You have no idea how big the can of worms you just opened is ! LOL.

Depends on what you're using it for

well

if you want capacity go O/H

if you want more i dunno :/ then go Egg Beater...

LOL @ Flangies!

egg beaters because i like eggs:)

both have there applications, once you master casting an overhead/baitcaster you wont look back though, but then chucking tiny little bream lures or unwaited baits etc is more suited to a small spin reel, again though its a personal preference

both have there applications, once you master casting an overhead/baitcaster you wont look back though, but then chucking tiny little bream lures or unwaited baits etc is more suited to a small spin reel, again though its a personal preference

...can do anything that spin reels can do, apart from what mako just mentioned, and in most cases can do it better. The same size o/h will have more line capacity, a stronger drag, and weigh less than the equivalent spin reel.

Saltigas/Stellas/Van Staals/etc are the absolute cream of the crop as far as spin reels go...they can handle anything that swims, but cost the earth, simply because they are so well-made. There are a fair number of overheads than can do the same things they can do but cost about half as much, only because the basic design of an overhead allows for line capacity/strength/excellent power-to-weight ratio.

And if you do a lot of lure-casting around structure, like jetties/rocks/trees, nothing is more accurate than a baitcaster...you simply overshoot the cast and then clamp your thumb down where you want the lure to fall.

If your bream fishing, ever tried to cast an sx40 with a bait caster? the only thing youd catch is your feet. Light tackle spinning reels win. Medium to heavy overhead hands down.

for jigging as there is less resistance when dropping. ie will get to the bottom faster than overhead. I have to disagree with the baitcaster being more accurate. If you are a good caster you can be just as accurate with a spin reel although baitcasters in that situation are easier and nicer to use. in my opinion take 1 of each out next time and decide for yourself??!

Each reel for most things can do what the other can do, so it can be just personal preference for most things. Though depending on the application there are advantages to each one.

A few examples:

Casting lures at stucture, baitcasters are better for accuracy. (Though, have heard from someone that some ultra snaggy areas for barra you can only use spin reels as you're often casting under stuff at all weird angles?)

Dropping stuff down slow like sinkers/bait tends to work better with overheads. Same with pulling up heavy weights.

Dropping unweighted weights is a bit easier with a overhead/baitcaster as you can let line out but apply the brakes when you get a hit. Can pinch the line of an eggbeater to waft the bait down but stopping is harder. Can also set the ratchet on a overhead/baitcaster if you want little drag if you're fishing live bait or want the fish to run a bit with minimal resistance. (though you do get baitrunners for this as well)

Chucking poppers at busting up bait schools a spin reel is a lot easier to get the distance needed especially if you're scrambling up the front of the boat or running along a beach. Much easier pinging lures and getting multiple casts with a spin than a similar baitcaster setup.

For sambo jigging, obviously you can use either. With overheads you can grip them differently which is good or bad depending on how you like it. However, spin reels allow you to rest just one hand and have the rod self align when the fish runs. With an overhead you have to keep the rod upright (and a rod bucket with pin certainly helps). Not terribly hard, but still easier with spin. However, with the reel on top of a rod, you can drop it right to the gunnels and get a longer power stroke (and it makes it easier to keep your rod at a good angle when the fish runs, particularily if you have a rod that doesnt like being highsticked, or you're a bit shorter) while for a spin you need to keep the rod a bit higher to clear the gunnels.

And obviously overheads are better for trolling.

For the things where its personal preference, I much prefer spin reels for chucking any kinds of lures or working any kinds of plastics. Find it much easier to work the lures properly and makes it easier to cast further and also work the rod when the line angle is more horizontal. Also seems a fair bit easier to quickly recover line on a small smooth spinner than a baitcaster (especially as most have pretty slow gear ratios). I find it easier cranking flat out too. 

For light jigging I find spinning reels much nicer. Pretty hard to find nice light jigging overheads/baitcasters until you go 400g+. Plus, not having to levelwind is nice (especially for my demersal jigging style), though baitcasters have levelwind, but then they have stupid little handles for jigging so if you want a decent handle for jigging you have to spend at least an extra $100 on a handle too. The only reel i've seen that seems fine is the ryoga bay jigger, and we dont have that here (we do have the pluton, but the higher speed one has less drag and the little handles). Nearly all baitcasters are too slow for my liking though (damn you calcutta)

Though for sambo jigging, I dont mind overheads (plus there are a lot of better options for jigging reels in the larger sizes).

I like to create a stir up in forums exspecially on fishing tackle and advice because everyone has different preferences and opinions which in turn broadens your knowledge. Im pretty sure im going to take one of each out and see which i prefer better.

i think that the spinning reels are better just like the feel of them and every time you use them its like they do most the job for you. very trust worthy.

The irony is there is just so much more to break in a spinner than an overhead.

what im use it for

lures:spinner

Jigging:spinner

bottom bashing: overhead

Gamefishing: both

 the spinner is a much easier reel to learn with but quality is the only limitation for it

I use both and dont have a preference in most cases. But as said above horses for courses. An OH is better in some situations, and a spinner is better in others.

I do prefer the setup on a spinner. Just like the reel hanging below the rod.

Neels