Baitcaster vs Spinning casting distance (2024)

Although I started to fish with low profile baitcaster 2 years ago, I didnt had the chance to use it so much. What I noticed is, that is difficult to cast light lures. This is something I knew already. As well as that the baitcaster cast heavy lures and line better. But its happening to me as well medium weight lures. I supose I need to practice more and set the breaks better...

Anyway, what I wanted to ask is this. Lets supose we use a medium quality range spinning reel and a medium quality baitcaster low profile reel. Both use the same brand of braid or mono, lets say 15 to 20 pound test. Both reels are paired with the same rod brand, model, action and power but in spinning and baitcast versions, of course. Now we cast the same medium weight lure with both setup´s.

Which one would cast farther????

Bass Junkie wrote:In the hands of a capable fisherman a baitcaster will win in this situation due to the high diameter of the line causing a lot of drag in the spinning rods guides when it uncoils off the spool and through the first guide.

X2

yea, braid evens out the distance considerably.

casting distance is always about matching the right reel, line and rod...

I just feel that 'med-range' is kinda gray area, and $$ is never enough.. that said, there are plenty of bargains around, (some on the FS section of the forum by other members) and concern should be about matching the right set-up for the right application.

I find that the really tangible benefit of a baitcaster over a spinning outfit is the ease and speed of cast. comparing 2 reasonably good casters together, no. of times a b/c setup can cast over a spinning setup is ~10% every 12 mins or so. (this is probably because you will need your other hand to flick bail open before a cast on a spin, whereas on a b/c you just need to depress thumb clutch and you're good to go)

Personally, I find some casting techniques like the under arm cast, roll cast etc easier on the b/c.

I consider myself a pretty long distance caster with proper use of breaks. I'm useless breaks off and all thumbs. Having said that, I'm much more proficient distance caster with spinning. For example, with my CI4 2500 loaded with 20# braid and a 7ft medium action rod I can just about out cast any BC combo I have with the same lure within that spinning combo range. This includes the amazing Z and choice of Cumara 711 rods.

It's all relative tho. I doubt few cast four ounce plus lures into the surf with conventional gear anymore and prefer a a VS or ZB. I'm actually waiting for Swimbait crowd to discover surf setups to alter their approach. I'm not chucking Frogs on 65# braid into the thickest mats although I'm seriously thinking about it. My girls kid pulled a 4.7#r out of heavy vegetation on a weightless Skinny Dipper with that CI4 combo. That light Skinny Dipper was casting quite a distance and much further than I could have on my best BC rigs although I'm not setting up my PX68 with the same line to see.

BC are more convenient in that they weight considerably less for amount of line carried or thickness but braid has opened up possibilities not seen before. With mono at certain thickness there may not be an option for a spinner if overall weight of the combo is a factor.

Marcos82 wrote:Which one would cast farther????

I am using mostly baitcasters. For baits 3/4 oz upwards, I get most distance from baitcasters, under that the spinners would win. However, I prefer baitcasters, even below 3/4 for convenience, weight, durability, ergonomic++

I recently had a wow experience. I bought a second hand Curado 201D, 5.0:1 gearing. I tested on grass, comparing with my trusted Calais 201DC, and expecting the DC reel to outcast the Curado. But at first cast with the Curado (2 brake blocks, 3/4oz) outcasted the Calais considerably! But winding back, the Curados line lay was horrible. I then discovered that the line was not threaded througt the line guide, it had flowed over it in the cast. Once I threaded the line throug the line guide, the Curado was shorter than the Calais, as expected.

Lessen learned: you can increase a baitcasters distance by removing the line guide. Of course at the expence of line lay.

Regards, Peter

peterAlarsen wrote:

Marcos82 wrote:Which one would cast farther????

I am using mostly baitcasters. For baits 3/4 oz upwards, I get most distance from baitcasters, under that the spinners would win. However, I prefer baitcasters, even below 3/4 for convenience, weight, durability, ergonomic++

I recently had a wow experience. I bought a second hand Curado 201D, 5.0:1 gearing. I tested on grass, comparing with my trusted Calais 201DC, and expecting the DC reel to outcast the Curado. But at first cast with the Curado (2 brake blocks, 3/4oz) outcasted the Calais considerably! But winding back, the Curados line lay was horrible. I then discovered that the line was not threaded througt the line guide, it had flowed over it in the cast. Once I threaded the line throug the line guide, the Curado was shorter than the Calais, as expected.

Lessen learned: you can increase a baitcasters distance by removing the line guide. Of course at the expence of line lay.

Regards, Peter

Hence Daiwa's T3...........

Bass Junkie wrote:Hence Daiwa's T3...........

T3 is on my wanted list...

Marcos82 wrote: Both use the same brand of braid or mono, lets say 15 to 20 pound test.

15# or 20# test on a spinning reel!!!!!!!

spinning will outcast (in distance) baitcasters, in most cases.

OhioChamp183 wrote:

Marcos82 wrote: Both use the same brand of braid or mono, lets say 15 to 20 pound test.

15# or 20# test on a spinning reel!!!!!!!

spinning will outcast (in distance) baitcasters, in most cases.

I was talking about 15 or 20 pound test braid actually. For mono its a little bit to much for a spinning reel I supose...

There are a lot of different opinions... Could we agree that a baitcaster with a proper spool and bearings to reduce the start up inercia of the spool would cast farther because the line doesnt has so much contact with the first guide?
Always considering that we are using a medium weight lure.

This is something I have discussed with friends for a long time. I think it just depends on the lb line and type of lure you are throwing.

When using light braid and light lures, I believe a spinning reel will deliver longer even when casting into the wind.

When using light braid and heavy lures, I believe that a spinning reel will beat or match a baitcaster, even when casting into the wind.

When using heavy braid, flouro lines, or mono, the baitcaster will outcast a spinning reel

By light braid I mean 10-15lb braid which is all I ever use on my spinning reels. Never really found the need to use anything heavier unless fishing heavy cover or structure.

With identical rods (rated for 1/8th ounce lures) and with an unweighted plastic at the end of the line, I would put money that my stella with 10lb braid will match if not beat any baitcaster out there. If anyone is in Tampa, lets put it to the test.