BAIT REEL OR SPINNING REEL??/

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lansdowne03

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Apr 6, 2008
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Hi im thinking on buying a new reel, but was wondering are the bait reels better than the spinning reels, and if yes what are the advantages and when is it best to use them example rivers or from a boat? thanks
 
more cranking power from a baitcast reel. handles heavier line. once u know how to use it, casting farther and more accurately is also an advantage. various gear ratios allow to u fish more efficiently. for a low power ratio like a 5:1 ratio to a high speed 7:1 for really gettin a bait back to make another cast. really comes down to what u typically fish for and if ur style of fishing will be suited better for a casting set up. they take plently of practice, and best advice... if ur gonna buy one... don;t buyy somethin cheap, expect to spend a minimum of $130 for a decent reel. and $250 plus for a good reel.
 
lansdowne03 said:
Hi im thinking on buying a new reel, but was wondering are the bait reels better than the spinning reels, and if yes what are the advantages and when is it best to use them example rivers or from a boat? thanks

I took my bait caster out of the boat I have so much limited fishing time right now that I have no time to practice and rather fish as much as I can with 2-3 spin cast setups rather then re-learning how to cast with the bait caster. So I would advise that if you have lots of time to practice get a bait caster eventually you will get it but if you've been fishing with a spin cast for the last 15 years and have limited fishing time don't bother with it yet.
 
I agree with what these guys are saying. A bait caster takes time to learn to use but will cast a little farther and is more convenient for flipping and pitching. When you do a lot of casts, the bait caster goes faster thru the casts. The spinning reel is better for lighter tackle and weight, making it better for finesse fishing.
 
I haven`t had much luck with Bait casters...I have been fishing with spinning reels my whole life, my friend gave me a bait caster...a Quantum Pulse. I havent had any luck with it...strung it twice...tried it twice...knotted it huge twice...but i will try again reel soon(get it) haha
 
There is usually a magnet system on Baitcasters that slow down the spool. It helps with the "birdnests" If you are casting in the wind, turn it up a bit so the spool doesn't turn as fast. The casts are not as far, but you don't get as much backlash. One trick is to just try to remember to have your thumb on the spool before the lure hits the water...

A baitcaster will help with getting fish out of the weeds in a hurry too because of the faster retrieve...
 
Yes, I also had a friend give me a Bait Caster, (A Rhino) and I have a LOT of learning to do with it so in most cases I use my spinning reels.
 
lansdowne03 said:
Hi im thinking on buying a new reel, but was wondering are the bait reels better than the spinning reels, and if yes what are the advantages and when is it best to use them example rivers or from a boat? thanks

How much fishing experience do you have? If your a novice, go with the spinning. If you have some fishing experience, then consider the advice listed above.
 
experience doesn;t really have much to do with it. u just need to get one, and practice. but don;t buy a cheap reel to learn with. worst thing u can do, spend the money on a good quality reel. it makes learning so much easier because the reel performs that much better. spool it with heavier line, as its easier to take out the birds nests, use heavier lures, ask others who know how to use them, to show u and help u. they must be set and tuned properly to work properly. by that i mean the tension knob and braking system. u need to thumb the spool, its the only way to control it. type "using a baitcaster" or similar sayings in a search engine on the web, and u can get lots of info and tips on using the reel.
 
UglyFish said:
experience doesn;t really have much to do with it. u just need to get one, and practice. but don;t buy a cheap reel to learn with. worst thing u can do, spend the money on a good quality reel. it makes learning so much easier because the reel performs that much better. spool it with heavier line, as its easier to take out the birds nests, use heavier lures, ask others who know how to use them, to show u and help u. they must be set and tuned properly to work properly. by that i mean the tension knob and braking system. u need to thumb the spool, its the only way to control it. type "using a baitcaster" or similar sayings in a search engine on the web, and u can get lots of info and tips on using the reel.

I know a couple of people who bought a decent quality baitcaster reels and gave up because they got so frustrated with bird nests, so at least if you have prior experience, it helps to make the learning process a little easier.
 
good advice here.
i started using my first baitcaster last year and got tonnes of birdsnests. i only spent like 60 bucks on that reel though. It's a decent reel for the price.
i'm currently using a good quality one (curado) and it feels so nice in your hand and the casts are so long and smooth.

as mentioned in a couple posts above, you just need to get one and start practicing.
 
We need to get a better idea of where you will be fishing. You mention rivers and boats, but what type of fish and where. With this we should be able to help you better.
 
I think a baitcaster is definately worth the time to learn. it takes about a day of fishing to get used to it.
i've been using my curado for a year now and still get bird nests. but i've never had to cut and retie because they are relatively easy to untangle unlike knots in a spinning reel. the main advantage for me is how easy it is to cast with the baitcast reel. for some reason i cast left handed but use right hand crank so i have no need to switch hands. just click and cast then reel. and paired with a nice rod i don't get tired after a long day of fishing because its so lightweight. after a few hours with my spinning reel i'm gased. and my baitcast reel casts way further than my spinning reel.

also listen to the advice here, don't buy cheap baitcast reels. you'll regret it later.
 
I got 1 bait casting for practicing.Man it is kind of hard.but i am getting use to it.Saw some video on YouTube and learned lots.
If i am using lures i would prefer bait casting as it is easy to cast etc.
 
I agree that it is worthwhile to learn to use a bait caster, but if you are impatient, and not willing to take the time, then a spinning reel would be a better choice.
 

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