Spinning vs Baitcaster for Bass
I fish a baitcaster most of the time and rig spinning gear for finesse. Here is how I choose between them, with the two reels I use side by side.
The short answer
Spinning reels handle lighter lures better than baitcasters, which is why many pros keep a spinning outfit rigged and ready when finesse is the call. I fish a baitcaster most of the time because I handle it better, and I rig spinning gear when I know I will be fishing light, like a drop shot. Choose by lure weight first, then by which reel you can handle best.
Side-by-side comparison
| My baitcaster Shimano SLX DC 150 | My spinning reel Pflueger President Spinning Reel, Size 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Reel type | Baitcasting | Spinning |
| Gear ratio | 6.3:1 | 5.2:1 |
| Weight | 7.6 oz | 6.2 oz |
| Line I run | 8-12 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader | 10 lb braid with a 10 lb fluorocarbon leader |
| Where to buy | Check price (SLX DC 150, affiliate link, opens in a new tab) | Check price (President Spinning Reel, Size 30, affiliate link, opens in a new tab) |
Shimano SLX DC 150
Best for: Jigs, finesse baits and spinners, and almost everything else I fish
The baitcaster I fish. I have used it for two years, and with its four-mode digital brake I think it is meant for everybody. Hands-on pick.
Pros
- Handles jigs, finesse baits and spinners for me
- Four brake modes with a digital brake
- The reel I handle best
Cons
- Struggles casting directly into the wind
- Takes thumb training to avoid backlash
Pflueger President Spinning Reel, Size 30
Best for: Light lures and finesse, like a drop shot
The best spinning reel I have used. It is light, smooth casting and reeling, and feels durable in my hands, with no issues so far. I use it for drop shotting. Hands-on pick.
Pros
- Light and smooth casting and reeling
- Feels durable, with no issues so far
- Handles light lures without baitcaster problems
Cons
- Slow 5.2:1 gear ratio
- I use spinning gear sparingly
I fish a baitcaster most of the time. When I know I am going finesse, I pick up spinning gear. Here is how I decide, and the two reels I use side by side.
The short version
Traditionally, spinning reels are the tool for finesse. They handle lighter tackle better than baitcasters do, so many pros keep one rigged and ready when finesse is the call. I am a different kind of angler: as The Lousy Fisherman, I just like the way I can handle a baitcaster better, so that is what I fish most of the time.
When I reach for spinning
I rig spinning gear when I know I am going to fish light. My main example is the drop shot. If I know I am going to try a drop shot, I have it all rigged up on a spinning outfit, with a Pflueger President on a Vendetta spinning rod. You can see that setup in my finesse spinning combo guide and learn the technique in my drop shot guide.
Spinning gear lets me fish lightweight lures with confidence and without the problems I run into on a baitcaster.
When I reach for a baitcaster
Most of the time. I throw jigs, finesse baits and spinners on my Shimano SLX DC, and I fish a wacky rigged or Texas rigged Senko on it too. If drop shotting is my main plan, which on my lake I recommend during the summer months, I rig a baitcaster with a drop shot instead of spinning gear.
My baitcaster has one weakness: it struggles when I cast directly into the wind. If you are learning one, my baitcaster guide covers how to set it up and stop backlash.
The two reels I use
The table above shows both side by side. These are the two I fish, so both are hands-on picks.
Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab) Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)The Amazon pages cover several ratios, sizes and hand orientations, so select the one you want before ordering.
You can read more about each in my Shimano SLX DC review and my Pflueger President review, and see my spinning setup in my finesse combo guide.
How to choose
- Light lures or finesse: spinning.
- Jigs, Senkos and most everything else: a baitcaster, if you handle it well.
- A drop shot as your main bait: either, and I will rig a baitcaster for it when it is the main plan.
- Unsure: choose the reel you handle best, then match the line and rod to it.
Both reels in this comparison are ones I fish myself. The advice comes from my own experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is a spinning reel or a baitcaster better for bass fishing?
Neither is better for everything. Spinning reels handle lighter tackle better, so they are the usual choice for finesse. I fish a baitcaster most of the time because I handle it better.
When should I use a spinning reel for bass?
When you are fishing light lures. Spinning gear lets you fish lightweight lures with confidence and without the problems you can run into on a baitcaster. That is why many pros keep a spinning outfit ready when finesse is the call.
Can you drop shot with a baitcaster?
Yes. If I know I will try a drop shot, I rig it on spinning gear, but if I plan to drop shot as my primary bait, I rig a baitcaster with it. That happens in the summer months on my lake.
Why do you fish a baitcaster most of the time?
I just like the way I can handle a baitcaster better, and I use my spinning gear sparingly.
Do pros use spinning reels for bass?
Many do. They prefer to have a spinning outfit ready to go when finesse is the call, because it handles lighter tackle better.