By Miles PrescottSpincast, spinning and baitcasting reels all put line on a rod, but they handle it very differently and take different amounts of practice. This guide compares them using Minnesota DNR’s rods and reels lesson, the New York State DEC’s beginners’ guide and Shimano’s reel FAQ and maintenance tips.
How the three main reel types work
According to the Minnesota DNR’s freshwater rods and reels guide, anglers choose a reel based on the size of fish they are targeting, where they are fishing, and the size of the lure or bait they plan to use. The three most common freshwater reel types are spincast (closed-face), spinning (open-face), and baitcasting. Each handles line differently and sits on the rod in a different position.
The New York State DEC beginners’ guide describes a spincast reel as a closed-face reel that mounts on top of the rod. A push-button releases the line, and the spool is fixed and parallel to the rod. The Minnesota DNR guide adds that the rod used with a closed-face reel is about five feet long and has small line guides on top. These guides, which are small circles of steel with a ceramic coating, keep the line in place so it is less likely to tangle during a cast.
A spinning reel, by contrast, has no cover. The Minnesota DNR guide explains that the open-face reel hangs below the rod, the rod has larger-diameter line guides on the underside, and the grip is longer and straighter. Instead of a push-button, a wire bail controls the line. The spool does not turn; the bail spins as it returns line to the reel. The NY DEC guide notes that spinning reels typically have a better drag system and hold more line than spincast reels.
Baitcasting reels are open and also sit on top of the rod, but the spool is oriented perpendicular to the rod and turns when the button is pushed, as the Minnesota DNR guide describes. The NY DEC guide adds that the spool on a baitcast reel revolves during the cast and retrieve, which reduces line twist. Baitcasting rods usually have long grips and smaller guides, and the rods are generally stiffer than open-face rods.
Learning curve and backlash: what beginners should expect
The NY DEC guide states plainly that spincasting is generally considered the easiest to use, while baitcasting and fly rods are considered the hardest. Spinning is described as the most versatile because it can cast light and moderately heavy lures and baits. The Minnesota DNR guide agrees that closed-face reels are simplest to learn because the line is less likely to tangle than with an open-face reel, and it calls baitcasting reels not recommended for novice anglers.
Backlash, often called a bird’s nest, is a common frustration with baitcasting reels. Shimano’s FAQ explains that its VBS (Variable Brake System) is designed to slow the spool as the lure loses momentum after a cast, acting as a centrifugal brake. Moving a brake weight outward, into the on position, gives it more influence on slowing the spool. Shimano recommends turning on all brake blocks and setting the dial to the “6” setting, then making several casts and turning off one brake at a time until casting distance is sufficient and backlashes stop. The cast control cap must also be adjusted until the right tension is achieved.
Spinning reels have their own tangle issues. The NY DEC guide explains that tangles form when line has been incorrectly put on the reel or when reeling in loose line. It advises anglers to open the bail and strip line off the reel until the loop pulls out, then close the bail and reel in while keeping the line tight. To prevent tangles, the guide says to always tighten the line on the spool before reeling in, either by manually closing the bail or beginning to reel in just before the lure hits the water.
Reel care basics for all types
Shimano’s baitcasting reel maintenance guide recommends a simple post-trip routine. Tighten the cast control cap and star drag before washing. Rinse the reel under low-pressure water while rotating the spool for 15 to 20 seconds. Use a toothbrush to clean the handle and star drag area, and a tube brush for the reel seat and line guides. Spin the reel in fast rotation to channel excess water away, then wipe the exterior with a dry cloth. Finally, loosen the star drag and leave the reel to dry in a cool place.
Shimano’s general FAQ adds that a reel should be lightly rinsed under a faucet or hose, never with high pressure. After rinsing, use a soft towel or rag to wipe the exterior dry. For spinning reels, the FAQ notes that line twist can be caused by line not wound onto the spool correctly or a binding line roller bearing, which should be lubricated with Shimano oil or replaced if faulty. For baitcasting reels, unusual noise during casting may come from dry or worn VBS weights, which need a drop of oil, or from a dry spool bushing that also needs a drop of oil.
How to set drag and why it matters
The NY DEC guide explains that all reels have a drag system that puts pressure on the spool, setting how much force it takes to pull line off. It recommends setting the drag about 25 percent less than the pound rating of the line being used, done by feel. The guide says the drag should be tight enough to set the hook and control the fish, but not so tight that the line breaks. Shimano’s FAQ offers a rule of thumb: mount the reel to the rod, feed the line through each guide, and use a scale to set the drag so it gives at approximately one third of the line’s breaking strength while the rod is held in a stable position.
The Minnesota DNR guide notes that for baitcasting reels, it is important to check the lure drop to ensure the drag is set correctly. On a baitcaster, the angler can thumb the spool to stop the line and drop the lure on target, which is what gives the reel its reputation for accurate casting.
Comparison table: reel types at a glance
| Reel type | How it works | Learning curve | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spincast (closed-face) | Push-button release; covered spool fixed parallel to rod; reel sits on top; small line guides on top | Easiest to learn | Often used for panfish; line less likely to tangle; very affordable |
| Spinning (open-face) | Wire bail opened by hand; spool does not turn, bail spins; reel hangs below rod; larger line guides on bottom | More complicated than spincast; more prone to tangling | Most versatile; works well with light line and lightweight lures; better drag system; holds more line |
| Baitcasting | Push-button release; spool perpendicular to rod and turns; reel sits on top; smaller guides on top | Hardest to learn; not recommended for novices | Accurate casting by thumbing the spool; used for large fish or deep water; heavier line; spool revolves to reduce line twist |
Fishing rules, including license requirements, gear restrictions, and size and bag limits, vary by state and by body of water. Always check the regulations published by your state wildlife agency before heading out.
Frequently asked questions
Which reel type should a complete beginner start with?
The New York State DEC beginners’ guide recommends a spin-casting rod and reel for beginning anglers because it is easy to use. The Minnesota DNR guide also states that closed-face reels are simplest to learn and that the line is less likely to tangle than with an open-face reel.
Why does my baitcasting reel keep backlashing even after I adjust the brakes?
Shimano’s FAQ suggests checking the shape of the line lay on the spool. If the lower portion of the spool has a larger diameter than the upper portion when viewed from the side, backlash is more likely to occur. Adding one of the included spool washers and re-spooling so the upper portion has a slightly larger diameter can help. Also, the cast control cap may not be adjusted correctly; adjust it until the right tension is achieved.
How do I stop my spinning reel from tangling so often?
The NY DEC guide advises that tangles form when line has been incorrectly put on the reel or when reeling in loose line. Open the bail and strip line off until the loop pulls out, then close the bail and reel in while keeping the line tight. To prevent tangles, always tighten the line on the spool before reeling in, either by manually closing the bail or beginning to reel in just before the lure hits the water. If the line keeps twisting, it is time to put new line on the reel.
Ready to dig deeper into specific reel types? Browse our full Fishing Reels section, including reel drag explained, reel gear ratio, reel maintenance and how to spool a fishing reel.
Sources
- Minnesota DNR MinnAqua: Freshwater Rods and Reels
- New York State DEC: I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing
- Shimano: Baitcasting Reel Maintenance Tips
- Shimano: FAQ (reel care and troubleshooting)
About Miles Prescott
Miles puts together our beginner & family fishing guides, digging through specifications, manufacturer details and owner reviews so you don't have to.
