Anglers have three basic kinds of fishing reels to choose from: the spincasting reel, the spinner reel and the baitcasting reel. The spinner reel and the baitcasting reel are the more common reels among serious anglers because of their extended capabilities over the simpler spincasting reel. The spinner and the baitcaster reels both have an open-faced reel. You use each reel in a different way and with a different objective in mind.
Position on Rod
A spinning reel mounts on the underside of the fishing rod, while a baitcasting reel is on the top side of the rod. To accommodate this placement on the rod, you must have a rod built for that purpose. The mounting saddle on the rod has to be in the correct position, and the guide “eyes” along the length of the rod have to be in the proper position.
Weight of Lures
You should use a baitcasting reel with heavier lures, more than a quarter-ounce in weight. Casting lighter lures is possible but usually results in short casts and the development of line snags on the reel, called a “backlash.” Spinning reels are for casting light tackle, less than a quarter-ounce in weight, such as a lightweight jig or plastic worm. Spinning reels are less prone to backlash.
Baitcasting Accuracy
The baitcasting reel is perfect for accurate casting of larger lures. Because the spool of line on a baitcasting reel is open and located on the top of the reel handle, near the thumb, you can use your thumb to “ride” the line as it comes off the reel during a cast. By exerting this light pressure on the line with your thumb, you can control the speed of the cast or how fast the line spools off the reel. By stopping the reel with your thumb, you can arrest the cast altogether and make the lure suddenly drop to the water. With practice, you can learn to “drop” a lure almost anywhere, with little risk of overcasting or snags.
Spinning Accuracy
Because the reel is located under the handle, you cannot control the speed or amount of line that comes off a spinning reel. Casting is less accurate for this reason. Fortunately, because you are using lighter lures and fishing with different tactics, this kind of pinpoint casting accuracy is not necessary.
Thumbs Vs. Fingers
You control baitcasting reels with the thumb of the casting hand. To release the line, you merely need to depress the reel button with the thumb, cast, and then ride the line with the same thumb. Baitcasters are therefore “one-handed” rigs. Spinners require a different process. To prepare to cast, you need to hook the line with the index finger of the casting hand, to hold the line stationary. Then, move the line baler wire with the noncasting hand to release the reel brake. While this “hook and bale” routine becomes natural over time, it is still an operation that takes two hands.
Applications
Fishing for bass with a hard-bodied lure is a job best suited for a baitcasting reel. A spinning reel lends itself to fishing for crappie and other panfish, using a small jig lure. Fishing for bass from a boat and performing long casts into covers and stickups is best for baitcasting reels. Fishing for bass from the shore, and practically dropping lures down into prime bass covers and stickups, is right for a spinning reel.
References
- Bass Pro Shops: Choosing Between Spinning and Baitcasting Outfits
- "The Bass Angler's Almanac: More Than 650 Tips and Tactics"; John Weiss; 2002
- “Fishing Essentials for Dummies”; Peter Kaminsky; 2002
- ABC of Fishing: Fishing Reels—Types
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