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Baitcasting Reels
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As
with most fishing gear available on the market, baitcasting reels come
in a dizzying array of options, quality, and components. There are
several simple characteristics, however, that can be easily learned by
the novice, and which will aid tremendously in correctly choosing a
good baitcasting reel. The most important characteristics to pay
attention to are body material and construction, bearing material and
construction, and the turn ratio of the crank.
There is a general impression that baitcasting reels are for more
advanced fisherman, but that is not necessarily the case anymore. Many
of the reels available on the market today are of such high quality
that even a novice fisherman can easily master the techniques and uses
of a baitcasting reel. For more information, visit Fishing Reels Guide
(see resource box below).
The body of a baitcasting reel is normally made of one of two types of
material: aluminum or graphite. Graphite reels are lightweight and
highly resistant to corrosion, which makes these reels particularly
useful in a saltwater fishing environment due to the high salinity of
the water. Graphite is, however not quite as strong or durable as
aluminum. If you want to chase after those giant marlins or tuna, then
you will probably want to opt for the aluminum reel because of their
strength. On the other hand, if you are only after croppie or other
panfish, then a graphite bodied reel may just be the right choice for
you.
Another important consideration when looking for a baitcasting reel is
the ball bearings or bushings inside the reel. These are the components
of the reel that have the most direct impact on the smoothness and
“feel” of the reel. As a general rule, stainless steel ball bearings
are preferable to bushings. Also, the more ball bearings the unit
contains, the smoother the cranking will be. Smooth cranking is
essential for a good fishing reel of any type, so that you can feel the
action of the line in the water and whether or not you have a fish on
the line. Baitcasting rules come with a range of ball bearing counts,
usually from two to six. Two bearings would be an absolute minimum,
while the fisherman should purchase a reel with the most amount of
bearings his budget will allow for. Obviously, the more bearings a reel
contains, the more expensive the reel will be.
A further consideration for choosing a good baitcasting reel is the
turn ratio of the crank. Baitcasting reels come with a variety of turn
ratio’s raging from 2:1, all the way to 1:6. The first number refers to
the number of turns of the crank, while the second number refers to the
number of times the spool rotates. For example 1:6 means that for every
turn of the crank the spool turns 6 times, which is obviously a very
high cranking power. Trolling, bottom bouncing, and jig working are
good application for high cranking power, while bank fishing and
general line hanging are better suited to low cranking power. For a
good middle of the road number, choose a 4:1 ratio.
Other factors that should be considered when choosing a baitcasting
reel include the drag system, casting controls, and specialized reels
for particular species of fish. For more information on these advanced
characteristics be sure to visit the link mentioned above.
Allen Bohart is a fishing fan, and enthusiastic writer for about any
subject that interests him. He is also co-owner of The Fishing Bobber,
a site for and about fishing enthusiasts of all levels.
Fishing Reels Guide |
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