If you’re just getting started with bass fishing, you’ll quickly notice that experienced anglers seem to use one of two distinctly different styles of fishing reels. But how do they choose between a baitcast vs. spinning reel for bass fishing?

Baitcasting reels are compact, with a spool of line mounted perpendicular to the rod. The line comes off the spool like a winch or a tow truck. And the reel is mounted to the top of the fishing rod with medium to small line guides which are also mounted to the top of the rod.

A spinning reel appears to be more delicate with graceful moving parts, and hangs under the fishing rod with larger line guides along the bottom of the rod. The spinning reel’s spool is inline with the fishing rod and a thin metal arm called a “bail” spins around it, collecting and positioning the line back onto the spool as the angler turns the reel’s handle. It has always reminded me a bit of the look a spider spinning and organizing silk with its legs as it makes a web.

The two reel styles are pretty dramatically different. But which is the best choice for you?

I’ll start with the spinning reel, since it is generally thought of as the best reel for bass fishing beginners.

Closeup of a spinning reel, ideal for beginners and finesse fishing. / Kurt Mazurek

Ease of Use: I’ve started with spinning reels because they are well known for their user-friendly design, making them an excellent choice for beginners. The learning curve is minimal, in fact, I taught my five-year-old daughter to use spinning gear in less than ten-minutes. Simply pinch the line against the rod using your index finger, open the bail with your other hand, ease the rod back over your shoulder, then arc it forward toward your target. As the tip of the rod is nearly pointed at your target, release the line with your index finger and the lure will sail off in that direction.