Fishing reels are the heart of your fishing experience and the baitcasting reel is the epitome of the fishing reel world. The baitcaster is a reel that has been around for a long time, longer than both spinning reels and spincasts, and is used in many fishing situations.
It is sometimes referred to as a Level Wind Reel because of the way that it rewinds the line. There are many different models on the market and different baitcasters for specific purposes. Many of the options available today have been manufactured by companies such as Shimano and Abu Garcia, but there are several other choices.
It is easy to be overwhelmed when looking for a baitcaster to purchase. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to have in mind when selecting the best baitcaster for you.
How Baitcasting Reels Work
These reels have been around for quite a while and have changed throughout the years. The way that they work has changed, and they are now the most effective way to reel in the fish. The baitcaster is lightweight and is designed for performance fishing, but they can be a bit tricky to learn how to use.
It’s important to get the hang of casting a baitcaster before actually trying to fish with it. Otherwise, you’re likely to end up with what’s known as birdnesting. This is when the line gets twisted around the spool. It is also known as line twist.
Some people say that this is caused by the wrong sized main gear in the reel or the wrong sized bearings. This is actually not true because it can happen to anyone. There are many ways to rewind the line in a baitcaster, and the right way to do it can become a very important part of your cast.
There are different ways to cast a baitcaster. The grip determines the type of cast and the action of the baitcaster.
The quiet casting is known as a straight cast, and this is a conventional type of cast. This is when you use the straight arm to make the cast. The conventional type of cast has a high accuracy and allows you to cast different distances. It is a good choice for the big lakes, but it is not the best choice for the smaller lakes.
The side arm cast is another way to cast the baitcaster and is similar to the throw. It is a good choice when fish are located close to the shore. You just have to put the baitcaster in the water and make a short burst of the side arm to make the cast. The sidearm cast is the best choice when the fish are located further away from the shore, and it is used when the fish are close to the surface.
The action of the baitcaster depends on the design of the baitcaster. The baitcaster comes with a straight handle that casts the line straight out. It comes with a bent handle that allows you to make a better cast. The baitcaster can come with a trigger that allows you to cast and is available in a wide range of gear ratios.
Types of Baitcasting Reels
If you want to use a baitcaster, there are many choices available to you. You can find a reel that is made for different types of fishing depending on your needs. Let’s have a closer look at the different type of baitcasting reels. We will look at the types of baitcasters which are commonly available.
1. Conventional / Round Casting Reels
Conventional or Round baitcasting reels are typically, large, bulky and very traditional looking. They have a uniform look throughout the reel, and they are used in a variety of different fishing situations. You can find them in a wide range of sizes, from smaller sizes made for lighter fishing to larger sizes for large fish. They are suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing, but are more typically now used for saltwater fishing for large game fish.
2. Low Profile Reels
Low Profile reels are much smaller in size, they have fewer moving parts, and they are much lighter than the conventional baitcasting reel. They are easier to use and people who have hands that are not so big find them easier to use. They have a low profile, and they have a wider spool in order to be able to accommodate more line. They are suitable for many different kinds of fishing, but are often for working on a boat for freshwater game fish or inshore fish, like bass.
Braking Systems
Every baitcasting reel needs a braking system. The braking system is used to stop the spool from turning when you want to cast your hook or line. When you are casting, the line and hook are impelled out of the reel. The line is pushed out from the spool of the reel, through the eyelet, and into the air. A braking system stops the spool from turning so that the line does not hurtle out uncontrollably.
Buying a reel without this braking system would be the same as throwing money out of the window. It is important to remember that a reel without a braking system will be much cheaper than a reel with a braking system, but you will end up with line twists and a birdsnest that will cause a lot of frustration.
The braking systems have been made to be used with a specific type of fish and there are different kinds of brakes available.
1. Magnetic Brake
Magnetic brake systems are by far the most common type of braking system. The magnetic brakes are designed to be used on the reel handle. The reel handle has a lever which moves the braking system. They are very easy to operate, making them ideal for a beginner.
There is a nob on the side of the reel that can be twisted to activate the brakes. A separate braking handle is not required. The use of a magnetic brake is simple. Twist the brake nob forward or backward to increase or decrease the brake engagement.
2. Centrifugal Brake
These are the most powerful type of braking system available. They are designed to stop the reel very fast. They are designed to cast heavy weights, because the line needs to be pulled very quickly to be effective.
Centrifugal brakes work by applying tension to the spool which then tends to wrap around it. The more tension that is applied, the more power the brake has.
3. Electronic Brake
Electronic brakes are a more recent development in reel braking systems. They are designed for both casting and retrieving the line. They are very easy to operate, and these brakes are controlled via a small computer in the reel. They are also used on a number of high-quality conventional baitcasters for open-water fishermen.
What Are The Parts of a Baitcaster?
When you are looking for the best baitcaster for you, you will have to consider a few different things. They are all fairly similar in appearance, but they do vary in size, weight, power, and quality. You shouldn’t buy a reel without knowing what all the parts are.
1. Spool
The spool is what holds the line on your reel, It can be found in the center of the reel, and it is where the braking system is located. The spool has a rim. That is why the line is pulled with the fish, and it will also stop the spool from turning when the fish is caught.
2. Forearm
The forearm is the upper part of the reel, and it is where some of the reel’s parts, such as the handle, are located. It has a hole at the back that is used to connect the handle.
3. Handle
The handle is a long stick type of rod that is used to turn the spool. It is the part that you use to wind the reel, and it is located at the back of the reel.
4. Drag
The drag is the part that is found on the front of the reel. It can be a single or double drag system and is what is used to control how much pressure is placed on the fish when it is caught.
5. Brake Handle
The brake handle is used to control the braking system of the reel.
How To Adjust
Adjusting a baitcaster may seem like an easy job, but it can be tricky for some people. There are many things that you need to take into consideration, such as the type of reel, the line and the design of the reel.
The first thing you will have to do is to follow the reel’s instruction manual. Finding this manual can be a challenge, and you may have to contact the manufacturer to ask for a copy. Most of the time, they are not available online. If you are lucky, the online description of the product will contain the information that you need.
How To Fix A Casting Reel
If you are having problems with your reel, and it is not working properly, it may be time to repair it. If the reel is still within the warranty period, it is always a good idea to contact the manufacturer for instructions. If the reel is no longer under warranty or if you choose not to contact the manufacturer, there are still a few things that you can check yourself.
To fix your baitcasting reel, you will have to empty all the water from the reel. You should then remove the spool from the body of the reel. Most of the time, the spool is easily removable. Make sure that you don’t lose any of the parts. You will then have to find the place to get the right tools to take apart the reel. You will have to gather grease, a socket wrench, a screwdriver and more. The next step is to take apart the reel and clean it well.
How To Maintain
After the reel has been taken apart and cleaned, you will have to reassemble it. You will have to put the spool back and make sure that it is attached properly. The next part is to make sure that you grease the reel parts. You will have to put the grease on the shaft, crankshaft and the bushings. You will then have to take apart the reel again to clean it. After the reel has been taken apart, you should put a few drops of oil on the back of the reel, as well as a drop of oil on the drag washers. You need to make sure that you only put in small amounts of oil.
Storage Tips
The last part of maintaining your reel is to store it properly. There are times when the reel is not in use, and you will want to make sure that it is stored properly when this happens. You will have to look for a reel case that can protect the reel and keep the parts from being damaged. It is a good idea to store the reel in a safe place, this can be at the bottom of a tackle box. In order to keep your reel from getting damaged, you will have to make sure that the case is properly taken care of.
Conclusion
There are many baitcasting reels on the market, and it’s hard to choose the right one for your needs. When you are looking for the best reel for you, you should consider your budget, type of fishing, and where you are fishing. We have tried to give you a complete guide to baitcasting reels.
You will have a better understanding of the reel, and you will be able to purchase one that is suitable for your needs.
