Spinning vs Baitcasting

[MichaelVerdirame]

In the market for a new reel, I have a really worn out spinning reel that's about 20 years old.

I fish mainly bass/pike from shore. I also like to go for pier salmon in the fall. I try to chuck about 3/8 oz to 1 oz lures. Casting distance is an important factor, I hate being stuck with short casts with light lures.

Which do you guys use? Spinning or Baitcasting? and why? I'd like to make an educated decision.

 

[prime89]

yea i remember when i was in the same boat.

I use both..i find my spinning to be effective at times and at other times my baitcasting is good too.

Have you ever used a baitcast before?...you would need a new rod to go with ur new reel. and to get used to using the baitcaster..can be annoying at times for the beginner.

My advice would be, dont go spending like $200+ on a rod and reel yet. Get your self a decent spinning set..and one baitcast..youl be good to goo...for shore fishing. I dont know how much you are willing to spend. You can get a new spinning a reel..since you already have a rod. and get a nice baitcasting setup...a decent one can cost u around $100 if you want..maybe a lil more, then again i dont know how much you want to spend.

As far as light lures and distance, baitcasters will cast more distance..and also more accurately, but for lighter lures i have always used a spinning setup, to avoid worrying about backlashes from shore when you really want maximum distance. But if ur used to baitcasting setups then ur good to go with the baitcaster.

Hope it helps somewhat :S...maybe if i get an idea of what your willing to spend i can help you out more, im always researching this kinda stuff, i made few mistakes in the past i learned from haha..oh well..now i know.

 

[Spinninreel]

For light lures, I recommend going with spinning, you will have greater distance.For salmon go for one of the larger size spinning reel sizes like the 3000 series in the Shimano line. You could use the same reel and just use different rods for the different species. Maybe get an extra spool so you can change lines. Hope that helps.

 

[manitoubass2]

MA,

Get a decent spinning reel first. You can do almost anything you need to do with a spinning reel, plus its what your comfortable with.

When you have some extra coin, get a good baitcaster. And practise at home pitching in the backyard.

I don't mean any offence, but at this point, if you skip the spinning reel and go with a baitcaster, your not gonna have a very productive spring.

Learning a baitcaster takes a little time. Once you learn how, they are an awesome tool in the toolbox. But that being said, you should still have both, depending on species and technique.

One downfall to a baitcaster is if your fishing from shore and you have a headwind, your day is shot. Baitcasters can be used into the wind, but you need alot of experience to do so.

Hope this helps

 

[hightechdecks]

id look at a longer rod to for improved casting distance and hookset to if your beach casting. 8'6'' - 10'.6 in medium or a heavier m/l and a bigger spinning reel.

 

[hightechdecks]

id look at a longer rod to for improved casting distance and hookset to if your beach casting. 8'6'' - 10'.6 in medium or a heavier m/l and a bigger spinning reel.

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

Solid advice guys, if it aint broke don't fix it! =D Definitely going to stick to spinning for now =)

 

[Buzzkill]

Solid advice guys, if it aint broke don't fix it! =D Definitely going to stick to spinning for now =)

Kijiji usually has good deals on baitcasters. Lots of people cant get the hang of them and just sell them or return them. Its great to get a cheap one and pitch in the backyard, aim for a bucket, like the gent above mentioned. Once you learn it though, its worth it, very accurate. If I could compare it to something it would be like driving stick over auto in a car - once you master it you have much more control, but can be tough to learn.

 

[basshat22]

Baitcasters are a whole other animal, but not too difficult if you're willing to learn a completely new concept.

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

Kijiji usually has good deals on baitcasters. Lots of people cant get the hang of them and just sell them or return them. Its great to get a cheap one and pitch in the backyard, aim for a bucket, like the gent above mentioned. Once you learn it though, its worth it, very accurate. If I could compare it to something it would be like driving stick over auto in a car - once you master it you have much more control, but can be tough to learn.

I can see that. Since you have your thumb on the spool, I guess this gives you total control over where your lure lands... well distance-wise at least right?

 

[MichaelVerdirame]

Kijiji usually has good deals on baitcasters. Lots of people cant get the hang of them and just sell them or return them. Its great to get a cheap one and pitch in the backyard, aim for a bucket, like the gent above mentioned. Once you learn it though, its worth it, very accurate. If I could compare it to something it would be like driving stick over auto in a car - once you master it you have much more control, but can be tough to learn.

I drive manual and I live by that philosophy lol so you got my attention there =P

I can see that. Since you have your thumb on the spool, I guess this gives you total control over where your lure lands... well distance-wise at least right?

Now, how about those right-hand-reel baitcasters? Aren't most people right handed and doesn't your rod belong in your strong hand?

 

[prime89]

I drive manual and I live by that philosophy lol so you got my attention there =P

I can see that. Since you have your thumb on the spool, I guess this gives you total control over where your lure lands... well distance-wise at least right?

Now, how about those right-hand-reel baitcasters? Aren't most people right handed and doesn't your rod belong in your strong hand?

I think its personal pref. Im right handed in everything. But i like the rod in my left..I cast with ny right as well..n reel.

 

[pikehunter69]

I think its personal pref. Im right handed in everything. But i like the rod in my left..I cast with ny right as well..n reel.

I'm the same way, cast with my right and then hold the rod in my left hand while my right reels. In baseball I catch left, throw right and bat left.

I've been wondering about getting a baitcaster but can't really think of where I'd use it, I'm not a lure man but prefer to stick to the live baits.

 

[Porter86]

that is some good reading their. thanks. for me, i cast with with my right, and reel with my left. i've always done. so for me i find theres less reels out there for baitcasting because their switch able right. I've wanted to get a baitcaster to try it out, but after seeing my buddy strugle with it i was like i unno if i wana lose the money haha.

 

[prime89]

I remember when i got my first baitcaster I was so excited, I was just practicing in my living room and my mom was like what's wrong with u.

First outing was good for about 10 min..then it all.screwed up. But few times out and now i don't even worry about backlashes or fail casts lol..they don't happen, its just about getting used to it and knowing how ur reel works.

Keep ur spinning with you if ur buying ur first baitcaster, it can get annoying at first.