Why Baitcasters?

[Mark in MI]

I've been thinking about buying a decent quality baitcaster, but am not sure what situations really call for one over a decent (ball bearing) spinning reel. One big reason I want one is that I simply have never tried one and may be missing out on something much better than spinning reels. Do they cast that much further? A spinning reel with 6 lb fireline 2 lb dia. casts insanely far if you ask me. I can see the advantages for trolling. One more question, Can you cast a line counter, or does the linecounting mechanism slow the spool? Thanks. I don't post much but enjoy the lively, informative conversations on this board.

[Den]

Mark; As far as casting the linecounter reels, it can be done, but it is not practical as most are bigger and bulkier than the conventional baitcasters.If you get a decent baitcaster, and use the right amount of line(full spool)on it after some practice you will be amazed as to how far you can cast.One of the most important differences you will notice is the smoothness of the drag when you have a good fish on the other end. I use both kinds of reels, but for most applications i prefere the baitcaster. This discussion could be going either way, you have to make your own choice, but if you have time to really learn the baitcaster i will bet that the spinning reel will be used less than you thought. I hope this helps you in some way. if you have any questions just e-mail me and i will try to help you. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Terry/JNR]

I still have situations where I like thr spinning rod, but for the most part whether it's casting crank baits, bottom bouncing spinnner rigs, trolling and even verticle jigging, the baitcast reel is the reel of my choice. I think it even feels better in your hand. I like a baitcast reel with the flipping switch option. It's a lot more versital. You can let out and inch of line at a time while jigging or bottom bouncing and two handed jigging with flipping reels is far easier than spinning rods.

[Fin Addict]

Primary advantages are smoother and better drag, ability to know how much line is out and longer casting distances w/ heavier lures. Only application where I feel a spinning reel is an advantage is when casting light lures. Ever had the line catch on a spinning reel when you are trying to feed line when rigging? W/ a baitcaster the line flows off like silk. Line twist is rarely an issue w/ a baitcaster. I use different types of baitcasters for different applications. Casting w/o backlash takes some practice but even if you only use them for trolling, rigging and vertical jigging, you are ahead. Worst part is finding a medium/light action rod set up for a baitcaster. They are out there but hard to find.

[Brad]

Probably the biggest advantage to a baitcaster is that it doesn't twist your line like a spinning reel does. When you reel in line on a spinning reel, the line twists as it goes around the bail. To prove it, put some fresh line on your spinning reel, then after a few hours of casting a non-spinning lure (a crank bait for instance) grab your line at two different points at least a foot apart, and move the two points closer to each other. Watch how the line starts twisting around itself. Before I switched to baitcasters (a good while ago), I had to re-spool my reels weekly. With baitcasters, I can go a month without re-spooling. Saves a lot of $$$$. On the other hand, if your going to use a lure that will twist the livin' daylights out or your line anyway (like a spinner), use the spinning reel, and save your nice untwisted line on your baitcaster for crankbait use. If you adjust your baitcaster properly for the weight of the lure your casting, you will not have a problem with backlash either. You'll have a hard time casting extremely light lures with a baitcaster however.

[minneman]

ive found that ican cast.. sometimes.. most of my fishing doesnt require casting baits, except for casting jigs into weed with spinning gear, but they are great for running bottom bouncers, trolling cranks etc, get one with the pitchin button for easy line release on drops keeping contact with bottom, happy shopping. minneman

[Starfish]

As stated in most of the replies, the main advantage of baitcasters isn't casting, it's the quality of the drags and lack of line twist. Fight a few steelhead and salmon on them and you'll see what we mean.

There is one casting advantage I've noticed with baitcasters: for applications where there's a weight and a lighter lure (such as bottomwalker/spinner, walking sinker/worm, slip bobber rig, etc.) I find that the line lays out better with a casting reel, instead of the light end getting tangled up with the sinker. You can accomplish the same thing with a spinning reel if you're good at feathering your cast, but it's a lot easier with a baitcaster.

[Wall-nut]

Like any other tool, each has preferable applications. The aforementioned drag and line-twist advantages are important. Also, to truly balance your system, the "thumburner" reels are an important option when utilizing heavier lines, heavier rods and demanding structures (wood, weeds). Furthermore, bait casters are a better option for trolling, live bait (float) applications and, with the "click" feature, drifting. It's funny, but I've known many "dyed in the wool" spinning reel advocates who, once they become accustomed to the bait-casting systems, tend to prefer it and use them almost exclusively. (Me, for one.) Good luck & have fun!

[Ness]

I found this to be an interesting post. I've been leaning toward getting a Baitcaster but I keep holding back. I know that sooner or later my adventureous side will win out and I will get one.
The big quandary I face is should I buy a good one and risk spending money on something that I might not like or be able to master or buy a cheaper one. The cheaper baitcasters that I've looked at are junk compared to the nicer ones. My local sports store salesman said he'd let me take one of the reels to try and if I don't like it he said he'll refund my money. I suppose I can't go wrong there.

[BIGRAY]

The question of casting a bait caster to a spinning reel is like apples to oranges. The bait caster is the best for larger and heavier lures.The drag is very smooth and the control of your cast is very easy to feather. As far as buying, the price should be what you can afford. Don't go cheap cause that is what you get(cheap).There is no backlash free reel. You have to thumb them. Very easy to learn.If you can borrow one to try it out you will see how they work and understand how you have to thumb them.Sorry for rambling.

[drizz]

What brand of reel with the flippin' switch would you guys recommend?

[SUPERTROLLER]

Bought a Diawa Procaster and love the ability to adjust depth so easily when jigging break-lines. Definitely get a decent reel and not a cheap entry level model. Cheaply made reels don't cast as smoothly and will be frustrating to try to learn with. I firmly believe this is an area you get what you pay for. Diawa reels disengage from the gears and are easy to adjust the "free-spool" speed with the magnets that slow it down too help stop backlashes. Even I figured it out.

[bob oh]

Get a decent one Ness, or you'll never like them. The cheaper ones are difficult or impossible to cast and you'll end up frustrated...
Bob

[curt quesnell]

i have both baitcasters (that i use for trolling
crankbaits exclusively)and spinning reels that
i use for everything else.....
i agree that a cheap baitcaster is a nightmare
but a huge snarling, rats nest, big mamma jamma
hunk of backlash can, and will happen with any
baitcaster. if not for backlash i doubt there
would even be spinning reels. and (get ready
for this one boys and girls)all baitcasters
backlash for anyone but the most adept user.

i do have a quick tip to prevent line twist on
your spinning reels. dont reel while the line is
being pulled out against the drag, stop reeling
fight the fish with the rod and use the reel only
to take in line.....it works great.

thanks for your time

curt quesnell

[cisco]

I have more baitcaster and spinning outfits than anyone really needs, but enjoy both. However, no spinning outfit has the pleasant feel of a fine baitcaster. I have a custom rod (a gift) with an Abu Garcia reel that makes me feel like a king when I'm using it -- and I don't share that one with the grandkids.

In spite of the romantic River Runs Through It and the fad fly fishers it produced, baitcasting is a beautiful skill that surpasses flycasting or spin casting. In comparison, flycasting is quite simple. Get a good combo and I guarantee you'll enjoy the baitcaster. Good fishing.

[Ness]

I've been thinking the same thing, Bob. And besides if I spend decent money on it, I know I'll be stubborn and hang in there until I learn how to do it. :-)

[slick2526]

> The question of casting a
>bait caster to a spinning
>reel is like apples to
>oranges. The bait caster is
>the best for larger and
>heavier lures.The drag is very
>smooth and the control of
>your cast is very easy
>to feather. As far as
>buying, the price should be
>what you can afford. Don't
>go cheap cause that is
>what you get(cheap).There is no
>backlash free reel. You have
>to thumb them. Very easy
>to learn.If you can borrow
>one to try it out
>you will see how they
>work and understand how you
>have to thumb them.Sorry for
>rambling.


Abu garcia amkes a line of reels that have anitbacklash if you want to look at them go to http://wwww.abugarcia.com