Baitcaster Reel Reviews

Some anglers may shy away from a baitcaster reel because they may feel that they are a bit more difficult to learn when compared to other reel types. However, being able to use a baitcaster reel means that the angler will be able to utilize heavier line and begin to reel in larger fish more effectively.

Finding the perfect baitcaster reel also affords the angler with more control over the lure and the lure placement and will provide a bit more power in deeper water.

Advantages of Baitcaster Reels

Baitcaster reels have several advantages for the angler including being able to use heavier line that comes in at the 10-20-pound ratio. They are also ideal for catching larger varieties of fish. Additionally, you may also experience less twisting on the line which is something you may often see when using a spinning reel.

Another advantage to using a baitcaster reel, when paired with a light rod, is an easier and longer cast because the line of this reel comes directly off the spool and does not uncoil as it would on a spinning reel.

Finally, you are provided with more power and control over your casting and you are given the advantage of being able to control both the distance and speed of the lure when you thumb the spool while casting.

Once you learn all the techniques with a baitcaster reel, you will quickly see why it is an important piece of gear for any fishing arsenal to have.

The following are reviews of some of the best baitcaster reels currently available for purchase on Amazon:

1. Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 Righthand Baitcast Fishing Reel

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Mono Line Capacity: 10/120, 12/110, 14/90
• Line Retrieve Per Crank: 26-inches
• Weight: 6.50 ounces

Description:

If you are looking for a lighter weight baitcast reel option, then this is the one for you. This lightweight reel with carbon fiber frame does not require a lot of force to get it to spin which makes it easier to use and requires little effort.

While it is at the top of the price spectrum at just under $250, it may cost a bit more initially, but you are investing in a high-quality and high-performance reel complete with newer and updated advanced features which make it easier to use than before.

The gear arrangement of this reel allows for more gear stability and strength and can reduce your casting efforts by at least 10%. It is a versatile reel and will fit a variety of lures including weightless plastics; this will also allow you the ability to cast the lures even further with little to no effort.

2. Lew’s Fishing Team Pro Magnesium LFS Speed Spool Reels

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.8:1
• Line Capacity: 120/12
• Inches Per Turn: 28-inches
• Weight: 5.5 ounces

Description:

This Pro Magnesium LFS Speed Spool Reel is a lightweight baitcaster reel with a one-piece magnesium frame with carbon side plates and a drilled spool. The carbon fiber handle is also lightweight and features custom EVA foam cork knobs.

This reel features a Speed Dial Line indicator that helps the angler keep track of the line type and weight being used and the retractor feature will retract the line when it is not being used.

The Speed Spool Reel also provides up to fourteen pounds of drag power. You will experience improved power and control when using this reel, and it comes at an average price point of around $200 which is good for the quality craftsmanship and performance you will have the privilege to experience.

However, if you prefer to fish in saltwater locations, then you may want to explore other options because this particular reel is not recommended for saltwater fishing.

3. Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reels

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 8.1:1
• Mono Capacity: 120/14
• Drag: 13.2 pounds
• Weight: 7.4 ounces

Description:

The Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel is designed to be compact and is also lightweight because of the aluminum frame construction. The swept handle provides the angler with better cranking power, and the TWS level wind system allows for improved cast control.

The cast is a lot faster and even more accurate than ever before because of the Magforce Z cast control this reel features. Performance meets precision and quality with these high powered right-hand baitcasting reels.

The newly designed line guide also helps to reduce any friction while casting which helps the angler achieve a more uniform line on the retrieve. It is affordably priced under $300 and awards every angler with a new and upgraded Daiwa design that is sure to impress even the most seasoned angler.

4. Abu Garcia Max Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
• Mono Capacity: 145/12
• Inches Per Turn: 26
• Weight: 7.3 ounces

Description:

The Abu Garcia Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel was designed to provide better cast control, more power, and smoother retrieve. The Power Disk drag system provides anglers with exceptional stopping power and smooth drag pressure and range. The max drag of this reel is eighteen pounds.

This reel also has four stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing that are all aligned to provide a more fluid operation. The low-profile design allows the reel to sit flush with the rod and this combined with a compact bent handle allows for improved grip and comfort which is perfect for those long fishing trips.

The lightweight and durable graphite construction also offers more stability and strength, and this reel can be used for all kinds of fishing including the more extreme conditions of saltwater fishing.

Conclusion

When you are choosing which baitcaster reel to purchase, there are several things you should keep in mind as you search for the best. An aluminum or graphite frame will typically cost less and will provide you with a lighter weight option.

Just because a reel doesn’t have a lot of ball bearings, it doesn’t mean it is of a lesser quality than others. When researching ball bearings on baitcaster reels, pay more attention to words like shielded and double-shielded, rather than the number of bearings.

Finally, do not overlook the handle of the baitcaster reel. If you typically spend several hours fishing or other extended amounts of time, then you will want to make sure that you find a reel with an ergonomically designed handle to provide you with a better grip and more comfort, so you can fish for even longer.