ive wanted to learn this for a while. what is better a baitcaster or a spinning reel? and what are the main differences?

This will largely be a choice of your lure and conditions.....but most of all experience level if you have never used a baitcaster....Most all truly avid anglers will swear by a baitcaster (given the right lure weight and scenario), but they have their drawbacks........casting light lures, and casting into the wind (without experience!!)..Personally, i always use a spinning reel (shimano saros 3000), and love it........the baitcaster is admittedly better if experienced with it and using the right lure weight...if you are a novice and use only one setup with varying lure weights (from really light to heavy) a spinner is the way to go.  They do have their drawbacks as well, such as line twist!  Better spinners don't have the problem as much, but it is inherent.