Baitcasting Reels

Baitcasting fishing reels are one of the oldest designed reels dating back to the mid 1600s but became more popular with anglers in the 1870s. These reels are mounted above the rod and have also been called overhead reels. Often times fishermen would turn the rod over with the reel underneath and crank backwards. This is why the handle was positioned on the right hand side of the reel which has become the standard over the years. These days some manufacturers have started making left handed models that are gaining in popularity.

Modern baitcasting reels are constructed using aluminum, stainless steel, or lightweight composite materials. The spool is positioned sideways so the line pays out straight which eliminates the twisting that can occur with spinning or spincasting reels. They incorporate a level-wind mechanism that moves back and forth across the spool and prevents the line from being trapped under itself. This way casting for distance and accuracy is very smooth and unrestricted.

Baitcasting reels have better accuracy and control of the lure than other reels and they are better equipped to handle lines that are eight or more pounds in weight.

The one thing to be aware of when using a baitcasting reel is that they often have the tendency to snarl or fight back when the spool starts to spin faster than the line that is being played out. This is particularly true if you are casting into the wind.

To prevent these backlashes, baitcasting reels have a magnetic braking feature but you'll want to count more on the control of the spool tension, which is a knob that is usually located right beside the handles. You'll need to set the spool tension knob for each lure by holding the rod straight and disengaging the spool. Loosen the tension just until the lure begins to drop down and then tighten the spool just a bit.

Baitcasting reels use an Anti-Reverse mechanism that allows line to pay out while the handle remains stationary. Modern reels may have the Instant Anti-Reverse design (IAR) which uses a one-way clutch bearing on the handle shaft that restricts the handle from going backwards at all.

Gearing is an important factor in a reel, too. A 4:1 gear ratio turns the spool four times for every turn of the handle through 360 degrees and is classified as a slow action. By comparison, a 7:1 ratio which is considered a fast action reel saves a lot of unnecessary effort on an empty line, as it provides more crank for the effort. But the lower ratio provides more torque.

A baitcasting reel uses a star drag system. You set this drag using the five pointed wheel attached to the handle. Due to the positioning, it is fairly easy to adjust the drag while playing your fish. These are for the most part excellent systems that allow a wide range of adjustment from very light to total lockdown.

When you're casting the reel you'll disengage the spool and then put your thumb directly on the spool of line and hold tight. When you want the lure to move forward you'll simply loosen up on the thumb pressure while still maintaining slight contact. When you see your lure about to hit the water, apply thumb pressure to the spool to prevent backlash. After some practice you'll learn to control the speed of the spool so that you have better accuracy.

Fly Rods and Reels

Shimano Cruxis Baitcasting Reel

The Shimano Cruxis Baitcasting Reel features Dartainium drag for the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever. And that's not even the half of it: Lo-Mass drilled spool system reduces the spool weight and lowers start-up inertia for more manageable casts. Super Free (SF) bearing supported pinion gear system eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased freespool.
Nationwide Tackle

Shimano Curado E Casting Reels

New for 2009. Winner of the 2008 ICAST New Product Showcase Awards for Best of Show and Best Freshwater Reel! The high performance Curado reel is ultra smooth, makes casting effortless. The 200 size is smaller than the previous Curado 100D but holds the same amount of line as the previous 200DHSV. Compact and lightweight with the heart and power of a large reel.
Land Big Fish

Abu Garcia Silver Max Combo

NEW! Introducing the MAX™ series low profile baitcast combos from Abu Garcia®. The MAX™ reels feature Swedish engineering, MagTrax™ brakes, Duragear™ brass gears, 6.2:1 high speed retrieve, cam lock, ADS (anti-distortion) wiffle spool, instant anti-reverse, mounted on a 6ft 6in 1 piece Medium Heavy action premium high modulas graphite rod. Outstanding performance and toughness at an extreme value.
Land Big Fish

Ardent Reel Kleen Cleaning Kit

Ardent's Reel Kleen Reel Cleaning Kit contains everything required for easy, regular cleaning of any make or model fishing reel. All contained in a convenient, easy-to-store, durable plastic case. Includes! Reel Butter Oil & Grease Items Included: Reel Kleen Degreaser 2oz Reel Butter Grease 1oz Reel butter Oil 1oz Multi-Tool Screwdriver Silicone Treated Cloth Durable Plastic Case Cleaning Swabs 4 Cleaning Brush 1 Cleaning Instructions
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