The arguments can go on and on about the best saltwater fishing reel, spinning or baitcasting. However, a buyer has to make several considerations such as the type of fish they want to catch, where they are fishing, and their preference of an angler.
There are different types of real actions. Whether spinning or baitcasting, each will be suitable to catch certain fish species and fishing in various saltwater locations. For example, a baitcasting reel is used commonly in casting heavy lines and lures, and for catching large game fish. On the other hand, a spinning reel is used for landing small or medium-sized saltwater fish.
Again, purchasing the correct or best type of saltwater reel will depend on the available budget, the fishing line’s weight and the type of the road one will be using. For beginners, a spinning reel is more comfortable, while, for a Fisher aiming to fish offshore, a baitcasting model suits them best.
Baitcasting Reel
Anglers popularly use a baitcasting reel for saltwater fishing. The experienced anglers who go fishing in the deep waters prefer them over the spinning reel because of their strength. They are also a choice for most people who use heavy lures and lines with the hope of landing large specimens and game fish.
The baitcasting reels are best suited to fight the large game fish for longer periods. They are also best for a successful landing on the game fish without either the reel line or mechanism suffering damages.
Also, baitcasting reels have a drag system allowing the users to determine the extra line that they will pull off the spool and also, at what speed. This baitcasting reel system is designed to work with the line’s and the lure’s weight to pull off the ideal length of the line when casting. Therefore, a massive line accompanied by a large and cumbersome lure will give a longer and a more powerful cast.
You cannot match the toughness of a baitcasting reel. In tough weathers, or in harsh conditions, this reel always stands out and is always there when you need it. Traditionally, baitcasting reels are known because of their strong backbone (ability to handle a firm fish). The baitcasting’s gear designs make it ideal for long gut wrenching battle between beast and man. It’s constant drag pressure gives it smooth casts.
Besides, a good quality baitcasting reel is always available as a single and enclosed unit. Thus, its internal mechanisms will suffer less exposure to the highly corrosive saltwater. These reels will, therefore, require less maintenance thus lasting longer than most types.
One thing you will dislike about your baitcasting reel is backlashing. It is caused by too much slack on the line as you cast or maybe when one sets the drag settings incorrectly. It can also occur if one fails to apply the needed slight thumb pressure to create a quality cast. Backlashing is the reason most anglers choose other types of reels in windy environs.
Note: baitcasting reels are designed to have complex gear systems that have many delicate internal parts. Thus, any buyer should purpose to purchase an exceptional quality to minimize chances of breakdown or gear failure.
Spinning Reels
A Spinning Reel mounts on the saltwater rod’s underside. The handle is on their left-hand side. Their spool is stationary, and their line uncoils from this spool and then releases itself from the reel. The spindle does not move. Therefore, the line will be unlikely to tangle or snag.
Spinning reels are easy to learn and use, and they do not backlash! These are some of the reasons why spinning reels are so popular. They are mainly preferred by newbies because they find them comfortable to use than bait casting reels.
A spinning reel design is ideal for lines that are up to 50-pound heavy. They have a matching rod that is made for handling the 50-pound line, making an outfit that is very easy to cast, accurate, as well as easy to use.
A spinning reel is not used for large/extra-large fish as they are not strong enough. These reels are best suited to catch small and medium-large fish. However, you can land a large specimen with your spinning reel, but you will risk damaging your spinning reel’s internal components with the exerted prolonged force against its gears.
A spinning reel is prone to line twisting, especially when used by a beginner. However, you can avoid this if you can pull back the rod then move it forward when you hook a fish then reel in the loose line. You should always repeat this process until you land the fish. It reduces the stress that one places on the reel and the line.
Bottom line
The bottom line is, you will have to make the final decision. You know your experience or lack of it, the locations you intend to fish, what kind of fish you will be targeting (their weight) and also your budget. The important point is, you now have the information required to make the decision, and thus, you will be unlikely to make a blind decision.
If you are a newbie in this field, you can go to a spinning reel. It is easy to use, ideal for smaller fish and gives an accurate casting. Also, you will avoid backlashing, a problem that can be so challenging for beginners. Spinning reels are also ideal if their pros and cons match your needs as an experienced angler.
Note: choose a matching combination to ensure that your reel and rod work together efficiently for you to get the most in every step.
On the other hand, for those aiming at chunking artificial lures or experienced anglers. Baitcasting reels are ideal for them. They are much stronger and can handle large fish. They also withstand harsh weather conditions such as high winds. However, ensure that you have a matched setup for the best arrangement that will enable you enjoy every moment of your fishing day.
In a nutshell, spinning or baitcasting will depend on the users’ needs. Each will work out amazingly for different users.