SPINNING vs. BAITCASTING Reels! - DON’T Choose the Wrong One! 

Final update: this little reel is the little engine that could ru-vid.comUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e . It performed flawlessly and was easy to adjust drag in the moment while I was battling a 35lb bat ray behemoth. Mind you, this reel is spooled with only 25 lb braid and 25 mono topshot. It's paired with the kastking telescopic heavy power rod and the two work well together. This has now earned my respect and confidence when traveling and fishing. If you have ever hooked into large rays and sharks, you know they pull extremely hard and can run forever! This thing clamped down on the fish and was easy to adjust during the fight. It has a nice decently fast retrieve as well. Twice the fish went on mad runs and I was able to gain back line quickly to avoid spooling.

Spinning reels can do everything a baitcaster can and more. And they are anywhere between 30-40% cheaper. Additionally, the myth of bait casters reeling faster isn’t really true unless you have a 8-1 speed bait caster. If you compare a 6.1-1 3000 spinning reel to a 6.1-1 or even a 7.1-1 bait casters the spinning reel will bring in 30-32 IPR vs a bait caster’s 29-32. So a spinning reel can be just as fast. Even 5.2-1 spinning reels bring in 27-29. This is due to the spool diameter being larger on spinning reels vs bait casters. Finally, bait casters don’t cast further. Both reel types have very comparable casting distances. The main factor you have to consider is that bait casters rely on bearings to cast. So you have to invest more money into more expensive bait casters to ensure your bearings are of good quality so that your casting distance doesn’t diminish over time. Spinning reels? You don’t have to worry about that. It’s just good old physics that effects the casting. No bearing required lol. I used to own a bunch of bait casters and I found myself being so frustrated with them when they backlashed. It’s rare that an angler doesn’t backlash at least once during a fishing trip. Since I switched to spinning reels I never bird nest. I’ll be fishing and my buddies are making fun of my “sissy stick” while they are pulling out their backlash lol.

Great video. Of course, everyone is going to have different opinions. For me, a spinning rig can do most anything. We would chuck 1oz lures or 1oz bottom rigs with another 6’ leader after that with 4-6” shad on the ends. We did that with #10 mono and caught 25lb+ salmon. That’s where those nice drags really pay off. Even my Musky rig was a spinning rig, as well as our old “snagging” rigs, running #20-#30 mono (yes, those were on the bigger reals LOL!). Now with braided lines, there is almost nothing I can’t do with a spinning rig. But that’s my upbringing. You are probably right for most people. Not disagreeing, just offering another opinion. Tight lines!

Nice informative video! Thanks!

Great video!!! Very good explanation on the differences between spinning & baitcasting and when to use them!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!

Thanks! This was informative and helpful for a newbie. :)

Thank you! For me, it comes down to "Right tool, right time." I'm in Florida and grew up fishing inshore saltwater, so I am very comfortable with spinning gear. Even so, there is clearly a time when it's time to switch to baitcasters: namely, heavier baits and / or thicker cover. One thing I will add, for those familiar with spinning gear who are seeking to learn baitcasting: I don't think there is a "right" and "wrong" when it comes to which side your reel handle is on. Most right-handers fish with their reel on the right...but, back in the day, that style was really (no pun intended..ok, maybe it was) all that was available....so right-handed anglers familiar with spinning gear (reel typically on the left side) adapted to switching hands when using a baitcaster. I am right-handed, and fish with my baitcasting reel handle on the left; it feels more natural to me, so that's what I go with. If you're exploring baitcasting, I suggest you try reels with the handle on each side before making your purchase decision.

I've been using BFS (Bait Finesse System) for years now and it has replace a lot of my spinning applications. Although if you going to try BFS remember that the rod spec it's very crucial thing you'll have to follow. FYI, just because you're using BFS reel doesn't mean you're gonna cast a 1/8oz weight if you're pairing with a Medium Power rod, you'll have to pair up with the rod that allow you to load that weight size like a Light - Med-Light Power rod.

Exactly what I was looking for

I have started using baitcasters over here in North Europe. Only point of a baitcaster for me is versatility, paired with a 10-30g rod I can comfortably fish for smaller perch with jigs and for salmon with spoons in the same fishing trip. But honestly it cannot compare to spinning reels with regards to casting distance and weight distribution.

Although I love my baitcasting gear I still love my spinning gear , caught a 5.3 largie today on my Cashion Icon medium lite ned rig rod , what a blast

Great explanation. Thanks.

I live in Florida I take a bait caster and a spinning reel and I switch between both all day lol I like them both

Thanks for a great video. Though I would like to mention one thing: one can do very accurate casts with spinning reel too. You can either slow or stop the lure anywhere you want with your index finger touching the line. No difference in accuracy, except you can do longer casts. Done it last fifty years.

Picked up my first bait caster today. Got an UglyStik Carbon 7’0” medium heavy paired with an Abu BlackMax reel. Also have an uglystik GX2 spinning combo. The bait caster was definitely a challenge to learn but about an hour of tweaking my form, learning the new rod, casting, and about 30 birds nests. I can say I can use a bait caster proficiently and I plan to build on that. I think they both have their own pros and cons and everyone should have atleast 1 of each.

Definitely give BFS a shot. It'll be like learning baitcasters all over again, frustrating, but it's worth it. You'll have to learn a different style of casting if you want to do the really light stuff. I don't really have a preference for baitcasters or spinning, I use both, and I use both for pretty much everything. I do ultralight with both, I have both set up with 50lb braid for catfishing or punching, and everything in between.

I picked up my first baitcaster in 2016 had no clue on what I was doing but all I know I wanted to try it went to bass pro and they set me up with a bps pro qualifier and a Berkeley lightning 6’6 rod after learning it with have those internal brakes as well was a huge help and after a little bit I was one of those guys I am never fishing a spinning rod again and for about 2 yrs I didn’t I think at that point I had 3 baitcasters and that Berkeley mh did everything for me but then I really learned a lot more techniques and realized I definitely need a spinning rod so now I run with 6 baitcasters and one spinning.. living here in pa like you know with the smallies you need at least one spinning

Each one has its place. I’ll go spinning for finesse/slow presentation. Baitcaster for power fishing like reaction, swimbait and topwater.

I tried baitcasters before but I just don't like them I can cast them just fine but they just seem too specialized for my taste. the reason I actually prefer spinning reels is simply for the fact that they are way more versatile. baitcasters are more for when you want a very accurate precise cast that's really the only benefit that I can see with baitcasters personally. spinning reels can use heavier line as long as you use braid so ever since the invention of braid that excuse goes out the window for baitcasters. also spinning reels have a far superior drag system, they have more casting distance, as well they're easier to use for most people. and if you use heavier braid you can cast heavier lures so that excuse goes out window the list goes on etc ect. overall spinning reels are just way more versatile either way even with BFS baitcasters they have a limited casting distance compared to spinning reels, they also have a way more limited line capacity even with braid. I think the highest I've seen for a BFS baitcaster was 100 yds of 65 lb test braid and even with a 3000 series spinning reel you can get way more than that. there's also a few other downsides but I'm going to stop here because I'm just tired of typing even though I could go on forever about this.

Kast king makes several BFS reels and use them on the right rod with a very fast tip and you will fins that they are easy to use. I know because that is the only thing that i finesse fish with

I’m currently at this crossroad. My son and I have gone fishing once a week on summer vacation the past few years here in Michigan. We “fun” fished with our $75 spinning combos. It’s enjoyable. We decided to vacation out of state this year, and went to SC. There, we spent all of our time at/on Lake Hartwell. What a beautiful place to be in the summer (unseasonably HOT), so much to do! That said, we were introduced to next level fishing, lol. They do love their bass fishing (and all fishing to tell the truth) there. Talking with a lot of fisherman, they weren’t telling me to buy a baitcaster, but I felt like I should have one. They pretty much all used BC reels down there, and I felt kinda outta place with my cheap spinner, lol. They gave me a ton of tips and tricks, talked to me and my son about pros cons of both. Good people. My question for you and the masses on here is, I’d like to get more serious now (I’ve got the bug), and want to upgrade my gear. I don’t know when I’ll be heading South again, but I’ll be fishing in Michigan as much as work allows. For mostly Michigan fishing, should I invest in a much better spinning rod and reel, or would this be a great time to switch over to a BC reel? I really wouldn’t be able to get both any time soon, and honestly, prefer to use just one. We mostly fish lakes and ponds in SW Michigan, using all types of lures (not realizing that different poles for different lures, lol). We mainly TR, but I do like to throw everything to not get bored. Thanks for all your information!

Get the BFS. Found it replacing some of my spinning equipment in WV.

I have been using spinning rods for over 30 years. Long before I even knew what braided line was and before I have even heard of a baitcaster. I used every lure you can imagine from beetle spins to all size crank baits and spinner baits. I catfish with my spinning reel also with decent size weights to counter the savannah rivers current. I can't say I have never had an issue with my reels but I can't think of any issues I have ever had using a spinning reel. I typically use 10lb for fresh water and a bigger spinning reel with 25lb when in salt water. Baitcasting reels are just a hype in my opinion. My cousin swears by his baitcaster and we typically catch the same amount of fish. Sometimes he catches more and sometimes I catch more. I don't see any real advantage to a baitcaster unless you enjoy digging out the occasional birds nest. All this is my experience and opinion.

Hi There, another advantage for spinning reels is the possibility to buy extra spools for different lines, One can use the same reel say a 4000 and have three spools, one with mono 6 lbs, one with 10lbs and one with braid, how is that for versatility ? nice video. Peace

Would love to hear you thoughts on BFS gear (including rod). Especially you opinion on BFS for bank fishing. I am really interested in throwing these lite lures but I have been hearing very mixed reviews. There are great inexpensive BFS reels out there (according to BFS experts). Would love to hear your opinion.

Started out using Zebco reels as a kid got older thought my father's bait casters looked cool and he is always catching bass and rarely has backlash so i want an bought myself one and i absolutely hated it constantly dealing with backlash gave it to my father went and bought a spinning reel and fell in love I can do everything my father can do with his bait casters plus more I'll never use a overrated bait caster again.

I have a question for you could you use and criticize broussard's topwater lures on a baitcaster

Also, you can use heavier line on spinning reels. Just use braid. Also, you can cast heavier lures. Just get a medium heavy or heavy rod. The reel doesn’t have much to do with lure weight.

Since I have used spinning reels for 50 years and a baitcaster for 1 year , I usually use a spinning reels . I can cast much farther with a spinning reel . Also much easier to use light weight gear with a spinning rod . I used to use 4lb mono for trout , panfish , steelhead , salmon and even a few decent sturgeon on it . I now use 4lb mono to 20 lb braid on my spinning reels now . My baitcasters have 8lb to 50 braid on them. I am much more accurate with the spinning reel . I use spinning reels, baitcaster reels , round baitcasting reels.

BC ARE ALOT MORE FUN AND BETTER CONTROL WHEN FIGHTING A FISH, VERY EASY TO USE IF I NEED A VERY SETUP FOR LIGHT LURE THEN I GO TO A ULTRA LIGHT SPINNING SETUP OR BETTER YET FLY FISHING SET UP

after i use baitcasting reel i switch to spinning reel because of allot advance on it about lure grams or onz and that why back to spinning

I use spinning & bait caster every time I go fishing never had the drag on a bait caster let me down.

I would like to see a bait finesse set up because i don’t have one but recently I’ve seen a bunch of people swear by it over the spinning set up I will always like spinning setup especially with heavy wind or light lures but I’ve seen that Dobyns has some new light and ultra light casting rods now and a bunch of BFS reels hit the market and aftermarket “light weight” shallow spools for bfs conversion on existing reels so I kinda wanna see someone like Nathan Quince and see how you feel about it

With BFS now I use a spinning reel less than l used to but they definitely still have a spot in the arsenal.

I'm a spinning reels only type of fisherman, and I have to disagree with you on the range of what you can do with spinning gear... I have a Phenix Feather Heavy spinning rod, it'll throw baits up to 1.75 oz. I use it for frogs, punching, glide baits, etc. Spinning gear does not have to be finesse only anymore. I even have a spinning rod for Muskies!

I still fish mainly with monofilament line, so unless I'm using larger gear for salmon or steelhead, the heaviest line I use on my spinning reels is 10 # test. Anything over 10 # test, I use baitcasting gear. Anything lighter than 3/16 ounce is always spinning reel territory in my book.

I'm not a fisherman per se. Hell I cannot even claim to be average but just from an agronomical point of view the spinning reel seems to make more sense especially if you plan on holding the rod and reel in your paws most of the time. The fact that the weight is distributed to hang off of the rod should make the ergonomics more comfortable. Imagine holding a big baitcaster where the weight is lying on top off the rod. I just cannot see how it can be balanced as well as a spinning reel that does the balancing for you

I run 35 lb to forow with a 3/4 and 1 oz all the time with grate results I get hella long cast

How light of braid would you put on a baitcast reel?

I’m curious now because I keep seeing people talk about problems with heavier line on 2500 or smaller spinning reels but aside from my size 1000 Diawa my 2500s all have 15lb line and I’ve never really had any issues with wind knots or any issues tossing larger spinners and chatter baits with the proper size/strength rod. One constant for myself though is as braid has gotten better what few problems I’ve ever had have become rarer, right now I run Diawa J braid grand and it’s been fantastic. I tried using a bait caster for one summer bat after 2 entire days of birds nests I gave it away and haven’t used one since.

Some people like bait casters and some people like spinning reels they are both good reels its just what you are comfortable with

spinning for me, simple and effective

95% of my bass fishing is with a bait caster. Trying to expand my techniques by using spinning equipment. There a time and place for both.

I like bait casters and spinning reels .but i do have to say i do favor the bait casting reel

First off I have to say I've never tried a bait caster, just started fishing w/Spinning gear when I was a kid and have stuck with it. But I have to ask, where does the 1/4 oz lure limit come from? You're like the 3rd RU-vid fisherman that has said that. Both my Med-Light and Medium Spinning rods (different manufacturers) have lure limits marked on the rods of 5/8, and 3/4 oz but I generally try to limit my lures to 1/2 oz.

What rod company did you end up going with?

Ive never heard this kind of advice. I love my baitcaster drags. If anything, the only reason to spinning reel is for specific lure presentations. Otherwise, baitcasters are used more than spinnerZ

I’ve been using spinning setups for 50 years-and personally, there’s no way I’m gonna part w/ my Shimano & Daiwa spinning reels. (Big bass are a breeze w/ my Sedona mounted on a Tatula medium heavy rod.)

Yes I want you to get one baitcaster that you just said current sorry I want to see what it looks

Sedona vs penn battle?

Are there easier bait-casters by brand on the market?

What is BFS?

It's funny how some fishermen claims that baitcasters are heavier than spinning reels while literally you can see that baitcasters Max drag is around 8kg and spinning reels go up to 25kg drag on normal.

Reel speed is another pro for baitcasting reels

Aside for control, I don’t see much advantage for a baitcaster. Braided lines fixes the problem of not being able to put heavy test on a spinner and as for heavier lures I find it’s a rod issue not a reel.

One thing i am so confused about ... My combo is short medium heavy rod 10 - 30 grams. Reel is 5000 0.40 mm line Line i am using 15 lb braid 8x But there is fish about 30lb Should i go for it cause i am scared to break the rod or the line and lose the lures ...

Fyi both have their own use!

Different tools for different applications.

I don't know how many times I have to post this but I'll post as many times as I feel necessary but anyway here's my 2 cents. To be completely honest these past couple decades spinning reels and spinning rods have undergone a lot of technological advancement. So now all the downsides that people point out for spinning reels and spinning rods don't really apply anymore. And here's why, the first argument is that spinning reels don't have as much drag as baitcasters but I beg to differ. My small 3000 size spinning reel has 33lbs of drag the highest I've seen a low profile baitcaster go in the same relative size is 20lbs of drag. And this is because they're still making advancements in spinning reel technology as far as how much drag it can handle whereas baitcasters are pretty much set in stone these days. The second argument is that spinning reels can't handle heavy line but ever since braided line came out that's not true anymore. Because 50 lb braid is the same diameter as 12 lb monofilament and spinning rods have increased in their monofilament rating ever since braid came around. And a general rule is that due to the fact that braided line breaks exactly at its pound test rating and monofilament tends to break 10 lbs heavier you can typically get away with 50 lb test braid on a 40 lb test monofilament rated spinning rod for example. Which is another point I meant to make, ever since the invention of braid the monofilament rating on spinning rods has gone all the way up to 50 lb test instead of just 30 lb test. so they are a lot more heavy-duty now then they ever have been a perfect example of this are the whisker seeker rods which are made for trophy sized catfish and are rated for 10 lb test to 50 lb test monofilament. Another argument they have is that baitcasters are better for live bait because they allow you to free spool and so the bait can move around and travel. But if that's something you want then just get a spinning reel with a baitrunner feature which has a second drag on it so that you can free spool on a spinning reel. Basically baitcasters are becoming obsolete because they don't seem to be advancing them anymore so now spinning reels are catching up anyway that's my 2 cents on the subject.

I just cant get over the fact that to *ME* using a bait caster i feel like im 5yo again with my snoopy pole. I know thats just a open face reel with a shield on it, i just cant past that button. Open face for life.

Baitcasters are good at catching fisherman. Manufactures know this

Why would anyone put on 65 pound braid and a 12 pound leader? That makes zero sense.

You absolutely can stop an over cast with a spinning rod in the exact same way.

Honestly only good point of the baitcasters is they are dirt cheap That's all

Why do surf fishermen prefer huge spinning tackle?

Born and raised in Alabama, everyone uses open face reel's. The only ones using baitcaster are the pure bass fishing guys. I've been all over the south and 90 percent of fish I've seen caught are on open face reel's. Don't speak for the south when you don't know what we use. You can definitely chuck heavy weight out with zero problems on open face, and the guys that do use baitcaster say they love it but spend half the trip cussing and pulling out bird's-nest... They only advantage to baitcaster is the torque you get from the gear ratio. Speak for your states but not the deep south, if the state has an SEC team chances are open face is the go to reel.🤦 Closed face zebco style reels are more popular than baitcaster in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana... But yeah "we don't use them"🤦🤣🤣🤣

Baitcaster just isn’t for me. I tried. I tried my best to like it but there’s something about the bait caster that screams reinventing the wheel. Why it even exists is beyond me. I love the simplicity and functionality of a spinning reel and I can do everything with my spinning reel better than most people can with a baitcaster.

Spinners are superior

You don't trust Baitcast. drags because you are a Shimano fanboy. Daiwa's drag system is better than your thumb.

Do your sanity a favor and get a spinning reel/openface reel

Fish some bayous in Louisiana

Baitcasters are good at catching fisherman. Manufactures know this