Fishing reels have evolved significantly over the years, although most of them utilize the same designs. The main types of reels popularly used nowadays by anglers are spinning reels and baitcasting reels. Both reels have their advantages and drawbacks. Choosing between a spinning reel and a bait caster can be challenging for a beginner. 

Typically, your fishing skill level and the type of fish you are after determine your choice of a reel. Let’s look at the difference between the two types to help you make the right choice when browsing at https://www.meltontackle.com/big-game-reels.

Spinning reels

Spinning reels are popularly known for their easy operability and are perfect for introducing beginners to fishing, including kids. Their mechanism involves flipping the bail, placing a finger on the line, and cast. Then close the bail and turn the handle on the side of the reel to reel it back in. That prevents unspooling and tangling before you begin to cast.

The reel is usually mounted on the rod’s base to provide better balance when casting and the drag adjustment situated on top of the reel. When you have a high-quality spinning reel, you can fish like a pro within no time. 

The best thing about spinning reels is that they are cheaper, easy to use, allows more control over casting speed and distance and can be used with light lures and bait.

Baitcasting reels

A bait caster reel sits above the rod so that the spool is parallel to the rod. When baitcasting, the spool moves along with the casting of the line; therefore, it requires an experienced angler to keep things in control. Otherwise, the spool may end up moving faster than your casting line resulting in a knotty mess known as backlash. This is one of the reasons why baitcasting reels are recommended for experienced anglers.

A baitcasting reel is suitable for dropping your line in a more crowded area or a hit spot like a river bed. It is also powerful enough for use in offshore fishing. When using a bait caster, your main hand holds the rod to cast. Then you switch hands to reel in the cast; hence your dominant hand holds the reel also. An experienced angler uses their thumb to control the line when casting to prevent a backlash. 

You release the line by pressing the button, which immediately drops your bait. To cast, you have to lock the line with your thumb on the reel, then turn the reeling handle or put your thumb back on the spool to end your casting. A baitcasting reel can handle heavier fish, is more durable, customizable, lightweight, can hold more line, and has stronger drag capabilities.

The bottom line

You can launch a lure further with a baitcasting reel, but it takes some time to master, and more practice is required to use one in your comfort zone. Generally, choose a spinning reel if you are an inexperienced angler because a baitcasting reel requires more focus and precision in challenging environments like lily pads. But a spinning reel can be used in every situation possible, including beginners.