Bait cast reel vs a Spinning reel
- Thread starter Ironworker
- Start date
I think the major things have been said.
In the medium weight range where spinning and bc tackle overlap, I tend toward spinning myself and switch to BC at 10lb mono or equivalent diameter in braid.
Those digital spool control Shimano BCs are magic. You don’t need to thumb the reel and it works casting into or with the wind. It’s amazing technology if you don’t mind spending the coin. But I’m sure the serious fishermen will scoff at that.
In the medium weight range where spinning and bc tackle overlap, I tend toward spinning myself and switch to BC at 10lb mono or equivalent diameter in braid.
Those digital spool control Shimano BCs are magic. You don’t need to thumb the reel and it works casting into or with the wind. It’s amazing technology if you don’t mind spending the coin. But I’m sure the serious fishermen will scoff at that.
Don't know if cost is a factor for you but good quality bait casters with all the tech are more expensive than spinners. I have about 6 of each plus fly gear. for pure fun bluegills on a fly rig is hard to beat.
Conventional reels have advantages over spinning reels. Conventional reels have increased line capacity, and the way line is retrieved do not end up with line memory issue. Conventional reels do take a smart thumb, or you will end with Backlash. With a lever drag system, usually have a much better drag system.
Coffee Grinders typically lighter gear trains and a less refined drag system. Unless the line is below the curve of the spool front edge, the line comes off in clumps. If you get bit while trying to untangle the mess, you needs to get your fingers out of the way. If you use braided line, it can slice your fingers before you are aware.
Coffee Grinders typically lighter gear trains and a less refined drag system. Unless the line is below the curve of the spool front edge, the line comes off in clumps. If you get bit while trying to untangle the mess, you needs to get your fingers out of the way. If you use braided line, it can slice your fingers before you are aware.
CaptainMal
Silver $$ Contributor
Spinning reels are for beginners or those wanting to cast far.
For bigger fish, bottom fishing, bass fishing in particular and general use the bait casting reel rules. It does take some practice and experience to use.
For bigger fish, bottom fishing, bass fishing in particular and general use the bait casting reel rules. It does take some practice and experience to use.
They each have a place in fishing, especially with certain types of lures. But overall, if you can not master the Bait caster reel for smooth and lack of bird nest's in the line, go with a Spinning reel, you will find you will use it 90 % of the overall time fishing.
I used to bass fish. I always used a bait caster. 20 lb. test. Get your drag set and keep your thumb on the spool . Youll learn after a birdnest or two. Set the drag a little tight till ya get used to it youll be fine. No I used to flip with 20 used 12 to cast. Doug
6BRA
Gold $$ Contributor
Wrong.....
I learned on a Pflueger Supreme BC reel. Lots of bird nests till I figured it out , kind of. Used it for walleye fishing when Grandad and I would go to Minnesota or for catfishing. 20 lb camo braided line.
Spinning reels otherwise, but now have a fly setup I am going to try.
Spinning reels otherwise, but now have a fly setup I am going to try.
Fast14riot
Gold $$ Contributor
One thing I figured out years ago with baitcaster reels, being right handed I buy left hand reels. No clue why bass fishermen want to trade hands every single cast.
Nice thing about spinning reels, its much easier to change line with just a spool swap. They also cast better on shorter rod lengths if fishing overgrown river banks.
But, like golf clubs and rifles, each has their uses. Sure one can do most, but it won't do everything well.
Nice thing about spinning reels, its much easier to change line with just a spool swap. They also cast better on shorter rod lengths if fishing overgrown river banks.
But, like golf clubs and rifles, each has their uses. Sure one can do most, but it won't do everything well.
Like rockhound78 I learned using a Pflueger Supreme. I also have used many Ambassador's fishing steelhead and salmon. Most of the salmon fishing was in rivers. I'd love to hook a fresh run Silver (Coho)
in a river, no fish fights harder. The secrete to using a BC reel is adjusting the casting drag to the amount of weight the bait and lead have. Use the rod to cast, instead of arm strength, each rod has it's own timing because stiffness and length. I'm not familiar with the newer BC reels, I quit fishing with bait or spoons 40+ years ago and just flyfished. Some of the older Ambassador reels didn't 'match' well with the light weight graphite rods. Also be sure the spool height is manageable for 'thumbing' for more drag casting and fighting a fish. I caught and released many late run Silvers during the Steelhead season. Thanks for the question and the memories my friend.
in a river, no fish fights harder. The secrete to using a BC reel is adjusting the casting drag to the amount of weight the bait and lead have. Use the rod to cast, instead of arm strength, each rod has it's own timing because stiffness and length. I'm not familiar with the newer BC reels, I quit fishing with bait or spoons 40+ years ago and just flyfished. Some of the older Ambassador reels didn't 'match' well with the light weight graphite rods. Also be sure the spool height is manageable for 'thumbing' for more drag casting and fighting a fish. I caught and released many late run Silvers during the Steelhead season. Thanks for the question and the memories my friend.
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
Ive learned that fly fishing should be called fly casting...They both work well. For smaller freshwater fish and trolling saltwater monsters, I prefer a baitcaster. Casting all day for bigger fish? I’ll take a spinning reel.
Now…….if you want to be a REAL fisherman……….learn the fly rod!
So I took a head count
6 of each
3 Abu Garcia 6500 C3 for trolling, plunking, drift fishing for salmon, my 3 lowpro reels I fish light line and wide open 9'6"- 10'6" rod
I can cast a 1/4oz and stay in the run with these combos as I freespool when fishing the river, something not easily done with a spinning out fit.
Spinning 5 Quantum Smokes, 2 are inshore reals, couple are set up for side drifting, couple set up for bobber dogging from a drift boat yet can cast a weightless slugo with ease.
1 Shimano Stridac on a 10' G-Loomis IMX my favorite spinning combo for steelhead and smaller, it's twin is a 10'6" IMX with a Shimano Castallic.
Both are fished with 8# line
6 of each
3 Abu Garcia 6500 C3 for trolling, plunking, drift fishing for salmon, my 3 lowpro reels I fish light line and wide open 9'6"- 10'6" rod
I can cast a 1/4oz and stay in the run with these combos as I freespool when fishing the river, something not easily done with a spinning out fit.
Spinning 5 Quantum Smokes, 2 are inshore reals, couple are set up for side drifting, couple set up for bobber dogging from a drift boat yet can cast a weightless slugo with ease.
1 Shimano Stridac on a 10' G-Loomis IMX my favorite spinning combo for steelhead and smaller, it's twin is a 10'6" IMX with a Shimano Castallic.
Both are fished with 8# line
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