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Buying Guide & Reviews

A Guide to Choosing Baitcaster Reels

by Shahraz 18 Sep 2022

Fishing is one of the most rewarding, meditative activities you can get into, but as soon as you do, you'll realise that there are a lot of technicalities before you even head out onto the water.

The first problem you'll find yourself in will be your reel. There are many fishing reels you can get, but one of the most popular ones is the bait caster.

In this post, we've put together a complete guide to choosing bait caster reels. So, if you're thinking about getting started with this type of reel, you'll know exactly how to pick the right one!

What is a baitcaster reel, and why should you have one?

A baitcaster reel is a type of fishing reel that's designed for use with lures or baits. The main benefit of using a bait caster reel is that it gives you more accuracy when casting, as well as more control over the depth and speed of your lure.

This type of reel is also generally smaller and lighter than other types of fishing reels, around with you. With that, baitcaster reels also tend to have a higher gear ratio than other types of fishing reels, which means they can retrieve the line quicker.

Kapstan elite baitcaster reel

How do you choose the perfect baitcasting reel for your needs and budget?

There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a baitcasting reel, such as:

  • The type of fish you're going after
  • The size and weight of your lures or baits
  • Your budget
  • The features you want

The first thing you need to think about is the type of fish you're going after. If you're targeting smaller fish, then you won't need a reel that's as big or powerful as one designed for larger fish.

The size and weight of your lures or baits are also something to keep in mind. Heavier lures will require a more robust reel, while lighter lures can be used with a lighter reel.

Next, you need to think about your budget. There are baitcasting reels available at all different price points, so it's essential to find one that fits into your budget.

Finally, you need to decide what features you want in your reel. Some of the most popular features to look for include:

  • A level wind system: This ensures that your line is evenly spooled onto the reel, preventing it from becoming tangled.
  • A drag system: This helps you control how much resistance there is when you're reeling in a fish.
  • An anti-reverse switch: This prevents the reel from spinning in the wrong direction, making it easier to use.

The more features your bait caster reel has, the more expensive it'll be. So make sure you get something with the features you'll use, not just rack up the features because they'll just be more expensive for no reason. Budget-friendly baitcasters are great in use too!

Using a baitcasting reel & adjustments

Now that you've bought your bait caster reel, it's time to learn how to use it. The most important thing to remember is that baitcaster reels require a bit of practice to get used to. So don't get discouraged if you don't get the hang of it immediately!

Here are some tips for using your baitcasting reel:

Start by practising in your backyard or where no trees or bushes are nearby. This will help you avoid getting your line tangled.

When you're ready to cast, hold the rod in one hand and the reel in the other. Then, push down on the spool with your thumb to release the line.

Keep your thumb on the spool as you're casting, so it doesn't spin too fast. You can also use your other hand to help control the speed of the spool.

If you're fishing for larger fish, you'll need to adjust the drag on your reel. The drag controls how much resistance there is when you're reeling in a fish. To adjust the drag, turn the knob on the side of the reel.

Once you've caught a fish, you need to release the line by pushing down on the spool with your thumb. Then, use your other hand to reel in the fish.

With a bit of practice, you'll be using your baitcasting reel like a pro in no time! Take it easy and practice, and you'll soon have a great time with your reel!

Mistakes to avoid when using a baitcasting reel

Using a bait caster reel is actually pretty simple, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, you need to make sure that your line is spooled correctly onto the reel.

If it's not spooled correctly, it can become tangled, and you won't be able to use the reel properly. Once your line is spooled correctly, you're ready to start fishing!

There are a few different settings that you can adjust on a bait caster reel, such as the drag and the anti-reverse switch. These settings will need to be adjusted depending on the type of fish you're going after and the fishing conditions

For example, if you're fishing for larger fish in open water, you'll need to adjust the drag to looser so the fish can run with the line. However, if you're fishing in close quarters or for smaller fish, you'll need to adjust the drag to be tighter so that the fish can't swim away with your line.

Common mistakes people make when using baitcaster reels include:

  • Not spooling the line correctly.
  • Not adjusting the drag properly.
  • Not using the anti-reverse switch.

To avoid these mistakes, take the time to spool your line correctly and adjust the drag and anti-reverse switch before you start fishing. If you do these things, you'll be able to use your bait caster reel without problems!

All Set to Baitcast!

With all the information outlined in the article above, you are ready to purchase your baitcasting reel and start fishing! Remember to take your time learning how to use the reel, and you'll be an expert soon!

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