When should I use a Bait Casting Reel? When Should I Use a Spinning Reel? Well, that answer depends on where you’re fishing, what you’re fishing with, the size of bass and also how experienced you are as an angler. This should not be a debate on which one is better. They have both have their strengths given the conditions. Let’s help you decide when you should use either one.
Spinning Reel Pro’s
Great for finesse fishing!!!
If you are fishing finesse presentations like ned rigs, shaky heads or drop-shot rigs than a spinning reel is the way to go. You can spool up with a light line like a 10lb test braid and use a Fluorocarbon Leader and catch lots of fish. When I am fishing with a spinning reel I typically will not throw any finesse presentation that is over 3/8oz. I typically only go as high as 1/4oz.
I will also throw some smaller types of moving baits like a spy bait or small crankbait on a spinning rod as well.
Since they are smaller baits I can get a little bit more distance on my cast with a good spinning reel and rod set up. The spy bait especially is very light and should be worked very slowly. Learn more about that presentation which is great when bass are really hard to catch HERE.
Great for Beginners
Spinning reels are what most people start out fishing with. Some anglers never learn how to throw anything else. A spinning reel can only take you so far. If you need to throw a big crankbait like a Dt-14 than a spinning rod and reel set up are going to be awful. They are not high-speed reels and that wrist fatigue will be awful.
However, when learning to fish they are awesome. The operability on a spinning reel is easy and you do not have to worry about backlashes. Simply put your line on your finger and flip the bail and launch your bait far. The best part is you do not have to worry about backlashes. However, you can get yourself into trouble with loops and line twists.
Great Sensitivity!!
A spinning rod and reel set up are very sensitive. You can feel it pulling across little pebbles even. You can also feel that very faint bite. The spinning set up is not going to rip the hook out of the fish’s mouth. Again this is a finesse presentation. If you are fishing a drop shot rig then you don’t want to swing hard on the fish anyway. You want to just lean in on them so you don’t straighten the light wire hooks necessary for a drop shot. Also, you don’t want to break the light line that you may be using. On lake St. Clair in the clear water it is not uncommon for people to use a 6lb test line.
Spinning Reel Con’s
Line Twists and Loops
If you have ever fished long enough with a spinning reel you know that sound. You go to cast and it goes like ten feet and sounds like a backlash. You got a loop in your line and didn’t notice and it turns into a giant mess. This can also happen if you try and fish a weightless fluke. You will get insane line twists and it can also turn into a mess.
Should not Fish Around Heavy Cover
If you are fishing around heavy cover as you would on lake Okeechobee and have the chance to catch a huge 5-10lb bass than I would leave you spinning rod at home. There is a reason some anglers call them “fairy sticks!”
They have a Slower Gear Ratio
This means spinning reels reel in less line per turn of the handle. When you are power fishing like with a spinnerbait, big crankbait, or flipping heavy cover it is important to get the line back fast. The spinning reel does not do that.
Do not let some of these cons stop you from getting a spinning reel. Everyone to be effective in all fishing conditions needs a bait caster and a spinning reel. To simplify everything I said above follow this simple rule. Light baits and finesse presentations will more than likely be better fished on a spinning set up.
Great Spinning Setup
Alright, you guys may be asking what is a great spinning reel and rod combo. You want something that is versatile and could do everything you need it to do. I am going to give you a great set up to get started. I am not an affiliate for these guys but I do love their products and own them and use them myself.
Enigma has a great line of rods and reels at a great value.
This would be an excellent rod and reel combo to get someone started. I love my spinning rod to be 7’2” because I can cast further and get good hook sets from further away. With a medium action, this will cover almost anything you want to throw that I talked about above.
They have great sensitivity in the rods and very smooth drag in the reels. Furthermore, they have a great warranty and are at an excellent price point. I received my first rod from them and at no fault of Enigma, my rod came broken. I got in touch with them and they got me a new rod out right away. I have received several rods over the years and received them broken from different vendors. I have never had such an easy time getting a replacement and happy to give them my business.
Bait Casting Reel Pro’s
Accuracy
When you have a great baitcasting set up you can make pinpoint casts. You can get a great sidearm cast and make less noise when your bait hits the water. If you are pitching a jig than you need to be extremely accurate and very quiet upon entry. A baitcasting set up is going to allow you to do that. If you cast a spinnerbait over a log right up against the bank and want to be quiet than a baitcasting reel is the way to go.
Great for Power Fishing
Power fishing is throwing jerk baits, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Things where you can reel fast and move fast through the water column. Baitcasting reels come with higher gear ratios so you can burn lures back fast. You can make super long casts with these also. Some of the rods people use for cranking are as big as 7’10” and can cast an absolute mile.
Great Around Heavy Cover
If you are fishing heavy cover than a baitcasting reel is the way to go. You want to be able to spool your reels up with a heavy braided line and yank those fish out of that thick heavy cover. You can pair your reel with a heavy action rod and get that big bass out easier. Spinning rods in that situation will more than likely fail you and break your heart.
Great for Bigger Baits
If you are using heavy lures like 1/2oz and higher than you want to have that paired up with a baitcasting combo. The rods that you can get with a bait caster reel are heavy action and longer. You can also spool them up with a heavier line for those bigger baits.
Bait Casting Reel Con’s
Backlashes
Of course, backlashes are the major concern for bait casting reels. If you are a novice angler bait caster’s are probably not where you want to start. One way you can remedy the problem to clean and oil your reels for a smooth experience. Learn more about that in this video here.
One way you can help with backlashes is to tighten the spool and cast. Your cast will not go as far. As you get better loosen it a little bit and you can cast a little further. It is like driving a bike with training wheels and eventually taking them off.
Not as sensitive
Some of these heavier rods are not quite as sensitive as your spinning setups. It is very hard to fish light baits with a bait caster.
Upkeep is Harder
Settings have to be changed. Gears have to be oiled. There is just a little more complexity that goes with a bait caster.
Best Baitcaster Rod and Reel
Alright, I own their glass rod also which I use for cranking and I love it. This is one of the best rods I have ever used.
However for versatility we need something a little different. If I was going to buy a bait casting set up now that I could do a majority of the stuff I need to do it would be this beautiful reel paired with this.
The medium can do just about everything you need to do. If you are a novice you prob won’t be flipping and pitching so the medium should work just fine. If you want to throw bigger things than I would go Medium heavy. I typically don’t like anything under 7 ft. The longer the rod the further the cast but the less accuracy you will have. For me, the sweet spot is 7 foot to 7 foot 2 inches.
In Conclusion
There is no winner in this debate. There are different scenarios where one will be preferred over the other. 1/8oz to 1/4oz, I am going to use a spinning set up. 3/8 oz to 1 oz I am going to use a baitcasting set up. I hope this helps someone out there catch more bass. Give Enigma a try when purchasing your new baitcasting or spinning set up and enjoy!!!
