What to look for when buying a baitcaster?

[Knoc]

Im a noob to bait caster, Ive always used spinning reels. I have a older Shimano baitcaster and have always had problems with backlash. Im not sure if its because its a cheapy one or if I just suck at it. I have been thinking about buying a new one and was wondering what things I should look for. Any suggestions? Do they have anything that helps counter the chances of backlash?

[BartmanMN]

I'm a noob on them too, however when I purchased mine I focused on a price I wanted to spend and then spent time reading customer reviews of the reel.

I then watched a bunch of utube videos on the proper way to set them up for what weight lure you are throwing and I don't have any problems with backlashes.

[ALL_IN]

I'm a noob on them too,

You are even before NOOB Status!!!

[BartmanMN]

You are even before NOOB Status!!!

Is that a B00B then? lol

[bASS_BLASTER]

I'm no expert but based on my experience, a chart of my opinion and my thoughts. Feel free to correct if I'm wrong.

- Cheapo's ($10-$35) will backlash due to its poor braking & gearing systems and the constructions are made of plastic.

- Entry level ($40-$90) are a little better. Constructions are aluminum, corrosion resistant (some), better gears (some) and built a little tougher.

- Mid to intermediate ($100-$250). Built the same as the entry levels but some are designed lighter in weight and some with anti backlash.

- Enthusiast models ($299-$700). Some are built light weight, some with magnesium constructions, aluminum, digital control to reduce backlash, corrosion resistant bearings, etc.

I personally think if you don't want to spend a fortune, entry level to mid will do the job. Unless your preference is lightweight, brand, etc...then start adding some $$

Backlash? You just have to practice, there is really no cure. Braided line and heavier weights helps minimize backlash & bird nest. I would start with a heavier weight and go out with someone who has been using baitcast for a long time. They can give you a few pointers and eventually, you'll become pro at it. Sometimes price doesn't determine a good quality reel. I've seen some pretty good reels between $50-$80. Lews, shmino's, abu's and daiwa.

To help answer your question is, find one with a braking system. Some are designed on the outside such as Pfluger and Daiwa's and some are inside, shimano...not sure about others.

[TopGun]

Been looking at this reel for some time but there's no Left Hand option. Seems like the more the ball bearing, the better?

Bass Pro Shops® Tourney Special® Baitcast Reel

[bASS_BLASTER]

+1 for more ball bearings and magnetic braking systems.

[ALL_IN]

Is that a B00B then? lol

Well... ummmmm.... you got me speechless! That doesnt happen often

[TopGun]

Bass Pro Shops® Pro Qualifier® Baitcast Reels

Another great bang for buck reel, 500 reviews with 4.8 out of 5stars!

[ALL_IN]

I agree with BassBlaster... you get what you pay for.

When I started off I purchased numerous cheap reels and combos, and they would last me a year and they would start making funny noises and the reel would be shot.

I started replacing reels one by one, a couple each year. I have put together a bunch of quality combos and I am happy with everything that I have sitting on the front deck of my boat.

I personally like the Abu Garcia SX reels, I know my buddies are huge on the Curados (which is a great reel). Bottom line is as I continue to fish more and more, the money spent on the reels has provided me with a reel that continues to take a beating and it as good as the day I first bought it.

My two cents

ALL-IN

[bobbymalone]

My first thought about your backlash problem is that you probably suck at it.

I did. Part of my problem was not mastering a short cast before thinking I can rip this thing a quarter mile.

I'm sure those anti-backlash systems do something, but they won't stop it.

Set the spool tension tight enough your lure weight alone won't pull line out and then use your thumb a bunch to control backlash at the expense of distance. when you get the hang of it, you'll use your thumb less and less.

[thatoneguy]

Quote:

Do they have anything that helps counter the chances of backlash?

Practice. Lots of practice.

[Brad B]

Been looking at this reel for some time but there's no Left Hand option. Seems like the more the ball bearing, the better?

Bass Pro Shops® Tourney Special® Baitcast Reel

there are a few good left handed models out there. I personally use left handed Abu Garcias. I have 2 6501C3's, 1 5501C3, 3 7001I's, & 1 black max. thinking of getting a 6501C4 also.

[Raider4ever]

If this is your first baitcaster, look for one with the backlash "control" on the outside. Don't get one with just the pins on the inside. Not that they don't work, they are just confusing at first (and even later on). Yeah, practice, is the only thing that works and sometimes it doesn't help. Remember you have to readjust if you change lure weights, lure types, and even going with vs. against the wind sometimes. Good luck. I picked up my spinning rod only once last year. Oh yeah, and your first trip out every year is going to suck because you remembered to loosen everything up in the fall and forgot you did in the spring

[fish_eat_sleep]

You get what you pay for. I have found anything less than $80 bucks (regular price) wont be very durable or smooth. shimano caenans and citicas are have both treated me well. Pflueger trions and presidents are really nice too, if left hand wasn't an issue.

I think some casting tips would fix most backlash problems though with ANY baitcasting reels. I always hold the rod sideways during a cast and after every lure I tie on I adjust the spool tension knob. If you have the knob tight enough backlash wont be as common. also when your just learning don't flick your wrist or whip the rod tip in your cast. That only messes up spool speed in my experience with inexpensive reels. There's also weights or magnets inside the reels that can be adjusted on most of them.

well anyway, Im sure everyone is aware of some of these tips. so ill stop writing about them. A quality reel isn't always the most expensive out there and casting experience always helps.

good luck.

[Gekhang]

i like to look for centrifugal braking system vs magnetic. It engages when the reel is spinning the fastest(backlash) and eases off at the end of the cast. i have found this is really useful for beginners and have pretty much strayed away from magnetic braking system. just my preference i guess.

[Knoc]

The guy at Cabelas and at scheels both recommended the Daiwa Exceler Baitcaster. Both said it was the best bang for the buck and is new user friendly but still good for the everyday fisherman.

Anyone have any experiance with these?? I know my dad has some Daiwa's and loves them.

[RumRiverRat]

The guy at Cabelas and at scheels both recommended the Daiwa Exceler Baitcaster. Both said it was the best bang for the buck and is new user friendly but still good for the everyday fisherman.

Anyone have any experiance with these?? I know my dad has some Daiwa's and loves them.

I own 4 of them now.

Bought 3 last year and another one used a couple weeks ago.

I love them, great reel for the money.

I have been using baitcasters for almost 2 decades and I still screw up occasionally and get the backlash from Hades.

I am curious to see how they hold up to a 2nd year of use, I fish a lot.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I don't understand why you would want one. If they are hard to cast with then what are their advantages?

[river rat316]

Power and accuracy, they are like a winch, your line is wound in directly too the spool. Once you get the whole thumb control thing down you are also more accurate on distance and direction. They are not better for every application, if you are throwing really light baits that require a vertical drop through deeper water they are probably not the best choice, but most applications where you are constantly casting (bass fishing) they are far superior to spinning reels. I have over 20 combo's and only 3 or 4 are spinning reels, the only thing I use spinning reels for are light hair jigs, dropshot, and light wacky rigging, and panfish stuff otherwise everything else gets thrown on a bait caster.

[kg2]

Control (feathering spool), power (more range of gear ratios available), and the ability to use heavier line with less twist.

[EBass]

What Rat said. Go with someone that knows how to cast a baitcaster and learn from them. Adjust the break if the weight of the lure is changed. I too believe you get what you pay for.

[blakjack23]

Gander has the Citica 200E and 201E (left hand) on sale for $79 (normally $120). That is a great reel for the price without breaking the bank. I would personally not buy any reel that retails for under $100. Plus these older Citicas were quality built in Japan where as the new Citicas are not as nice.

[slipperybob]

Some reels have near hair trigger thumb casting knob, others requires some solid effort to press down on. Some reels have shorter handle lengths compared to others. Gear ratio is important, but is only part of system to look for in line recovery rate in inches per turn. The spool size can make a difference.

The durability of the reel can sometimes be determined by one reel with a larger gear size vs those of smaller gear size. Larger gears mean less torsion stress on the gears for longer life. In addition, one of the drag material is also housed inside the main gear. Larger gears also means for a larger drag ring.

Bearing count is important, but also the quality of the ball bearings used is another thing to consider. The cheaper reels, just comes with cheaper ball bearings. When it comes to the spool smoothness for casting and avoiding backlashes, the motto you get what you paid for applies especially in this area.

Good luck.

[bucketmouth64]

+1 for those who said bps reels. I've used their extremes, pro qualifier, rick clunns. If you want a name brand consider the pflueger trion. All of these are under $100, and have aluminum frames.