What Are Baitcaster Reels Good For?

By: Deon Melchior

Spincast reels are considered the best choice as they are closed face and they provide trouble free casting. I thought so, too, until I got my first baitcasting reel.

I knew baitcasting reels are for pros so I was decided to learn how to use such a thing. I also knew that this was not going to be so easy and I was not aware of the consequences.

The first thing I discovered was that you can cast further away with it. Also, when you catch a heavy fish on the line, the baitcasting reel offers you the opportunity to “play” the fish. It is all a game of skill, not of muscles, as you can let a little the fish to run away and drag it towards you again.

A good rod is important to “feel” the fish and the terrain, but a baitcasting reel has the same importance in the matter. This reel gives a valuable insight on the underwater world making for a great experience.

Once you got the fish on the line, you can “feel” its every move. I like to do that as I am used to cup my hand over the reel and move one of my fingers on the outgoing line in order to feel the fish moving.

There are round baitcasting reels and flat baitcasting reels. I prefer the flat ones but the tips I am giving you can be successfully applied for the round ones, too. When cupping the reel in your hand, you can feel every move.

First problem you encounter when you try to use a baitcasting reel is backslash or bird’s nest. It is very hard to master and I do not lie one bit.

When using a baitcaster reel, there is no obstacle to stop the line from coming off the reel. But when this happens, it is a nightmare.

First rule to apply in order to prevent your line come off the reel is thumb control. Use your thumb to control the output of the line. By practice, you will learn to control it and feel it very well, but only if you do not get frustrated by it in the first place.

If you are used to fish with another type of reel, always take it with you when you go fishing. Do not rely only on the baitcaster reel. Even the most skilled professionals can be taken aback by the fish movements and that is when it happens that your line comes off the reel. If something like this occurs, you will be more than tempted to get rid of the baitcaster reel, by throwing it in the garbage can or, eventually, in the lake. Baitcaster reels are fine pieces of equipment, but they are not easy to master, so I would not advise you spending a lot of money on them just to throw them away later.

One important advice is to avoid using a baitcaster reel in conditions of heavy winds. Even skilled anglers can backslash in such a situation. You can use brakes and other feature to avoid it, but a spinning reel or a closed face one is a better option.

But baitcaster reels are great, because you can use them for various types of fishing. Crankbaits, spinners, plastics, top waters are no match for you if you manage to master a baitcaster reel. I use it when I want to catch bass or catfish as it is very strong.

I do believe that the baitcasting reel is the best reel and it is worth mastering it.


Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com