My preference is a spinning set-up.  Back in the 50's learning to fish, we had baitcasters (not recommended for 5 yr old with no functioning thumb).  Needless to say, my dad went out and bought me a Mitchell 300 (which I still have) after spending most of our fishing days clearing backlashes.  I have a couple baitcasters I use on occasion, but have probably 10 spinning reels around the house in useable shape, and another 10-20 that require some TLC.  My preferred reel is Shimano Symetre, which I have in 750, 2500 (3) which I use on my Steelhead rods, and 4000  (3) on my Salmon Rods.  They were not as expensive as the Stradic, but very close in feel and function to me. 
JustDave

I started out with the Zebco 33 spincast reels then moved up to some Shakespeare open face spinning reels. So overall I'm a spinning reel user, but have just started out with some baitcasting reels a few years ago. The baitcasting reels comes with it's own set of challenges, but the functionality of it is worth it. Overall the spinning reel is used basically for live bait fishing and the baitcasting reel is pretty much artificial lures.

i use both depending on what im doing that day in fact i usually have both with ne every trip live bait and smaller or finesse presentations spinning most my artificials i fish on baitcasting except for the small or finesse lures

Every angler should have both reels in their arsenal...I fish salt, so I have 3 different set ups...I use conventional non-levelwind, baitcaster and spinning...They all have their place in which they will be used. When I do fish freshwater, I use baitcasters primarly for swimbaits, crankbaits...baits used to cover alot of ground and in heavy cover...spinning gear i use more for finesse and lighter, downsized applications/presentations.

I take 8 rods on my boat. 3 baitcast, 3 spinning, and 2 fly cast. Each is a different weight/action for different situations and I enjoy the challenge of using all three types. They all have their time and place.

Great comments guys. BARRESI, DUCKMAN, I too, also prefer spinning reels for lighter, finesse style fishing and baitcasting reels for the rest. SLIPPERYBOB, I totally agree on the Zebco 33. I think everyone has had this spincaster in their aresenal. JUSTDAVE, my buddy only uses Symetre reels, they're really nice. BASS or BASS?, I've never experienced a fly reel. They seem intimidating. I think it's because I'm afraid I'll hook my ear. LOL. Again, thanks for input.

Posted By mr2105 on 26 Feb 2011 12:17 AM
Great comments guys. BARRESI, DUCKMAN, I too, also prefer spinning reels for lighter, finesse style fishing and baitcasting reels for the rest. SLIPPERYBOB, I totally agree on the Zebco 33. I think everyone has had this spincaster in their aresenal. JUSTDAVE, my buddy only uses Symetre reels, they're really nice. BASS or BASS?, I've never experienced a fly reel. They seem intimidating. I think it's because I'm afraid I'll hook my ear. LOL. Again, thanks for input.

When fly casting ALWAYS wear eye protection and a hat. Also, I learned to cast at a 45 degree angle to keep the fly farther away from me.

Baitcasting reels set ups tend to be more lure/technique specific. When I set up one baitcasting combo, it's set up for pretty much a just one lure type. I don't use the topwater lure for jigging stuff. Reel brakes and tension knob control are set for a certain lure type and weighted for the cast. If I just swap out to a different lure, chances are I will backlash and call it a day. Baitcasting set ups tend to get a little less rod tangles in transport from home to fishing spot.

The spinning reel set ups, I can do so much more on one combo. I can switch from bobber fishing to bottom rigging without too much worry except for line type and strength for the job. Most of all, I like my slip bobber rigs, and I can't set up a light bobber rig on my baitcasting combo's.

I prefer spinning just because I fish mainly for panfish and if I were to try using those small lures on a baitcaster rig I would blow it up every time. I do own a baitcaster just for bass on a big lake nearby that I go to infrequently.

I like both baitcaster for more heavy lure and spinning for lighter lures, weightless plastics(powerbait) and jigs

I also use both, depending on the lure. Light stuff with the spinning rods, heavier lures with the baitcasters.

I use both also.  Baitcaster for vertical jigging and trolling, spinning for live bait and jigs.

Both are equally important in some situations.  I use both.

My first choice is almost always spinning, but i use a baitcaster for heavier jigs, cranks, and heavy worm rigs

Posted By memphisfish on 08 Jun 2011 12:16 AM
My first choice is almost always spinning, but i use a baitcaster for heavier jigs, cranks, and heavy worm rigs

Same here.

I like baitcasters and spinning reals equally depending on what situations you are in.

Like most others, I use the spinning gear for lighter presentations, slip-bobbering and rigging, baitcasters for the heavier stuff, and level winds with line counters for trolling. I normally keep 4 rods in the rod locker of my boat - 1 baitcaster, 1 med-light spinning rod with a slip-bobber, 1 medium rod for jigging/casting small cranks, and 1 heavier spinning rod for Lindy-rigging/pulling crawler harnesses.

just like most ppl here i use both b/c both have a time and place. But id go with my baitcasters over my spinnings if i had to choose. mostly for personal preference.