Baitcaster vs Spinning setup.....

[cuzza]

We all love buying new fishing gear and the more I watch WFN, the more I want to try a baitcasting setup. I have used spinning/fixed spool reels for a long time (most of that in the UK where baitcasting reels are the preserve of sea anglers) and can do pretty much everything I need to at the moment.

 

So, what are the advantages of a baitcaster over spinning gear? All my fishing is done from the bank (no friends with a boat ) targetting bass and panfish mostly although I'd like to give piking a go at some point and I have fly gear for chasing trout and the like in rivers.

 

I don't subscribe to the school of buying cheap gear to start out as I believe it's false economy, so I don't want to spend a good chunk of cash to find the experience and results are the same.

 

Any help or experiences would be appreciated, Thanks, Richard

Edited May 14, 2010 by cuzza

[bassman87]

you like tossing bodybaits? better to do it with a baitcaster

[cuzza]

I do, but nothing big though. Googling around suggests that baitcasting gear gets more range with bigger baits and accuracy is improved with practice.

[Musky or Specks]

Bait-casters are all about the heavy line. Line that doesn't sit well or cast well from a spinning reel. For Mono thats anything above 10 lb test. I'll use up to 25Lb braid on a spinning reel. Anything above those lb test I use a bait-caster. Its hard to find a good spinning rod that will handle heavy lines(15-100 lb) and lures(2-6 oz) so if you want to fish in the garbage or toss big baits a bait-caster is almost a requirement.

[pigless]

I'll also add that if you fish for really long periods of time, a baitcasting setup is easier on your wrists. I find after fishing 7-8 hours with a spinning rod, my wrists get sore but it doesn't happen with casting gear.

[ChrisK]

If your going to use the pole for lighter applications a spinning set up of some kind would suite you better. I would go with a medium action combo. Just keep in mind that baitcasters have come a long way and there are some real sweet light action combo's available that can chuck smaller baits if your interested ??

 

Cheers !!

[BillM]

Medium action Shimano Clarus or Compre along with a Shimano Citica would be a great setup to start out with....

[smally21]

baitcaster have way more power, and faster retreival speed as well as good points already mentioned. plus the pros use them.

[cuzza]

Thanks guys - seems like its something I need to look into, I'll head out and try some setups in my hands.

 

Medium action Shimano Clarus or Compre along with a Shimano Citica would be a great setup to start out with....

 

That sounds good - I'm a bit of a Shimano fan as it is

Edited May 15, 2010 by cuzza

[OhioFisherman]

I learned on casting tackle back in the 50`s, it is nice knowing how to use both and be comfortable with them? Spinning tackle is generally better at casting light weight lures, 1/16 - 1/8th ounce.

 

A casting reel doesn`t have to be used with heavy line, I have older Shimano`s that have never seen anything but 10# test mono, just reels that I was real comfortable using in open water situations. Learn to flip and pitch.