The reel is a mechanical device attached to a fishing rod. It is used to store, release and collect the fishing line. Like most devices, the reels are of different types. The most common types of reel used are the spinning reel and baitcasting reel.
Often, the choice between using a baitcaster or a spinning reel come down to personal preference. Some people swear by their spinning reel and look at baitcasters with derision and others will not go near a spinning reel.
Usually spinning reels are for those who want an all-purpose reel that can do everything. They are also easy to use and less complicated than baitcasters. Many pro fishermen succeed in fishing competitions with spinning reels (though they’ll have several baitcasters rigged alongside). But, a baitcaster reel has its uses.
For better line control
In many situations, you’ll need good line control to drop the lure exactly where you want it. It can be fishing for bass among lily pads or targeting a particular hole in a waterbody. Baitcasters are invaluable in this situation. It has superior line control to spinning reels.
For a soft presentation
A soft presentation is a necessity when you are angling for a skittish fish such as bass. If your lure causes a splash when it lands on the water it will spook the fish. Unlike a spinning reel, a baitcaster allows you enough control to ensure a soft presentation.
For detecting strikes better
Unlike a spinning reel, a baitcaster allows you to maintain contact with the lure even when you are letting out the line. If the fish are hungry and striking early, you can detect the strike even while you are letting out the line.
For high-drag baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits
A spinning reel of the same size cannot handle high-drag baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits properly. The baitcaster on the other hand has the necessary cranking power to easily cast spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
For heavier lines
A baitcaster can handle much heavier lines than spinning reels of the same size. This makes your rod that much more versatile.
For bigger fish
For fish over 10 Lbs, spinner reels will struggle if they are too small. A baitcaster of the same size, however, will punch above its weight. You can use heavier lines, exert more drag pressure, and reel in the fish easily.
For more variety
Unlike a spinning reel, there is simply more variety in rods meant to be paired with baitcasters. This means that you can have multiple rods to pair your baitcaster with.
Some Parting Thoughts
Though baitcasters have several advantages over spinning reels, spinning reels come to their own in certain situations (like fishing with a light line). Besides being inexpensive, they are less difficult to learn for a newbie. Many veteran fishermen have both types of reels in their armory.
If you are a beginner to angling, we recommend that you start off with a spinning reel. Once you have learned the nuances of fishing, you’ll naturally want to shift to the baitcasting reel as they give you more control and versatility.
It is best to have both spinning and baitcasting reels in your arsenal. You will be geared up to fish in most situations with both of them in your armory.
Must Read This Article: How to Spool Your Baitcaster Reel.