Depends on fishing experience. Spincasters are extremely easy to use but lack in casting range, Spinners are also easy to use and are the "intermediate" of sorts, with medium capabilities in casting distance. Baitcasters require an experienced hand to use them effectively, otherwise you'll be spending most of your time fuming over backlash rather than fishing. But once you get used to them, they cast a country mile. Hope that helps, happy fishing.

If I may add my 2 cents...In my opinion, now this is just my opinion...Spincasters are for children...I know some adults use them, but mainly they are for children...hope I don't offend anyone. Spinning reels are for casting long distance; ie: surfcasting...and also for finesse presentations, light lures and if your not comfortable with conventional style/baitcasting reels. Baitcaster are more difficult to learn, but you can use it for any application, but mainly you get more accurate casts, and you can use it for heavier lures, baits and it's easier to cast and retrieve. The main thing is get a decent one. Don't go too expensive or too cheap either. Now...pratice, pratice, pratice. Most baitcasters have cast control settings...go with the highest setting, and start off with a 2 ounce weight and pratice in your yard or a park or at the lake, beach etc, etc...Once you can control your casts with that, lower your settings, (brakes)...and go with 1 ounce...and practice, practice...keep doing that until you can cast with the lowest setting. I use Quantum's CBC 30. I been using these reels for about 3 years now...and it took me a few days to get it down. Once in awhile, when i'm not paying attention, I'll get a backlash, but that happpens when you use a baitcaster. Don't be discouraged...just get it and do it. And when you catch your first fish on a baitcaster, it will be so rewarding. Good luck!!

I'll try not to be redundant , hopefully say different things about this. It's really a big subject. We were discussing spincaster line twist in another thread, so you already know those are my first choice for inexperienced anglers, avoiding the much more frequent problems of other types. They are not only for beginners! You don't get nearly the backlashes more typical of baitcasters, or the line twist and tangles (coiling) of spinning reels. I am convinced a user of spincasters will get in more casts per day, and I always load on in the boat. You have to keep a spincaster cleaner more often, as they will build up grit which will lead to scratches and deposits on the line spool, resulting in worn line and breakoffs. The reason they get dirty is stuff comes in on the line but can't drip away like with a spinning or baitcasting reel with exposed spools and good drainage.

Since most of my work travel was by plane it wasn't convenient to pack a decent rod & reel, though I almost always planned to fish wherever I went. I used guides often with equipment supplied, but was on my own often, so bought a fairly cheap spincaster for the trip then gave it away to the first taker. The point is there doesn't have to be a significant investment in rod/reel to have a good time, and cheap combos can last a long time and perform adequately for most folks. A problem with spincasters is lack of power, too-light of a drag, not as good as most any spinning reel, way short of what baitcasters offer for drag. Most spincasters will slip as you reel against a larger or heavy-fighting fish, and if you keep reeling in that case the line will twist terribly and quickly, the line coming under extreme friction-abrasion inside the reel.

Accuracy using a spincaster is a matter of experience with it. It takes both hands to control the line feathering both spincaster (pinch line against rod) and spinning reel (press line on the spool with a fiinger), while only one hand with thumb riding the spool is all that's needed to handle a baitcaster with great accuracy by slowing and stopping the bait at the exact moment. The spincast reel itself isn't shy about lure delivery. If you pair it with the right rod and right line for the chosen lure you could become a world target caster using a spincaster. However, I would think more accuracy would be possible with the other two reel types given enough practice away from sticking with a spincaster. While pin-point accuracy is inherent in them as much as any other reel within distance limitations, rod and line skills are not built in. Feathering the line is as easy if not easier than with a spinning reel, the line being usually as close to the rod shaft as with a baitcaster. Distance in casting is another potential problem as already mentioned, but that's because of spool line capacity. Heavier thicker line needed for rough bass situations doesn't allow many yards on the spool, so long casts begin to die early when the spool nearly empties. When the spool level is low you won't cast as efficiently as when full. But if using light thin line and a light-medium action with ample back-loading a light lure can be cast as far as with other types, all other factors being equal. If a particular lure gets off target because of wind, that lure will misbehave at the end of the other types of reel combos. That's what I mean by all other factors being equal.

I like spinning reels mostly because of the ease in changing spools and ability to skip lures under docks and overhanging tree branches. I carry just two spinning combos, one light action short spinning rod for skipping baits, and one medium heavy rod, but only one reel, and several spare spools with different lines loaded.

I mostly fish with baitcasters. I tend to reel too fast using a spinning reel while worm or jig fishing. That's a matter of habit, not equipment. I carry four baitcasting combos and keep them baited for different situations, lures chosen when I get on the water. One is a 7' heavy flippin' rod with a 30 year old slow speed Ambassadeur 5500, a MH rod with a C6500 for big fish like stripers and wipers, a Curado Bantam rig, and a BPS high speed reel. I own more expensive fancier reels but just don't spend enough time learning their different feels. I fish with what I've spent the most time using. From that I've come to realize I am no better or worse off not buying the latest "must have" reel since I have some older "must haves" and haven't needed them to catch fish. For me paying $500 for a reel was a bit foolish. If my motor skills drop enough I might have to use that thing. Don't ever feel you "must" do that or be in trouble for some pride reason. Good enough (practically speaking) will cost $200 or less for a spinning or baitcasting reel.

Baitcasting rigs are best for me for flippin', pitchin', C-riggin', and all of them but the high speed reel have great winch power. I can set the drag to handle any load intended by the rod/line/lure.

I carry no less than 7 rods including a second spinning rod with no reel. I have found mastering all three types keeps me fishing and catching in all possible scenarios. Locally I am never under-equipped, and have plenty for a partner needing to keep fishing. So my answer is there is no "best" of any of those tools. Each has its rightful place in the boat.

Jim

hi bass pro shops has a mega cast baitcaster for $39.00 that is a good real too learn on, i bought one that is what i started with i liked it so much i got another one good real for the money . bought two daiwa megaforce plus 100tsh with twitchin bar for $70.00 each good reel but i find my self useing the mega cast more then the daiwa reels. it all comes to whatyou are comfortable with. hope this helps.

Jeez how many more years do we have to spend on this subject? Eather learn to use a baitcaster or stick with spinning reels. enough already.

Hey ManofGod, how ya doin'? I stated my fishing life using spinning reels. I started using baitcast about 4 years ago and yes, at first you will have trouble with them, however, after practice, learning to use the braking system on the reels and the right touch on the spinning spool as you cast, I think you'll find they are a lot of fun. By the way, I am using the fly reel you gave me and I really enjoy it. Thank you so much. .Happy fishing and God bless.

Hey manofGod, how ya doin'? I started out using spinning reels and just started using baitcast about 4 years ago. At first you will have problems with them, but after practice and getting accustomed to the braking systems on them and learning to thumb the spool while casting I'm sure you will find them as much fun to use as I have. by the way, I'm using the fly reel you gave me and enjoy it a lot. Thank you so much. Happy fishing and God bless.

Manofgod, your question could result in enough answers to fill a book on the subject.

Your spincast reel button does two jobs. Holding and releasing line. You press it to hold the line to begin a cast, release it in the cast, and you press it to stop the cast. On a baitcaster the button only releases line for a cast, so is opposite in function from that of the spincaster button.

Stopping a baitcaster spool from spinning with gradual thumb pressure allows for precision placement of a lure, but more especially giving the ability to slow the bait down before hitting water. The idea is to reduce the force of splash. You can do that some with a spincaster, but it requires a lot longer rod and high rod skill. Having to abruptly stop a bait by pressing the spincast button makes it very difficult to slow a bait down.

I agree with Pegsguy you ought not go cheap on a baitcaster. I have 30 baitcast reels not counting what are packed away, in at least 6 brands, and am happy with all but the BPS brand. My favorite general bass baitcaster reel is the now discontinued Shimano Curado CU-200 Bantam. I paid twice what you might pay now on EBay. There's a new one there now with high bid of $77 with an hour left. If it is new and not damaged it is probably the best deal for any beginner. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SHIMANO-CUR...53e336b419 I have 12 new ones in the box in storage, else would bid on that one. I believe that reel is the best ever on the market in the $170-$200 range, and puts reels in the $150 and under range to shame.

Jim

I spent some time looking through the archive, as much has been written here about the reels in the past years, but apparently we are starting all over since most of the archives are gone.

A spinning reel falls between the spincaster and baitcaster in several ways. One of the main differences from both spincast and baitcast reels is speed and ease of changing spools while fishing. It should only take a minute or two once used to it. That way using the same average duty reel combo can be used with 4-6# line one hour fishing tiny lures, then switch to 60# braid and heavy lures, or average weight lures in extreme weeds. Having two different rods helps deliver light versus heavy. Light lures cast better when the rod is soft at the tip, able to load up some stored energy on the backswing of a cast. But with a spinning reel you can cast light lures easily enough if careful enough on each cast. I have one long slow action spinning rod mostly for crappie jigs, two medium action rods with a wide range of lure weights and line size, and one medium heavy spinning rod I don't use much.

I don't like spinning reels for heavy C-rigs, one ounce jigs, or ledgebuster spinnerbaits, as feathering the line on the cast is not easy regardless of capability of the rod. By far the best choice for me is a baitcaster and a rod with a lot of backbone with a lot of winch power. You can buy a very heavy duty spinning combo with plenty of power, but cost-wise I stick with the baitcaster for heavy lifting.

Line twist is the most extreme in spinning reels. The main two points to stay on top of are not allowing a lure to spin against the line axis, and always close the bail manually after each cast. As with a spincaster spool always keep a spinning reel spool full as possible the way the manufacturer recommends. protect the line from high friction and stretching (making permanent coils) by keeping the line roller bearing lubricated. It's where the line rests against the bail.

Of the 3 types of reels my personal opinion concerning maintenance is spinning reels are the most difficult (complicated) to keep in perfect condition. Of course, once you have cleaned a model several times successfully the task isn't nearly so time consuming or difficult. I maintain baitcasters and spincasters, but send my spinning reels to a shop, except when "super-tuning" one. In the long run that makes them the most expensive reels I own when adding purchase price and maintenance cost.

Jim

I have to say that I've experienced far worse line twist problems from spincast reels.  However, if I was to compare dollar for dollar, I will agree that a $30 spinning reel will tend to give more line management problem over that of a same price spincast reel.  It's all due to line tension and spincast reels do a much better job at acquiring line tension.

Every year I took part in several child fishing derby events in cooperation with the Game & Fish. They provided spincast combos. I remember when the rigs were donated, so the style was pot-luck draw for each kid, used and new. Then they decided it would be best to start them out using a "real" reel, baitcasters. We spent most of the time picking out loops or unpacking another combo the next two years. One year we had all spinning reels. I'd say the biggest problem was lures landing behind the casters. After many years of observing children and fishing equipment I decided on Zebco 33s for my children and grand children, as those were the most successful for a lot of youngsters with no experience fishing. By far we have less trouble, but when a 33 gets fouled, spool removal is likely necessary. Keeping the spool full definitely limits the problems, as well as not abusing the drag. I believe the one most significant fact that keeps the spincast reel going is the maddenly slow gear ratio, about 3.5:1. You reel about twice as many times as when using a standard 6.x:1. Go light on the reel and you are likely to fish it all day without line twist or tangles.

Baitcaster reels are for me without doubt the most troublesome to use without tangles/birdsnests, and even seasoned users are bound to have an accident. Spinning reels are in the middle, mostly developing the extreme coils that clog the rod tip. Just don't reel any mess through the guides.

Jim

I would like to thank everyone for their help , i feel like i have a better understanding now of the differences between spincasters & baitcasters , i really appreciate everyones help .

it really depends on the persons if you're comfortable with spinning go with spinning baitcasting go with baiitcatsing. everybody likes differnet things, fishes different areas and uses different presentations

Just for the record I want to clarify my last statement. For beginners the most difficult reel type is learning to use a baitcaster without wasting a lot of time dealing with birdsnests and other tangles. For many of us it was eventually a matter of necessity to learn it. We still have occasional boo boos and end up picking out some tangles, but not nearly as often as initially. Being comfortable only with another reel like a spincast could keep you from winning bass tournaments due to being able to make only half as many casts, and taking twice as long to boat a bass, giving it more opportunity to get away. But, there's situations when the angler that's expert with a spinning reel will excel against the one only fishing a baitcaster. With it and only it I can skip small or large baits under docks quietly and precisely. The best for any serious angler is to learn all three types equally well, and have at least one of each on hand. Each has it's niche in a boat or on the bank.

Jim

Posted By ouachitabassangler on 01 Sep 2010 06:54 AM
Just for the record I want to clarify my last statement. For beginners the most difficult reel type is learning to use a baitcaster without wasting a lot of time dealing with birdsnests and other tangles. For many of us it was eventually a matter of necessity to learn it. We still have occasional boo boos and end up picking out some tangles, but not nearly as often as initially. Being comfortable only with another reel like a spincast could keep you from winning bass tournaments due to being able to make only half as many casts, and taking twice as long to boat a bass, giving it more opportunity to get away. But, there's situations when the angler that's expert with a spinning reel will excel against the one only fishing a baitcaster. With it and only it I can skip small or large baits under docks quietly and precisely. The best for any serious angler is to learn all three types equally well, and have at least one of each on hand. Each has it's niche in a boat or on the bank.

Jim

I agree. I take 3 baitcast rigs, 3 spinning rigs and 1 fly cast rig on my boat every fishing trip and use them all . They are different actions from light to medium-heavy for different weight and type lures and a 7 weight fly rod.

Posted By ouachitabassangler on 01 Sep 2010 06:54 AM
Just for the record I want to clarify my last statement. For beginners the most difficult reel type is learning to use a baitcaster without wasting a lot of time dealing with birdsnests and other tangles. For many of us it was eventually a matter of necessity to learn it. We still have occasional boo boos and end up picking out some tangles, but not nearly as often as initially. Being comfortable only with another reel like a spincast could keep you from winning bass tournaments due to being able to make only half as many casts, and taking twice as long to boat a bass, giving it more opportunity to get away. But, there's situations when the angler that's expert with a spinning reel will excel against the one only fishing a baitcaster. With it and only it I can skip small or large baits under docks quietly and precisely. The best for any serious angler is to learn all three types equally well, and have at least one of each on hand. Each has it's niche in a boat or on the bank.

Jim

I agree. I take 3 baitcast rigs, 3 spinning rigs and 1 fly cast rig on my boat every fishing trip and use them all . They are different actions from light to medium-heavy for different weight and type lures and a 7 weight fly rod.

Posted By ouachitabassangler on 01 Sep 2010 06:54 AM
Just for the record I want to clarify my last statement. For beginners the most difficult reel type is learning to use a baitcaster without wasting a lot of time dealing with birdsnests and other tangles. For many of us it was eventually a matter of necessity to learn it. We still have occasional boo boos and end up picking out some tangles, but not nearly as often as initially. Being comfortable only with another reel like a spincast could keep you from winning bass tournaments due to being able to make only half as many casts, and taking twice as long to boat a bass, giving it more opportunity to get away. But, there's situations when the angler that's expert with a spinning reel will excel against the one only fishing a baitcaster. With it and only it I can skip small or large baits under docks quietly and precisely. The best for any serious angler is to learn all three types equally well, and have at least one of each on hand. Each has it's niche in a boat or on the bank.

Jim

I agree. I take 3 baitcast rigs, 3 spinning rigs and 1 fly cast rig on my boat every fishing trip and use them all . They are different actions from light to medium-heavy for different weight and type lures and a 7 weight fly rod.

Can anyone tell me what is the problem with this forum program that it always prints my posts at least twice? Today it's doing it 3 times!!!!

OK, I think I figured it out.