A baitcaster reel, also known as a revolving reel or casting reel, is a fishing reel designed for heavier-duty fishing with larger lures or baits.
Unlike spinning reels, which are mounted below the rod, baitcasters are mounted on top of the rod. This gives baitcasters more accuracy and precision when casting.
If you’re new to using a baitcaster reel, here are tips to help you get started.
- Start by spooling your line onto your reel. Make sure to leave enough lines so that you can make a few practice casts without having to wind more lines onto your reel.
- Get comfortable with the feel of your reel before you start fishing. Baitcasting reels can be a bit tricky to get used to at first, so it’s important to get a feel for how yours works before you actually start fishing with it.
- Attach your lure or bait just as you would with a spinning reel.
- Open the bail arm by depressing the button or lever on your reel (this will vary depending on the model of your reel).
- Hold your rod at about a 45-degree angle and gently release the line with your thumb while simultaneously making a forward cast motion with your rod hand. As you release the line, allow it to fall freely off your thumb – don’t try to control its speed or movement too much.
- Close the bail arm once your lure or bait hits the water.
- Begin reeling in by turning the handle clockwise while keeping your rod tip pointed downward (toward the water). The key here is to keep an even and steady pace – don’t try to jerk the lure in too quickly or wind the handle too fast.
- Once you’ve reeled in all the slack line, stop winding for a moment and hold the line taut without moving your bait too much (you want to keep it in front of any fish that may be interested).
- When you’re ready to cast again, open the bail arm and repeat steps 5-8.
- Practice makes perfect! The more you use your baitcaster, the better you’ll become at using it effectively and efficiently. Soon enough, you’ll be able to use it just as well as any spinning reel – if not better!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use a baitcaster reel, get out there and give it a try! With a little practice, you’ll be casting like a pro in no time flat!
