Did I interpret this correctly? The drag on your spinning real averages heavier than 8#, what size reel and line would you be using? I don't think a spinning reel winches, the line is wrapped around the spool. I'm not much of technical kind of guy, I just reel the fish in.

Most 2500 size spinning reels have between 10-15lb drags. The spool diameter allows for larger washers than a typical casting reel. I've found that most spinners are every bit as powerful as a baitcaster, but the design doesn't handle heavy line as well.

Winches maybe isn't the right term.  But they have no power problem popping for GT's or spazz jigging down there in Miami for your monster fish.  More drag for sure except maybe the newer low profile casters with the humongo HEG gear boxes.  But do their drags stay 22#'s? Not from what I've experienced, the Revo's especially lose their big drag ability quick, as noted by many on alantani or tackletour.   Most of todays notion of a baitcaster being a powerhouse is manifested by fishermen loading them with what used to be big game sized line, putting them on broomsticks, making a cast all of 20 yards and dragging a tiny fish over a mat of grass.

Spinning as far as Bass fishing is for light line, light bait presentations... And is Funner! I always

Used spinning in salt, brackish , intercostal , even

Pits, In the Osceola.. I enjoy spinning more... They are just as capable as baitcasters for almost all species of fishes.... I enjoy baitcasters.... Shimano makes the most reliable to me... Tournaments demand hundreds of clutch engagements, re-engagements... Thereby just have become very reliable for 500 to 700 throws a day...( not so fun) I enjoy both but I wanna catch fish... I tend to enjoy spinning much more than baitcasting... I feel like I overpower smaller fish with B/C ... The mechanical advantage of baitcasting reels cannot be denied... Funner joy of fighting fish on spinning cannot be denied!

Most 2500 size spinning reels have between 10-15lb drags. The spool diameter allows for larger washers than a typical casting reel. I've found that most spinners are every bit as powerful as a baitcaster, but the design doesn't handle heavy line as well.

This is true but I've never considered heavy line.  Growing up in Michigan I was weened on all freshwater species using spinning, long before I was a braid user.  Line strength hasn't been much of an issue for me as I do understand how to use the drag, learning be a saltwater fisherman taught me to trust my reels.  The salt has improved my freshwater fishing 10 fold.  At least from the standpoint of landing fish, I never get intimidated by the size of a fish.  Panic or over excitement is what loses fish, not the equipment.