I have all of them (spincast included) but generally use spinning reels for everything Crappie fishing related. Though, I am starting out with some "long poles" (>10ft) to see if I like the spider rigging technique, and "for now" I'm using baitcast reels on them. ALL of my Bass fishing gear is baitcast oriented, so I'm familiar with them enough to be comfortable using them and/or switching back & forth between them & spinning gear.

And, yes ... they are generally for different "purposes" (methods). The rods they are on determines which purpose(s) they're effective on. The reasons I use those specific reels is the same as has been mentioned .... spinning for light line/bait & baitcast for heavier line/baits/rigs.

... cp