What Are Baitcaster Reels Good For?

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 with it, and with the proper settings I was able to cast 2-3 times further, compared to my spinning reel. With a bit of practice, a baitcasting reel can also allow you to hit certain spots with very good accuracy. The design allows you to slow down or stop the reel from letting out more line with your thumb. Where as a spinning or spincasting reel, your only options are to reel to lock the spool to stop or tilt your rod up to slow down.

Baitcaster reels are great, because you can use them for various types of fishing. Crankbaits, spinners, top waters are no match for you if you manage to master a baitcaster reel. Basically, it's great for any lure that is 3/8 oz or heavier, such as crank baits and spinner baits. For plastics and live bait, I find it too light to take advantage of the extra distance and more fitted for a spinning reel. The only exception to this is if you are flipping tubes and other plastics in the weeds. Flipping just doesn't work well with spinning and spincasting reels as it doesn't offer enough control, so if you plan to do a bit of flipping a baitcasting reel is the way to go.

There are round baitcasting reels and flat baitcasting reels. I prefer the flat ones as my thumbs fits more comfortable in it.

First problem you encounter when you try to use a baitcasting reel is backlashes 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 (other then your thumb). When this happens too fast, it becomes a nightmare.

First rule to apply in order to prevent your line from coming 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.

One important advice is to be cautious when using a baitcaster reel in conditions of heavy winds. Even skilled anglers can backlash in such a situation. You can use brake magnets and other feature to avoid it, but it may greatly reduce the distance you can cast. You may also need to make minor adjustments to the reel speed if you are changing lures that weight differently.

If you are used to fishing with another type of reel, always take it with you when you go fishing. Do not rely only on the baitcaster reel at first, because fixing backlashes half the time you're in the waters is not very fun. 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.

I won't recommend someone new to fishing to use a baitcasting reel but, I do believe that the baitcasting reel is the best reel to go if you are serious about fishing.

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

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