How to use a bait-casting reel!

In the past, baitcasting reels were synonymous with backlashes, but magnetic brakes and clutch adjustment knobs have made the baitcaster easier to use for fishermen of all skill levels. I'm not saying that these reels are as easy to use as a spinning or spincasting reel, but the potential pros greatly outweigh the cons.

Take a look at any fishing magazine, and you'll see that the top fishermen ALL use a baitcasting reel. Why? The free-spinning spool allows for longer casts, and the direct crank-to-spool retrieve makes the "caster" a better, stronger choice for fighting large fish. Okay, they do backlash, and this can ruin a fishing trip in a split second, but there are a couple simple ways of eliminating this problem.

The first thing to do is to match the flow of the spool to the lure (or bait) that you are using. If there isn't enough tension on the spool, the reel's rpm's will be greater than than the speed of the lure as it slows toward the end of the cast. This will cause a backlash. If there is too much tension, the reel will not cast...at all!

Here's how you fix that: put the reel on a rod and and run the line through the eyelets; tie on your lure; wind the lure to within six inches of the rod tip; turn the clutch adjustment knob clockwise (it should be tight and the spool will not spin); release the spool by pushing the casting button; and, finally, turn the clutch adjustment knob counter-clockwise until the lure slowly falls toward the ground. Let's say that if you hold the rod straight out the lure should take 3-4 seconds to hit terra firma. Perfect!

Besides overcasting, there is another way of backlashing these reels. When you see that the lure is about ready to hit the water, stop the spool with your thumb. Otherwise, the lure will stop as it hits the water, but the centrifugal force being placed on the spool will cause it to spin for an instant after the lure (or weight) stops upon impact. That's a recipe for disaster. This can be a problem when night fishing because often you will not be able to see when the lure is going to hit the water. Use your best judgment and stop the spool before it's too late. One good way of doing this is to time your casts when fishing in the daytime. If you can count to three before stopping the spool in daylight, stop the spool after a three count at night. This will eliminate the necessity of sight casting your reel.

None of this was quite so simple in the old days, but baitcasting technology has come a long way. These techniques are good for heave-hoe casts, but before long you'll be comfortable enough to make short backhand or underhand flip casts. A good baitcaster is a superior piece of equipment when compared to spinning and spincasting reels, and once you have mastered the art of casting, you'll never go back to other reel types, especially when fishing for big fish in big water.

There are a lot of baitcasting reels gathering dust in corners because the fisherman is impatient or intimidated, but with a little bit of practice, these are must-have, everyday reels!

How much should you spend on a fishing reel?

I think a lot of this depends upon one's skills, fishing experience, and just what the desired species is. At the extreme high end, a spinning reel can cost $500 or more, and that's not money well spent while introducing a ten year-old to the sport. Basically, it's not a good investment for the best of fishermen. There are many good reels that can be purchased for under $100. Size and style depend upon the situation.

Beginning fishermen are mainly introduced to the sport with a spincasting (aka close faced) reel. The first name in introductory reels is the Zebco 33. In fact, many old timers making hundreds of casts with lures love these reels. They are easier to use, allow for quicker casting, and are less apt to tangle. The "33" runs anywhere from $18-35 (or thereabouts), and there is an improved version known as the Zebco Omega that goes for about $60. I own two Omegas, and I'll vouch for the fact that they'll cast as far as many relatively expensive spinning (open faced) reels, and with 6 ball bearings, the retrieve is very smooth.

Not every fish you catch is going to be a lunker, and ultralight fishing makes the sport fun and exciting. I have two ultralight spinning reels that I have caught bass up to 16" with. One is an Okuma Inspira IA 10, which runs in the neighborhood of $80. It has 10 ball bearings, and is both smooth and user friendly. The other is a St. Croix PS750. It has 6 bearings, but it is a very high quality reel for the $40 price. It's important to remember that ball bearings are key; the more the merrier. However, a reel with 10 or more cheap bearings may not be as good as one with 4-6 high quality bearings. A lot of people swear by Mitchell reels, but I am not a big fan. Many Mitchell's have 10 or more bearings, yet they still have a grind while retrieving that is reminiscent of reels from a bygone era.

A larger reel with more punch and good quality is the Daiwa Capricorn. Quite frankly, I love fishing with ultralights and rarely use the Capricorn, but for overall quality it is the best reel I own. This reel runs in the $80-90 range. Another quality spinning reel that I have tried is the Pflueger Premium, which costs $100. When mounted on a quality graphite rod, and of these reels will complete a combo that will give years of quality service. While $500 reels are ridiculous for most of us, it is important to also remember that you get what you pay for. Ask the counter person at your favorite sporting goods store to let you handle the reel that interests you most. Give the handle a few cranks. The smoother the better.