Purchasing a baitcasting reel today can be both engaging and confusing. There are so many features and options that serve a direct purpose for today's angler. But selecting the right baitcasting reel is not as difficult as it may seem. By observing the uniqueness of the reel, even novice fishermen can find the proper reel for each fishing trip.
Keep in mind three features of the baitcasting reel. Body, bearings, and ratio are the key elements to each fishing reel. Today's baitcasting reels are made on the same principals as they were decades ago, but the capability and endurance of construction has come a long way.
Shimano Reels
When looking at the body, you will find that there are ordinarily two types of materials used: aluminum and graphite. Anglers tend to migrate towards the graphite reel material, because of its lightweight character and also its capability to outlast aluminum when it comes to corrosion. Yet aluminum outdoes graphite when it comes to compel and durability. The type of fishing you plan on doing will help in determining the body construction you may prefer. Saltwater corrosion and the larger size of the fish caught would lean you toward a aluminum body, yet a fisherman who hikes a few miles into the wilderness to do trout fishing may desire a lightweight approach.
What is inside the reel is as important as what is on the outside. The bearings are the mechanism that turns the crank smoothly. These are made, usually, from stainless steel balls encased within the fishing reel. Two to six is the usual baitcasting bearing count, with two being the least amount. As you would expect, the more bearings you have the easier your turning the crank is. A flat crank is desired for a good "feel" and least number of resistance when retrieving that newly caught fish.
Last, but not least, is the attention to the turning ratio. The numbers, like 2:1, refer to the number of turns versus the number of spool rotations. The first number, in this case 2, is the number of crank turns. The second number, in this example 1, refers to the number of times the spool will rotate in conjunction with the crank. So for every two turns of the crank, the spool will rotate one time. The more rotations of the spool with less turns of the crank give you more cranking power. What type of bait or terrain you are fishing in will rule how fast you wish to retrieve your bait.
Keep the three main characteristics of a baitcasting reel in mind when you shop and you will find the option process easy, when applied against the type of fishing you will be doing.
Baitcasting Reels
