when it last came up.
On 6/29/2014 at 7:17 AM, BadBassWV said:This says it all!!!
Come on guys, ease up. Not everyone is at the same place with searching skills, questions, or fishing skills. These questions come up all the time, and always will!
Darren. reply :
On 6/28/2014 at 8:44 PM, PersicoTrotaVA said:I have 4 baitcasting combos and 1 spinning combo. For me it's what works better for the situation. I'm usually pitching and flipping and doing that with a spinning combo can get taxing on my wrist. I fish wacky rig a lot so I have my spinning combo next to me always. I'd never try it with any of my baitcasting combos, it just wouldn't feel right.
I caught my PB on a spinning combo before I had all my baitcasters. 5'6 Ugly Stik with a 1.0 KVD squarebill, 5.64lbs. They both work and have their uses in certain situations or fishing styles, but sometimes its just what you have and you have to make it work.
In response to what I highlighted in blue, I hear you, but in my own experience, I actually use my baitcaster(s) for wacky fishing quite a lot now. With the Chronarch 50e I can throw some light rigs (coupled with the right rod). The best rod I've got for this purpose is a 6' MF Field & Stream rod I bought at DSG several years back. It lets me throw some very light baits, but when I catch (and I caught my PB with it - 7 1/2 lber in thick salad), it has plenty of backbone.
For stuff like the tiny fluke - weightless wacky is only done with a spinning outfit for me. But I've gone as light as a weightless 4.75" Zoom Finesse Worm on my BC combo. Not a long distance cast, mind you, but for kayak fishing, I get it to where I want it.
Just FWIW. To each his/her own. We all have preferences and such.
LMB KING reply :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PRQmwx8KAQ
tcbass reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 9:15 AM, DarrenM said:
Come on guys, ease up. Not everyone is at the same place with searching skills, questions, or fishing skills. These questions come up all the time, and always will!
+1
PersicoTrotaVA reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 9:51 AM, DarrenM said:In response to what I highlighted in blue, I hear you, but in my own experience, I actually use my baitcaster(s) for wacky fishing quite a lot now. With the Chronarch 50e I can throw some light rigs (coupled with the right rod). The best rod I've got for this purpose is a 6' MF Field & Stream rod I bought at DSG several years back. It lets me throw some very light baits, but when I catch (and I caught my PB with it - 7 1/2 lber in thick salad), it has plenty of backbone.
For stuff like the tiny fluke - weightless wacky is only done with a spinning outfit for me. But I've gone as light as a weightless 4.75" Zoom Finesse Worm on my BC combo. Not a long distance cast, mind you, but for kayak fishing, I get it to where I want it.
Just FWIW. To each his/her own. We all have preferences and such.
Good to know and thanks for the input! I have never tried it with a baitcaster combo. I like to feel as much as possible and the line hanging off the rod instead of sitting on top of it helps me do that, or at least it does in my head. I am fishing a tournament tomorrow and I just tied a 1/8 oz wacky jighead to my 6'6 MHF baitcaster I use for lighter jigs and T-rigged and mojo rigged plastics. Thanks again for the input boss, I'll report how I like it. Thanks again for the input!
JickleFish reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 4:05 AM, LMB KING said:Do you know how to read? guess not. repeating myself again. I said I use spinning gear 80% of the time because is very versatile. people say baitcasters are better for heavier stuff but people catch big fish up to 1000+ pound on fly and spinning gear, so calling spinning gear and fly gear finesse is an understatement.
LMB KING reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 12:40 PM, JickleFish said:
Sorry if i came off as an *** but theirs a lot of people here that are haters so i reacted as if you were one of them. No bad intentions.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I like spinning reels for what they're good for and baitcasters for what they're good for 
hoosierbass07 reply :
Spinning reels are from Mars and Baitcasters are from Venus. Or is it the other way around? 
I do want to say I love how spinning reels look. I love how the line comes off the spool and then close the bail and then wind in the line perfectly. I love watching the bail go round and round. My five Shimano and one Daiwa spinning reels are like works of art in my eyes equal to the greatest paintings from Rembrandt and Monet.
K_Mac reply :
Yes it is a question that comes up often. It is almost always the same; some who strongly prefer one or the other will get defensive and we get the divisive sort of replies that suggest anyone who disagree just doesn't really understand. Like J Franco and the vast majority of other bass anglers, I use both. Most of us prefer baitcasters for techniques that require heavier line and faster speeds and spinning for light line "finesse" fishing.That is a fact that some seem to find find disturbing. With a little skill and the right line and power either one will do, but most of us go with what is generally considered to be the right tool for the job. There are those who punch with spinning and those who dropshot on light line with baitcast, and while most of us don't, if that is what makes you happy good for you.
Here is the real truth regarding spinning v. baitcasting: Most of us will tell you why we use one or the other, and don't really care what you use. It's all good.
BadBassWV reply :
Here is the real truth regarding spinning v. baitcasting: Most of us will tell you why we use one or the other, and don't really care what you use. It's all good.
What He said..
No disrespect to the original OP, It just always seems that it turns into an argument over who is right and who is wrong.
For some reason, with a spinning outfit I cast with my right hand and reel with my left. Baitcaster I cast with my right hand pass the rod to my left and reel with my right hand. I am right handed and throwing a baitcaster just seems more natural to me.
I use both there is no right or wrong!!
And again no disrespect meant to anybody.
tcbass reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 4:08 PM, hoosierbass07 said:Spinning reels are from Mars and Baitcasters are from Venus. Or is it the other way around?
I do want to say I love how spinning reels look. I love how the line comes off the spool and then close the bail and then wind in the line perfectly. I love watching the bail go round and round. My five Shimano and one Daiwa spinning reels are like works of art in my eyes equal to the greatest paintings from Rembrandt and Monet.
What ones do you have?
aavery2 reply :
cake with a lady in the middle, cake with a guy in the middle, and cake with cake in the middle for everyone that loves them some cake. Just Sayin.......
Alonerankin2 reply :
Yum.... Cake!
hoosierbass07 reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 10:35 PM, tcbass said:What ones do you have?
Three Shimano Sahara reels, on Symetre, one Shimano cheap one from Walmart that I forget what it's called and one Daiwa Lexa. My one baitcaster is a Shimano Chronarch. Funny thing, I bought the Chronarch last summer when I was still a newbie to fishing. I quickly realized how much easier spinning reels are to master. I didn't use the Chronarch much at all last year because my spinning reels could do all I wanted.
This summer I decided I want to use my Chronarch a little so I got it out and this time put it on a cheap Abu Garcia six foot six inch rod and to my surprise I can cast half way decent with it. I even put on a light weight Strike King KDV crankbait and I could cast it using twelve pound line almost as good as I could using my spinning reel using eight pound line.
JickleFish reply :
On 6/29/2014 at 1:18 PM, LMB KING said:Sorry if i came off as an *** but theirs a lot of people here that are haters so i reacted as if you were one of them. No bad intentions.
Personally, I have much more exp. with a spin, rather than casting
kickerfish1 reply :
I would just strongly avoid the opinions of the guys that exclusively fish one type over the other claiming that the other isn't necessary. Best advice would be to decide what techniques you desire to fish, what size baits you intend to use, the amount of cover present, size of fish, and then research what most folks or even pros prefer to use to accomplish said techniques. Can I drop shot on a two powered casting rod, a core 50mg, and 8# line? Can I toss a spro frog on 6'9 medium action spinning rod? The answers are yes but preference and results have led me to align my setups in a way that gives me maximim results based on preference. You could technically build an entire arsenal of outfits that are either 100% spinning or 100% casting to cover every possible bass technique. I think you would find by trial and error that your catch ratio and overall comfort factor may lead you to strongly like or dislike one over the other for a certain technique or weight of bait. If you were asked to fish 10 setups all spinning in one year and 10 all casting the next year to cover all weights and popular bass techniques I am sure you would have a good preference established. If asked to pick 10 rods from the spinning and casting pile to fish with in year 3 "most" would have picked a combination of spinning and casting even if the % of each is skewed strongly either way. I have found that I am generally 70% casting and 30% spinning except in early spring and late fall where more light line finesse techniques come into play...
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