I think it all boils down to whats comfterbul, and how much practice you have put in. If you cant cast a baitcaster in 25 mile winds why even take it with you to the coast. I think this is why most people stick with spinning.

Left vs Right had been puzzling me for almost 40 years until I finally figured it out a few years ago. A spinning rod is held in the same place when casting and reeling, so changing hand positions is not necessary; a casting rod/reel is not held in the same position when casting and reeling, so the hand swap is the most efficient set up. As far as spinning vs. casting reels, both have their applications and can be found in nearly equal numbers on my boat. Spinning reels are definitely easier when teaching beginners to cast. The biggest fish I've ever gotten up to the boat was a shark almost as long as my 20 foot boat, on a spinning reel (Penn 8500). There's no doubt in my mind that my Ambassadeur 7000-C3 casting reel that was out at the same time would have done equally as well. I usually use Penn 5500 spinning reels for free shrimping, and Ambassadeur 5500-C3's and 6500-C3's for casting lures and shrimp under popping corks. I'm really looking forward to trying my new Ambassadeur Morrum SX 1600C Ultra Mag baitcaster for free shrimping, but might have to try braided line to get enough on the reel for that occasional Bullred or Jack.

I can relate to what you are seeing with the baitcasters in Texas. I have fished the panhandle of Fla and the Ala gulf my whole life. We always used spinning (not spincasting, there is a difference) tackle in the salt, even offshore. Every Cobia fisherman in the eastern gulf uses a big spinner. We even grouper and AJ fish with big Penns. Trolling for kings, dolphin, wahoo and blackfin with a big, braid filled spinner was not unusual at all. For trout and reds, some bass fishermen used baitcasters but the salt guys always had spinners. Now that I live in Texas, I have discovered almost the opposite thing. Everyone uses baitcasters for everything. The more drag arguement is a false one as new spinners will put out serious drag numbers. I tend to agree that it is just a matter of preference and what you grew up with. I do throw a baitcaster on occasion and certainly use big conventionals offshore but take comfort in know that there is another displaced saltwater guy using his spinning gear in Texas.

Heck I use both . In Florida they use spinners mainly to flip under the bushes and trees growning in the shallows . I use mine for free lining live shrimp . Ether one catches fish .