Arguably the easiest difference is to look at role and position. With the spinning rod and the so-called spin fishing, a stationary reel is attached with the bracket pointing downwards. With the baitcaster, a multiplier reel is attached to the top of the rod. Differences lie in the type of fishing and the weight of the bait used. While the spinning rod is even more common in Europe, the baitcaster is preferred in the US and Japan.