Baitcaster reel. When to use?

[xmarlyx]

I'm new to fishing so bare with me... I fish mainly freshwaters for bass and i have a spinning reel. My question is what is the difference in a baitcasting reel and when would one use it? Advantages/disadvantages? I generally use plastics and rapalas but havent caught much on a rapala. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Attached are some bass ive caught. All on plastic worms. I catch these all the time but never seem to catch anything bigger

Sadly, these are the only bass ive ever caught at the same lake in the Hollywood/Hallendale area. I havent had any luck at any other places I fish. haha

[tom222]

Most guys like to use baitcasters when pinpoint casting is needed. It's a little harder to control distance with a spinner. However, baitcasters require a lot of practice and developed skill, especially relative to avoiding backlashes. If you are having luck using your spinner I don't think you should worry that much about baitcasting. But I'm sure others will have other ideas and opinions.

[bolo]

Most guys like to use baitcasters when pinpoint casting is needed. It's a little harder to control distance with a spinner.

I find your statement false. There are a lot of fishermen who are dead accurate with a spin gear and vice versa. It all boils down how proficient you are with your gear. Look at bait casters as heavy gear set up. Able to use heavier line and lures. Fishing in heavy cover or around structure. A lot of people use spin gear for lighter lures and lighter line for more settle approach. Areas where you do not want to spook fish with a heavy lure splashing down. Also, areas where water is clear and fish are line shy. I hope this helps.

[crashmister]

Bait casters are all I see in pro Bass tourney's. If they weren't popular, there wouldn't be so many companies making them. Most guy's who use spin gear do so for one of two reasons. 1. line capacity in smaller reel's. 2. Their not proficent with bait casters. There's other reasons like light lure casting range and so on, but those are the top 2. Like Bolo said practice is the key.

[Bluefish in ny]

xmarly... you are off to a good start! I own a baitcaster and I NEVER use it.... You'll be fine bank fishing with spinning.... Dont worry, the bass will get bigger... Its a matter of weeks before we start to see temp drops... I know here - in Sarasota, they are calling for 60's at night this weekend.... If we get a few evenings of 60's, and a few days of lower 80's... That will send the big fish shallower... Also, It appears in your picks that you are fishing high sun.... Try evenings.... 30 min prior to sunset, and if you have time... an hour+ after sun goes down... The spots you are catching those fish in.... I bet a 10+ inch worm after 9pm will land you a 5+!