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.
The body of a baitcasting reel is normally
made of one of two types of material: aluminium 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 aluminium.
If the fisherman wants to chase after those giant marlins or tuna, then the
fisherman will probably want to opt for the aluminium reel because of their
strength. On the other hand, if the fisherman is only after crappie or other
panfish, then a graphite bodied reel may just be the right choice for the
fisherman.
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 the fisherman can feel the action of the line in the
water and whether or not the fisherman has 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 ranging 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.
Comments