Since I was an early teen I started using Spinning Reels instead of the older closed faced Bait Casting Reel that I first learned how to fish with as a kid. But these days I see most Pro's using the newer day Bait Casting Reels instead of the Spinning which I thought was supposed to be the better type of reel. Can anybody tell me the the difference between the 2 and which is supposed to be the better real? Been thinking of buying a new Bait Casting Reel to give them a try.

There is no "better". They are both crucial to master.

I fish all types of reels. Used both spinning & BC a couple days ago. Basically use BC for heavier baits (1/2oz jigs, frogs, crankbaits) and spinning light stuff (weightless nightcrawlers, 1/16oz jigs, shaky worms the like). I have used spinning reels with frogs spinnerbaits CB and 1/8oz jigs, senko with BC.

Use both.

There is no "better". They are both crucial to master.

X2 !!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info. I'm going to but a Bait Castintg Reel and give it a try. Any good suggestions on a good first reel that is good for a starter but won't cost too much? I don't have a problem with paying more for good quality but just want something basic ti first get the feel of it.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to but a Bait Castintg Reel and give it a try. Any good suggestions on a good first reel that is good for a starter but won't cost too much? I don't have a problem with paying more for good quality but just want something basic ti first get the feel of it.

Expense is relative...

Good beginner reels:

Shimano Citica

Daiwa Exceler

BPS Pro Qual

Abu Garcia Revo S

If you look in the flea market you can probably find a nice reel to start with.

All about the right tool for the job.

Stingray23, on 06 April 2011 - 12:37 AM, said:

There is no "better". They are both crucial to master.

X3. Both are great rods and both are needed.

You have to be able to throw either one. I hate spinning reels and am forcing myself to use them more and more, especially for finesse fishing. But I still dislike them, but at least I now own a couple.

SJ

Expense is relative...

Good beginner reels:

Shimano Citica

Daiwa Exceler

BPS Pro Qual

Abu Garcia Revo S

If you look in the flea market you can probably find a nice reel to start with.

All about the right tool for the job.

Any one of those would be a good choice as I have a couple of the Daiwa Excelers myself and they perform well.

I went fishing with someone once who had this funny reel (a bc) on a windy day and he had more backlashes than good casts. I thought why would anyone want to use such a beast. But my curiosity, and quest for a challenge got the best of me. Now I love baitcasters. I have been using spinning reels longer, but I feel more comfortable on a bc and can do more with it because I spent time practicing off the water. I still have my spinning outfits and use them as well. Good luck. ps. get yourself a croche hook to pick out backlashes.

My position is that I want to use the easiest, most effective, most problem-free outfit for what I'm trying to do. That leads me to spinning for most jigging, especially light jigging, and for light lures. While I have used baitcasters for many years, and they continue to improve, they are not easy for me to use on lures less than about 1/4 oz. That's where spin comes in for me.

When casting all other lures above about 1/4 oz I use baitcasters because for me the ergonomics are better so that after a long day casting there is less fatigue in my wrists. Fighting fish is also better with a baitcaster since I use both wrists and arms, cradleing the rod along one arm, not just holding with one and cranking with the other. I admit to having troubles casting into the wind, especially witn lures like spinner baits that have a lot of wind resistance. Spoons and many modern cranks with the sophisticated internal weighting systems, no problem in the wind. If I can't cast it easily and reliably, I use spin.

All trolling except rare cases of very small lures, baitcasters are the way to go. One thing I learned when fishing for spieces that will come back after hitting and missing, or hitting and cutting the bait in half, the ability to instantly give line freely is a big advantage of baitcasters.

I think the most effective fishermen will be proficient in both.

It's just another tool. It's not a new way to fish nor will it improve your skill (it may appear so because with 2 tools, you can do the job better). Anything a baitcast can do, spinning can do - just not as good in some areas like heavier baits with heavier line and pinpoint pitch, pitch, pitch accuracy. Vice versa, anything a spinning can do, a baitcast can do - and again, just not as good such as weightless flukes and 1/16-1/8 swim jig/tube.

Spinning and baitcasting tackle each have their place in bass fishing. Using all one or the other will catch fish, but the experience is enhanced by using the right tool for the job. I turn to spinning tackle for baits<1/2 oz and lines <10lb. I also prefer spinning when skipping baits.

I went fishing with someone once who had this funny reel (a bc) on a windy day and he had more backlashes than good casts.

Do you know me??

Tom