Freshwater Fishing Tackle Buyer’s Guide – The Baitcast Reel
We continue our Freshwater Fishing Gear series as we attempt to remove the fright of purchasing fishing gear from the beginning fisherman.
I personally had to do it the tough way, I purchased tackle that looked good but was completely improper for the type of fishing I was going to do. With the thousands of reels and rods on the market, not to mention a gazillion lures, fishing knives, fishing vests, line types and other fishing accessories; how could a novice not make a few wrong and pricey selections?
We began our series on freshwater fishing gear with the reel; including the spincast and spinning reels. Now we will address the Cadillac of the fishing world the Baitcast Reel; also referred to as baitcaster, baitcasting, casting reel, and a conventional reel.
Baitcast reels can handle thicker lines and allows for longer casts than spinning reels in the identical size range. Fishermen frequently use line in the 14- to 17-pound-test range.
The setup of the baitcaster permits for accurate casting to get the lure just where you need it. They use very tough drag systems to slow heavier, stronger fish and are intended to be used with heavier lures.
The baitcast reel is the favorite reel of anglers out to catch Bass, Channel Catfish, Steelhead and any large fish. Because of its casting accuracy it is tremendous for fishing in water where line can tangle easily or for casting into tight places such as decks and trees in the water.
Baitcast reel has a revolving spool with the line going in the same direction as the line as it works down the fishing rod. They have a center pin and the disks are attached by a series of outer pins that displays the line. Some are built partly from composites, but most are still stainless steel, often with brass components in certain sections.
Since it is secured on the top side of the rod the baitcast reel is more difficult to handle and has a much greater learning curve than either of the spincast or spinning reels. For this reason it is not a good entry level reel for youngsters or beginners.
Also its higher cost can make it cost prohibitive for the casual weekend fisherman who will only fish from time to time. Finally since it is mainly a casting reel it is much more reel than the “cast it and leave it” angler needs.
A top of the line example of baitcast reel is the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Elite Baitcast Reel, priced at $220. It is one of the finest Bass Pro Shops exclusive reels, a true world-class baitcaster–sleek and fast, light and strong, virtually effortless in its handling, and best it is priced well below other baitcaster reels in its class.
We will continue with Fly Fishing Reels when our “Freshwater Fishing Gear Beginners Guide” series continues.