Baitcasting has proven to be extremely popular of anglers from all walks of life and from many regions in the world. However, there are thousands who struggle to find the correct reel and it isn’t difficult to understand why. There isn’t just one or two baitcasting reels, there are dozens and that means you can often find it hard to know which reels are ranked highly never mind some of the best.
It doesn’t need to be an impossible task despite what you may believe. When you know a few factors about what makes the best reel, finding the best for you will be a lot simpler. So, what do you need to know about finding the best baitcasting reel?
Is This A Long-Term Hobby Or An Occasional Interest?
No matter how often you take to the water, you still want the best baitcasting reels. However, the way in which you approach the search can be a little different. For instance, you are not going to look for the best in the high-end scale of things but rather the best on the lower end scale. The reason is simply that you aren’t using this on a regular basis.
However, if you plan to use the baitcasting reels on regularly then you may want to adjust your search to the higher end. This is something you have to give a lot of thought and consideration when it comes to finding the best baitcasting reels.
How Much Money Do You Have To Spend?
To be honest, when you aren’t going fishing often then you probably don’t need to spend more money than necessary. The reason why is down to the fact that the reels aren’t going to be used a lot and as such you don’t want to spend more than what you have to. However, the cost for baitcasting reels can vary; some reels can cost anything between fifty and sixty dollars while others can be somewhere in the region of three or four hundred dollars.
That is why you need to consider the amount of money you have available to you and how much you want to spend. If you aren’t happy spending any more than one hundred dollars you can still find a great quality reel. You might not think so but in reality, you can because the best doesn’t come down to price alone but rather what each individual will require.
The Type of Braking System with the Reel
Braking systems are installed within all baitcast reels and this is something you have to consider when it comes to choosing a new reel. The braking system can affect the rotation of the spool as well as the speed so it is something you have to think about very carefully. If the system doesn’t work well then you can often have trouble.
1. The Frame
Every reel can be made from graphite or aluminum and you have to know the differences between them in order to find the best baitcasting reels. Graphite is usually light and less costly, more so than what aluminum will be; however, graphite isn’t as strong as what aluminum is which can be an issue for some.
Aluminum is, of course, stronger than the graphite but heavier too which again can be an issue for some while baitcasting. If you are searching for the reels on the higher end of the scale then usually they are created from aluminum and their frames are pretty sturdy.
2. Ball Bearings
When you are searching for baitcasting reels you need to look for sealed or shielded bearings. These have all-new meaning when it comes to casting reels but they are the things you have to be on the lookout for. These are going to show the quality and for baitcasting reels, you don’t have to focus on the number of bearings but rather the quality of them.
The Best Baitcasting Reel for the Money
When it comes to finding the very best casting reel for the money being spent on it, you have to think about what you are happy to spend. For example, there have been anglers who have paid out hundreds of dollars for a casting reel but aren’t really happy with the cost and haven’t gotten the value from it. This isn’t what you want; you want to buy the best baitcasting reel which gives you value and quality for what you pay for it.
Considered as the best baitcasting reel, the Shimano Citica is really going to be a firm favorite for most anglers. This not only looks good but has the ability to offer a low price and excellent quality. There are not many who believe they can buy a casting reel without paying over the odds but with this Shimano, you don’t. If you are lucky, you’ll pay out around one hundred dollars, maybe slightly more depending on where you buy from; however, the reel is actually worth a lot more.
Strangely, the quality that comes with the Shimano Citica is exceptionally impressive and even though it doesn’t have a large price tag, it is one of the best available today. In fact, the Shimano Citica is at the higher end of the market making it one of the very best for price and quality and with the impressive efficiency gearing system; it makes it a top performer. When you buy a Shimano you are making a long-term investment and you certainly get longevity here.
The Shimano Citica comes with four ball bearings which are fairly decent and are fairly light. Some would say seven point eight ounces isn’t exactly light but it that doesn’t matter because it is still very much reliable. The best feature is the high-efficiency gearing which the experienced anglers are going to love and appreciate more.
However, beginners can in fact still use Citica. Most anglers can find this to be one of the best quality reels especially when you are looking for value for money. Also, the Shimano is such a big and well-known name that can help you to be assured you’re getting quality and a reliable reel.
The Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100
If you are looking to spend one hundred dollars or considerably less on a baitcasting reel then you need to consider a few things. Now, there are many good reliable options to consider including the Abu Garcia (which we will get too very shortly) but it can be hard to know which works best until you have an idea of what to be aware of. In most cases, bait casting reels are similar in many instances but if you are specifically looking at reels under one hundred dollars, you have to look at the finer details.
First of all, you have to think about the weight of the reel – the total weight. Some materials can easily increase the weight of the reel and even though they are technically light in weight, they are still too heavy for your fishing needs. Of course, having a heavy reel isn’t too bad but you do need to think about how much weight you want. Remember, the heavier the reel, the tougher it can be on your hands, arms and wrists.
Secondly, you have to think about bearings and drags. Drag stacks can at times be unsealed on some reels which are under one hundred dollars. This is something you need to be aware of because while some reels come with this feature, some do not. Ideally, you want to aim for the reels which have sealed bearings as this should help to make fishing a lot smoother.
One of the best baitcasting reels for less than one hundred dollars has to be the Abu Garcia Orra S. This is quite a high-quality reel and one which doesn’t cost more than one hundred dollars; in fact, it’s quite less which is perfect for those who aren’t looking to spend a lot of cash. However, for the money you pay, you are getting quite a lot of quality and that is something which makes the Abu Garcia Orra S the best baitcasting reel for one hundred dollars.
The Orra S comes with a high-performance corrosion-resistant six ball bearing system. This feature is truly one amazing option to consider and it isn’t difficult to understand why. The reel isn’t susceptible to corrosion which is perfect as the reel will last a long time too. The carbon frame is lightweight which is perfect for those who want a light reel.
The Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reel to Buy Today
Saltwater fishing is considerably different from freshwater fishing and that means you have to approach finding the best saltwater baitcasting reel differently. While fresh and saltwater fishing may appear very much the same there are in fact big differences.
One of the biggest differences between saltwater and freshwater fishing is the actual reels used. Now, while you might believe all fishing reels are suitable for all forms of fishing, they are not. Some reels are more suited for freshwater fishing while others are more suited to freshwater and this is something you have to consider. There are some reels that are only meant for freshwater which means that if they are used in saltwater they can corrode. This is something you absolutely have to consider and remember when searching for the best saltwater baitcasting reel.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the reel and the type of fish being targeted. Larger fish are going to be harder to catch and will require much heavier and tougher lines. Usually, you are aiming for bigger fish here but it can vary. However, you still need to give a lot of thought over what you are going to catch and the size of the reel also.
The best saltwater baitcasting reel has to be the Shakespeare Tidewater round baitcasting reel. The reel not only looks good but is perfect for all saltwater fishing. This is actually good for those with sufficient experience and it can even be suitable for some newcomers as well. However, it is quite nifty because it comes with a graphite frame with graphite side covers ensuring the reel is well balanced and refined.
As most will know saltwater can be very corrosive to most reels and the Shakespeare reel is resistant to corrosion. This is down to the stainless steel construction and as such, it ensures it will be long-lasting and durable. However, the handle is made from aluminum and this will help to ensure it is comfortable to grip.
The Shakespeare is quite a lovely reel and perfect for saltwater baitcasting as well.
The Best Baitcasting Rod and Reel Combo
When you are looking for a new rod and reel combo then you have to consider three important things – the accuracy, the action, and the ratio. You absolutely need to search for a baitcasting reel which is suitable for the type of fishing you want to do. This means you need to find the right combo but also the right bait for the reel. This is something which is often forgotten about but it is in fact very important.
As a rod and reel combo, the Shakespeare Travel mate is quite an interesting option to consider. Yes, this might not be considered as one of the more well-known reels but take nothing away from the reel because this is fantastic. Shakespeare is surprisingly impressive and it does come with a fairly good price as well which is always something to consider. However, taking the price away from matters, Shakespeare is going to be able to give most anglers a simple way to go bait cast fishing.
The Travel mate must be one of the best baitcasting rod and reel combos to consider today. This is definitely going to be perfect for those who need a two in one especially when they travel a lot. However, it is very much lightweight but strong and quite sturdy from start to finish. The graphite rod construction is impressively good and sensitive which isn’t a bad thing.
The foam handle from the Travel mate is good because it’s very comfortable to grip. This might not be something you think about too much but if you are out fishing all day, you want a handle grip that is comfortable to hold. The balanced rotor is certainly going to be something you want to take notice of and it helps to offer more smoothness when casting. However, the on and off drag system is powerful and very much reliable.
Despite its compact appearance the Travel mate is certainly going to be the best baitcasting rod and reel combo. Sometimes, the rod and reel combos aren’t thought about too much but they are actually some of the very best available today. They are not only strong and reliable but best for those who travel a lot to fish.
The Best Baitcasting Reel for Beginners
When it comes to finding the very best bait cast reels for beginners it can be very complicated and overwhelming. There are many reels available and that does make it extremely tough. There are many newcomers who choose a reel which isn’t suited for them simply because they haven’t reached that level as yet. While there are others who choose a reel that isn’t suited for the fish they are choosing.
For newbie’s, it may be best to start off small and work your way up. If this is what you are going to do, you need to find a suitable reel that allows you to feel in control and allow you to build experience as you catch more fish and spend more time on the water. So what’s the best baitcasting reel for beginners?
The Abu Garcia Pro Max low profile baitcast reel is the best baitcasting reel for beginners. As most anglers will know Abu Garcia is a well known and well-respected name in fishing and they do have some of the best reels available on the market today. The Pro Max is certainly a cut above the rest.
The reel has a simple design but one which is very good and of course comes with high quality. There has been no expense spared in creating a powerful and durable reel and you have the best chance of success when fishing. Though the Abu Garcia Pro Max low profile reel is perfect for beginners and you have the best ability to learn a lot. However, the reel isn’t too difficult to handle for newcomers and with the seven ball bearings, it is quite a good reel to consider.
The Abu Garcia Pro Max low profile is a heavy-duty reel and one which is perfect for bass fishing. This is an actual ideal baitcasting reel for most fishermen today and while it might not immediately stand out, it will be a suitable option. The instant anti-reverse system is something you want to take a close look at and it does look very good especially since it can handle quite a lot.
Those who are just starting out are going to like what they see and what they get from this reel. It not only stands out for being a top-quality reel but an excellent one for beginners. Experienced anglers can also look at this reel; it is best for beginners but suitable for all anglers no matter their level of experience. This is definitely one to consider due to its low price all the way up to its ability to handle the biggest bass fish.
What Is The Best Baitcasting Reel For Bass?
The Shimano Curado E Series reels are some of the very best reels when you are looking to go baitcasting. It isn’t too costly but it definitely falls into the high-end scale for bait casting reels. The reel handles nicely and offers a nice balanced feel as well.
The Shimano Curado does weigh in at around eleven and a half ounces which is quite heavy but still good. In fact, the reel is considered to be underweight for other Shimano’s which might seem a little odd but isn’t really when you come to think about it. However, it is going to be perfect when it comes to bagging bass and it is certainly one of the best baitcasting reels available on the market today. If you have used Shimano reels before or you are a first-timer the reel is quite impressive from all angles.
The Shimano offers up a one hundred and twenty-yard line capacity with twenty pounds of weight. This is going to be a perfect option for those who are going to go after some of the bigger fish out there. It isn’t overly heavy so even if you don’t have a lot of experience in dealing with bass, the Curado should still be able to handle most fish out there. The reel offers lots of impressive power from its gear performance and the ball bearings.
One of the biggest and best features to come from the Shimano Curado has to be the HEG. The high-efficiency gearing is a top feature and something which more and more people are going to love. The gears aren’t just impressive for experienced fishermen but beginners also. The larger gears are going to be great because they help to increase the amount of power with the gears. However, the price is something which most people are going to take notice of and surprisingly the Shimano Curado is quite good.
It isn’t the cheapest but definitely not the most expensive either and that is something to remember. The price is balanced and this is something you are going to love. However, Shimano is a big name in fishing reels and it isn’t difficult to see why. The reels always offer lots of quality and the reels are suitable to use at any time for any purpose.
