Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 04/15/2011: Spinning or Baitcasting for Bass

Bass fishermen often debate over what is better for bass fishing, an open face spinning outfit or the beefier baitcaster. My take is that each style has it's pluses and minuses, but both are effective for different conditions.

Let's examine the main differences between them. The spinning reel has the line coming off a non revolving spool and the drag is most often located on the top of the spool. The line is retrieved by a revolving bail that wraps the line around the spool. The reel requires no tension adjustment for castability.

The spinning rod offers large diameter guides near the reel that decerase in size as the guides near the tip of the rod. The most common method of reel position is with the reel below the rod seat during the retrieve.

The baitcasting reel has a revolving spool with the drag located on the reel handle. Near the drag is located the spool tension adjustment knob to either increase or decrease friction. Line is retrieved through a guide on the reel that moves back and forth to keep the line even across the spool.

The baitcasting rod has the same diameter guides from the reel end to the tip. The most common position of the reel during the retrieve is on top of the reel seat.

Here's the pluses for the spinning reel:

1- Lighter lures can be cast a long distance because there is lower friction since the lure does not have to turn a spool.

2- Lighter lines can be used due to the limper fast action rods that give when a bass surges to escape.

3- Backlashes are eliminated when casting into the wind since the spool does not rotate.

Here's the minuses for spinning rigs:

1- Line twist happens that can cause a big gnarly wad of line to come off the spool during a cast. It's the backlash alternative to the baitcasting reel.

2- Lure placement during the cast is somewhat more difficult since thumbing the spool is not used.

3- Hooksets are often weaker due to the rods being less stiff and more line stretch when using lighter lines.

Here's the pluses for baitcasting rigs:

1- Lure placement can be very precise due to thumb control of the spool.

2- The hookset generates more force to the hook due to the stiffness of the rods and usually heavier line.

3- Direct spool retrieve has greater mechanical advantage thereby allowing the fisherman to horse a fish in especially while flippin.

Here's the minuses for the baitcaster:

1- Backlashes are common (for me anyways) due to wind or improper thumbing.

2- The tensioner may effect the length of the cast especially during windy conditions.

3- Casting light lures increase the chance for backlash.

So when it comes to what outfit is best, the answer is "it depends". The best thing to do is to keep both styles in your rod locker and use each when the situation calls.

Until next time, Tight Lines.

The Largemouth Herald