Back to Basics: Spinning Reel VS. Baitcasting

Outfitting your fishing rod with the right reel is important because each type of fishing reel requires a different skill level and function. Baitcast reels can handle heavier line and actually allow for longer casts than spinning gear in the same size range. A small spinning reel has a smaller, more narrow spool, which has a hard time with large diameter lines. Small baitcast reels can handle these lines and provide greater casting distance.

Baitcasting

Let’s start out and just state, baitcasters are extremely difficult to control. The design of the reel is made solely for accuracy and not for usability or easy casting. Thus, practice makes perfect when using this reel. When casting, you must keep the spool under control or it will turn into a nest of line. This is done by typically providing a bit of pressure to the spool with your thumb. You should not use this reel with really lightweight line but rather heavier line and lures. Overall, you should be a very experienced angler before using a baitcasting reel.

Generally, you can launch a lure further with a baitcaster, because the line flows directly straight off the spool and not in a circular motion as with a spinning reel. However, baitcasters do take some time to master and practice is needed to dial one in to your comfort zone. Someone proficient in casting a baitcaster will have mastery over accuracy and distance in the long run after plenty of practice and are preferred when fishing locations that demand such, while a spinning reel can be used in virtually every situation possible.

Spinning

The spinning reel is the most popular reel used by anglers of all levels because of its superior open faced design. This design adds the versatility you need while providing exceptional usability and accuracy. In fact, the design enables the spool to have excellent line capacity and is easy to exchange line when needed. However, this reel is usually not built for heavier line. Spinners are particularly useful when using lighter baits like soft plastics and live baits as the furthest cast is limited by how hard you want to cast the bait.

Line flows off the spool with no drag restriction, allowing light lures to launch far. They are also nice because there’s no need to worry about a backlash with a spinning reel. The spinning is by far the simplest modern fishing reel out there. With it’s basic design, this guy is ideal for beginners or anglers on a budget. Bottom line – pick the spinner for inexperienced anglers and for all-around usage, employ the baitcaster when focus and precision are needed in a challenging environment such as lily pads or dock pilings.

Horizon Fishing Charters

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