Baitcaster advantages?

So, a few weeks ago a friend gave me a very nice fishing rod as a gift to thank me for some things I've done for him.  Only problem for me is that it's set up for a baitcaster.
 
Never used one before seriously - have casted a few many years ago, and that's about it.
 
Definitely glad to drop a few dollars on some new fishing equipment
 
I fish for bass quite a bit, spring through fall, and would be using it mostly for this.  Also usually head to the Gulf in Mississippi every summer, and most folks down there use bait casters. 
 
So, my big question is, what advantage does a bait casting reel give you over a spinning reel? 
 
Also, is it as hard to learn to use as it looks?  What brands should I look for in a good bait caster in the $40-$50 range?  Or should I just return the rod and get one set up for a spinning reel?
 
Thanks in advance for the input.

I got a Quantum last year and while it is certain to give you a few fits, I'm glad I got mine.  I use Stren Super Braid, 10# on mine and fish everything from rapalas to carolina rigs with it.  Be sure to start out with the brake set so that in freespool your offering will fall slowly to the ground and go from there.  Remember to readjust anytime you make a big change in your rig.

Other than battling bigger fish, what other advantages does the baitcaster offer over spinning?
 
Greater casting distance with heavier lines?
More casting control?
Faster retrieve?
 
Or is it just kind of preference thing?
 
Good advice guys.  Appreciate it. 

No line twist from the reel.  I also find myself a smidge more accurate with it.

Oh ya....

Don't go cheap on the reel! I use nothing but Curado by Shimano.

Here's a tip for baitcasters! When you get a backlash DO NOT pick it out. Instead, crank your drag down as tight as you can. Press your thumb down hard onto the spool. With your other hand crank the handle a few turns(while your other thumb is pressing down on it). Put reel into freespool and pull the line out untill the knot stops it. Repeat this about 2-3 times and it will take the backlash right out. This works 9 out of 10 times!

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys.  Guess it's time to start shopping!!

i think the best buy for your buck are the garcia ambassadeur reels.  spend a few extra dollars and get a better reel.
 
http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ProductDirectory.cfm?PassProdCat2=Casting&PassProdCat1=Reels&SearchLevel=3&ProdBrand=
 
o own 5 ambassadeurs and also 3 shimanos and a couple of bass pro shops.  there is nothing a shimano can do that an ambassadeur can't do, you just pay more for the shimano.
 
also when you sart out tighten down the free spool a little more, so the the lure, start with a 3/4 oz sinker, so that it just barely falls in free spool, then tighten it until it stops.   this will prevent a lot of backlashes until you get used to casting.  at first you'll start cast with your whole arm, like cast a spinning rod with a bobber and 4 ft of line under the bobber.  1st thing is th push the button and hold it down.  release the button at just past top of the cast.  lightly touch the spool with you thumb.  and stop the spool with your thumb as the weight hits the ground/water.  the cast will not go far at the beginning, you just trying to get your timing and educate your thumb.  and as you get better lessing the tightness on the free spool and lessen the weight.  buy spring you should be able to throw a spinnerbait into a coffee can at 40ft.

If cast w/ your right hand consider getting a left -handed reel. in that way u don't have to switch hands every time in order to retieve. u can make more casts in the same period of time.

ORIGINAL: rsquared

Good call 3 way.  I know when I grab one of my kids pushbutton reels with the handle on the right, it drives me nuts.  So used to the left handed retrieve of a spinning reel.  Although that's about the only thing I can do left handed, besides catch a baseball & pick my nose

I'll second the good call, though I'm a southpaw anyway, so right-hand retrieve baitcasters and traditional right-hand-retreive fly reeling came to me like second nature.

shimano my prefrence, mine are set up for heavier rigs and lures. I really like a bait caster for jigging / cranking . I never use them for jerk baits too hard for me. just remember to adjust the reel so when u press your button down your bait falls at a nice pace. too fast more potential for a backlash too slow you'll throw hard and cast short.   

You can find a Quantum Accurist PT for about that price. Check ebay and some other retailers.......
 
I own 10 Accurists, they have always been reliable for me.