What You Need to Know About Baitcasting Reels

Baitcast reels are very popular in the consumer market. While they are often used by more experienced anglers or pros on the competitive circuit, there are various makes and models for all levels of anglers. What makes them so popular is the ability to accurately hit those sweet spots, stop your lure mid-cast (if its heading in a wrong direction), and allow you to adjust the tensioning to suit your personal fishing style. Although, they take some practice to master, once you do, you’ll appreciate all the fishing opportunities they provide.

Perhaps at one time or another – when you first started fishing – your introductory reel may have been a spincaster, those economical, enclosed coffee-grinder-style

models that are designed to prevent the line from snarling or backlashing. As a result of the size of the Spincaster’s spool, they typically have lower gear ratios and don’t provide the quick line retrieval needed for faster lures such as inline spinners, spinner baits and buzz baits.

However, a baitcaster has a rotating spool and sits above the rod with a trigger

handle. They have a traditional round shape and designed to hold more line and heavier line, which make them ideal to cast larger baits for more aggressive species such as pike, muskie, steelhead and salmon.

Why Choose a Baitcaster?

Low profile baitcaster reels are the more popular style. They are designed to make the reel more comfortable (than traditional round designs) and are easier to palm the reel, which is a way of holding a baitcaster. You can then put the side plate in the palm of your hand with the trigger of the rod in between your middle and ring finger and reel with the other hand. They are also available in both right- and left-handed configurations. One of the main reasons why baitcasters are so popular is you can easily stop the line mid-cast to precisely place your bait to (or very near) specific obstructions and structure. While it can’t cast as far as a spinning reel with lighter bait, it can handle heavier line and bait easier and more effectively. When you first use a baitcaster, it’s important to remember to use a heavier line such as 8 lb test or higher as baitcasters were not necessarily designed for lighter line. At first, you’ll realize a baitcaster operates much different than a spinning reel. However, you’ll soon understand the many benefits and enjoyment of casting larger jigs and crankbaits.

Gear Ratio

Gear Ratios represent the number of revolutions the spool makes with every turn of the handle and contributes to how fast you can reel in line. For instance, a baitcaster with a gear ratio of 6.6:1 rotates 6.6 times with every complete turn of the handle. 6.6:1 is a mid-range gear ratio and choosing a certain gear ratio depends on the type of bait or lure you’ll be using. For instance, a 7.1:1 is best for spinnerbaits or buzzbait and a ratio of 5.4:1 will present a crankbait more effectively. After using one, you’ll start to see why some anglers use various reels to make them more successful, more often.

Braking Systems

These adjust the speed when line leaves your reel during a cast by applying drag to the reel. Without a braking system the resulting backlash (which means the line leaves the reel faster than it can leave the rod) will create ‘birds nesting’ just in front of your reel. This is an angler’s nightmare and leaves a tousled mess you’ve never experienced before. The different types of braking systems include centrifugal and magnetic, and some even have both. As long as they are adjusted properly, both work well. If you have an unlimited budget, digital braking systems are also available.

Reel Frames

Reel frames are available in either aluminum or graphite. While aluminum is more durable and less expensive, graphite is lighter and will cost more. The exception are sturdy, forged aluminum frames found in high-end reels.

Ball Bearings

As ball bearings in practically any reel are designed to reduce friction between moving parts, always go with the best quality you can get and it’s something you’ll want to talk to your fishing retailer about before a purchase (as they vary from reel to reel). Be sure to look for descriptions such as stainless steel, shielded or sealed, all offering a solution of keeping the elements clean and corrosion out.

Spools

Most baitcast reels have an aluminum spool. However, like reel frames, less expensive reels have die-cast spools while high-end models have forged or machined- aluminum spools. It’s also common for manufacturers to drill holes through them to make them lighter or to stop and start spinning easier.

Line Capacity

You’ll often see line capacity displayed in yards and line weight in ounces (i.e. Monofilament capacity - 110/ 6, which means the reel will hold 110 yards of 6 lb monofilament line). For this gear guide, we often include the capacity in braid (as braided line has a smaller diameter and you can get more line on the reel). If you commonly fish for bass, walleye or panfish you don’t really need to be concerned with line capacity, even for low profile reels. Yet, if you troll or fish deep for northern pike, muskie, steelhead or salmon, a heavier line and more line is a must, especially when they start to run.

Handle

You’ll often see the term “over- sized” handles with the main purpose of being able to increase the leverage or power of the reel, which is important when you go after larger species. You also want a knob that’s large enough to find without looking down and be sure the knob offers a strong “grip” to avoid slipping if your hands are sweaty or wet.

Summary

When shopping for a new baitcaster it’s all about the detailed features you want and one that meets your personal preferences, especially when it comes to adjusting the spool. Also, it’s always tempting to just head out and go fishing. However, you’ll save precious time on the water by simply reading the user manual beforehand. It will also indicate the care and maintenance that’s required to ensure years of use. While a new reel can’t guarantee more fish in your boat, it does provide the opportunity for more learning experiences which, in turn, will provide more enjoyment on the water.