Professionals always use a bait caster or spinning reel. But, never a spin cast reel. What does a bait cast reel have that a spin cast doesn't? As you know, I am a regular here in the fishing category and have some knowledge. l like spinning reels and spin cast reels but, l think bait cast reels are too much of a bind and tangle for me.
So, why do not pros use spin casting reels?

Spin cast reels do not have the casting distance and are not as durable. And mainly the gear ratio is too low...spin casts are alot slower than a bait cast reel.

better distance and accuracy in casting and better control when fighting fish. nothing wrong with a pushbutton reel but it is time you get a bit more practice with your baitcasters and learn better thumb control. soon, you wo not want to go back.

l agree with Bassplayer & Kissmy. (Thumbs!)

1. The gear ratio on Spincast reels r too low.

2. The drag system on Spincast reels r not designed for extended fights with large fish.

3. Even the finest, most expensive, Spincast reel is not as durable as a cheap spinning reel.

Why?

Honestly, the market for Spincast was almost eliminated in the early 50 is when reel company is began to perfect spinning reel design & began marketing Spincast reels to children & prt-time/first-time fishing enthusiasts. Since that time there has not been a ''grand revolution'' in spincast design like there has been in Spinning & Baitcasting design.

Overall the general design of spincast has not changed or been improved.

And according to the reviews of the most expensive Spincast reels made ( Zebco Omega $59, Daiwa Goldcast 3 $47.95, Abu Garcia Abumatic $64.99) it is apparent that the improvements reel company is have TRIED r not exactly working.

In my opinion, it is also what the reel company is want to ''sell'' or ''market''. If KVD or Hank Parker was sponsored by Zebco & Zebco INSISTED they use Spincast on the Trail (or on their TV programs) u might see a change in how durable the S-reels were made! (lol)

Personally l think Spincast reels (as they r currently designed) r a useful tool for the hardcore Crappie & Bluegill enthusiasts AND for introducing new people to the sport of fishing. Due to their poor drags, low gear ratio, line twist issues & durability Spincast reels r not designed for any large fish application.

Hope this helps? Good fishing.

Why baitcasting reels?

1) Stronger, longer lasting drag.
2) Smoother drag. If u got a decent reel, the drag will pick up almost instantaneously. The reel will give out line when necessary even while u set the hook very hard.
3) Baitcasting reels r usually constructed stronger. Therefore, they could withstand more abuse & last longer.
4) A lot less line twist.
5) Casts further & smoother.
6) The line will last longer because there is no line pick-up on the reel. Therefore, there is a lot less ''unnecessary'' friction on the line. The chances of wearing the line out ''prematurely'' was greatly reduced. In other words, spincast reels r pretty hard on ur line.
7) Given one baitcasting reel & one spincast reel of similar strength, the baitcasting reel is usually lighter in weight & more compact in size.
8) You can flip with a baitcating reel. If you're very good at it, u could quietly ''put'' ur lure into the water without a big splash very accurately.
9) You can land same size fish with smaller diameter line a lot easier.
10) You could have high retrieve ratio while still maintaining sufficient retrieval power.
11) You can positively start retrieve ur line much sooner. You can start retrieve ur lure as soon as it made contact with water 100% of the time (provided that u have done ur part).
12) You can manually increase ur drag tension instantaneously by applying pressure to the spool with ur thumb while using a baitcasting reel.


If u adjust ur reel properly, use ur reel right & keep ur reel in good condition, there is no bird nest nor tangles 99.98% of the time. In other words, other than being harder to master, u will get a lot more advantages & no real disadvantages while using a baitcasting reel.

The art of the bait caster must be learned. It took me a wile to learn how to properly use them but once l did ( WHOOO WEEE ) The fish count went up.
spin cast reels just cant do what a bait cast reel can.

l have to agree with the other posters, spincast reels just do not have the same quality gearing that you get with a baitcaster, their retrieval ratios are also lower. Ive also found them not to be as tough when accidentally dropped etc.