Baitcasting Reels

Baitcasting reels come in a dizzying array of options, quality, and components. The most important characteristics to consider are body material and construction. Ball bearings or bushings inside the reel are another important factor to consider. More information can be found at Fishing Reels Guide (see resource box below). Stainless steel ball bearings are preferred over bushings.

The more ball bearings a reel contains, the smoother the cranking. Baitcasting reels are available in a range of turn ratios ranging from 2:1 to 1:6. Other factors to consider are drag system, casting controls and specialized reels for specific species of fish.

Baitcasting reels, like most fishing equipment on the market, come in a dizzying array of options, quality, and components. However, there are several simple characteristics that the novice can easily learn and that will greatly assist in correctly selecting a good baitcasting reel. The most important characteristics to consider are body material and construction, bearing material and construction, and crank turn ratio. 

There is a common misconception that baitcasting reels are only for experienced anglers, but this is no longer the case. Many of the reels on the market today are of such high quality that even inexperienced anglers can easily master the techniques and applications of a baitcasting reel. More information can be found at Fishing Reels Guide (see resource box below). 

A baitcasting reel's body is typically made of one of two materials: aluminum or graphite. Because of the high salinity of the water, graphite reels are lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for saltwater fishing. Graphite, on the other hand, is not as strong or as long-lasting as aluminum. If you want to go after those big marlins or tuna, you should probably go with an aluminum reel because of its strength. 

If you only want to catch croppie or other panfish, a graphite-bodied reel may be the best option for you. The ball bearings or bushings inside the reel are another important factor to consider when shopping for a baitcasting reel. These are the reel components that have the most direct influence on the smoothness and "feel" of the reel. Stainless steel ball bearings are generally preferred over bushings. 

Furthermore, the more ball bearings the unit contains, the smoother the cranking. Smooth cranking is required for any good fishing reel, so you can feel the action of the line in the water and whether or not you have a fish on the line. Baitcasting rules typically have a ball bearing count ranging from two to six. Two bearings are the absolute minimum, and the fisherman should buy the reel with the most bearings his budget will allow. 

Obviously, the more bearings a reel contains, the higher the price of the reel. The crank turn ratio is another factor to consider when selecting a good baitcasting reel. Baitcasting reels are available in a range of turn ratios ranging from 2:1 to 1:6. The first number represents the number of crank turns, while the second represents the number of times the spool rotates. For example, 1:6 means that the spool turns 6 times for every crank turn, indicating a very high cranking power. 

Trolling, bottom bouncing, and jig working are applications that benefit from high cranking power, whereas bank fishing and general line hanging benefit from low cranking power. A 4:1 ratio is a good middle-of-the-road number. Other factors to consider when selecting a baitcasting reel are the drag system, casting controls, and specialized reels for specific species of fish. Visit the above-mentioned link for more information on these advanced characteristics.