Profile Baitcast
Our series of articles on Freshwater Fishing Tackle continues as we attempt to remove the fright of purchasing fishing gear from the novice angler.
I personally had to do it the difficult way, I bought tackle that seemed good but was completely incorrect for the chore at hand. With the many reels and rods on the market, not to mention the billions of jigs, hooks, sinkers, line types and other fishing accessories; how could a beginner not make a few inappropriate and expensive wrong decisions?
We started our series on freshwater fishing tackle with the reel; including the spincast and spinning reels. Now we will cover the Ferrari of the fishing domain the Baitcast Reel; also referred to as Baitcaster, baitcasting, casting reel, and a conventional reel.
Baitcast reels can handle larger lines and permits longer casts than spinning reels in the comparable size range. Fishermen frequently use line in the 14- to 17-pound-test range.
The design of the baitcaster allows for precision casting to get the lure precisely where you desire it. They use very tough drag mechanisms to slow larger, stronger fish and are intended to be used with bigger lures.
The baitcast reel is the favorite reel for getting Striped Bass, Bream, Steelhead and more. Because of its casting accuracy it is great for fishing in water where snags can be a trouble or for casting below spans and walkways with limited head room.
Baitcast reels have a rotating spool with the line spooled the same way as the line as it runs down the fishing rod. They have a center pin and the disks are joined by a series of outer pins that exposes the line. Some are built partially from composites, but most are still stainless steel, often with brass pieces in certain areas. The baitcast reel attaches on top of the fishing rod.
Because of it’s above the rod mounting the baitcast reel is more troublesome to cast and has a much greater learning curve than either the spincast or spinning reels. For this reason it is not a effective entry level reel for kids or the starting angler.
Also its steeper cost makes it cost prohibitive for the casual weekend fisherman who will only fish from time to time. Lastly since it is principally a cast reel it is not ideal for “pitch it and leave it” type fishing.
A good example of baitcast reel is the “Shimano Calais Baitcaster,” priced at under $400. Finesse anglers will enjoy the solid feel and fluid handling of the compact low-profile baitcaster. It is made with ten stainless steel anti-rust bearings, flex-free aluminum frame and side-plates, and aluminum spool.
Our review of the Fly Fishing Reel is the next article in the continuing series “Freshwater Fishing Tackle Buyers Guide.”
Author Bill Keller writes about outdoor activities in North Texas from his blog at TowersOverTexas. To purchase Baitcast Fishing Reels or to see more articles about Freshwater Fishing Tackle just click on a link.
ICAST Interview on the new Shakespeare EZ Cast Low Profile Baitcast Reel
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Quantum PT Kinetic Low-Profile Baitcast Reel KT100SPTA $52.00 |
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Abu Garcia silvermax smax2 low profile baitcast fishing reel $34.99 |
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Quantum PT Kinetic Low-Profile Baitcast Reel KT100SPTA $47.25 |
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Okuma Tormenta TT-226W Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel $64.79 |
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Okuma Tormenta TT-226WLX Left Hand Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel $64.79 |
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Okuma Calera C5-266WLX Low Profile Left Hand Baitcast Reel $86.39 |
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Okuma Calera C5-266W Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel $86.39 |
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NEW SHAKESPEARE SIGMA LOW PROFILE BAITCASTING FISHING REEL 6.3:1 RATIO 6 BEARING $19.99 |
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DAIWA Z Z200HS HYPER SPEED LOW PROFILE BAITCAST Z 2000 $579.95 |
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DAIWA Z Z200H RIGHT HAND LOW PROFILE BAITCAST $589.00 |
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Shimano Caius 200 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel – CIS200 $69.99 |
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Shimano ANRC820 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel Cover $6.95 |
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NEW 5BB RED Low Profile Baitcaster Lure Fishing Reel Right Hand $0.99 |
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HI-END PRO 7.0:1 10-BEARING w/FLIP QUANTUM KVD 1000 LOW PROFILE BAITCAST REEL $39.99 |
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HI-END PRO 7.0:1 SKEET REESE VICTORY 701 10-BEARING LOW PROFILE BAITCAST REEL $39.99 |
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Shimano Citica Low Profile Baitcasting Reel 200E $49.00 |
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HI-END PRO 7.0:1 10-BEARING w/FLIP QUANTUM KVD 1000 LOW PROFILE BAITCAST REEL $39.99 |
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HI-END PRO 6.2:1 SKEET REESE VICTORY 621 10-BEARING LOW PROFILE BAITCAST REEL $39.99 |
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HI-END PRO 7.0:1 10-BEARING w/FLIP QUANTUM KVD 1000 LOW PROFILE BAITCAST REEL $39.99 |
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New 5BB Low Profile Right Baitcasting Boat Lure fishing reel RSB10 $0.99 |
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Quantum Express 6′6 IM7 Med Heavy Baitcasting Combo – 10/20 Line $69.95 The Express fits the bill, and the budget, of recreation anglers wanting a winning combination to do the job right. Smooth-performing baitcast reel has an externally adjustable, magnetic cast control system and lightweight, ported aluminum spool. 3 bearing system has continuous anti-reverse and a smooth, responsive drag system. Corrosion-resistant stainless steel padded reel seats. Rod features IM… |
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Curado 201e7 Baitcasting Low Profile Reel $189.95 Curado 201E7 Baitcasting Low Profile Reel… |
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Shimano Core 50MG7 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel $369.95 Shimano Core 50MG7 Magnesium Low Profile Baitcasting Reel is designed to be the ultimate, lightweight baitcasting reel. Made with magnesium frames and sideplates, and featuring Magnumlite spool construction, the standard version for all around fishing, weighs in at 6.1 ounces with a 6.2:1 gear ratio. The FV flipping version, equipped with Instagage II, comes with oversized PV paddles and a 7.0:1 g… |
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Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel (12-Pound/145-Yard) $49.95 NEW 2012 MODELS A true value in Abu Garcia reels, the new more compact Black MaxTM includes a smooth retrieve 4+1 bearing system with durability to stand up to the max limits of hard core fishing. The lightweight graphite frame and body tip the scales at a mere 7.9 ounces. Performance and toughness are hallmarks of the Max family. Additionally the compact bent handle and star provide a more erg… |
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Abu Garcia Left Hand Retrieve Black Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel (12-Pound/145-Yard) $48.99 NEW 2012 MODELS A true value in Abu Garcia reels, the new more compact Black MaxTM includes a smooth retrieve 4+1 bearing system with durability to stand up to the max limits of hard core fishing. The lightweight graphite frame and body tip the scales at a mere 7.9 ounces. Performance and toughness are hallmarks of the Max family. Additionally the compact bent handle and star provide a more erg… |
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Shimano Caenan Baitcasting Reel $89.99 Shimano Caenan Baitcasting Reel. For years, Shimano has been a top name in the fishing industry… here, the Caenan Baitcasting Reel boasts the same quality and effectiveness you’ve come to expect! With high-speed gearing and compact graphite construction, you’ll enjoy years of fishing, no matter if you’re out on a local lake or shoreline locations. Backlash-preventing VBS casting system manages s… |