ESPN Freshwater

I spend most of my waking days on the water. Each year it usually accounts to more than 280 days out on the big pond.

Whether it is with clients, pre-fishing for a tournament, fishing a tournament or just simply "play" fishing, I'm searching, learning, and refining my techniques. YES, I do spend many of my days "off" just play fishing. Don't you?

Almost daily, it is inevitable that someone will ask me, "What kind of reel do you prefer, spinning or baitcasting?"

A rather simple question, or I should say simple answer, as I feel both are important tools.

Let's back up a minute. I did say that it was a pretty simple answer, but the reality is, it's not that simple.

Funny how things really work. I can remember years ago there was a separation between freshwater anglers and saltwater anglers, one that very few anglers wanted or were willing to cross.

"Back in the day," most of the freshwater anglers used baitcasting reels while most saltwater fisherman used open-faced or spinning-style reels.

Why? Think about it. Remember the old bass shows where everyone used baitcasters, and then when saltwater guys began to get a little exposure, it was all spinning.

Don't know why. That's just the way it was. If you crossed the line, you kept it to yourself. After all, it was kind of like Vegas: "What happened in your boat stayed in your boat."

Now, there are far more freshwater anglers using spinning reels than ever before, but there are more saltwater anglers who have not picked up a baitcaster yet. Why? Personally, I think when a freshwater angler makes a cast with their spinning rod, in the back of their mind they are wishing and hoping that a 10-pound redfish will hit their bait.

If that is the case, then what about us saltwater anglers? Are we tossing our baitcasters and in our minds morphing into Kevin VanDam holding up our "Angler of the Year" or "Bassmasters Classic" trophy? You really think I would do that? Really, it's no ones business what I do on my boat, as I said earlier "what happens on my boat stays on my boat." I would never admit it anyway. Lighten up everyone, just kidding.

Bottom line, many saltwater anglers have not used a baitcaster because they have this inner feeling that they are awkward or just hard to use.

Hate to use the word "backlash," but if asked, most anglers who do not use baitcasters will use this as their No. 1 excuse. Granted, years ago that might have been a justifiable excuse, but with today's technology, that excuse won't fly anymore.
Anglers who do not use spinning reels will say they encounter too many "wind knots" or they feel awkward. Well awkward can refer to the very first tme you attempted anything, including riding a bike, but what happens after the third or fourth time of use? Just like anything else, it becomes easier.

Now, down to the facts. The real (or should I say "reel?") reasons why anglers should use one or the other: Most professional anglers, both saltwater and freshwater, carry an arsenal of rods and reels. Included in that arsenal will usually contain both baitcasters and spinning. What's the point you ask? Well there is a reason why we carry both, a very good reason.

As an angler, you should always look for that edge, that little "something" that will give you the advantage when pursuing your catch. This is the true reason why you will see anglers using both style of reels, because under certain conditions, the reel you choose will make the difference.

Baitcast reels

Positives:

• When mastered, are excellent for precision casting.
• Can be loaded with heavy or light line depending whether you're fishing around structure or not.
• By way of design, baitcasting rods and reels afford anglers great leverage when fighting fish.
• "Low profile" reels are extremely comfortable in the hands of anglers.
• New designs have anti-backlash systems that are usually adjustable by engaging or disengaging "brakes."
• Many baitcasters have "high retrieve" which becomes very useful when attempting to gather line back quick, especially when twitching top water baits.

Spinning reels

Positives:

• Under windy conditions where anglers have to cast into the wind, hands down the best!
• Light line specialists, this is the reel for you, as you can really "scale" down for ultra-light action.
• Light line will afford long-distance casting.
• Allows anglers to cast small and very light baits efficiently.
• Anglers can usually switch handles from left or right retrieve relatively quick and easy.
• Very effective for flipping baits under docks, trees and bushes (such as Mangrove bushes).
• New technology with most manufacturers, allow anglers further casting distances than ever.

Now as far as the negatives. I'm not sure there are any, other than using either reel under conditions that are not favorable, like casting into heavy wind with a baitcaster, or loading up your spinning reel with heavier line than it is designed for and expecting it to cast far.

No question every angler should have both on board, so no matter what conditions you are faced with you will be ready. Now deciding on which one to buy may seem confusing, but it really isn't. When it comes to spinning, match the size reel to the size of fish that you most often pursue. I always try to use the smallest size reel that I can get away with. As far as baitcasters, the main decision will be deciding whether you prefer "low profile" or "round" style reels. There are several good manufacturers on the market. Personally, I have been using OKUMA's reels for over 9 years now and have been extremely pleased.

Their spinning reels are as smooth as any on the market and smoother than most. Baitcasters, because they have caught up with other manufacturers in the last few years, are a player now!

As an angler, you owe it to yourself to go to your favorite tackle store and actually put several reels in your hand and try them out. Make sure the salesman puts a little line on the reel so that you can feel how smooth the drag is. If it is not smooth, stay away from it. Bottom line, get experienced with both, practice with both and I can assure you that having both spinning and baitcasting in your boat will make you a better angler.