Do you know who would win if there is a comparison of baitcaster vs. spinning reel? Most people think that a Baitcaster is better for fishing as compared to a spinning reel. However, the facts show something else; both Baitcaster and spinning reels have unique features that give both reels some specifications.
Baitcasters and spinning reels are the only two types of fishing reels that constitute the top fishing rods. Most anglers use any of these two fishing reels. However, professional anglers prefer Baitcaster due to its wide range of applications and several other reasons.
In this article, we will discuss everything about fishing reels. But before diving into the details of Baitcaster vs. spinning reel pros and cons, you must know how they differ. So, first, we will discuss the main differences and uses of both types of reels.
Baitcaster Vs. Spinning Reel: Overview
Though many professional anglers prefer Baitcaster over the spinning reel, it is not necessary. You can find many anglers out there using spinning reels instead of Baitcaster. It means that both fishing reels are best and have specific features that differ from each other.
Baitcaster reels are older than spinning reels. George W. Snyder used Baitcaster reels for the first time in the 17th century. Spinning reels were invented later in the 1930s for beginner anglers as Baitcaster reels require a handsome experience.
Spinning Reel
Understanding the use of spinning reels is a bit easier as compared to Baitcaster. The simple use of spinning reels makes it the top choice of new anglers. However, using a spinning reel might be a problem if you are new to fishing and don’t know the basic rules.
Spinning reels come in a wide variety of qualities that vary from company to company. Shimano and Daiwa are the best companies that produce fishing equipment, especially fishing rods and reels.
If you are tight on budget, we would recommend the Shimano company. Their prices are highly affordable, and they provide quality products.
But the problem comes when we talk about the use of spinning reels in fishing. No doubt it’s comparatively easier than Baitcaster, but you can not take it very lightly. So, before moving further, let’s discuss several parts of a spinning reel and the usage of a spinning reel.
How to Use Spinning Reel
Using a spinning reel is not complex, and anyone can learn its use very easily and quickly. However, every new angler would need someone to learn about the working of a spinning reel. But before understanding the use of a spinning reel, you should know its significant parts.
Drag, Spool, Bail, Handle, and Anti-reverses are the five major parts of a spinning reel that you need to know. Handle and Anti-reverse are pretty more straightforward to understand as their names clear everything.
The handle retrieves a line, and the Anti-reverse works as a switch for reverse reeling of a line. Bail assists you in rolling the line on and off your reel. It prevents the cable from knotting and getting tangled.
A spool is something that stores the line. In the spinning reel, the spool is fixed to the rod. The last part, drag, controls the tension in your fishing line—a loose drag results in less stress in the string and vice versa.
Baitcasters
Once an angler gets familiar with fishing and gains some experience, it is time to learn about the use of Baitcaster. Though spinning reel seems relatively more accessible than Baitcaster, it is not suitable for big fish.
If you are interested in learning about the use of Baitcaster and its essential components, read the article thoroughly. There is much more for you. So keep reading.
How to Use Baitcasters
Before casting with Baitcaster, make sure you take some precautionary measures. First of all, check whether both the rod and reel are rightly paired with each other or not. The next step is to read the user manual of the Baitcaster reel thoroughly.
Check the suitable drag according to your Fishing conditions and apply it to your reel. Set the spool tension properly to avoid any backlashes or tangles in the line. Now your fishing rod is ready for casting. Throw the line towards your target area and wait for your prey.
Remember to maintain pressure on the spool while casting so that the unnecessary line may not unwind, preventing it from tangling. Engage the Anti-reverse or brakes of the reel to avoid unwinding or back reeling of the line.
Differences
While discussing the topic Baitcaster vs. spinning reel, we must also go through the differences between them. Though there are not many mechanical differences between them, some do exist.
Baitcasters
If you are looking for big fish, then you should use a Baitcaster reel. It is stronger and more potent than spinning reels. The spool of the Baitcaster is not fixed to the rod, and you can replace it easily while casting. Moreover, the spool is set to the top of the fishing rod.
If you want to catch fish over a long distance, Baitcaster might be the best choice. Though the control is a bit difficult, it is much more robust to afford a heavy fish.
Spinning Reel
Most anglers use spinning reels because they can get you any fish size. Tiny lures and fishes are difficult to catch if you are using a Baitcaster. The spinning reel provides more accuracy and control over the line, which helps detect every type of fish.
The spinning reel’s spool is attached firmly to the rod, and you can not replace it while casting. Also, contrary to the Baitcaster, the spool of the spinning reel is attached to the bottom of the rod.
Which Type is Better for What Type of Fishing? Baitcaster Vs. Spinning Reel
When we compare Baitcaster vs. spinning reel to check which is better, we find that it is the skill that matters. However, some differences help decide which one is better. Baitcaster is best for every type of fishing except the small lures, while the spinning reel is best for small fishes.
Pros
Every product has some advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, while comparing Baitcaster vs. spinning reel pros and cons, we got some interesting facts. These facts can also guide you about the best fishing reel.
Baitcasters
- Best for big fishes
- Stronger and more potent compared to a spinning reel
- The reel has more durability
- Prevents knots and tangles in the line
- It has a broader range of gears
Spinning Reel
- Best for small fishes and lures
- Its use is comparatively easy
- It has more accuracy and is easy to control
- The reel doesn’t get jammed
- It is cheaper than Baitcaster and also easy to maintain
Cons
We know that every product has some drawbacks, which confuses the buyer of buying the product. Both Baitcaster and Spinning reels have some disadvantages that many anglers didn’t know.
However, if you are a professional angler, drawbacks in a reel should not be a problem for you. Experienced anglers know very well how to deal with the cons of any fishing reel.
For example, if an angler is facing a problem with the tension of the line, applying pressure with the thumb may solve it. So let’s dive into the details of the cons of both reels so you can find a solution for them.
Baitcasters
- Baitcaster reel is expensive and is out of reach of many anglers.
- Only experienced anglers can use it ideally due to its complex use
- You can not catch small fish and light lures with this reel
- The line touches the rod while casting, which results in the breaking of the line.
- Baitcasters are more prone to tangling.
Spinning Reel
- Spinning Reels are often heavier as compared to Baitcaster.
- It is suitable only for small-distance fishing.
- It is not more substantial and potent than Baitcaster.
- Spinning reels are only best for small lures and fish.
- Less durable as compared to Baitcaster
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are spinning reels better?
Many reasons make spinning reel a good choice for new anglers. A spinning reel is very cheap, so you don’t have to worry if you damaged one in your early days. Moreover, a spinning reel is easy to use, and it has greater accuracy in close-range fishing.
Are Baitcasters good for beginners?
A Baitcaster is not suitable for you if you are new to fishing. Most professional anglers prefer to use Baitcaster because their experience helps them set the drag and spool properly.
Moreover, it is expensive to buy, and there are chances that a new angler may damage his line due to a lack of experience.
Do pros use spinning reels?
Many professionals out there prefer using a spinning reel instead of a Baitcaster which is more advanced. There are many reasons for this. One reason is that a spinning reel is cheaper, and if you break one, you don’t have to lose much. Also, it is best for small lures.
Why do pro fishermen use Baitcaster?
Because Baitcaster comes with the latest technology, many pro anglers prefer its use over the spinning reel. Also, the Baitcaster is more robust enough to catch and control big fish. Though Baitcasters are expensive, they have several advantages that make them a top choice.
Bottom Line
The above article focuses on the comparison of baitcaster vs. spinning reel. Every type of reel has specific features that make it best under different conditions. Moreover, different anglers also prefer other fishing reels according to their experience and choice.
The spinning reel is typical among the new anglers who don’t know much about fishing lines and rods. Young anglers prefer spinning reels because of their easy use and their accuracy in close range.
In contrast to a spinning reel, Baitcaster is the top choice of many experienced anglers. Though Baitcaster is expensive, its salient features always keep it on the top of the wish list of most anglers. However, proper maintenance is required to keep the reel in working condition.
We would like you to learn the use of both fishing reels and observe the difference between them. You may contact us through the comment section and also share your fishing experience with others.
