That’s a great question… You can’t turn on a fishing show without seeing one. It seems like
all the hosts use them. Baitcasters are very popular and they’ve been around for years.
To answer your question, the short answer is, it depends. I know…I know… Baitcast reels definitely have their place, but it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Let me explain.
Having seen the pros use a baitcast reel on many fishing shows, I picked one up. I dropped my spinning reel used a baitcaster for a couple of years. I ended up deciding it would be best to use both types of reels. After experimenting, I felt both have their time and place.
In my opinion, baitcast reels are for heavier baits. I wouldn’t use one unless the lure is at least 3/8 oz.
If I want to throw a spinnerbait or buzzbait, I’m going to the baitcaster, because I feel more comfortable with it. Working spinnerbait with a spinning combination feels clunky to me.
If I wanted to burn the water with a buzzbait, or a Skitter Prop, a baitcaster was the way to go. I tried this with my spinning reel, and again things seemed clunky, the bait didn’t move along the water as smooth as it did with the baitcaster.
I’m a finesse fisherman. I like to use light line and lures. Though I was able to cast the 1/4 oz lures using a baitcast reel, it definitely wasn’t as comfortable as a spinning combination. Because baitcasters aren’t designed to cast the lighter lures, I felt limited to what I could use.
You can’t talk bait casters without mentioning backlash. It’s not a pretty picture, and can be frustrating to fix. It’s like trying to untangle a birds nest (another name for backlash). Though I didn’t have them very often, when I did, It was a chore to get the line untangled. When I got one I’d sit down and deal with the mess, while my buddy (using a spinning setup), is still casting and in some cases catching. Those experiences taught me, your lure has the potential to stay in the water longer with a spinning setup. Plus, line problems are much easier and quicker to fix with a spinning reel.
Bait cast reels will take time to learn. Be patient. I went through many spools of line in the backyard before I felt comfortable going fishing.
If you like to catch the larger fish such as Bass and Pike, I think a baitcaster is a good purchase. If you’re going to buy one, I suggest the following:
Stay with the major brands such as Diawa, Pfluegger and Shimano
The number of ball bearings, is very important. The more ball bearings the less friction. Buy one with at least 6 ball bearings.
Gear ratio is something to consider. It’s easier to reel slower than faster.
Expect to spend $70.00 and up. You do, and you’ll have it for years
I hope this article helps. If you are going for the larger fish, you can’t go wrong with a quality baitcast reel. You’ll have to experiment as I did, to find out where it fits into your style of fishing. I think once you figure that out, you’ll be glad you bought it.