A good fishing reel is among the things you will need to make your fishing experience pleasant and rewarding. There are so many reel types and the baitcasting reels happen to be some of the most popular because they offer more accurate casting. The reels also come with reduced backlash and spool overrun. There are so many brands in the market and before buying there is need to know what matters most so you are able to get the perfect baitcasting reel.
Gear ratio - This is also known as speed of the reel and most baitcasting reels are standardized to 4:1 ratio. Some of course have higher gear ratio that sacrifices power to offer quicker retrieval. In essences, gear ration can be defined as the number of times spool turns over when the handle is rotated just once. Most of the reels have this ratio listed on the body and hence it should not be as hard to choose the most suitable for you. The standard 4:1 ratio is generally considered slow, whereas 5:1 is considered average and 6:1 ration considered very fast. Before shooing the gear ratio, consider types or lures you intend to use. For instance, large spinnerbaits and diving crankbaits are best suited by slower retrieve. It also helps to find out whether the ratio can be tailored to suit the fish type being lured.
Spool tension and size - Magnetic or centrifugal brake is usually used to adjust the spool tension. Pins are used in centrifugal systems, whereas magnetic systems rely on metal like aluminum to react to magnet sets. When the tension is adjusted, fishermen are able to reduce overrun during. The reels usually have knobs you can use to make the adjustment and you should ensure that it is tight enough to make reel disengagement smooth. The heavier your lure the tighter the tension should be. The spool size should also matter with stronger and larger fish requiring heavier lines. The larger the fish the larger the spool ought to be.
Fishing lines - There is a huge variety of lines for baitcasting reels and they are made of materials like nylon monofilaments, multifilaments and fluorocarbon. A heavier line is best for beginners because they make casting simpler and backlash is picked more simply. However, your reel should not be overfilled with line; at least 0.125 inches of the spool should be empty.
Frames - Most baitcasting reels come in aluminum or graphite frames with graphite making a less expensive and lighter option but it make not be a material that withstands abuse compared to aluminum. High end reels are made using one piece aluminum frames because of its durability and sturdiness.
Ball bearings - The number of bearings does not matter as much as the quality of the bearings used on your reel. When buying, what you should be looking for are sealed bearings, shielded and double shielded bearings because they are the best.
Handles - Your baitcasting reel should feel comfortable in your hands. Soft rubber knobs or those that are oversized in design will give you a better fishing experience. The rod and reel should also be well-combined for a more comfortable grip and cast. Test reeling handles, tensioners, thumb latches and drag settings before you buy.
