nuckinfutzracing said:
Spend some time readin and watchin some videos and then go do it.
A lot of what I am writing came from doing some research on the internet before I purchased my reels. It really cuts down on the learning curve...
I forgot the pros and cons:
Pros:
-Longer casting distances once you get the technique right (especially with heavier lures)
-You can use straight fluorocarbon without the handling issues you sometimes see on spinning gear
-You can use heavier line than many spinning reels are rated to use
-You can find higher reel ratios for faster moving baits (lipless cranks etc)...easier to "burn lures." Spinning lures do come in a variety of ratios, but bait casters tend to be great for burning lures.
-Precise lure placement when casting to really tight spots
-You can use your thumb to feather the line so that your lure hits the water with only a minimal splash (this can be done to some extent with spinning gear too, but it's easier with a bait caster)
Cons:
-Backlash: especially when casting into the wind or switching lures - if you don't reset your controls properly
-Backlash: clearing backlash can be a real chore with braid
-Backlash: if your lure hits anything mid-cast, you are almost assured a bird's nest. This is very annoying when casting from a bank and your lures gets caught in brush on the way out
-Casting lighter lures can be more difficult
-Dropping a lure straight to the bottom when fishing vertical presentations can be challenging, unless you have some weight tied to the line
-May not be a real con, but there is no "singing drag." So, if you hook something, but your drag isn't set right, you might not be able to set the hook properly or even know that the drag is loose...I usually pin my thumb to the reel on the hook set and then let the drag work from there. But overall, there's no audible indication that a fish is taking drag.
Those are all of the things I can think of off the top of my head...