When to use a baitcaster reel? Often, the choice between using a baitcaster or a spinning reel come down to personal preference. Some people swear by their spinning reel and look at baitcasters with derision and others will not go near a spinning reel.
Usually spinning reels are for those who want an all-purpose reel that can do everything. They are also easy to use and less complicated than baitcasters. Many pro fishermen succeed in fishing competitions with spinning reels (though they’ll have several baitcasters rigged alongside). But, a baitcaster reel has its uses. You can read more about baitcaster reels here.
Here Are 7 Reasons When To Use A Baitcaster Reel
1) Better Line Control
In many situations, you’ll need good line control to drop the lure exactly where you want it. It can be fishing for bass among lily pads or targeting a particular hole in a waterbody. Baitcasters are invaluable in this situation. It has superior line control to spinning reels. Learn more about how to use a baitcaster.
2) For A Soft Presentation
A soft presentation is a necessity when you are fishing for a skittish fish such as bass. If your lure causes a splash when it lands on the water it will spook the fish. Unlike a spinning reel, a baitcaster allows you enough control to ensure a soft presentation.
3) Detecting Strikes Better
Unlike a spinning reel, a baitcaster allows you to maintain contact with the lure even when you are letting out the line. If the fish are hungry and striking early, you can detect the strike even while you are letting out the line.
4) High-Drag Baits Like Spinnerbaits And Crankbaits
A spinning reel of the same size cannot handle high-drag baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits properly. The baitcaster on the other hand has the necessary cranking power to easily cast spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
5) Heavier Lines
A baitcaster can handle much heavier lines than spinning reels of the same size. This makes your rod that much more versatile. A good general rule of thumb to follow is to use a baitcaster fishing rod and reel when fishing with a line that is a 10-pound test or heavier.
6) Bigger Fish
For fish over 10 Lbs, spinner reels will struggle if they are too small. A baitcaster of the same size, however, will punch above its weight. You can use heavier lines, exert more drag pressure, and reel in the fish easily.
7) More Variety
Unlike a spinning reel, there is simply more variety in rods meant to be paired with baitcasters. This means that you can have multiple rods to pair your baitcaster with.
Baitcaster vs. Spinning Reel: How are they different?
With spinning gear, the reel sits below the rod handle, attached by an extended handle that hangs it several inches down. A baitcasting reel, on the other hand, sits atop your rod and flush with the reel seat. On a spinning reel, the spool stays in a fixed position and by opening a bail the line is allowed to flow out toward the first guide. On a baitcasting reel, when the angler adds forward propulsion, the weight of the lure pulls the line and the spool spins.
On most spinning reels, the handle can be quickly and easily switched from left to right, or vice versa, to accommodate an angler’s preference. That’s not the case with baitcasting reels, so an angler who uses the “wrong hand” might not be able to borrow one from a friend.
When To Use A Baitcaster Reel? It Really Comes Down to Preference
Though baitcasters have several advantages over spinning reels, spinning reels come to their own in certain situations (like fishing with a light line). Besides being inexpensive, they are less difficult to learn for a newbie. Many veteran fishermen have both types of reels in their armory.
If you are a beginner at fishing, we recommend that you start off with a spinning reel. Once you have learned the nuances of fishing, you’ll naturally want to shift to the baitcasting reel as they give you more control and versatility.
It is best to have both spinning and baitcasting reels in your arsenal. You will be geared up to fish in most situations with both of them in your armory.
