Baitcast Reel

Baitcast Reel

Baitcasting Reels

As with most fishing gear available on the market, baitcasting reels come in a dizzying array of options, quality, and components. There are several simple characteristics, however, that can be easily learned by the novice, and which will aid tremendously in correctly choosing a good baitcasting reel. The most important characteristics to pay attention to are body material and construction, bearing material and construction, and the turn ratio of the crank.

There is a general impression that baitcasting reels are for more advanced fisherman, but that is not necessarily the case anymore. Many of the reels available on the market today are of such high quality that even a novice fisherman can easily master the techniques and uses of a baitcasting reel. For more information, visit Fishing Reels Guide.

The body of a baitcasting reel is normally made of one of two types of material: aluminum or graphite. Graphite reels are lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, which makes these reels particularly useful in a saltwater fishing environment due to the high salinity of the water. Graphite is, however not quite as strong or durable as aluminum. If you want to chase after those giant marlins or tuna, then you will probably want to opt for the aluminum reel because of their strength. On the other hand, if you are only after croppie or other panfish, then a graphite bodied reel may just be the right choice for you.

Another important consideration when looking for a baitcasting reel is the ball bearings or bushings inside the reel. These are the components of the reel that have the most direct impact on the smoothness and "feel" of the reel. As a general rule, stainless steel ball bearings are preferable to bushings. Also, the more ball bearings the unit contains, the smoother the cranking will be. Smooth cranking is essential for a good fishing reel of any type, so that you can feel the action of the line in the water and whether or not you have a fish on the line. Baitcasting rules come with a range of ball bearing counts, usually from two to six. Two bearings would be an absolute minimum, while the fisherman should purchase a reel with the most amount of bearings his budget will allow for. Obviously, the more bearings a reel contains, the more expensive the reel will be.

A further consideration for choosing a good baitcasting reel is the turn ratio of the crank. Baitcasting reels come with a variety of turn ratio's ranging from 2:1, all the way to 1:6. The first number refers to the number of turns of the crank, while the second number refers to the number of times the spool rotates. For example 1:6 means that for every turn of the crank the spool turns 6 times, which is obviously a very high cranking power. Trolling, bottom bouncing, and jig working are good application for high cranking power, while bank fishing and general line hanging are better suited to low cranking power. For a good middle of the road number, choose a 4:1 ratio.

Other factors that should be considered when choosing a baitcasting reel include the drag system, casting controls, and specialized reels for particular species of fish. For more information on these advanced characteristics be sure to visit the link mentioned above.

About the Author

Allen Bohart is a fishing fan, and enthusiastic writer for about any subject that interests him. He is also co-owner of The Fishing Bobber, a site for and about fishing enthusiasts of all levels.

Abu Garcia Record Round Baitcast Fishing Reel $332.6 This Record round reel from Abu Garcia features a durable, stainless steel construction. This round baitcast fishing reel also spotlights a smooth six-bearing design.Brand: Abu GarciaDescription: Record Round Baitcast ReelType: Round baitcast fishing reelSize: 10 pound/105 yard capacity6-bearing designWeight: 1.07 poundsMaterials: Stainless steelDimensions: 7 inches high x 7 inches wide x 4 inches deepModel: 1115467

Abu Garcia 7000i Round Baitcast Fishing Reel $253.71 This 7000i round reel from Abu Garcia features a solid, durable stainless steel construction. This round baitcast fishing reel also spotlights a smooth, sensitive single-bearing design.Brand: Abu GarciaDescription: 7000i Round Baitcast ReelType: Fishing round baitcast reelSize: 17 pound/325 yard capacity1-bearing designWeight: 1.985 poundsMaterials: Stainless steelDimensions: 8 inches high x 8 inches wide x 6 inches deepModel: 1116240

Abu Garcia C3 Round Baitcast Fishing Reel $276.92 This C3 round reel from Abu Garcia features a solid, durable Stainless steel construction. This round baitcast fishing reel also spotlights a smooth three-bearing design.Brand: Abu GarciaDescription: C3 Round Baitcast ReelType: Fishing round baitcast reelSize: 14 pound/245 yard capacity3-bearing designWeight: 1.08 poundsMaterials: Stainless steelDimensions: 6 inches high x 6 inches wide x 5 inches deepModel: 1115460

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Winch LP Baitcast Fishing Reel $561.2 This Revo Toro Winch LP reel from Abu Garcia features a rugged, X-Craftic alloy frame and aluminum spool construction. This low profile baitcast fishing reel also spotlights a smooth seven-bearing design.Brand: Abu GarciaDescription: Revo Toro Winch LP Baitcast ReelType: Low profile baitcast fishing reelSize: 14 pound/200 yard capacity7-bearing designWeight: 1.215 poundsMaterials: X-Craftic alloy frame and aluminum spoolDimensions: 7 inches high x 7 inches wide x 5 inches deepModel: 1156774

Abu Garcia Big Game Round Baitcast Fishing Reel $353.31 This Big Game Round reel from Abu Garcia features a durable, lightweight Stainless steel construction. This round baitcast fishing reel also spotlights a smooth three-bearing design.Brand: Abu GarciaDescription: Big Game Round Baitcast ReelType: Fishing round baitcast reelSize: 17 pound/210 yard capacity, round 20 pound/340 yard capacity3-bearing designWeight: 1.865 poundsMaterials: Stainless steelDimensions: 8 inches high x 8 inches wide x 5 inches deepModel: 1119579

Okuma KDR254V Low Profile Baitcast Reel RightHand $350.98 Okuma Komodo Low Profile Baitcast Reels feature: ALC: Rigid diecast aluminum frame and side plates CRC: Corrosion Resistant Coating process Heavy duty aluminum gearing and shafts A6061T6 machined aluminum anodized spool Multidisc Carbonite drag system Microclick drag star for precise drag settings 10BB+1RB stainless steel bearing drive system Precision Japanese ABEC5 spool bearings QuickSet antireverse roller bearing 7position Velocity Control System Ergonomic carbon fiber handle design for reduced weight Durable EVA handle knobs for comfort Easy change left side plate access port Zirconium line guide inserts for use with braided line Lightweight at only 6.5oz. Available in both right and left hand retrieve. Reel Speeds: Single Speed. Max Drag at Full: 14 lb. Retrieve: RightHand. Line Capacity Mono: 160 yards./10 lb.

Lews WMC100 Wally Marshall Baitcast Reel 6.41 $87.73 The new generation of crappie anglers is a versatile lot fully versed and skilled in every technique imaginable from jigging heavy cover to tightline trolling to pulling and pushing crankbaits. That s why famed crappie angler Wally Marshall insisted on having a fullsize baitcast reel specifically for crappie fishermen. Meet the WMC100. Onepiece graphite frame and side plates. Two plus one bearing system. Line capacity 100 yards/10lb. mono. Forged shallow aluminum spool. 6.4:1 gear ratio. Magnetic cast control system. Smooth full adjustable star drag system. Weight: 8.1 oz. Mono Capacity: 10/100. Drag: 10. Gear Ratio: 6.4:1. Retrieve Rate: 23.

Pure Fishing 4600C3 Classic Series Baitcast Reel $175.48 The best selling baitcast ever You ll love the smooth casting action of two stainless steel ball bearings in the Ambassadeur C3. Fish with confidence knowing you have a stainless steel roller bearing to deliver the solid hooksetting power of Instant antireverse. The Ambassadeur C3 comes standard with a six pin centrifugal brake chemical nickel coated levelwind system and the new Carbon Matrix Drag System. Config: Right Hand. Gear Ratio: 5.3:1. Ball bearings: 3. Line Capacity: 10/170.

Pure Fishing REVOS Abu Garcia S Series Baitcast Reel $228.13 The new lowprofile baitcast reels that have started a REVOlution among serious anglers everywhere. These are the reels that are getting all of the Buzz and have anglers across the country replacing their beloved Chronarchs and Curados with their new favorite fishing reel the Revo. Why you ask? Anglers will tell you that they are more comfortable in your hand (lower profile) every bit as smooth have more fish fighting power due to the oversized main drive gear hold more line hold up outstandingly in both fresh or salt water are far less expensive and most of the Revo family includes a 24 lb. drag system that is 2 to 3 times more powerful than any other reel in their class. All Revos are made from XCraftic aluminum alloy that provides corrosion resistance unsurpassed in the fishing reel industry. Oh and did I mention that the Revos are far less expensive? Don t take our word for it. Get yourself a Revo and join the REVOlution. You too will claim it as your own favorite fishing reel The new Revo series of lowprofile baitcast reels are the finest and fastest lowprofile reels that Abu Garcia has ever designed. Heck these are the finest low profile reels ever designed PERIOD The Revo S series reels feature nine HPCR (High Precision Corrosion Resistant) bearings for extra smoothness during casting or retrieving a onepiece XCraftic aluminum alloy frame and crank side cover for unsurpassed corrosion resistance our world famous Carbon Matrix drag system which generates up to 24 lbs. of drag precision machined Duragear brass gears an oversized main gear for extra fish fighting torque and sixpin centrifugal brakes for extra control over your spool. TOP QUALITY at an affordable price. Salt or fresh like all Abu Garcia reels they are Built for Life . Bearings: 9 SS. Config: Right Hand. Gear Ratio: 6.4:1. Line Capacity (Lb.Test/Yards): 12/140.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 7000i Baitcast Fishing Combo $258.34 This Ambassadeur 7000i baitcast combo from Abu Garcia features a lightweight, durable E-Glass rod blank with stainless bearings reel construction. This baitcast fishing combo also spotlights a sensitive single-rod design.Brand: Abu GarciaDescription: Ambassadeur 7000i Baitcast ComboType: MH action round baitcast comboSingle-piece rod designWeight: 5.07 poundsComes in a single boxMaterials: E-Glass rod blank with stainless bearings reelDimensions: 78 inches high x 5 inches wide x 5 inches deepModel: 1123094

Pure Fishing 5500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel 3 BallBearing#44; Gear Ratio 5.31#44; Capacity 12205#44; Right Handed $175.48 The Ambassadeur C3 baitcast reel has the smooth casting action of two stainless steel ball bearings. A stainless steel roller bearing delivers the solid hooksetting power of IAR. Features a six pince. Gear ratio: 5.3:1. Inches per turn: 25.5. Retrieve speed: Standard. Spool capacity (mono): 12 pounds/205 yards. Spool capacity (braid): 30 pounds/250 yards. Hand retrieve: Right. Max drag: 15 pounds. Weight: 9.9 ounces ntrifugal brake. Righthand retrieve baitcast round reel with free spool baitcast design. Allows for superior accuracy and longdistance casting. Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.8 x 3.1.

For Reel $14.99 For Reel

WM Eagle Claw WMESRV70RC 70R High speed Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory Baitcast Reel $175.48 Put the finishing touch on your rig with the Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory Baitcast Reel. Created using ultralight aluminum this reel brings durability and weight reduction to a new meaning. The centrifugal antibacklash braking system reduces the chance of a birds nest during the cast. Extralarge power handle and oversized rubber paddles provide you with excellent feel and control. Aluminum frame for durability and weight reduction. Infinite antireverse. Onetouch removable aluminum spool. Powerful and smooth Teflon drag system. Audible click star drag. Precision cut brass gears. Includes neoprene reel case. Size: 70R High speed. Gear Ratio: 7.0:1. Line Capacity (yd/lb): 120/12. Line Retrieve per Crank: 27.5 . Ball Bearings: 9+1. Retrieve: Right hand.

WM Eagle Claw WMESRV62LC 62L Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory Baitcast Reel $175.48 Put the finishing touch on your rig with the Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory Baitcast Reel. Created using ultralight aluminum this reel brings durability and weight reduction to a new meaning. The centrifugal antibacklash braking system reduces the chance of a birds nest during the cast. Extralarge power handle and oversized rubber paddles provide you with excellent feel and control. Aluminum frame for durability and weight reduction. Infinite antireverse. Onetouch removable aluminum spool. Powerful and smooth Teflon drag system. Audible click star drag. Precision cut brass gears. Includes neoprene reel case. Size: 62L. Gear Ratio: 6.2:1. Line Capacity (yd/lb): 120/12. Line Retrieve per Crank: 23.5 . Ball Bearings: 9+1. Retrieve: Left hand.

Lews TL1H Team Lews Speed Spool Baitcast Reel $491.38 Our firstclass Team Lew's baitcaster is for anglers who approach fishing as a way of life not just a lifestyle. Its titanium deposition finish sets it apart from the pack while also making a statement that this reel is all business. Features: onepiece die cast aluminum frame 11 doubleshielded premium stainless steel bearings titanium deposition finish aluminum side plates easily removable palming side plate rugged carbon composite drag system. This reel provides up to 14 pounds of drag power. Also including audible click drag system zero reverse oneway clutch bearing doubleanodized red detail finishing aircraftgrade duralumin drilled spool drive gear crankshaft and worm shaft externaladjust MultiSetting Brake (MSB) dual magnetic/centrifugal cast control Rightside spool tension adjustment with audible click lightweight carbon bowed handle with Lew's custom paddle knobs and titaniumcoated zirconia line guide. 10+1 Bearings. Gear Ratio: 6.4:1. Line Capacity: 12/120. Right Hand. Weight: 7.1 ounces.