Baitcasting reels are not for everyone. If you are just a beginner then this is definitely not for you (check out our best spinning reels instead). It’s much harder to operate and it requires a great deal of control. If you are a experienced angler, you should check out our best baitcasting reels for fishing products below.
Advantages of Baitcasting Reels
For most of the serious fisherman, the only real reels are the baitcaster reels. As it is intended for those who wants to cast further and with greater precision. With this in mind it will definitely add excitement to your otherwise dull fishing excursion.
These anglers feel the baitcasting reel offers better control as it gives you a combos of a higher degree of casting control and when the spool is in-line with the handle and gears so the reel can apply more power and torque. Using a baitcasting reel makes it easier to use heavier lines, from 10-20lb test on average, and heavier lures. A good baitcasting reel setup can easily cast lures from 1/4 to 1oz, and more.
The rugged design of the baitcasting reels enables it to withstand long hard runs by bigger, stronger fish irrespective of whether you are going for saltwater or freshwater fishing.
Hence when determining the best baitcasting reels there are few factors to be considered. Take a minute to compare our top 5 picks, this guide will help you to understand how to choose best baitcasting reel for your best fishing experience.
Note: You might want to consider using monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line as compared to braided fishing line.
Top 5 Rated Baitcasting Reel Comparison Table
| BAITCASTING REEL | WEIGHT (OZ) | BALL BEARINGS | DRAG STRENGTH (lb) | GEAR RATIOS | BRAKES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Tatula | 7.6 | 7+1 | 13 | 8.1:1 | MAGFORCE | $$ |
| Shimano Curado CU200IHG | 7.4 | 5+1 | 12 | 7.2:1 | SVS Infinity Brake | $$ |
| Abu Garcia Revo | 6.7 | 9+1 | 20 | 6.4:1 | MAGNETIC | $$ |
| KastKing Royale Legend | 7.5 | 11+1 | 17 | 7.0:1 | CENTRIFUGAL & MAGNETIC | $ |
| Piscifun Tuned | 6.8 | 9+1 | 10 | 6.5:1 | MAGNETIC | $ |
Lure Weight
The weight of the baitcasting reel. For learners it is always best to start with a heavier lure.
Experience anglers usually will look for lighter weight lure. As it will be easier to cast and you will be able to cast further with more accuracy. Lightweight baitcasting reels is enough to use all day without leaving your wrist feeling fatigued, yet strong enough to deliver an excellent performance of drag.
To get the most benefit out of a light baitcasting reels, a long limber rod that will load up with very little weight is key.
Gear Ratio
All baitcasting reel have a gear ratio. Most reel are 5.4:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1. But what do these numbers mean?
For instance, with a 6.4:1 reel the spool will revolve 6.4 times with one crank of the handle. The higher the figure is, the more line that can be retrieved within the same amount of effort.
The most common reel on the market has a 6.4:1 gear ratio. This will allow you to work both fast moving performances as well as slow. However, for certain methods and applications, a very high or low gear ratio will often work best.
Higher gear ratios are often better when fishing areas of lesser strike zones, as they allow your lure to get back to the boat in preparation of another cast quickly and effortlessly.
Braking Systems
Baitcasting reels come equipped with braking systems. These adjust and slow down the rotation of the spool during the cast.
Centrifugal brakes are friction based, and utilize pins inside the side plate of the reel to make modifications. To connect the brakes, push the pins outward. For a six-pin system, always adjust pins that are across from each other. Both should be either on or off.
Magnetic brakes work on a more complex principle, but rely on the spool and magnets to decrease the spool revolution rate. They are also adjustable by the angler.
No matter what breaking structure a reel has, learning to thumb the spool correctly is still your best bet for trouble-free casting. A braking system is critical to being able to make long casts with a variety of lure weights and experience minimal backlashes,
Ball bearings & Materials
Top of the line reels don’t essentially need to have a lot of bearings, just quality ones. Inexpensive reels packed with “10” bearings will often be of poor quality. Important words to look for are “sealed and”shielded “. These are the upmost features in the bearing.
Always look for ceramic or stainless steel ball bearings. Reels that are light weight and use strong materials like aluminium, magnesium, or carbon composite materials. These are strong and durable materials that will give you the best performance as well as durability.
Spool size
A deeper and bigger spool is great advantage if you like to fish stiff heavy line. Larger spool creates smaller coils of line that are easier to manage. However the smaller ones are great for short line applications like flipping and pitching.
Frames
Either aluminium or graphite, with the latter generally less expensive and lighter in weight but not won’t withstand much abuse as aluminium. High-end reels are usually manufactured from one-piece aluminium frames.
Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel TATULA-R100XS 8.1:1
Not only catching with baitcasting-reels are incredibly fun, but the Daiwa is a brand created with a mission to spread the joy of the angling sports around the world and to the coming generations.
These Japanese technology reels are claimed to be one of the advance reels available for a long time in the market. With that said I can’t say much except, that this reels really works best.
By saying advance reels available, I mean this item is completed with the amazing new “T-Wing” casting system. For those who are not familiar with this feature, you will be wondering what and how will it be any different than any other casting reels?
The “T-Wing” is a “T” shaped line guide openings that will massively decrease frictions while casting. With less friction anglers will never had to face issues like short casts and backlashes. The “T-Wing” reels are notable for casting further than other regular reels, you could cast 5 percent further. This fact itself makes the Daiwa Tatula very special reels available.
The Daiwa Tatula allows you to have power fishing experience at a high rate of efficiency, it comes with a carbon drag stack, 8 bearings, and 8.1:1 gear ratios.
Magforce-X casting brakes, Daiwa is the only brand and the first to have these kind of brakes system in their reels. It is a combination of magnetic brakes with the centrifugal control system. It will let you cast very well at slow speed too.
The design of this reel is quite bulky and might not fit to all anglers palm. And the location of the dial and the way some anglers held the reel you might unintentionally adjust the dial.
The bottom line is, this is a great really for an angler to own with a its unique features one would have a great fishing experience.
Shimano 200IHG Curado RH Baitcast Reel – Review
For more than 2 decades the Shimano Curado has built a fantastic reputation for its performance and durability. Just check any senior anglers’ collections I’m sure you will see a few Shimano on his deck. With good maintenance these reels are built to last for years.
At the moment I would like to share one of the best reels under the Shimano label, the Shimano 200IHG Curado. As you read my opinion on it, you would understand why every passionate angler should owned a Shimano.
One of the unique characteristic of this reel is. It is completed with the new Shimano X- Ship technology. X-Ship technology is a pinion gear system protected with double bearings. This feature will help to maintain accurate alignment while casting and retrieving. It also enhances the gears durability, and ensures the gears remain in position when handling heaviest load.
Not forgetting the SVS Infinity braking system that comes in this reel. Using the SVS braking system will help you to manage your cast easily that any other reels. The adjustment knobs allows you to have specific adjustment for the condition required while fishing. This braking system works best with lighter lures, as it controls spool speed.
This reel is designed with the Super Free Spool to eliminate friction. Having a friction free cast would be a great advantage to many anglers as it reduce distractions and chances of back lashes.
It has a sleek design that the reel is small and fits the palm very nicely and comfortably. This reels is set with 5+1 bearings and light weighted at 7.4oz with ability to drag smoothly 12lb with no troubles.
On the other hand, sometimes this reel could make loud screech when cast long distance. You can get rid of this issue by oiling this reel appropriately.
This reel is a great option if you are looking for versatility, performance, and reliability in a new reel.
Abu Garcia Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel – RVO3 SXHS / RVO3 SXHSL
Abu Garcia is one of the leading names when it comes to fishing tools. They have a strong reputation with fisherman and trusted for its durability. If you are looking for a reel that would last long for years, this is the best match to your search. With good maintenance, like cleaning it after each use and oiling it in the right way, this Revo SX by Abu Garcia will last for years with great performance.
Thus it is not strange that many experience angler are loyal to this brand in particular. This model is well known due to its flexibility. It priced at a very reasonable rate for such a well know and high quality product.
One of the worst thing any anglers would not want to face is back lashes. With this reel you have one less thing to worry about, as the smooth spool release and the flexible magnetic brakes will allow you to cast your lure easily with long distance. This will also allow you to have a precise cast control.With these kind of features it will be great if you have less fishing experience.
What makes the Abu Garcia Revo SX different from any other reels other there, the ergonomic design that is easy to palm. The reel also have the strength to provide up to 20 lb / 9 kg of smooth drag and this product made with stainless steel components held together by anodized red side-plates.
For some extreme anglers out there please note, this reel works in all types of weather condition. You would have as good of response even fishing in a bad weather with no issues.
The item is made with C6 carbon handle side plate provides significant weight reduction without sacrificing strength and durability, (9+1) stainless steel ball bearings. This product is compact and low profile, designed for fisherman who wants to fish in all kind of waters and weather.
Upon using this reel you should be always inspect your reel thoroughly as sometimes some screws will come a little lose. Nevertheless if you are willing to spend for your hobby, you need to ensure to keep your equipment’s well with good maintenance.
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – Review
In my view the KastKing’s Royale Legend low profile baitcasting reel offers you superb performance without spending a fortune for your fishing battle. The Kastking products are invented with great quality and priced that anyone could afford it.
I would say this is one heavy duty reel. It is designed using aluminium to create flawless performance and strength. At this bargain price you would be surprise that this is reel is fitted with two braking system, the magnetic and the centrifugal braking system. The magnetic brakes can also be adjusted to 10 different levels.
This reels is also featured with the Power Disc Drag that would satisfy you with a smooth drag. You definitely could save your energy from a dreadful struggle drag. You would hate this sport if you have to face the dreadful struggle every time you go for a fishing trip. It drags super smooth and the cast ability matches to any high end brand baitcasting reel.
Additional features it offers is, the durable foam handle grips are over-sized and slip resistant, helping you keep grip, even when it is wet on a rainy day. This reels is able to handle any kind of line as well the braided line.
Though some angles do complain that this reel makes loud noise after a few use. To solve this issue I would recommend you to grease it .It is best to keep these reels lubricated well to maintain the excellent performance. And some might feel the reel is quite abrasive.
The bottom line is, this is a great performance reel that won’t cost you a fortune for an amazing fishing experience.
Piscifun Tuned Magnetic Brake System Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Review
You’re on budget? But looking for quality new reels for your thrilling hobby. The answer to your search is the Piscifun Rapid Baitcaster reels. This reel is a classic standard design but with some modern improvements. Great casting distance and drag capacity are its prominent features.
This reel light weighted structure is really nice and you definitely appreciate it after a long day of fishing, those ounces really do make a vast difference on your arms.
You will be able to have high drag capacity, which is a great advantage when you are handling large fishes.
It is also completed with Magnetic Brake System. This braking system is very easy and flexible to handle. You can set to many different settings and it is ensured that it will work remarkably just as expected. The key is when using any kind of reel, let it be an expensive or cheap ones, with the accurate settings and adjustment you will be able to use the reel with a great experience and minimal back lashes. That too with a lot of practice.
Other main features of this item are, with its 9 stainless steel ball Bearings + 1 roller bearing it is definitely durable and works perfect for super smooth casting, retrieve. The bearings are also able to powerlock anti reverse, to reduce probabilities of backlashes.The reel is smooth and works as well as many reels several times its cost. And it can hold up to 12Lbs-100Yds.
However, point to be noted, keep your thumb constantly pressed highly against the line to control it from spinning to fast. By doing this you will avoid the big tangled mess.
Definitely recommend you guys try out this reel. It’s a good reel for a nice price.
Conclusion
I hope this guide on choosing the best baitcasting reel and few selected product review, will be helpful for you to select the best reel according to your knowledge and ability in the fishing sports. Check out our best spinning rods review while you’re at it too!