Why Spinning Reels Are Better?—Everything You Need To Know
People are often confused about the differences between a spincaster reel, spinning reel, and baitcaster reel.
While each reel has its own advantages, the spinning reels are the most improved designs with the best features and that’s the reason we are going to answer why spinning reels are better in today’s discussion.
Most importantly, the wide adaptability in terms of strength truly makes spinning reels the best choice for both beginners and professional anglers.
Also, they are very simple to use and easy to learn, which makes them one of the most popular choices by modern-day anglers.
That being said, it isn’t like they are perfect for everything. Each reel has its own uses, and it is up to the angler or fisherman to decide which one to use on a specific occasion.
Let’s get into more detail about the pros and cons of Spinning Reels to know why they are considered a better choice than the rest.
Why Spinning Reels are Better? Benefits of Using Spinning Reels
Spinning reels have tons of benefits for both beginners and professionals. So, let’s discuss them one by one.
1. Best for Lighter Baits
These reels are hard to beat for distance. Of course, one can argue that when using heavy baits, professionals prefer baitcaster reels. But, for baits that are less than half an ounce, the spin tackle is the best choice.
Spinning reels will allow you to throw the bait farther away with perfect control and zero backlashes. You may like to check What Size Spinning Reel For Bass?
2. Easy for Beginners
Due to their versatility with baits and games, spinning reels are much easier to use. Especially when the wind is an issue, or you have to skip the lure under a tree or bushes.
Yes, experienced baitcasters can indeed skip lures the same way, but it takes years of practice and dedication.
With spinning reels, you can do it much faster and learn it much more quickly. So, if you want to practice skipping lures immediately, the spinning tackle is the way to go.
3. No Pendulum Effect
If you aren’t familiar with the term, it refers to the pull-back on the lure because of the rotational spool from baitcaster reels.
To avoid this problem, professional baitcasters often spool with hand and free the line.
However, you don’t have to do any of that with this reel. It allows the lure to go straight down in the water without any of the pendulum effects.
4. Can be Used in Any Location
You can use this reel anywhere you want including inshore, offshore, land-based, and afloat. Due to their versatility, they can cast lure farther away than traditional reels and rods.
Hence, while fishing afloat, these reels can help you keep your boat further away from the fish to avoid spooking them away.
So, no matter where you are or what type of lure fishing you want to try, with these reels you can do them all, except for two.
Spinning reels cannot be used for fly fishing or heavy trolling. While going after larger fishes, you have to switch to baitcaster reels.
5. Adjusting Drag is Easier
Drags on spinning reels are easily accessible because they are either on the front or the back of the reel. So, while fighting with the fish, you will be able to make adjustments easily.
I am not saying that adjusting drag in baitcaster reels is not possible. However, due to the location of the drag, it is a bit more complex and requires experience to be used efficiently.
6. A Variety of Products
Due to the popularity of these reels, a wide variety of them is available in the market. You can select a specific reel based on your target, area, and situation.
Moreover, they are also available in a wider variety based on your budget. You can get spinning reels for very affordable prices, and get advanced features for inexpensive ones. Check Why Are Spinning Reels Left-Handed?
They are made for both beginners and professionals. Most people learn fishing on these reels, so there are also versions for kids.
7. Swappable Handle
These reels are not dedicated to a right-handed or left-handed user. Hence, many people can use a single spinning reel without worrying about a right or left-handed handle.
The handle is swappable and can be used on both sides. Unfortunately, that is not the case with baitcaster reels as they have a dedicated handle.
So, if unknowingly you purchase the wrong side, you will be stuck with it in the baitcaster reel, but in the case of spin tackle, you don’t have to worry about that.
8. Drawbacks of Using Spinning Reels
There are some minor drawbacks of using spinning reels that limit your application.
As I mentioned earlier, despite the versatility of these reels you cannot use them for fly fishing. That’s because fly fishing requires special equipment.
Other than that, you have only two limitations with spinning reels.
They are not well suited for heavier lures. It is highly recommended that when casting a lure heavier than half an ounce, one should switch to a baitcaster for better control.
However, for lighter lures, spinning ones are the best because they offer more control with zero risk of backlash.
The second limitation is in terms of fish size. When you are fishing for salmon or any of the larger fishes, the spinning reel won’t be very effective.
These two limitations are where baitcaster reels excel. Hence, for heavier games, those ones are preferred.
Spincaster Reel VS Spinning Reel—Which One is Better?
Spincast reels can be called an easy version of spinning reels. While they are very similar in features to the latter, they are just too basic.
Spincast reels are made for beginners and kids who are just learning about fishing.
Yes, they are cheap, easy to use, and can handle lightweight lures very effectively.
However, there is very less drag ability, zero distance control, and also durability is limited.
Hence, spinning reels are much better than spincaster reels in each aspect.
Baitcaster Reel VS Spinning Reel—Which One is Better?
One of the biggest arguments over the years. Which one is better among these two? Well, in my opinion, both have their own usage.
One cannot hope to use a spinning reel against larger fishes and succeed. Check Why Does My Spinning Reel Spin Both Ways?
Similarly, one cannot expect to learn baitcaster reel usage in a matter of days. They require years of experience and dedication for efficient use.
Yes, most of the things a spinning reel user does can be done by a baitcaster as well, but it will require lots of practice.
So, for finesse, lightweight lure casting, and medium game, spinning reels are the best.
For heavy trolling and heavy lure casting, baitcasters should be preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up!
When it comes to finesses fishing, you cannot find a better reel than the spinning reel. It is certainly the best for lightweight fishing and lure control.
These reels have plenty of benefits to make their use efficient and learning easier. That’s the reason for their ever growing popularity in the world.
But, when you want to move to bigger lures and wishes, baitcaster reels will be a much better option.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Which one do you think is better and why?