The truth is, these are the fishing reels that you will get the most enjoyment out of. As you would expect though, there are a wide range of specifications and features to consider which can make it hard to choose the right baitcasting reel to suit you.
You should always look at the following three things;
1.
- Retrieve Ratio
- This is quoted on all reels and is a standard ratio representation. It is there to show the amount of line you get back on the spool in one turn of the handle. You should expect to see most baitcasting reels giving you a 5:1 ratio or more; this means that you get 5 spools of line for 1 handle turn. If you end up getting anything faster than this it obviously makes the retrieve a lot easier and less tiring.
2.
- Bearings
- These are present in all reels and they are usually there are several anti-friction bearings used. They are there to do just that - remove as much friction as possible. This will directly impact how smooth the reel is when casting and retrieving. The number of bearings will differ between reels and a higher number does not always mean it will be smoother although it is a good indicator.
3.
- The frame
- Typically, most reels are made using aluminum or graphite although it is not uncommon to find both used in different places, for example an aluminum frame and graphite sideplates. The best is of course aluminum although there are different grades available too - look out for cold forged aluminum frames (and spools).
These are 3 important things that you should consider when you are looking to buy baitcasting fishing reels. There are indeed a lot more than these that make up the reel, and all manufacturers will add their own features and systems. These will however serve to be a good starting point.
