I find the main advantage to a baitcaster is the ability to "put on the brakes" when your cast is headed for a tree on the opposite bank. The main disadvantage is the dreaded "backlash".

If you're guessing from this post that my casting technique could use some work, you would be correct.

I recently got a Quantum "Cabo" baitcaster (the small one) cuz it will be used some in saltwater for jigging. What a nice smooth little reel!