What are the benefits of a baitcaster over a spinning reel for bass fishing?

Question

I have been looking at new rods and several people have suggested a baitcaster. I currently have a spinning reel that I am comfortable with but I would like to try a new rod/reel type.

What am I going to gain and lose from switching to a baitcaster?

Answer 1

Google says:

http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/reel_selection.html

http://setthehook.com/reels/reeldifferences.htm

http://www.fishingtalks.com/when-would-one-use-a-baitcast-over-a-spinning-reel-278353.html#10

Hopefully someone with some knowledge of the subject will distill these into a proper answer. For now I'm getting some ink in the page.

Answer 2

I agree that bait casters are more accurate, although with enough practice with a spinning reel you can be almost as good as a casting with a baitcaster. Spinning reels will allow you to throw smaller and lighter lures.

Casting and retrieving are best suited for baitcasters though. Spinning reels work better for dead stick presentations, vertical jigging and live bait, if you ever fish live bait for bass.

Answer 3

My experience is that I can cast farther and with greater precision with a baitcaster. That being said, you have to practice... A LOT. There is a tensioner for the gears. You have to balance the tension for your personal style to avoid backlash, but still get a good distance. Backlash is bad, very bad. It creates the worst tangle you've ever seen. A bad one and you just have to cut the line out and respool your entire reel. Most times you won't be able to just pick up your friends baitcaster and cast it without re-adjusting the tensioner (at which point they'll probably use you for cutbait).

However, it's well worth the practice. When I regularly fished for bass I could drop a lure into a 2" square underneath a low hanging bush from 40' away. You just won't get that kind of performance from a spinning reel.

From a technical standpoint, baitcasters generate less drag and friction on the line during the cast.

Answer 4

Baitcasters will add excitement to your otherwise dull fishing excursion. Tired of just relaxing in your boat and catching fish? With the wonderful new backlash feature built into you baitcaster, you will have hours of entertainment that rivals a Chinese finger trap.

All jokes aside, baitcaster often have a higher gear ratio that gives your a faster retrieve than a spinning reel. They are great for stuff like buzzbaits, larger crankbaits etc.