How to Buy a Baitcaster Reel
Baitcaster reels are favored for their casting accuracy, reliability and durability. Because they come with a wide array of features, buying the right baitcaster depends on your preferred type of fishing, your frequency on the water and price range.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of fishing you want to do with the baitcaster. Saltwater fishing typically requires bigger reels spooled with heavier line. Deep sea baitcasting reels might require 500 yards of 100-pound fishing line -- a huge quantity that will be needed when fighting swordfish, big yellowfin tuna or perhaps a mako shark.
Freshwater fishing for predatory fish, such as bass, pike and walleye, calls for a medium-duty baitcaster. These reels can hold 100 to 200 yards of 20- to 30-pound line.
Light and ultralight baitcasters add sport to catching panfish such as crappie and bluegill. The smaller size of these reels will allow you to feel the fight these little fish can deliver on light tackle.
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Check the construction materials of each baitcaster you consider. Graphite reels are lightweight and corrosion resistant, making them a good choice for inshore saltwater fishing. These reels also tend to be more expensive due to the cost of the material. Steel and aluminum reels are longer lasting and strong enough to withstand a battle with a game fish. Steel and aluminum baitcasters designed for deep sea fishing will require more maintenance and cleaning due to the corrosion of saltwater.
The material the reel is made out of also determines its weight. Baitcaster reels are classified as ultralight, light, medium-duty and heavy duty. Ultralight through medium-duty are good sizes for freshwater fishing in rivers, lakes and streams. You'll want a comfortable reel weight for longer fishing. In contrast, heavy-duty saltwater reels, when mounted on heavy rods, can be held in rod holders on a boat at sea.
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Determine which gear ratio you need. For example, a 5:1 gear ratio means the line spool rotates 5 times for every complete rotation of the crank handle. Higher gear ratios, such as 5:1 and up, are good for active fishing, such as retrieving crankbaits and plugs when angling for fast-moving predator fish. Lower gear ratios are good for trolling from a boat and fighting monsters that require a lot of play before landing.
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Test the drag settings. You can adjust the line drag on a baitcaster by tightening a star-shaped gear mounted on or next to the crank handle. This increases the tension on a line, which is necessary to wear down a fish for landing. Test the drag by pulling on the fishing line. The line should come off smoothly and more slowly with increased drag resistance. Jerking or uneven line pulls indicate lesser quality drag mechanisms found in inexpensive baitcaster reels.
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Bring your rod to the store, if you own a baitcasting rod, to check the balance of the reel before you buy. Mount different reels on your rod and test the balance and heft.
Once mounted on a rod, a baitcasting reel should balance comfortably in your open palms. This will make fishing more comfortable for longer periods.
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