Many are familiar with spinning reels and conventional reels. Spinning reels mount under the fishing rod and the spool is on the front of the reel. This means less resistance on the line when casting. Conventional reels mount on top of a fishing rod and the spool resides within the reel. These reels have a larger drag surface that’s needed for fighting bigger fish. Bait cast reels combine the attributes of less resistance and a larger drag surface.
Design
Bait cast reels are similar to conventional reels in appearance and basic operation. Conventional reels have a manually operated free lever on the side of the reel for casting and retrieving line. Bait cast reels have a thumb lever behind the spool that’s depressed for casting, and turning the handle automatically engages the reel for retrieving line.
Bass Fishing explains, "Advances like these, along with the advent of the low-profile bait cast reel have expanded the market dramatically.” In addition, bait cast reels are available with different gear ratios that provide options for high-speed retrieve when using jigs or increased torque when targeting fish in deep water.
Level Wind
Most freshwater bait cast reels have a level wind that stacks fishing line evenly on the spool as line is retrieved. The line is threaded through a small eye near the top of the level wind arm and through the rod guides. When the handle of the reel is turned, the level wind travels back and forth in front of the spool on a uni-gear shaft and guides the line onto the spool. Stacking the line automatically shows its value when throwing jigs during repeated casts, because the fisherman can rely on the level wind to prevent a build up of line at one area of the spool.
Some manufacturers of saltwater bait cast reels offer models with the level wind. Although a level wind creates resistance that hinders casting with heavier line, the feature is convenient when retrieving large amounts of line from deep water.
Spooling
Bait cast reels are designed to work effectively with monofilament or braided fishing line in any test rating that suits a particular type of fishing. Freshwater bait casting reels are smaller than their counterpart saltwater reels, and both styles have deep spools that provide maximum line capacity.
On the average, low profile bait cast reels for freshwater hold approximately 150 yards of 10-lb. test monofilament. Saltwater bait cast reels in the medium weight class typically hold between 250 to 300 yards of 20-lb. test monofilament.
Casting
In keeping with their name, bait cast reels have been specifically engineered for casting live and artificial bait. The technique used when casting involves placing your thumb on the spool before releasing the free spool. This isn’t necessary with freshwater bait cast reels that have a thumb lever. However, it’s essential with saltwater bait cast reels where the free spool lever is on the side plate.
In describing the casting motion, Baitcasting Reel Review states, “Keep your thumb on the spool while casting it behind you and release it as it comes forward.” Perfecting cast techniques with a bait cast reel takes some practice at first and comes easily to most.
Care and Maintenance
Materials used in manufacturing bait cast reels include magnesium, aluminum alloy and anodized aluminum alloy, which are durable and resist corrosion. Rinsing a bait cast reel with fresh water is recommended after use in saltwater, and reels should be dried with a cloth before being stored away.
Bait cast reels are lubricated during assembly and, in most instances, normal use limits any need for lubrication during the warranty period. The composite materials used in the drag systems are designed to sustain a lot of fishing activity before a fisherman might notice the need to inspect the system.
Member Comments