Spinning Reel VS. Bait Casting Reel

[Fish_Bait111397]

Going to bass pro shops this weekend to do some shopping.
My last question is what is better for bass fishing?
I've always used spinning reels, and was tought how to use
a bait caster last summer while fishing at the skoke.
What reel will come more in handy? Do baitcasters have advantages
that spinning reels dont? Vice versa? What brands are good for
each reel? Reel models? I have $200+ to spend.
Thanks in advance guys.
Spinning vs. BaitCasting

[Anonymous]

Regardless what ANYBODY says, they both work. Depends what YOU like. And depends what YOU want to use.

Now, one type will work better for a given use than the other, but they both will work for the same use, usually/most of the time.

And there are professional fishermen on the pro trails that use spinning for almost every technique that they do.

So don't think you HAVE to use one over the other for everything.

[Fish-N-Fool]

Both have their time and place where it shines over the other. I have 5 Baitcasters in my boat and 7 spinning outfits. I use the rod/reel combo that best suites how I want to fish. I just bought a special rod/ reel (Shimano Simitar 8'6" MH with Curado E7) just to fish swimbaits. I use another one of my baitcast rods for all my spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. I use another casting rod for larger crankbaits. I use a 6' light action spinning outfit for my dropshot rod and a another 6'6" MH spinning rod for skip casting my Sink-N-Fool baits into and under heavy cover. I use another 6'6" for fishing tubes. I have a 7'6" M action spinning rod for throwing light crankbaits.
In general if all you do is flip get a heavy action baitcaster, if all you do is dropshot get a light action spinning out fit

With all that being said If I could only have one rod it would must definitely be a 6'6" MH Spinning outfit.

[The HAWG HUNTER]

I grew up on spinning gear and did very well until the mid 90's when a buddy taught me to use the bait caster, I haven't went back but thats me. Others like the spinning reel for the easy way it works. The feel of the bait caster is hard to beat when bass fishing. Good luck and like AMX said get what you feel better using.

[BassDood]

What those guys said. You should get a lot of responses. Go with what you are comfortable fishing with. They all have a time and place based on lures, technique, etc. Confusing, I know

[Fish_Bait111397]

Thanks Guys !

[dicinu]

I have both I like them both best is what you use it for as i believe they have better advantages for certian applications will both work in all applications yes just certian times one will outshine the other.

for example out here I am not used to fishing around all these trees as you know in AZ and NV we do not have alot of trees to dodge where a spinning reel comes in better for me than a casting reel. that also could be I am still working on my bait caster skills.

[Meeks9591]

They both serve a purpose eventually. I use spinning rods for all my finesse setups, which I have very few of. Everything else I use a baitcaster. If you want a decent reel for a good price go for the Abu Garcia black max. If you want a great reel for a heftier price, get the Shimano Citica or the Curado.

[Fish_Bait111397]

They both serve a purpose eventually. I use spinning rods for all my finesse setups, which I have very few of. Everything else I use a baitcaster. If you want a decent reel for a good price go for the Abu Garcia black max. If you want a great reel for a heftier price, get the Shimano Citica or the Curado.

If I was to get a baitcaster, the black max was my first choice.


Thanks for the help guys.

[fishingmachine]

I use spinning for finesse rigs and skipping senkos and such. Everything else goes on baitcaster. I use Curados and Citicas. The curados r great.

[Fish-N-Fool]

The only baitcaster I would even consider is the Shimano curado . I just pick up a new E7 which is one sweet reel for 142 bucks off ebay and freeeeeeee shipping!! Killer reel, killer deal !

[Eoso]

Like some others, I leave the spinning setups for anywhere from super light tubes/worms to dropshot. For everything else I use a baitcaster. As you may have seen on the river, some people use baitcasters to get a longer drift by freespooling. Some guys flip with jigs without engaging the reel and feel the spool, allowing the bass to fully take in the hook. You'll find what you like eventually. Besides all of that, baitcast rods have different actions than their spinning counterparts. Their tips have different actions and their power down the butt is different even though they are made for a similar presentation. I would take that into account as well.

[tnj8222]

I use both. But 75 percent of the time im power fishing with a bc.

[lonnie197272]

With the money you have to spend why not get a combo in both. There are several decent combos for under $100 that way your covered for finese and power fishing. JMO Always good to get more for the money.

[bob johansen]

I always carry both spinning and casting outfits when I bass fish. I would never use a bait casting outfit for casting Rapalas or a spinning outfit for casting a 3/8 ounce jig.

[Bigbass Dez]

I follow a very simple rule .. 8lb test or lighter line goes on a spinning reel ..10lb test and higher goes on a Baitcaster !

[Fish_Bait111397]

Thanks for the help guys !!