Thread: Whats the difference between a spinning rod & a baitcasting rod?

Hi Guys . I have been reading alot of information on this site and on the net in general (useless if you ask me compared to the bassing site) on different rod applications for bass fishing. They do disclose information on the the rod action and backbone of the rod but never mention whether you should use spinning or bait casting rod with the different fishing technique. Should this matter?

Spinning rods work well for drop shot ( I just use my baitcasting outfit for that ) and for skipping. It also makes fishing into the wind easier. But other tha that I'm a baitcasting fan. You can cast more accurate with the baitcaster and that is a BIG plus.

Originally Posted by Jake

Spinning rods work well for drop shot ( I just use my baitcasting outfit for that ) and for skipping. It also makes fishing into the wind easier. But other tha that I'm a baitcasting fan. You can cast more accurate with the baitcaster and that is a BIG plus.

I agree. Baitcasting is much more accurate.

Thanks Jake. In essence one should only buy a spinning rod for drop shot.

Spinning rods are primarily used for finesse fishing with lighter lures (primarily plastics) and light lines.

Trying to skip a 1/16 ounce weighted tube on baitcasting gear is a recipe for insanity.

Shane

I definitely do not only use spinning outfits for dropshot and skipping applications.

It has many more application possibilities and in my opinion and based on my experience
a baitcaster is definitely not more accurate than a spinning reel. I forced myself to fish mainly with a spinning set-up for a year in order to learn as much as possible on spinning reels and rods. I have at least 4 – 5 spinning rods on my boat at all times.

Watch some of the FLW and other pro bass series programs from the US – it is an eye opener to see how many of the pros use spinning outfits on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by veelen

Shane

I definitely do not only use spinning outfits for dropshot and skipping applications.

It has many more application possibilities and in my opinion and based on my experience
a baitcaster is definitely not more accurate than a spinning reel. I forced myself to fish mainly with a spinning set-up for a year in order to learn as much as possible on spinning reels and rods. I have at least 4 – 5 spinning rods on my boat at all times.

Watch some of the FLW and other pro bass series programs from the US – it is an eye opener to see how many of the pros use spinning outfits on a regular basis.

I have never spent much time fishing a spinning outfit because I was happy fishing with the baitcasting outfit, so maybe I'm under estimating the ablities of a spinning outfit. I suppose it's what you feel comfortable with. I am going to invest in a spinning outfit purely for skipping, will try it out on other applications too.

I hate spinning rods... the line twist just kills it for me... that being said I just bought a spinning outfit 2 weeks ago for small cranks and jerk baits. I still hate it but I use it when I have to... for dropshot I use a baitcaster.

Originally Posted by robfisher

I hate spinning rods... the line twist just kills it for me... that being said I just bought a spinning outfit 2 weeks ago for small cranks and jerk baits. I still hate it but I use it when I have to... for dropshot I use a baitcaster.

Holy smokes No wonder we have all this rain. You are now buying tackle for cranking!! Not only that, but a spinning rig nogal !!! That is NOT Ayoba

I think it is a matter of personal preference. I only used spinning kit for years when I started out but since converting to baitcasting, have never looked back. I do agree some applications are perhaps easier with spinning, but once you become conversant with a BC you can fish almost ever technique anyway and often present the lure better.

I feel more in control of my lure and have better contact with the line when using a BC.