Do you love fishing and want to spend some of your time on a calm and quiet lake? Do you want to catch big fish but with comfort and ease?
If that is the case, you will be needing a fisherman’s baitcasting reel which is considered as one of the most important pieces of fishing equipment.
Without the best baitcasting, no one will experience the ease and comfort of fishing.
On the other hand, there are several kinds of baitcasting reels that are currently accessible on the market. Do not know which one is perfect for you? However, casting reels were made differently and there is always a superior brand. That is why choosing the best one is a bit challenging.
Nevertheless, it this content I will show you some bait casting reel reviews to help you find or choose the best baitcasting reel. Because for you to become an expert fisherman you will be needing to things dependable and right equipment as well as a sufficient knowledge.
It is one if the best baitcasting reels under $200 and it is a perfect choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishermen. The best feature of the Shimano Curado baitcasting reels is its exclusive braking system which is the SVS Infinity. This braking system is relatively different to the magnetic and centrifugal barking systems though they are all effective.
On the other hand, this baitcasting reel is made sharply for smoother operation and offers gear efficiency and excellent power. Furthermore, it is made from highest quality materials and built to endure different situations. So if you’re willing to invest your money in a high-quality baitcasting steel then you should opt for Shimano Curado Reels.
What we like:
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Design
- Available in three different gear ratios
What we do not like:
- Can only drag a maximum of 12 pounds
- You may possibly worry about its few bearings
The CT Baitcast Fishing Reels is the newest addition to Daiwa Tatula family. However, this newest model features a more compact design that is easier to hold as well as well-lit on the fishing rod. On the other hand, the reel frame is a bit small bit when it comes to performance it is definitely one of the best.
Furthermore, this baitcasting reel maintains the TWS or T-wing braking system which makes this unit to flow smoothly. It is also constructed to minimize the obstruction and friction on the cast.
Nevertheless, it is made from aluminum which makes this baitcasting reel lightweight and strong.
What we like:
- Available in different gear ratios
- Equipped with Magnetic Braking System
- It has countless of bearings
- Lightweight
What we do not like:
- Not Suitable for low-gear ratios
If you want to take your trolling experience to the higher level then you should opt Abu Garcia Revo SX which is considered as one of the best baitcasting reels. On the other hand, with its low-profile but highly efficient and ergonomic design, you will be able to catch any size of fish you want. Furthermore, it is made from alloy frame that is corrosion resistant which makes this unit last for a longer time. It only weighs 6.7 ounces that is why it is considered as one of the lightest baitcasting reels that are currently accessible on the market and can also be carried at ease in one hand.
Another amazing feature if this baitcasting reel is its bendable power handle that is important in offering additional leverage that you may possibly need when reeling.
What we like:
- Compact and Ergonomic Design
- Lightweight
- Stable and Durable
- Made from highest quality materials
What we do not like:
- Expensive
The Abu Garcia BMAX3 can be used in any circumstances due to its versatility and it is made from highest quality materials. Aside from being versatile, it also features a stylish, sleek, as well as lightweight design.
As what was mentioned a while ago, the Abu Garcia BMAX3 is made from highest quality materials that are why it is considered as one of the most powerful baitcasting reels.
In addition, whether you’re a beginner or professional fisherman this reel is perfect for you since it is constructed to be user-friendly. Due to its exceptional braking system, this unit can be retrieved and dragged smoothly. Nonetheless, this baitcasting reel holds countless of technical features and can deliver excellent performance compared to its competitors.
What we like:
- Secure and tight grip
- Versatility
- Affordable price tag
- Made from high-quality materials
What we do not like:
- Can’t catch bigger fish
- It only utilizes five bearings
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Round Reel is accessible in different spool sizes but all of these sizes are come in the 6:31 gear ratio. Moreover, it has right and left-handed units which make this baitcasting reel excellent in terms of overall performance. On the other hand, its spool is made from aluminum while the drag is made from carbon fiber material. Similar to the other previous models of Abu Garcia baitcasting reel, this model is also powered by a classic drag system known as Carbon Matrix. Furthermore, it also features a direct anti-reverse that can be seen in modern baitcasting reel models.
However, operations using this baitcasting reel are very smooth, whether you are retrieving or casting your line. Not only that, it has a quite comfortable and ergonomic handle even though its star and bend handle is extremely compact.
What we like:
- Comfortable Handle
- Well-built baitcasting reel
- Its gear system works well and excellent
What we do not like:
- Not suitable for beginner due to its six centrifugal braking system
- Heavy
What is a Baitcasting Reel?
A baitcasting reel or commonly known as baitcaster is a resilient kind of reel that can be used for heavier lines and lures which is important in catching bigger fishes.
On the other hand, it is an important tool for every angler or fishermen but it is important that you must have enough skills and experience so that you will be able to use it effectively.
Once you have mastered how to effectively use a baitcasting reel, you can catch bigger fish without having any struggles.
Advantages of a Baitcasting Reel
I believe that every angler should use a high-quality and best baitcasting reel especially if they want to become one of the most versatile anglers. On the other hand, there are several lures and techniques that are best to utilize with a baitcasting.
- More Control
Compared to the spinning reel, baitcasting reel offers a higher amount of casting control because you can easily control the speed and distance of your bait by pressing the spool. However, when you become expert in using this fishing equipment, you can easily achieve your desired accuracy by means of your cast that lets you position your bait closely where the fish are.
- More Power
Due to its spool design and layout, a baitcasting reel is capable of exerting more power compared to spinning reels. Its spool is aligned with the grip that is why the reel exerts more torque and power. Also, since the handles are installed directly on top of the reel frame there will be no pedal arm to cause flex while catching a fish.
What are the Things to consider when buying a baitcasting reel?
For you to acquire these advantages you must be aware of the equipment you will going to purchase. So to help you, I have listed below some of the important things that you should consider when purchasing a best baitcasting reel.
- Reel-Frame
Similar to other equipment, the frame is the most important part if every bait caster. However, a low-quality reel-frame tends to break easily and you’re required to change it as soon as possible. So, for you to be on the harmless side, you must purchase a baitcasting reel that is made from a good-quality aluminum. There are several graphite reels that can be bought at a very affordable price, but I will not going to recommend them to you because they do not value your money. Since according to studies, graphite reels tend to break easily.
- Gear Ratio
For you to choose the best gear ratio, you need you need to consider the kind of bait you will going to use. If you’ll going to use large spinner baits and diving crankbaits, you should opt for an equipment that has a lower gear ratio. But if you will going to use soft plastics, jigs, Texas jigs you should go for a baitcasting reel that has a greater gear ratio. Though, in some cases, you will be needing ultra-high gear ratios especially when you’re using spinner baits, buzz baits, and other kinds of baits that require faster action.
- Braking System
If you want to cast the reel easily, your baitcasting reel must have a great braking system. On the other hand, the majority of the baitcasters that can be bought on the market have two kinds of braking systems, the magnetic and centrifugal. But a few of the latest baitcasting reel is equipped with a dual braking system.
The magnetic braking system operates at the back end of the cast as well as decelerates the spool to make sure that the over-runs are positioned at the back-end of the cast. The centrifugal barking system, on the other hand, consist of four to six brakes that an angler can switch on and off reliant on their needs. These brakes stop the spool from spinning over and over to lessen the occurrence of over-runs and it works on the front-end of the cast. Nonetheless, if you’re still undecided on what braking you’ll going to choose, you can ask help from professionals.
- Spool Size
Actually, the size of the spool exclusively depends on the dimension of the fish you are planning to catch. If you want to catch bigger fish you need a baitcasting reel that has a heavier line but makes sure you’ll have an enough or bigger space for the spool. But in some cases, you will be needing a baitcasting reel with an amusing deep spool that has the capability to grasp all the lines that you need. A small spool, on the other hand, is perfect for a fisherman or an angler who only wants to catch small fish.
How to maintain a baitcasting Reel?
A baitcasting reel requires a proper maintenance especially if you want to use it for a longer time. When this fishing equipment was used in brackish water, saltwater, freshwater, or dirty water for a long time the performance will be lessened and it will easily damage. But you can do something to bring back its original performance. Here are some tips on how to retain your reel’s performance.
- Clean the outside part of your reel with a wet towel but make sure that any salt or grime will be removed.
- After removing the salt and grime, clean the flange area and pinion gear by applying a small amount of alcohol.
- Use Q-tip in removing extra dirt, salt, and oil found in the flange area and pinion gear.
The Best Baitcasting Reel
Among these five best baitcasting reels that I have reviewed, my best pick is the Shimano Curado Reel. Why? Simply because it is made from highest quality materials and can endure any circumstances. Not only that, it also uses a unique braking system which I think really sets apart from other brands. Furthermore, this braking system is constructed to make this baitcasting reel last longer. On the other hand, with its ergonomic design, all-around resilience and due to its versatility there is no doubt that the Shimano Curado Reel is the winner when it comes to durability and performance. Nevertheless, it is inexpensive compared to other brands and if you have a free time you check some good customer reviews about this product.
However, it takes a lot of time and patience before you become expert in selecting and using the best baitcasting reel. Even so, a baitcasting reel is one of the most important equipment whether you want to enjoy trolling or catching fish. That is why when choosing, you need to consider several factors like what I have listed above. And I would just like to remind you don’t always rely on the price because few inexpensive units are easy to break and ruin.
Lastly, we hope that this baitcasting reel reviews will help you a lot in choosing the best baitcasting reel. However, if you want to share some of your insights you can share it with us by writing in the comment section.
My name Is Larry Noel, the voice behind BoatCrunch.
I’m a boating enthusiast that loves nothing more than being out on the water. So much so that I’ve acquired a Degree in Marine Biology (MB) as well as a degree in Ocean Engineering (OE).
I’m very familiar with a wide range of different boats and I’ve owned a variety of different boats myself however I have a particular obsession with Pontoon boats. I’ve lived all across the United States and always kept company in the form of boats and now my loving family.