Fishing enthusiasts use casting reels to position lines and lures out in the water, then draw them back in to land a fish. While many anglers swear by a certain type of tackle, baitcasting reels may help to maximize line control and lure placement, according to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Association. To understand how these reels can improve your catch rate, take a look at the different parts that make up the casting reel.
Spool
The spool on a baitcasting reel sits perpendicular to the rod. Anglers wind fishing line around the spool, then attach lures or bait to the end of the line. During casting, the spool revolves to release the desired amount of line into the water. Anglers use a thumb bar and spool control mechanism to determine the speed of the spool and to control how much line is released. Some spools feature a built-in guide line that reduces tangling and helps keep the line organized during release and retrieval.
According to the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, the spool should always be filled with line from edge to edge to maximize performance. Spools can vary in width depending on brand and model, so anglers must choose spool width based on the type of line they plan to use, as well as how far out they plan to cast.
Drag
The drag is a small control device located along the side of the spool near the handle. By adjusting the drag, anglers can determine how far out to cast the line and how quickly the spool will rotate during casting. Once the lure has been cast, the angler adjusts the drag to give the fish the desired amount of play and to tire the fish out for an easier retrieval. The drag allows the angler to minimize broken lines and lost fish, while giving him full control over lure placement within the water.
Those new to fishing will need time to learn how to adjust the drag based on the size of the fish, line weight and type of rod.
Handle
The handle of a casting reel allows anglers to retrieve a line or reel in a catch. The handle spins away from the angler during casting, then spins in towards the angler during retrieval. According to the Kids Fishing & Hunting World website, many casting reel handles feature an antireverse button that stops that handle from spinning back out when you're trying to reel in a fish. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service recommends using a jerky, popping motion when reeling in the line to improve catch rate.
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