Functions of a Baitcaster Reel
- Drag System:. The Drag system or the Star Drag is a star-shaped dial or a knob attached right nice to the reel handle.
- Spool Tension Dial:. Managing the spool tension is another key part while learning how to cast a Baitcaster reel. The...
- Centrifugal Brake Mechanism:. The spool tension dial was the first braking system we went through.
How to use a baitcasting reel like a masterful angler?
How to Spool a Baitcaster
- Thread the line through all the guides on the rod and through the reels level wind guide.
- Wrap the line around the spool and tie an Albright knot. Wet the knot & pull on the main line to tighten it down.
- Trim the tag end as close to the knot as possible.
Can you use any rod with a baitcaster?
You can totally use spinning rod for baitcasting reel, considering the line stregth of the rod. You cannot easily use bait casting rod with spinning reel (thoug I did it occasionally) because you have a chance of the line coming out of the spinning reel in loops catching onto the small baitcasting guide.
How to become more accurate with a baitcaster?
Improve Casting Accuracy with a Baitcaster – Quickly
- To improve casting accuracy with a baitcaster an angler needs to adjust the braking system for the weight of the lure being used. ...
- Baitcast Reels are the Right Tools for Pinpoint Accuracy. ...
- The Best Line Choice for Learning to Use a Baitcast Reel. ...
- Setting the Braking System on a Baitcast Reel. ...
- Adjusting the Centrifugal Brake. ...
How much line do you put on a baitcaster?
Some people say you should fill it completely while others say you should only put half on. After doing the research, how much line should you put on a baitcasting reel? The general consensus says to put enough line on your reel until there’s a 1/8 inch gap between the line and the top of the spool.
Is it hard to use a baitcasting reel?
Yes, baitcasting reels are relatively hard to use for beginners, since it takes a lot of practice to learn how to control spool rotation while casting. If not done properly, this results in backlash and birds nest formation.
Why is Baitcaster better than spinning?
Baitcast reels can handle heavier line and actually allow for longer casts than spinning gear in the same size range. Bass anglers regularly use line in the 14- to 17-pound-test range. Muskie and catfish anglers use even heavier line.
Is a Baitcaster good for beginners?
If you want the best possible experience with your first baitcasting reel, then the Abu Garcia Revo SX is the best choice, since it's not only easy to use for a beginner, but also continues to deliver high end performance as you become more adept at fishing with it.
What are baitcaster reels good for?
Baitcasters are used for a wide variety of applications, ranging from casting lures, to surf casting and big game fishing. The most popular use of baitcasters in North America is for freshwater fishing for bass.
Why do bass fishermen use Baitcasters?
For using “power techniques”, working with heavier lures like crankbaits and ½ oz. spinnerbaits, or fishing in heavy weeds where you need strong line, Nels recommends baitcasters because they have more torque and handle heavy line better.
How do you fish with a baitcaster?
8:019:56How To Use A Baitcaster: The Basics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI generally generally will put a braided line on both my bait casters. And my spinning reels. AndMoreI generally generally will put a braided line on both my bait casters. And my spinning reels. And then I will just use fluorocarbon.
What rod goes with a baitcaster?
Casting rods are used with a baitcasting reel and are the choice of most professional bass anglers. Spinning rods are used with a spinning reel and are the choice of most beginners and hobbyists.
How much should I spend on a baitcaster?
If you are going to fish more than 35 days a year, you should spend about $100 for a baitcast reel because it will give you high performance with a good number of ball bearings, and it will last you a long time if you take care of it.
What kind of line do you put on a baitcaster?
Braided line is often regarded as the best line for baitcaster fishing, but you still have to pick the right type of braid. Braided fishing line is made from several single strands of high molecular weight polyethylene that are then weaved together and is what gives braided line its incredible strength.
Can you bottom fish with a baitcaster?
As far as reels go, things depend on – you guessed it – where and how you want to fish. Spinning reels are a great option if you're bottom fishing from a pier. On the other hand, if you need to make a long and precise cast, the baitcaster is a better option.
Can you drop shot with a baitcaster?
2:464:33HOW TO rig a DROP SHOT on a BAITCASTER. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's really clear water or you know public paw and that kind of thing I might need to go to finesse.MoreIt's really clear water or you know public paw and that kind of thing I might need to go to finesse. But that's the way I fish the drop shot on the bait caster. I've never fished or non spinning reel.
Can you cast light lures with a baitcaster?
Typically, 8 to 10-inches from lure to the rod tip works well with a baitcaster. However, when casting a really light lure, you can let out 2 to 2-1/2 feet of line, so that you can get more momentum on your cast, resulting in a great cast distance.
What is the knob on the side of a baitcaster?
The knob on the side of a baitcaster is the spool tensioner adjustment. It is the most important step in setting up a baitcasting reel.As outlined...
Why are baitcaster handles on the right side?
Newsflash! That was true until relatively recently, but newer models now have handles available on both sides of the baitcasting reel.The original...
What does the tension knob do on a baitcaster?
The tension knob is protection against backlash. The knob located just behind the handle should be adjusted on most reels before casting with diffe...
What are the adjustments on a baitcast reel?
There are three adjustments you can make with a baitcasting reel. They are the line tension, the brakes, and the drag.To set the line tension, foll...
Why do bass fishermen use baitcasters?
The simple reason that bass fisherman use baitcasters is for control. A baitcaster provides the control bass fishermen require for accurate casts i...
What is the button on a baitcaster called?
The button is called a spool release button, and it’s used to release the spool at the precise time during a cast. After a little practice, you’ll...
What does the switch on a baitcasting reel do?
It typically sits on the reel’s left-hand side. When the switch clicks, it tells you that a fish has caught the lure, or at the very least, some obstacle underwater has snagged it.
What is the foot on a fishing reel?
The first fundamental part is the joint between the rod and the reel, known as the foot . This joint is a vital part of any fishing reel because its durability and ability to withstand casting pressure depend on this structure’s firmness.
What is the braking system?
The brak ing system performs much the same function as the brakes in your car. While casting, the braking system regulates the rotation of the spool. The spool will face more resistance if you apply the braking system more during casting and vice-versa.
How to set up baitcasting reel?
It is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. To begin, attach the lure, drop shot rigging, or lead weight and hook to your line.
Why do bass use baitcasters?
The simple reason that bass fisherman use baitcasters is for control. A baitcaster provides the control bass fishermen require for accurate casts in challenging conditions and other obstructions. The other control necessary for bass fishing is how fast a surface lure can cross the water.
What hand do you use for baitcasting?
If you were left-handed and wanted to use a baitcasting reel, you had to learn how to work the rod and reel with your right hand. A baitcasting reel is more refined and finite in casting control than a spinning or spincast reel. Casting a baitcaster is a study in the art of fishing.
What is the knob on a baitcaster?
The knob on the side of a baitcaster is the spool tensioner adjustment. It is the most important step in setting up a baitcasting reel. As outlined above, the spool tensioner is your best defense against backlash during a cast.
What is the difference between a baitcasting reel and a spool?
The spool on a baitcasting reel can be deeper, with a smaller center spindle, allowing for greater line capacity. The horizontal layout of the spool allows greater flexibility in drag settings, both magnetic and mechanical line tensioning, and the ability to use the star drag spindle in the middle of a retrieve.
What is a reel cage?
Reel cage. The reel cage has one function, to contain all the parts of a baitcasting reel. The sideplate anchors the access point for the reel, and the reel cage holds everything in place. Reel cages contain hundreds of gears, ball bearings, and other moving parts of a baitcaster reel.
What is a spool reel?
The spool is the heart of any baitcasting reel. The size of the spool, combined with the gear ratio, determines the rate of retrieve per crank and sets the amount of line a reel can contain. Those are perhaps the most important features when considering the size of reel you wish to purchase.
What is a baitcaster reel?
A baitcaster reel can take your fishing game to the next level. This style of reel allows you to use heavier lines and a variety of baits that are not as effective on a spinning reel. Learning how to cast a baitcaster doesn’t have to be difficult. The fear of a backlash should not deter you from taking advantage of the many benefits ...
What is baitcasting combo?
A baitcasting combo gives you the ability to make longer casts, use heavier lures, and spool stronger lines. A properly lined and tuned reel coupled with good casting practice brings on positive fishing results. However, as you learn this skill, backlashes will occur.
How to get a lure to fall to the ground?
Hold the rod upwards, at a 2 o’clock angle, and leave a foot or so of line hanging down with the lure. Tighten the spool tension knob and push the thumb bar. While holding the spool with your thumb, gradually loosen the spool tension so the lure takes roughly 3-seconds to fall to the ground.
How to keep your line from giving up while fighting fish?
This is the gear spoke next to your handle that looks like a pin wheel. Push the drag wheel forward to tighten and backwards to loosen. Cranking the drag tight will prevent line from giving while the fish fights.
How does a baitcasting reel work?
In the case of low profile baitcasters, the foot is recessed, and as a result the reel body nestles right on top of the rod, without sticking out. This helps to make it extremely ergonomic, and easy to handle for long periods of casting.
What is the key feature of baitcasting reels?
An essential feature that you need to master on baitcasting reels is controlling spool rotation during a cast . When you cast with a baitcasting reel, the weight of your lure causes the spool to rotate, which essentially ‘unwinds’ the line during the cast.
What is a line guide on a baitcaster?
The line guide serves to ensure that the line is spooled on to the baitcaster spool evenly, by moving back and forth from one end of the spool to the other as you turn the handle. Remember to thread the line through the line guide before you thread it through the guides of your baitcasting rod.
What brakes do baitcasters use?
There are two types of baitcaster brakes: centrifugal and magnetic. Many baitcaster models nowadays have both of these braking systems, and both the centrifugal and magnetic brakes are essential ...
How many brakes does a baitcaster have?
Many baitcasters have 6 centrifugal brakes, and setting them to maximum would mean sliding all 6 to their active position. If your baitcaster has magnetic brakes, these can usually be adjusted externally with a dial on the side of the frame (on the side of the reel which is opposite to the handle – see photo above).
Why are slow reels better than big game reels?
Slow reels have more torque, which can be helpful when you’re fighting big, strong fish. Because of this, big game reels (which are basically super sized baitcasters), have two gears: a high gear for retrieving the lure, and a low gear for fighting the fish. See also: baitcasting reel gear ratio explained.
Why are baitcasters so popular?
by Bill Laney. Baitcasting reels are very popular among many anglers, due to the fact they have greater casting accuracy and distance compared to other types of fishing reels, most notably spinning reels. In addition to better casting performance, baitcasters also tend to be more lightweight than spinning reel sizes that are comparable in term ...
What is the braking mechanism on a baitcaster reel?
Magnet Brake Mechanism: Another braking system that is common in some Baitcaster reels is the magnet brakes. The magnetic brake system has a dial on the opposite side of the reel’s handle. The dial can be adjusted, making the magnets move away from the spool or bring them closer to the spool.
What is the difference between a spinning reel and a baitcaster reel?
The spinning reel is capable of catching small or medium fish. They are easy to maintain and are cheaper, but their durability is lower than a Baitcaster reel. On the other hand, a Baitcaster Reel uses an inline spool design and can cast at a different spot with great precision.
What is the purpose of the level wind on a baitcaster reel?
Level wind is the interjectory right beneath the spool. This part adjusts and manages the line that goes into the spool and rotates. The level wind interjects the line systematically, making sure no problems are created during it. It is an important part of a baitcaster reel. A broken level wind would end up in a lot of backlash or line tangling, so it should be taken care of and cleaned frequently.
How to use baitcaster?
The first adjustment you need to make to learn how to use a baitcaster is setting the Spool tension knob. This is utterly important because testing and adjusting this with each lure will decrease the chances of backlash. First up, you need to hold the rod slanting upwards. Then you will make sure that the lure is hanging a few inches below the tip. Now drop the lure while holding the spool with the thumb. You will keep doing this with different spool tension configurations. You might experience some line backlash, but you can easily repeat it since you’re just testing it. When you find the perfect setting for your specific lure, you are good to go ahead to the next step.
What type of reel is used for baitcasting?
Baitcasting reels have graphite or alu minum body, EVA or golf handle grips, different gear ratios, and two kinds of reel designs. The first reel design is the traditional round one. It can hold a long length of line and is capable of a lot of power, and it requires good nourished skills.
What is a spinning reel?
A Spinning Reel is somewhat of basic equipment most people will pick when they start fishing. A Spinning reel has an open spool, which gives it a basic look. The backlash risk on the Spinning reel is low, making it much easier to use. The spinning reel is capable of catching small or medium fish.
Where to place thumb when fishing?
When you attach your reel to your rod before practicing how to use baitcaster rod and reel, you will notice a bar just beneath the spool. This is exactly where you will place your thumb naturally while fishing.
What are the brakes on a baitcasting reel?
Brakes. Baitcasting reels have brake systems to assist in the reduction of backlash. Brake systems are either magnetic or centrifugal. The brakes are adjustable, allowing you to tune your reel to conditions, rig, and desired casting distance.
What are baitcasting reel knobs made of?
The knobs come in a significant variety of shapes and styles, often made from plastic, EVA, and cork. There’s little more to be said about the handle. However, in my opinion, it’s one of the most critical parts of the overall reel feel. For me and many other anglers, choosing a baitcasting reel is all about feel.
What is a reel foot?
The reel foot connects the reel to the rod. You’ll notice a significant difference between spinning reels and baitcasters here. A baitcaster reel foot sits very close to the base of the reel. The feet length are smaller, which is more in keeping with the compact nature of a baitcaster.
What is the difference between a baitcaster and a spin spool?
The benefit of this configuration is strength and rigidity. However, the most critical difference between a baitcaster and a spin spool is that a baitcaster spool rotates.
What does it mean to have more brakes on a reel?
By and large, more brake means less chance of backlash. However, more brake will also mean reduced casting distance – and significantly in many cases. Magnetic brakes are adjusted using a conveniently located dial on the side of the reel.
Where is the free spool button on a baitcaster?
To engage the free spool on a low profile baitcaster you depress the thumb bar that’s positioned just behind the spool.
Why is it important to know your fishing reels?
Knowing your fishing reels inside and out makes you a better, more independent angler. Knowing what to set or adjust, when and why, ultimately equates to more fish. Efficient anglers catch more fish. Being able to set up and adjust your reel to suit targets and conditions makes you more efficient.
Foot (& Seat)
The first component of the baitcasting reel that you need to know about is the foot.
Drag Control
Yet another very important component on any baitcasting reel is the drag control, which can be a round knob, but may also be in the shape of a triangle, starfish, or any other such shape.
Brakes
One very unique component that you will find on a baitcasting reel is the brake, or the brakes.
Thumb Bar
The thumb bar is yet another crucial component of the baitcasting reel, one that is closely related to the spool.
Handle
The next baitcasting reel component that plays a very important role is the handle itself, which is of course the part of the reel that you turn in order to retrieve that lure, and hopefully a fish on it too.
Spool
Another very important component of the baitcasting reel is the spool, which is what actually holds the fishing line.
Cast Control Knob AKA The Clutch
Closely related to the brakes of a baitcasting reel is the cast control knob or cast control system.
