bassaddict

Which is better?

Or, is it just a matter of personal preference?

I've only used spinning reels all my life, so I feel very comfortable with them.

Tried using baitcasting reel once, and found it awkward. I keep getting backlash. I noticed that it was also hard to cast, and hard to target. However, this can be solved by practice.

I'm planning to buy another reel for bass fishing, and I'm thinking of getting a baitcasting reel because I want to try something new.

Any thoughts on this?

Troutski

I am going through the same thing, I have a level wind to use but it isn't really designed for that application. I am leaning toward the bait caster reel for the challenge if nothing else. With the new brake systems and thumb thingamabobs I think it will be challenging but very rewarding in the end.
Do have a very soft spot in my heart for the Spinning reel and rod though

Chuck

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Practice C.P.R. (Catch Photograph and Release)

chris61182

I was in that position a couple of years ago when I was given a couple of baitcaster setups for salmon/steelhead fishing. I was able to quickly get to the point where I was no longer getting backlashes, was semi-accurate, and had decent distance to my casts.

But even now after many years of practice I'm still substantially more accurate with the spinning reel, and most of the time I'm looking at similar to better casting distance with the spinning reel too. As a matter of fact the only real advantage I can find is that there's much less wear and tear on your pointer finger when casting heavy lures/weights, especially with braided line, on a baitcaster.

Of course over the years I have added another baitcaster or two to my collection because I enjoy the challenge of trying something different every now and again.

cavdad45

Both spinning reels and baitcasters have their rightful place in bass fishing.

The spinning reel is the choice for finesse fishing; drop-shotting, splitshotting, small jigs and grubs, and in some cases topwater minnows provided there is not a bunch of cover close by to tangle you up and break off.

The baitcaster is the workhorse of bass fishing; spinnerbaits, jigs, Texas-rigged worms, crankbaits, etc. It's the powerhouse when fishing in heavy cover because it acts like a winch to yard out a bass whose only desire is to dig in deeper.

The decision of which to use can also be based upon line size and lure size. With line over 10lbs, the baitcaster is supreme. 8lb or less, use the spinning reel. Lure size can also determine which to reel to use. At 5/16oz or more, I prefer the baitcaster. 1/8oz or less, I use the spinning reel. In between is gray area determined by line size and cover.

These are my preferences, but they work for me. I use a baitcaster 80% of the time and only use my spinning rig for dropshotting and finesse work. I prefer the power of baitcasters.

JTLunker

What Cavdad said. Spin is easier but baitcasters handle the big ones much better.

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JT

FISH ON!!!!

Fishtracker

To me, spin gear is good only when you need it for very small baits.

A small quality baitcaster will cast a 4" Senco w/o any weight. Any lighter than that, I use spin gear.

I use baitcaster 99.9% of the time.

Rich