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Why does bait-casting tackle usually use heavier line than spinning tackle?

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Bait-casting and spinning tackle differ primarily in their reel design, rod length, and the strength of the line used. Bait-casting tackle is typically used with heavier lures, which necessitates the use of a heavier line, often in the 4,500- to 9,000-gram (10- to 20-pound) test range.1

In contrast, spinning reels are generally spooled with lighter lines, typically in the 2,700- to 4,500-gram (6- to 10-pound) test class, as this tackle is designed for use with lighter lures. The use of heavier line in bait casting helps accommodate the weight of the lures being cast and retrieved to create a swimming action in the water.1