Spinning Reels vs Baitcasters (Which Reel Is Best In Certain Situations?)

This might be one of the most controversial topics we’ve ever covered on the podcast…
Yes, that’s right, today we are talking about baitcasters vs. spinning reels!
The other day I had a young man reach out to me on Instagram and ask us why we rarely use baitcasters.
Trying to figure out the real reason he was asking this question, I turned it around on him and asked him why he only uses baitcasters.
His answer was, essentially, that it makes him feel more like a man!
I’m all for feeling like a man, but when I go out fishing, I have one goal: catch fish.
So here’s the real question…
Which is better for catching inshore fish: a baitcaster or a spinning reel?
In this debate with the Salt Strong fishing coaches, we cover every aspect of these reels to come up with a conclusion, including:
- Casting accuracy and distance
- Retrieve speed
- Power
- Weight
- Wind knots vs. bird’s nests
- Ease of use
- Maintenance
- And, of course, manliness
Have any questions about spinning reels vs baitcasters?
Or other further comments on the topic?
Let us know in the comments below!
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[@Saltstrong]

To get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/3esutkG

[@steffensamlal1854]

Sealed or not my shimano tranx 500, daiwa lexa 300 and 400 has never let me down, and I have always used bass pro baitcast reels for inshore fishing for the past 10 years. I once also taught that spinning reels was for newbies, now I know better, and I own several penn spin fishers and battle 2's.

[@rkw221]

this might be one of my favorite SaltStrong videos. Nice and objective with little bias (which is totally natural). And excellent points for both styles. Thanks guys.

[@Mynameiskevink]

My personal favorite advantage to using baitcasters is the ability to keep your index finger on the line while slowly retrieving your lure. You’ll be able to feel pressure bites much more easily than with a spinning reel

[@rmorris75252]

I think one of the biggest reasons that casting reels are so popular in Texas is how much wade fishing they do. And being someone who primarily wades I decided to try it out and I can definitely see why they prefer it over spinning. But there both tools of the trade per say. I think they both have there place. I like to throw all my corkys and top waters on casting and most of my soft plastics on spinning gear.

[@pakde8002]

5:30 I'm hearing a lot of "ifs" in Mark's defense of the BC set-up. I'll say this, if there was no such thing as a spinning reel or a bamboo cane pole or a Coke bottle then I'd definitely choose a BC reel.

[@takeadeepbreath6053]

I agree with you 100%

[@malcolmzoll7613]

Great video and a lot of great information on both reels 👍

[@luigigreen9823]

Good stuff guy's we are all just some fishing nerds and love these topics! Thanks SaltStrong💪

[@fishwhisperer8387]

Everything has its place but I can put bait on target a lot more often using my thumb brake (casting)

[@ITigerbaum]

Golf bag! Left handed bait-caster- because most hits on the drop, don't have to switch hands. Bait caster: Palm, trigger, thumb break, simple, less fatigue, heavier braid. Spinning: lighter baits, cast into the wind, stealth, "sling-shot" cast-able, no bird's-nest.

[@Saltstrong]

Good Info! 💪

[@NickensCharles]

Looking for a good but budget friendly saltwater spinning reel for inshore fishing. Any recommendations? I mostly use plastics (paddle tails and shrimp tails). Galveston Bay if that matters.

[@johnmoore3504]

I’ve used both kinds in salt for several years. As an ex-bass fishermen I swore by casting reels until I started fishing inshore. Now I only use Shimano spinning reels. I’ve got models that are 10 years old and work perfectly with minimal yearly maintenance. I don’t think I had a BC (even SW rated ones) last more then 3 years. And yes I tired all the well established brands: Dawia, Abu, even Shimano. And yes I know how to care for them as I had to rebuild them constantly due to spool bearing failures. Not to mention water getting into the drag stack causing me to lose fish. The reason? Baitcasters can’t be sealed, so water WILL get in and damage WILL occur. Spinning gear on the other hand can be made nearly water tight with sealed drag stacks and isolated gear cases. What makes a baitcaster cast so well becomes it’s downfall in salt - the bearings have to be 100% perfectly smooth, but that is impossible as they get salt deposits and start to grind. So just forget it. I might try that 13 Fishing Concept Z bearingless model, it’s really the only thing I’ve seen that gives me hope for a true SW proof BC.

[@johnbracey5316]

I bought 3 Diawa Coastal and I do not like them. I used 5000c for years bass fishing. Loved them ! I’m now a spinning reel fanatic.

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome thanks for sharing!

[@timprall5417]

It sounds like some of you could use a little baitcasting practice but you are entitled your opinions. About two years ago I had a rotator cuff injury and was left one handed side casting a baitcaster. After learning how to skip baits and better accuracy along with throwing as long or not longer than friends using a spinner setup. Although I do use spinning reels it is very seldom. New subscriber and enjoyed your guys humor.

[@amblo51]

No mention of the old Ambassaduers. Good for the heavy stuff

[@j74snook]

Joe you are hilarious. Proud to be an insider!

[@markwillard4133]

I use a okuma coronado 80a series and coronado 60a baitcasting spinning reels it gives me the best of both worlds at 55.00 dollars to 109.00 what do you think about these okuma reels.

[@muskietime]

Fun discussion. I have used both techniques for years. Primarily fish freshwater for largemouth & smallmouth Bass and muskies in the Midwest and Canada. For lures over about 1 ounce with spinning gear, pinching the line on your index finger as the rod loads up really beats your finger up. Throwing big Lures like 16 oz. Bulldawgs, 8 oz. topwater baits or jigging big baits is next to impossible with spinning gear. However, in the late Fall in Canada when the temperature falls below freezing, I am either trolling deep diving crankbaits or jigging with a baitcaster or throwing a Nichols Magnum Spoon and ripping it just off the bottom with gloves and spinning gear. Casting live baits, casting light baits and dock skipping, spinning gear is great. “Birds Nests” or “Professional Overwraps” do happen but can almost always be untangled with some patience and a toothpick. For Coastal saltwater fishing, reaching distance places, I prefer spinning gear. Big fish drag: baitcaster all day long. I am twice as fast (and twice as accurate) Flipping and Pitching with a baitcaster than spinning gear. Love the built in torque when pulling a bass out of the weeds with a baitcaster too. Have boated 200# Goliath Grouper on a Shimano Calcutta but did a major cleaning once back home. Not confident with baitcasters in saltwater but know the Offshore Fisherman love them. Used an electric baitcaster once. Great for trolling as you just flip a switch and the lure is brought to the boat. Overall, spinning wins but Baitcasting is so enjoyable. Try a Shimano Metanium MGL and you will feel close to perfection and pure joy! Looking at getting a Shimano Adlebaran BFS XG Baitcasting reel. BFS stands for Bait Finesse System which is a technique out of Japan that incorporates a light Baitcasting reel with a smaller, lighter (holds less line) spool so lighter rods can cast lighter lures. A BFS reel can cast lures from 1/16 oz. 60’+. Clearly not far enough for saltwater fishing but great for stream trout and bass fishing (if minimal weed cover). For those that fish saltwater, become a Master of spinning gear. No question. Hope everyone remains excellent. Side Note: When the whole COVID-19 stuff hit the fan, I still remember (and kept the Salt Strong Email) Salt Strong reaching out to offer the whole Salt Strong Nation help if anyone needed. That’s Pure Love. Well done! Be well.

[@kristiandandanell7199]

Also interesting is the fact that in Europe where there no bass fishing. 95% is spinning reels, 4,5 % vertical jigging and 0,5 % baitcasters. I doesn’t make sense over here to fish with Baitcasting reels other than the challenge or just being adventurous.

[@kristiandandanell7199]

When will you make a video where you compete with equal Baitcasting vs spinning combos? Can’t wait for it!!!!!

[@kristiandandanell7199]

I also thought Americans think bigger is better or has this reversed in fishing?🤔

[@devonbuffington2718]

I like spinning except in one scenario - wade fishing with lures... but that may change with the revalation that none are really saltwater rated.

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

I'm primary a freshwater fisherman, but I also do some saltwater stuff. In freshwater I normally use baitcasting gear. Reason being is target accuracy, flipping&pitching, as well as large line management. I still use spinning in freshwater but for lighter line, and more finesse applications. When I fish saltwater I'm generally using spinning gear for surfcasting, but I have also used my baitcasting gear. I can catch fish on both. I like using both. Baitcasters are like a manual car, difficult but rewarding. Spinning is like an automatic, easy to operate.

[@anhl5091]

I grew up and learned on spinning. but once I got a little older I became pro-baitcaster. I still use both but for my go-to, everyday setup it'd be my baitcaster. Funny thing is I never got wind knots with mono growing up. But now if I use my spinning setup in winds I'll get wind knots almost everytime. I have NEVER had a wind knot in my baitcasters in wind...bird's nest yes. But I've not lost line due to a bird's nest versus having to cut line due to wind knot. I think part of the reason for the wind knots is that the lures I was using in the surf were twisting my line quite a bit. But spinning DEFINITELY gets a win on lighter setups. Also, it's much easier to cast a c-rig with a swivel and long leader on a spinning setup

[@anhl5091]

..meant "having to cut line due to wind knot on spinning setup."

[@smcewen7]

I use both I use baitcaster for inshore a lot if I'm on a jetty or something or it's windy I'll switch to a spinning reel

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I hear gear ratios mentioned and retrieval speed, but don't the higher speed reels have less torque?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@slimpickins9124]

It all depends on what type of fishing you're doing. One ain't necessarily better than the other.

[@slimpickins9124]

@Emmanuel Goldstein not wrong

[@JEgkt]

i'm on a market on 13 fishing baitcasting reels, any advice which series to get or tatula 100.

[@JEgkt]

@Emmanuel Goldstein i ended up getting the concept z for cheap on ebay its great on saltwater fishing.

[@JEgkt]

@Emmanuel Goldstein baitcaster this time. I have already a stradic 2500 reel with st croix premier combo.

[@robertcadena5972]

Great video- funny and educational . I’m still torn though lol

[@jasperredican4987]

In my experience, I think that neither is inherently better, they're just different. They're different tools for different jobs. For long casts with light lures, finesse fishing, spinning is better. However for anything around structure where I need power for close quarters fishing, I think baitcasting is better

[@Saltstrong]

Great point!

[@robertveith2255]

I think you need both lite lures for spinning heavy lures baitcasting..

[@Saltstrong]

Good Info! Thanks for the nice comment! We appreciate the support! 💪💪

[@the45er]

I won't argue that people might consider this topic "controversial", but it is one of the silliest discussions fishermen can have in my opinion. I'm a Texan and I'm not more "manly" than the average male Floridian. Different rod/line combinations definitely need to match the type of fishing you are doing. And maybe if you're trying to throw a 1/16 oz jig over a crappie top, an ultralite spinning outfit with 4 pound test may have an advantage, but that's it. A competent bait caster can do anything a competent spinning fisherman can do and vice versa. And anyone who thinks a spinning reel is immune from "bird's nests" hasn't fished much with spinning gear. I fish with both and enjoy both. The real issue is whether or not a Ford or a Chevy is better to drive to the fishing spot?

[@richardgreene6810]

Well, that depends. Ford is a better saltwater truck. But you can finesse a Chevy better near a creek.

[@robertdejonge3607]

What also surprises me, why is a baitcaster mounted on top of a rod instead of underneath so it will wobble a lot during retrieve....

[@RaffyMaBoi]

You need the thumb to control the spool on smaller reels

[@samh4232]

It depends for me on what setup I’m going to fish. Most of my freshwater setups are bait casters minus my finesses setups. All of my inshore and most of my surf setups are spinner. My pier, deep water, and monster fish surf setups are casting for the drag power over 35lbs. Never have had any issues casting a bait caster from my kayak. I throw most all of my gear side arm and have never had issues minus slapping the water but that happened with my sponging setup too. Absolutely use braid to leaded for distance and flexibility. That’s just a no brainer! I feel there are differences in conventional reels amongst themselves. Level wind, lever drag, star drag, and a few others. I don’t have a horse in the race either way, I think it’s highly dependent on the situation and need.

[@fishwhisperer8387]

Yea long handle comes into play, baitcast is like using a truck winch. I think u guys should also try some better reels

[@rkw221]

don't the Penn Fathom and Squall baitcaster versions have some sealing? interesting if they actually do not. A reason that came to mind is perhaps there are no truly saltwater baitcasters is that there is jo way they can compete with the plethora of conventional reels that have been around for decades?

[@nikc24777]

I fish both … it all depends what you are doing … bait casters are definitely more accurate…. And good when fishing near structures so you don’t cast to far and hit docks, tress , boats etc … and the setups are light as hell… and great for jigging from the boat … sea bass , fluke , tog whatever I have a diawa lexa 300 paired with a st croix mojo surf and it’s awesome for that ….

[@joegrande4848]

Just use index finger as line comes off spinning reel an you can still achieve excellent controll. The line lightly bounces off your index finger tip lightly as it comes off spinning reel

[@jackdickerson2031]

Which do y'all think is best for short cast?

[@minerblue9641]

Lol. A bamboo pole w/o a reel.

[@mistermatsuda]

There's no comparison in the distance category when you take it to the extreme. Competition casters can throw a weight with a round baitcaster well over 200 yards. When I fish with my custom Abu 6500 and custom surf rod, I'm fishing where most fishermen have not fished - over 130 yds out with bait. With that said, all of my lure fishing is done with a spinner. However, I'm in the midst of shopping for a low profile baitcaster combo right now. I want and need a change of pace at the moment.

[@joegrande4848]

Yes with a baitcaster you can adjust it to where you don't need your thumb to control line off baitcast reel without backlash not having to use your thumb

[@6atlantis]

Spinning all they way, salt and fresh!

[@chrisk3739]

Admittedly amateur here... I’ve been using baitcasters for a long time and recently acquired a couple of spinning reels. For me, the extra control and accuracy comes from the release timing of the line. Much smaller movement required from thumb on a baitcaster spool vs a index finger on spinning reel line. Still practicing with with the spinning gear, but right now I’m all over the place with my casts. And wind knots are MUCH worse than bird nests. I can get a braid bird nest free in 5-10 seconds. A spinning reel wind knot, while less common (assuming you loaded your spool correctly), takes anywhere from several minutes up to a pair of scissors to undo.

[@frankiev-tech4630]

I was pumped with this subject! Exactly spinning reels are for the real man...the girls line up around me compared to the sissy guys with the baitcasters lol! There's nothing to hear that drag on a spinner compared to a wimpcaster...sounds like pure muscle!!! Accuracy depends on location like rivers and lakes...but the majority don't care and fish open water.

[@robertdejonge3607]

Spinning reels are the best, no doubts! (Unless you want to catch a great white ;) ).

[@pakde8002]

If you want to catch any big species a level wind overhead reel is the best way to go. Bait casting reels don't hold enough line for a hard running fish and don't have enough drag imo.

[@6atlantis]

Even in that case spinning is better. You’re thinking of a conventional reel.

[@jawjuh1005]

That last point about no saltwater baitcasters? That was big. Didn’t know that. Really good job guys. That was fun.

[@pakde8002]

A bait caster would be pretty worthless in blue water applications unless you were jigging in fairly shallow water due to line capacity. In Bali I see some local guys fast light jigging (20-30 grams) in 20-30 meters of water with bait casting setups catching 2-3 kilo size fish, but I've seen one or two get smoked when they luck up on a decent fish. That's gotta be a bad feeling watching 20 bucks worth of braid go sailing off into the distance.

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

@@pakde8002 the Shimano Tranx 400 can hold almost 300 yards for 50lb power pro. And it's salt approved. You just need to get the right tool for the job.

[@steveng.c.8524]

I agree with Luke....

[@oniinparadise9620]

I personally will not like to give up baitcasters coming from a bass angling background but the transition to spinning will have to be done because i now live in florida and the wind is unforgiving to baitcasters. Its like a part of me will have to be put away. Oh well, at least im in the most beautiful state. If youre on a boat making short casts the baitcaster is ideal. If youre like me and dont have a boat the spinning reel is ideal

[@stevenmcclelland1859]

Salt equipment is more expensive for a reason. I fish fresh (no salt) water. Spinning equipment is cheap. The ROD is my focus! I can buy upper level rods with cheaper reels. The trick is the cheap reel! That allows the $ to be put into the rod. Works for me. Rod focus!!! You guys know!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@robertveith2255]

Thats way I use the Calcutta mostly all metal the gold one ...

[@jawjuh1005]

This is fun to watch and I use both but a lot of the problems the SS team is having with baitcasters is due to user error. Hahaha. I disagree with a lot of the points against baitcasters. They both have their place. It doesn’t need to be either or. This is kind of a regional thing too. Florida mostly spinning, a lot of baitcasters in Texas it seems.

[@calebrabion]

Bottom line, it's a matter of preference. Both setups catch fish.

[@georgemiserendino7385]

For top water, bait caster , gives better consistent action.

[@minerblue9641]

If you know how to use a spinning reel. A spinning reel is all you need. In my opinion. Although my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter likes a bamboo pole w/o a reel. She catches monster bluegills.

[@jawjuh1005]

A little biased. Haha. I use both. I like the baitcaster for a lot of inshore applications and keep a light spinner for the small stuff. You really should try the DC reels game changing. Never backlash.

[@robbievan99]

I agree with a touch biased on this particular video. There’s a time and place for both types of reels. But to say baitcasters aren’t good because of backlashes is just silly. I love my spinning reels, but if I’m target casting, pitching in close quarters or skipping docks, I’m definitely going to have a baitcaster in my hand. I do favor spinning setups when making log casts or if I’m fan-casting. I also like the drag systems better with spinning reels. Just my 2 cents

[@Bobb1julie]

Hi 👋 Y’all. When you have the time look into a bait caster one named RON ARRA ..Cape Cod Canal’s best . I met him a few years ago at Chatham,Mass .He was Spey fly fishing and my buddy and l were chunking . I believe he is the only CCC fisherman to cast a plug across the Cape Cod Canal using the conventional reel system..I was fortunate to cast to the middle.

[@henryschmidt636]

Too many variables you guys haven't touched on. The anglers body type. I find spinning reels get in the way of my well grown beer belly! Comparing experience with Stradic pricepoint spinning to lesser quality Quantum/Abu isn't fair. What about line variety? Your spinning reels force you to life with only braid. I see you guys are religiously devoted to braid but that's limiting. Mono still holds value.

[@kelley71]

Its all about the rod, the rest is mechanics.

[@johnpuckett899]

Every job has a tool

[@ovidiudraghici9941]

So many myths about baitcasters in North America. I think it's just the industry pushing trends. The rest of the world can cast accuratley and throw heavy baits on spinning outfits. And I don't think baitcasters have better ergonomics, on the contrary.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@kristiandandanell7199]

Sorry but another question. Why do Americans retrieve with their right hand? Al right handers I know retrieve with left hand. Why do it the opposite way? Are the fish that smaller over there??? 🤪

[@stevenmcclelland1859]

I have a finesse baitcaster ! No.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!