If you are new to fishing and can’t decide between a spinning reel or a baitcasting reel, this article is for you. In it, we walk you through the pros and cons of each type of reel with an eye towards helping you select the best type for you. In large part, your choice will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do and how much of a learning curve you are willing to sustain. Here's the lowdown:
- Spinning Reel Pros
- Spinning Reel Cons
- Baitcasting Reel Pros
- Baitcasting Reel Cons
- Review of What to Consider When Choosing Your Reel
- Go With Your Gut
- Consider a Rod and Reel Combo
- We're Here to Help!
Penn Battle III Spinning ComboSpinning Reel Pros
- Fewer Backlashes: Spinning reels are the most beginner-friendly. They're less likely to get tangled up in a mess called a backlash, so you can focus more on fishing and less on sorting out knots.
- Jack of All Trades: These reels are like the Swiss Army knife of fishing gear. While excellent for tossing small lightweight lures, they can also be used for throwing heavier stuff, like pyramid sinkers when fishing in the surf.
- Lightweight Lures: Spinning reels are better than baitcasting reels for casting small, lightweight lures like what are typically used to catch pan fish and trout.
- Longer Casts: With spinning reels, the line flows off a stationary spool in smooth coils with minimal resistance, reducing friction and allowing for longer casts.
- Wallet-Friendly: Generally, spinning reels cost less than baitcasting reels, which is important for first-time anglers who may want to test the waters before splurging on more expensive gear.
Spinning Reel Cons
- Excessive Line Coils: Over time, fishing line (especially monofilament) on a spinning reel’s spool can develop a memory that results in line coils snagging on rod guides during a cast. Changing your line once a year and properly spooling it on to the reel’s spool can prevent this.
- Less Precision: In the hands of most anglers, when it comes to super precise casting, spinning reels might not be as accurate as baitcasting reels, which offer more control over where your bait lands.
- Less Power on the Retrieve: With spinning reels, the line must turn a 90-degree angle before wrapping onto the spool, which creates line friction that results in less power on the retrieve compared to baitcasting reels.
Abu Garcia Vengence Baitcasting ComboBaitcasting Reel Pros
- Nail the Bullseye: Baitcasting reels are the kings of accuracy and control. They're perfect for those tricky casts that need to land exactly where you want them, like pitching or flipping or skip casting which is a technique for getting a bait to land under a dock or low-hanging cover.
- More Power on the Retrieve: Baitcasting reels have a rotating spool and a straight line path, which results in greater control and power when reeling in a fish.
Baitcasting Reel Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: Baitcasting reels have a steeper learning curve compared to spinning reels. While modern baitcasting reels include braking systems to reduce the chance of a backlash, you will still need to “educate your thumb” to properly feather the spool and stop it from turning at the end of a cast.
- Pricey Picks: Quality baitcasting reels can put a bigger dent in your wallet compared to spinning reels, which might not be ideal if you're just trying your hand at fishing for the first time.
- Light Lure Limits: To overcome the inertia of their spool, baitcasting reels cast best with lures that are heavier than lightweight lures that are typically used to catch pan fish and trout.
Review of What to Consider When Choosing Your Reel
- Skill Level: If you're just starting out, spinning reels are like your trusty sidekick. They're easier to handle and can make those early fishing trips a whole lot more fun.
- Fishing Style: Think about what kind of fishing you'll be doing most. If you're going after bigger fish or using heavier gear, a baitcasting reel could be your best bet. For making long casts with lightweight terminal tackle, spinning reels are often the way to go.
- Money Matters: Spinning reels are usually gentler on the wallet, which is important for beginners who aren't ready to splurge on top-notch gear just yet.
- Ease of Use: Spinning reels are generally more forgiving and need less fussing over, which is great for newbies still getting the hang of things.
Go With Your Gut
At the end of the day, what feels right to you matters most. We suggest you familiarize yourself with each type of reel at a West Marine store or by testing them out when fishing with friends. For beginners, spinning reels are often the hero of the story. They're friendly, versatile, and won't necessarily cost you an arm and a leg. But if you're up for the challenge and want extra control and power, a baitcasting reel could become your best fishing friend.
Consider a Rod and Reel Combo
After you decide what type of reel you want, consider making your first setup a baitcasting or spinning rod and reel combo. Rod and reel combos are perfect for first time anglers like you because they match their reels to rods with the right action and length for a "balanced" setup, so you don't have to worry if the rod is the right choice for the reel or vice-versa. A fishing tackle expert has done this work for you.
We're Here to Help!
West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next fishing trip. We offer free line spooling and locally assorted tackle in most of our stores to gear you up for what’s biting in your area. Plus, with plenty of anglers on our crew, we have the know-how you need to get ready. Use our store finder to locate a store near you.
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