Hey everyone. Right now I have one rod, a Shakespeare spinning combo. I always see people using baitcasters for heavier lures. Is a baitcaster NEEDED for using lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, poppers, frogs, jigs, jerk baits, and other heavier lures? If you use them on a spinning rod, will it affect their appearance and their performance compared to using them on a baitcaster? Will you catch more fish using these lures on a baitcaster rather them on a spinning setup? I'm wondering this because I want to fish these lures but don't want to spend extra money on a baitcaster if I don't have to. I would appreciate all of your comments, opinions, and input. Thank you, and have fun fishing!

No.

Nope just preference. You'll catch more fish by learning to fish what ever you fish with better. Some advantages to each spinning and casting, but either will do anything you need to do and catch fish.

I didn't know I needed a baitcaster until I spent some time here on BR.  I'm glad I made the adjustment, but I did just fine for 8 or 9 years without one.

I believe that it's not a either/or issue.  I always carry two spinning outfits and four baitcasters.  The baitcasters are, in my view, faster fishing, i.e. more casts per hour, than the spinning gear.  Let me hasten to add that I understand it's not necessarily the number of casts but the placement that counts.  Also, until I discovered braid I was always struggling with line twist on the spinning gear which has never been a problem on the baitcaster.  And, here in the Missouri winds, on a windy day the baitcaster just does a better job for me.  However, when it comes to pitching to specific spots, skipping lures, fishing light shakey heads or senkos, I always go to the spinning gear.  And, generally it's just more fun to catch a big bass on lighter spinning gear than to winch one in on the baitcaster.

Ok these answers really help me out!

I use spinning gear a lot more than baitcasters, because I believe that they are more versatile. Of course some people will argue that point, but it comes down to personal preference.

Do you really need a B/C to cast the baits you mentioned..... No. But if you learned to use a B/C  just for the sake of increasing your skill set, you will never throw the baits you mentioned with a spinner again...  

Do you really need a B/C to cast the baits you mentioned..... No. But if you learned to use a B/C  just for the sake of increasing your skill set, you will never throw the baits you mentioned with a spinner again...

What he said,

I never could get used to stopping lures where I wanted them to stop. With a BC I just stop it with my thumb.

Not necessary at all. I have 9 baitcasters and they rarely get used anymore. For the techniques and waters I fish, spinning rods are a better tool for the job. There's always at least 4 or 5 spinning rods rigged up on the deck and in the locker.

Absolutely not! I love fishing with spinning gear, and I love using a bait caster, but I'll take spinning gear any day or the week it's more versatile IMO but you don't NEED a baitcaster are they fun to throw once you get used to them yeah sure and is it a good idea to increase skills of course but deffinatly not needed.

You can using spinning or a baitcaster, use what you want or like, I use both... They both are great tools

Just like a car isn't necessary to get you to work, a baitcaster isn't necessary to fish either. But once you start to use one effectively you'll understand why all the pros and most bassfishermen use them too.

Dont chuck 8 inch hudds on a spinning reel. I learned that the hard way years ago haha!!!! Costly lesson to say the least.