The difference between a spinning reel and a baitcasting reel is that the former will be more useful to you in the long run as it is a do-it-all option. Spinning reels are ideal for novice anglers which also makes them incredibly affordable. The lightweight lures and lines help you cast long-distance reels effectively whereas the baitcasting reel is great for sitting on top of the rod rather than being used on the side. They can be used for all types of lines such as braided and fluorocarbon as they have more durability when dragged with heavier fish. Whichever reel you end up using, it is important to match the rod and the reel type for maximum efficiency. The baitcasting reels cannot be used with spin rods.