Spinning reel versus Bait casting

[Stoneman]

I own a few good spinning reels but have been toying with the idea of a bait caster. I do use a line counter reel for trolling. Don't do much if any Bassin mostly walleye....We could get alot of line twists etc with spinning reels and none with bait casting reels, why would we not use all bait casting reels for everything?? What are pros and cons for each application?? Tks

[waterwolff]

A spinning reel setup is far more balanced in the hand making it the better choice for a rigging rod. You can cast lighter weighted baits further with a spinning reel.Just a couple of my thoughts.

MR

[8-Ball]

IMO a baitcaster is easier for trolling purposes-less tangles/line twists. But yes, spinning reels is obviously better for throwing jigs/lighter baits. 8-Ball

[Jim Almquist]

Most time when you are rigging you have the line across your finger to feel for the bite. Easy to do with a spinning reel but a lot tougher with a baitcaster.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Pros of baitcasting reels- less line twisting, handles heavy line much better than a spinning reel can, when one is comfortable with it casting accuracy is superior. Cons- they have a harder time handling light line (less than 8 lb.), they are harder to cast for a novice, they dont handle finesse presentations as well.

Im a mainly a bass guy and much prefer to use a baitcasting reel whenever possibly. When I go walleye fishing Ill use a baitcasting setup when trolling, pulling lindy rigs and bottom bouncers, casting heavy jigs and casting cranks but still use spinning setups to vertical jig, bobber fish, or lighter lindy rigs.

[SaintPaulPaul]

I often wondered the same thing, especially when I got int musky fishing. For large gamefish, baitcasters are the way to go because they offer much more torque than spinning reels, and can handle the heavy braided line. In smaller fish applications, I would use what you are comfotable with. Baitcasters will give you more problems like backlash, and have more moving parts to fail.

[slipperybob]

You never have to worry about the dreaded backlash casting into the wind with a spinning reel. Baitcasting, you have to get the right lure and set your reel just right for it.

[BobT]

If you're casting and retrieving a lot of heavy lures like for bass or musky I can see where the baitcaster would be the reel of choice but for jigging you want lighter equipment and that's where the spinning reel will be better.

Also, I think baitcasting reels are better for trolling, especially if you use the ones designed for downrigging or planer board rigging.

When fishing from shore using floating jigs on slip sinkers or letting bait lay on the bottom for cats I prefer spinning reels because I can leave the bail open and let the fish take it for a bit before setting the hook. A baitcaster won't work well for this because the spool will add resistance.

[reinhard1]

i just never got into bait casting reels for throwing lures around. i use spinning rods for everything on open water except one for trolling for trout with my portable downrigger. i also use a bait caster for ice fishing more and more now. good luck.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Pretty much everything has already been said. Baitcasters are more powerful, have higher gear ratios.. But are more difficult to cast if not used to doing it. ALso if just holding the reel rod, its more fatiguing to hold on to baitcaster as you also have to hold the reel on top of the rod, on spinning, gravity hold the reel underneath for you.