Bait caster vs. Spinning

The previous posters have hit the nail on the head as to the advantages of each. Both have their advantages. I like my spin-casting reels when using lighter lines, 8 - 10 lb test. I prefer my bait-casting reels when throwing spinner-baits and crank-baits. The bait-caster is just plain easier on your body when making cast after cast in a long tourney. However in heavy winds I go strictly with spin-casting equipment. (Unless I'm throwing a spinner bait) My tube rod is a spinning rod.

If your having trouble with backlash, I like to suggest:

First get a small piece of electrical tape. Then go out into the yard and make a nice long cast, make sure you get all of the looseness out of of the spool then lay the piece of tape directly on the spool over the remaining line. Reel in the bait and all of the line you just cast. The tape will help reduce the backlash and won't allow the real to over spin. After a while you will be good enough to take the tape off. It's like having training wheels on your bait-caster.

Baitcaster's are great for trolling. And when casting, make sure it's set right for the lure weight you have on is a must. Also when you see your about to backlash use your thumb to stop it. It takes practice and until you get use to it don't cast so hard that helps the most. When you cast it turn your wrist sideways it's better that way. All i use now is my Spirex spinning reels for all casting and my baitcaster when i troll. Baitcaster's have there place and just keep on practicing and you'll have it down in no time. Practice on land all you can it helps alot. Long handle rods are better than pistol grib rods in my opion, the arm will last alot longer.

h2o<---says turn your wrist and use your thumb. Read the owners manual again on how to set the caster to the lure weight your tossing that's important, and set the brake correctly.

jroach17. It all depends on what fish you are after and what type of lures you are using and also you line weight. I don't use a bait caster for worm fishing, either live worms or plastic ones . I also Perch fish with open face as well as Bluegill etc. For big fish like Pike, Muskie and Channel Cats and other big predators I use Bait casters. As it was mentioned before light lines will not work well on bait casters most of the time. As long as you check the brake with each different lure you are using the back lashes shoud go away for the most part. One said don't try to toss into the wind. That was a very good statement. Another thing you really don't have to throw hard with a bait caster. The harder you try to throw it the more problems you will have. Learn to loft the bait instead of trying to steer it to a spot. I feel that the longer rods of 7 to 8 feet will throw a lure better for you unless it is to light. As was also mentioned buy a good reel not a cheap one Quality counts but that also applies to the rod. I have been casting my whole life with bait casters as well as I was more than likely one of the first to use open face around here (1945). Brought one home from France. I like open face for most fish except Muskie, Pike, Channel Cats and Sturgeon. I hope this helps you a little.

One tip to reduce a backlash is to set your reel's tension knob (on the right side on a right-handed reel, left side on a left-handed reel) so that the lure you are using will fall SLOWLY when you release the thumb bar. Also, if your reel is equipped with a magnetic style braking system, turn it all the way up to 10. If you have a pin centrifugal braking system, make sure all of the brakes are pushed out. This will slow the spool down and reduce the likelihood of a backlash. Another tip, use your thumb to slow the spool down. And lastly, all of my backlashes happen when I am trying to gain an extra foot or two in distance (which means don't try and throw the bait a country mile if you don't have to). I have found that, like others have stated, I use my baitcasters for heavier lines (10+) to throw heavier baits. I use my spinning gear (8 pounds or less) a lot for tubes, small jigs, jerkbaits, and chuggers. The one technique I use my spin gear for EXCLUSIVELY is when I am skipping baits like tubes, jigs, etc under docks or throwdowns. Try that with a baitcaster and you will have the greatest bird's nest you will ever have.