I am pretty green when it comes to actual knowledge of fishing so I think its better to ask questions. I was wondering if anyone could give me their opinion or just some guidance.

What is the advantages or disadvantages of an open face reel vs. a baitcaster. I like to fish for cats mostly and most of what I hear is that I should be using a baitcaster reel.

Thanks for your feedback!

I uses Open face spinning equipment only. I feel I can get greater casting distance and control.

I have landed 70" Sturgeon with my rig and was able to control the fish well.
Its the same set up I use when fishing New York coast for stripers and Bluefish, and Florida for sharks up to 7'

I think the main reason for baitcasters was Line strength, but now with super braids I can load up my spinning real setup with that and get great performance.

Aside from a Huge white sturgeon there really isnt a fish I can think of in fresh water I cant handle with them if I play it smart.

I have Large Pfluger reels and use a spinning rod of different lengths.
If I am beach fishing or need distance I will use my 12' surfcasting rod, if I am going for cats or bridge fishing in tighter quarters where I will need to get the fish to me fast I use my shorter rod 6' its like a pool que.

I believe the main reason folks like baitcasting reels for catfishing is the clicker feature. Once you cast out, you can engage the clicker and then a fish can pull line from your reel under an adjustable tension. When line is taken, it clicks like a loud drag and alerts you to the bite.

Another option is a "baitrunner"-type spinning reel, which accomplishes the same thing as a clicker. Baitrunner spinning reels can generally be adjusted down to a lighter line-out tension which excels for fishing for gar or carp where they may drop a bait if they feel too much tension.

These types of reels are useful for catfishing because you can be far from your rod and hear when you have a bite, even in total darkness. Also, your rod will not be yanked into the river by a fish.

Baitcasters are generally more durable, and can often hold more line. The baitrunners have the lighter line-out tension. I guess there are pros and cons to both. ~andy

Good point on the bait clicker!

My reels have a rear drag and I loosen that so it acts as a clicker.

I wasn't going to touch this post because I didn't think I could add anything to what has already been stated. But it is true a lot is personal prefrence. I truly love fishing channel cats. I have quite a few set ups. Right now I am doing a lot of running and gunning because the cats are spread out and holding in holes, cuts, and timber. It is not what it was like in May and June when you could set up in a spot and have the fish in the structure come to you. Now it is a game of inches. Not just finding the best snag, hole, or cut bank. But covering the whole thing. I can still catch as many cats as I was it is just a bit more work. Now I will roll up on a snag let say. Cast out a bottom rig for 10 minutes catch a cat or two. Then switch to long 11' carp rod with spinning reel and slip bobber. Add a few shot, just so it tickles the bottom. I have really added to my catch by doing this.

My son uses a zebo 808. He is used to closed face reels and can lob cast a 1oz sinker rig very well with it.

I guess what I am rambling about is all reel styles have a place in catching cats....

Thanks guys, that helps alot. The pool reference is right up my alley too. I am used to using open faced reels myself and just purchased a heavy duty 7 ft. rod with open face reel and put 30 lb. on it.

Thanks again!

It's a lot of personal preference. Both can handle big fish. Myself, I prefer baitcasting reels. I can cast farther and more accurately than with a spinning reel. I think a big advantage of casting reels is no line twist. Not as big of deal with superlines, but spinning reels and mono drive me crazy. I would never use a spinning reel if I didn't have to.

If spinning reels work for your style, though, stick with them!

Having both types of reel, I prefer spinning. I find that casting a spinning reel is easier to learn more quickly and the distances are greater. As mentioned above, the super braids allow for ridiculous line strengths. I use a 30-pound line the diameter of six-pound mono. Those lines can decimate eyelets, but that's for another thread.

In terms of specific reels, I also use Pflueger, and LOVE them. I have two. They're made in the same factory as Shakespeare and Bass Pro brand, however. If you want a Pflueger, save a few bucks and get a comparable Bass Pro reel. The color won't be as cool, but it works the same.

With any reel, make sure you get one you'll be happy with. One of my friends wanted to save a few bucks so instead of buying a nice reel for about $75 to 100, he got a $10 one in blister wrap. It was so noisy that he only caught fish if he cast out bait and let it sit. Any reeling scared off any predators. So he bought another, but splurged on a $12 reel. You can see where this is headed. By the time he ran out of money for the summer, he has dropped more than the nice $100 reel, but he had eight crappy reels to show for it. Do yourself a huge favor; but the nice reel first.

David

I'm no expert but I'd say that the "Best" advantage of having a Bait Casting reel over an open face is the amount of line and the diameter of line. With the open face, you probably get less line and more tangles if the line is heavier. Hope this helps.

My two Cents:

With heavier baits I can cast them further with a baitcaster than a spinning reel. I think it's because of the smaller tighter loops on a baitcaster than opens spool. I like to use a spinner for jigging though, because of the way you hold the rod with a spinner it gives you more leverage to flick the wrist and get a good hook up and have control.

Back lashes don't happen if you have your reel adjusted properly to the line, conditions, and lure weight!!!!!!!

I used spinning reels exclusively until a couple of years ago. I think my resistance to baitcasters had a lot to do with the potential for backlashes, tangles that I couldn't work out, etc. Basically, I always went for a spinning reel because that was something I knew... something I could cast right now as opposed to having to learn a whole new reel.

I finally got a baitcaster, and then a few more, and have been using them for a while now. I love them, for many of the advantages listed in previous posts. I still have all my spinning reels, though, and use them a lot. I think they split duty about 50/50 with the baitcasters. I use my baitcaster more for catfishing, because it holds more (and heavier) line. But I have a spinning reel setup for channel cats, and I use it pretty frequently as well. I like to have both, and let the situation dictate which one I use.

I am a big fan of the spincast baitrunners. However, one thing I learned recently is to upgrade to the larger reels. Okuma carries a wide line of baitrunners, however, they are not always the best quality. My smaller Okuma reel had a blowout on fish last weekend, but the larger Okuma baitrunners seem to hold up to any stress I give them.

I also have a Penn Spincast Baitrunner, but the reel handle loosens up often.

OMG - I Reely <- funny stuff huh?, have alot to learn. Thanks alot to everyone for putting in the time to respond. I am going to see how this open faced one works out and start saving for a pretty nice baitcaster. Seems to me from your comments is that if you are going to do it, do it right.

Thanks again!!!