Spinning vs Casting

[Captain Kyle]

I went fishing this last weekend to try a theory I have been wondering about for a while.

I have, since I started fishing, always been a baitcasting reel type of guy. I have always liked the ability to control the lure during the cast by slowing down the spool. So naturally I am far more accurate with a casting reel.

However, when attempting to work lures I suck with my lwft hand and the feel of a casting reel. I usually only catch fish on live bait but last weekend, at the same usual spots I was catching fish on DOAs with the spinning reel.

I completely think the reason is that I can work the lure under a spinning setup better. I know many people that catch the crap out of fish either way but for me it seems like presentation is more important than accuracy.

What do yall have to say about the topic?

[Curmudgeon]

Oh, man. I wish I had the answer for this. I realized this weekend (in the wind) that I should carry my spinning reels more often. I've switched the handles over to the right side since I'm no good reeling on the left. I'm not incredibly accurate with my baitcasts, so the small variation I get don't seem so bad.
Anyway, my advice (as it is) is not to get too worked up about which reel you're using. Just use the ones that work best for you.

[coachlaw]

As an outsider, I've come to believe that most Texas saltwater fishermen labor under the stifling parentage of the Bass Fisherman. Their elitist views have them using archaic and outdated upside down, sideways reels, where physics is really working against you. It's not really the tool, but the mechanic. So a great fisherman can overcome inferior tackle. But let's look at the disadvantages of baitcasters.

The fact is, baitcasting reels are difficult to truly master. I have yet to meet even the most experienced Texas fisherman who does not suffer from what they call, "Professional overruns". In other words, rat nests. You will lose fish while picking them out. There's no way around it.

Another disadvantage is casting with one arm, then switching to the other for retrieval. This will lose fish.

Next is the innate inability to cast into the wind with a baitcaster. You'd better be REAL DARN good at it, and you'll still suffer from the inevitable "Overrun". This will not only cause you to lose fish, but now you can't even reach them.

Now lets look at the physics of a fishing rod. Where should the reel be? If you put a reel on top, and you've got a fish on, the rod is bending in such a manner that the line is actually working against you. The Helix rod, and Billystix has addressed this with the spiral rod, but you should not need such specialized and expensive equipment.

Which brings me to the next disadvantage of baitcasters, COST. For some reason that I cannot fathom, a quality baitcaster costs much more than a quality spinning reel.

Finally we have maintenance issues. I've used spinning reels since I was about 6 years old. I've never done any maintenance on them other than spraying a little WD-40 on them. I've never taken one apart. I've had one Mitchell 300 that lasted until I was 21 years old. Then I went to a gold Penn 4500SS that I still have, but retired when they stopped making them in the USA. I have several Shimano cheapos now and I've never had to take any apart or mess with them in any way. I do have a Shimano Citica that I began using just to see what all the fuss was about. I've had to get it serviced once and I haven't used it since.

I think that the baitcaster has some advantages. They are superior while drift fishing as you are always casting with the wind. I've also heard that they are better for wading as they stay drier being mounted on the top of the rod. I've also heard that when wading, every ounce matters and you can get a baitcaster that's lighter than most spinners. I've also heard the argument that I disagree with, that you have more control over the lure because you can feather the spool with your thumb. The same affect can be achieved with a spinner by simply putting your finger down.

The real problems I've noticed with spinners in Texas, where many people did not grow up with them is rank ignorance and elitist bias. You call them "Eggbeaters" and "Crank Mixers". You giggle at people who use them as we in Louisiana would giggle at a bass boat launching at the Delta Marina. We see people there with baitcrankers and we'll call you a "Dandy". Your elitist views don't allow you to see that spinners have a lot more going for them in most circumstances than that antique design you're using. The ignorance comes when I see people complain about line twist. Folks, load your line properly. Don't throw the spool of line in a bucket. Then when reeling in a fish, don't reel in when the drag is going out.

In truth, I think that to be a really good fisherman and take advantage of what each design brings to the table, you would carry one of each. That way, no matter what the conditions, you've got the best tool for the job.

Oh, and if you don't like to fish with a popping cork, use a spinning reel and you'll probably change your mind.

Alright you BassMasters, whaddya say to all that?


PS: Just to clear something up for everyone, there are 3 popular styles of reel. SPINNING: Open faced reels with bails that mount underneath a rod, BAITCASTING: Open spool mounted on top of rod, and SPINCASTING: Closed face, push button that usually mount on the top of rods (Think Zebco). The latter are mostly relegated to less experienced women and children, but they do have a niche for the experienced, just as cane poles do.

[2112]

Nice analytical dissection , Sandy.

There is truth in that Texas seems to be the only place that bait casters are the majority. All I can really say is I have tried at least 3 times in my life to give a spinning real a serious tryout to be my everyday go to rig but I just couldn't make the transition. As stated by Sandy, I am one of the guilty that can't fix the twist problem and they are a failure in the surf unless the surf is calm and flat.

I like the mechanics involved with a bait caster, they are precision pieces of equipment and the winter strip and clean helps pass the winter doldrums. I also think there is a certain amount of unmentioned pride that goes along with mastering a bait caster

There is one situation I do prefer a spinner and that is when casting live bait with nothing but a hook fishing the lights for specks.
I gave my last spinning set up to Sandy. It was a hi-end Ahab / Fin-nor set up that was sitting unused.

Good luck with what ever direction you choose.

[OR19]

Both work good

I use both...grew up bass fishing in creeks and ponds in Shelby county(piney woods). My first reel was a zebco...my first good reel was a Mitchell 300 which I think I got when I was around 7. My first baitcaster was an ambassador throwing crank baits and Texas rigged worms on the upper end of Toledo when i was around 11. I think baitcasters work better for worm fishing, but I've caught plenty of bass on plastic worms and spinning reels.

I really didn't get into salt until 96. I like the baitcaster better for worms, corkies, and soft plastics, one of the main reasons is the cut out that allows you to have a finger on the rod blank to feel the lightest of bites. I'm not sure but I've never seen this on a spinning reel(don't think it would work). If I'm taking customers and or throwing shrimp/popping corks I like spinners better. In addition I like spinners for throwing speck rigs and other lite payloads under the lights...an ultralight spinner loaded with 20lb power pro under the lights with a white spec rig is deadly...

As for us Texas bass fishing elitist...all I got to say is what you talking about coonarse! You folks east of the Sabine all think you are the best fishing, hunting and cooking people on gods green earth, at least the folks I know from Louisianna anyway...I'll give you the cooking one in a close race...but I won't conceed the other 2!

I'm going to fish either way, if you tell me I can't throw baitcasters anymore you could still find me prowling the bay with the latest egg better technology hard earned money can buy!

[GHSmacker]

Baitcaster all day.

I grew up with them. Ever since I graduated from a Zebco I've used one. They're comfortable to me and I could never see myself going to one of those "sweat shop reels". I'll let the people in the funny hats use those things.

[dbarham]

Shimano baitcast nothing else i have four 50 mgs

[TroutSupport]

I like both... they are a different tool and both can excel in a couple of situations. it took years of practice for me to get good with using my left hand to reel... but in the end I'm really happy and usually have one of each. One of the other items to overcome in fishing with a spinner is to focus on keep the line tight.. a casting reels pickup of line is more seamless and usually don't have much slack... for some reason its easier for a person new to spinners to have more slack in their line...but with some focus on that with a spinning rig one can eliminate by just keeping that in mind.

[Gilbert]

Spinning reels are for girls that don't fish much.

[coachlaw]

Spinning reels are for girls that don't fish much.

No Gilbert, that's the spincast, you know the Zebco reels.

[Gilbert]

No Gilbert, that's the spincast, you know the Zebco reels.

no coach. Its spinning reels aka egg beaters. Makes them feel like they never left the kitchen and will actually fish all day cause they think they are doing work they were made to do.

[Reef Drifter]

i fished baitcast my whole life and love em !!!! but i do always keep a spincast in the boat cause like a few said, its better to have both it doesnt see much use though

[Baby Tran Cat]

I use both

[Jhua]

In terms of proficiency, the spin cast I am much better suited for since it was the rod that I grew up with. Eventually, I started experimenting with the baitcast. I use both now in certain conditions. Go to rod is still spincast though!

[SUPER SPOOK]