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Baitcasters feature a rotating spool that’s attached to the top of the fishing rod. The spool then rotates when the handle on the side of the reel is turned. This process spools line onto the reel for you to cast with.
Spinning reels, on the other hand, work differently. They are attached to the bottom of the fishing rod, and the spool does not rotate. A bail arm will rotate around the spool instead, spooling the line onto the spool.
You can rotate the bail arm by turning the handle on the side of the reel, creating the spinning motion the reel gets its name from.
So how do you catch lures with these reels? With a baitcaster, the spool is released and rotates at high speed, which will release the line during the cast. The ball bearing system allows the line to unwind, rotating smoothly and quickly during the cast.
Spinning reels work differently, and the bail arm folds back, allowing the line to slip off the reel, and there is no rotating while casting, as we see with baitcasters.
Basic Uses
Well, both baitcasters and spinning reels are fairly versatile and come with a wide range of applications.
Baitcasters are used for light spin fishing, surf casting, big game fishing, and anything in between! They are typically used in North America when anglers fish in freshwater for bass, and we often see this as lure casting for bass.
Spinning reels also have a range of uses, from spin fishing and surfcasting to offshore fishing. However, these reels tend not to be used for heavy applications.
For those looking to do big game fishing, you would be better suited to baitcasters that usually handle the heavier loads.
Bass Fishing
Both reels will work fine for bass fishing; this choice comes down to specific applications and your personal preference. Baitcasters tend to be the preferred choice as they offer better casting accuracy.
As bass are often near thick cover, you need pinpoint accuracy to get your lure in the right place to catch them, which is harder to achieve with a spinning reel!
For those bass fishing from a kayak or a boat, you might be fishing close to the shore. In these cases, you will need to stop the lure before it hits the shore, and the best way to do that is with a baitcasting reel!
The beginners in the room will find it easier to start with a spinning reel, despite the advantages of baitcasters. Spinning reels are easier to use, and you will still be able to catch plenty of fish and enjoy yourself while you do!
Casting Distance
When it comes to casting distance, the baitcaster is the better reel! You can expect a baitcaster to cast much longer distances than a spinning reel, making them the reel of choice for many anglers!
If you team your surfcasting baitcaster with the right rod and can control the spool rotation during the cast, you are sure to achieve record casting distances!
When we look at baitcasters in this respect, they outperform spinning reels. Thanks to its longer distances, many anglers prefer a casting reel over a spinning reel that comes in handy when surf fishing.
Pros and Cons Of Each
Baitcasting Reels Pros
- Lighter than spinning reels and easy to handle
- Durable and stand the test of time
- Able to cast for long distances
- Very accurate when casting
- Capable of handling heavy lures
- Larger models have the higher line capacity
Baitcasting Reels Cons
- Tricky to use, especially for beginners
- Not the best for casting light lures
- Usually more expensive than spinning reels
- Greater chances of backlash when casting
- Need to adjust spool tension for different sized lures
Spinning Reels Pros
- Easy to use
- Cheaper and more affordable than baitcasting reels
- Versatile
- Easy to change the spool
- Maintenance is simple and easy to do
- Perfect for casting ultralight lures
- No backlash when casting
Spinning Reels Cons
- Not the best for heavy lures
- Struggles with big game fish
- Not very durable compared to baitcasters
- Quite heavy, especially when compared to baitcasters
- Less accurate and have a lower casting distance than baitcasters
Conclusion
Spinning reels are affordable, versatile, and easy to use, making them a fantastic choice for beginners and a great general reel for more experienced anglers.
Baitcasters, on the other hand, come with higher price tags and can be more challenging to master. They come with far better accuracy and distance, making them a wonderful choice for experienced anglers that want to use these reels for specific applications.
When choosing between the two, be sure to consider what you want from your reel and your budget to help make your decision.