It is an eternal dilemma, which reel to use. Baitcaster vs spinning reel? I tried both for a long time and decided to share my knowledge about them. I hope this will help you decide on the right one. Although they serve the same purpose, they are quite different.
Table of Contents
What Is Fishing Reel?
A fishing reel is a mechanical device attached to a fishing rod. It stores, releases, and collects the fishing line. There are three main types of fishing reels:
- spinning
- spincast and
- baitcasting
Each of these types has its advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to choose the one that best suits your fishing style. Of course, these are not the only types of reels that exist. But all the others are variations of these three basic types.
What Is Baitcasting Reel?
The baitcasting reel is exceptionally famous in the bass fishing world. It is most often chosen by the best, professionals. If you master this type of reel, you can be proud of yourself and feel free to say for yourself that you are a professional. Something that makes it specific is bait clicker.
This is a switch on the left side of a reel that produces a clicking sound indicating increased line tension. It is something like an alarm that is activated when the fish is caught or the bait is stuck somewhere. Thanks to this little gadget, you can fish freely with multiple rods, without worrying about missing any activity.
This type provides a level of control ideal for all control freaks. Also, for unknown reasons, the baitcasting reel is much more comfortable to use due to the shape of its handles. Another remarkable thing about this reel is its spool. Although quite confusing for beginners, it is a real treat for those who master it.
The spool itself rotates instead of moving up and down. They can withstand more pressure than others, so it will be easier to catch bigger fish. Another gadget with this reel that makes it easier to catch big fish is the drag control system. Thanks to him it is possible to efficiently control backlash.
What Is Spinning Reel?
Spinning reels are the stars of the show when it comes to bass fishing. The most important part of this reel is its handle. If you need to replace it, it is easily achievable. It is possible to choose the one that suits your needs. On the market, there are light reel handles, longer handles, double-bodied handles, etc.
Next up, the body is made up of the support arm, foot, and gearbox housing. Although the body is mostly not made of quality materials, if you spend a little more money you can buy one that is made of metal instead of plastic. The choice is exceptional and you can choose the right one for you.
How You Should Proceed
Before buying anything, check the specifications of your reel. This is especially true for spool. You have to consider the type, length, and weight of the line you plan on using when fishing. They regularly have a capacity for particular dimensions, meaning long-distance and heavy test weight lines might struggle to fit on smaller sized spools.
A characteristic piece of the spool is the drag adjustment knob. This is a button or set of buttons that can be pressed by the finger allowing the angler to improve or reduce the quantity of friction, or drag, on a line. This is very important in this type of fishing because the fish tend to fight and pull the line back out in the water.
Placing the knob properly depends on the breaking strength of the line. My advice for you is that the drag should be around a quarter of the line’s breaking strength. If you want quality and undisturbed fishing, it is important to have quality gear. Gears are usually made of zinc, brass, or aluminum. The highest quality ones are made of stainless steel.
They have a significant role in determining the key feature of gear ratio. Thin, small gears might not have enough strength to bring in the big bass that some fishers prefer to target. That’s why you should look for thicker gear. And last but not least, the bail is a piece of spinning reels that helps make the casting mechanism easer to manage.
The bail decreases the backlash problem that can be seen on other types of the reel. Now that we are familiar with the individual parts and characteristics of these reels, it is time to focus on the differences between them.
What Are the Key Differences Between Baitcaster and Spinning Reel?
- Position
- Price
- Material
- The purpose
- Appearance
- Endurance
- Mastering period
Position of the Reel
Definitely, the most noticeable difference between these two types of reels is its position. Baitcaster is placed on the top of the rod and it has a spool which is in line with the fishing rod. Unlike the first, the spinning reel is perpendicular to the rod, and its placed ‘neath the rod.
Price of the Reel
Since they are used for totally different types of fishing and are made of different materials, their price also differs. The spinning reel is cheaper to buy. Usually. But whether it is cost-effective in the long run? It depends on whether you will use it only for the type of fishing for which it is intended, how you will use it, and how often you go fishing.
Materials of Which They Are Made
How much money, so much music is a saying I heard recently. In 90 percent of cases, this is true. If you invest in a quality reel, it will definitely pay off. The spinning reels are often made mostly of plastic, so they are not very durable.
Baitcasting reels are made of more durable and stronger materials, but for a reason. Since they are used in saltwater, it is important to prevent corrosion. That is why it is very important that its gears are made of stainless steel.
The Purpose of Each Reel
If we want to strictly divide these two reels, we can say that the spinning reel is for fishing in freshwater, and the baitcasting reel is for fishing in saltwater. It is a rough division that does not have to be strictly followed. It all depends on how you maintain your reel and what materials it is made of.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a saltwater reel for freshwater fishing. However, I do not advise you to use a freshwater reel in saltwater if it is not made of non-corrosive materials.
Endurance of the Reel
From all the above, it is easy to conclude that the baitcasting reel is much more durable. Using it, you can get much heavier and bigger fish out of the water than you would with a spinning reel.
Mastering Period
This is something very individual. Maybe one of you is a born talent, so he will master some technique much faster than the others. Of course, it is generally known that it is much easier to master the technique of controlling a spinning reel.
It’s easier to switch left and right-hand orientations while using spinning reels. Baitcasting reel requires a little more experience. However, once you master the technique of managing it, you will have great control over your catch.
Final Thoughts
Both of these types of reels are used for the same purpose, but there are some very important differences between them. My personal preference is a baitcasting reel because it can be used in all waters, so it can be said that it is more profitable from that side.
Of course, if you are someone who fishes on a budget and recreationally, you will be very satisfied with the performance of the spinning machine, which you will master much easier. Adapt to your needs and get one that will suit your needs. Use all the information I have given you to solve your dilemma.
