When it comes to soft plastic and lure fishing with light tackle, baitcaster reels are very popular.
Expert bass fisherman, and saltwater light tackle fisherman tend to favor a good baitcasting reel over a spinning reel.
This is because these types of reels allow for more direct contact with the lure as it descends in freespool mode. The line also comes off the spool in a steady stream like fashion. Whereas on a spinning reel the line comes off in a coil like fashion and is a lot looser as the lure descends.
Baitcaster reels have many of the same attributes as a spinning reel, such as:
They hold similar line capacity,
Have comparable drag capabilities,
Similar bearing systems.
However, baitcasters also have some unique features that provide for an overall greater accuracy when fishing.
Level Wind System:
We are using lighter and lighter braids and lines when fishing now. They are so thin yet strong that they need to be managed effectively on and off the reel.
If you spend the day casting, and you have to manually guide the line on and off the spool, your skin will be raw and covered in line cuts.
Modern fishing line is small and tough, it can cut like a knife.
So a line management system, also known as a level wind system is a must have on a quality reel.
Drag Or Flip Switch:
This feature is a thumb bar which allows the angler to instantly strike a fish while the lure is descending in the water column.
When the angler casts the lure, they will depress and hold the Drag Switch with their thumb and allow the lure to sink.
If at any point they feel a bite or a bump, they can release the thumb bar which engages the drag, and can strike.
This is much more efficient than having to having to engage the bail arm or wind the reel into gear.
It is this feature which makes the baitcasting reel very powerful when fishing in deeper water. They allow for the angler to stay in touch with the lure, which allows for better detection of a bite, and an increased hook up rate.