Baitcasting reels have been part of fishing for over a hundred years and slowly but surely have become a key part of many anglers’ kits. Over time, baitcaster technology has advanced to the point where they’re user-friendly and accessible for both beginners and experienced anglers. They’re versatile tools, and if used right, baitcasters can offer clear advantages over spinning reels.
Baitcasting rods and reels are a great choice for almost any type of rig. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, bait rigs, and soft plastics are all effective options for this setup. Many baitcasters target bass, but these outfits can handle many different species in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
If you’re one of many anglers who started with a classic spinning combo and are now looking for new challenges, it may be time to explore saltwater baitcasters. They require touch and feel, which is not necessary with spinning reels. Learning how to use a baitcaster takes practice initially, and it’s worth it. Here are some of the reasons why.
The Benefits of Baitcaster Reels in Saltwater
Easily Customized
In a saltwater environment, most anglers’ decisions are based on what species they plan to pursue. Big fish, big rod and reel—that’s how it usually goes, meaning that you need a baitcaster that is larger and beefier than a freshwater one. Just keep in mind that the larger the rod and reel combo, the more difficult it is to cast.
The saltwater baitcasters are easily customized to suit your specific angling style. They’re flexible, meaning that you can use them with different rigs and casting techniques. While the ability to hold light and heavy lines makes them ideal for advanced anglers, the truth is that beginners can also quickly learn how to control the reel and pitch accurate casts.
Control and Feedback
While early models were cumbersome lumps of metal, over time they have been replaced by compact models with brakes, which come in ergonomic shapes to facilitate one-handed casting. However, they have always offered a few attractive features, including control and feedback.
Control refers to the option to ‘’feather’’ the spool with your thumb while casting, which can result in better accuracy. Furthermore, a baitcaster can provide better control when fighting fish in tight cover, allowing the angler to apply more stopping power. Feedback comes in the retrieval stage, with the baitcaster allowing you to better feel what’s happening on the end of the line.
Buying Tips
Understand the Two Main Types of Baitcasters
The round and the low-profile are the two types of baitcasters you can usually find out there. The round profile offers some advantages, such as more line, heavier lines, casting heavier lures and is more suited for long runs during fights with bigger fish, including saltwater species. The low-profile reel, on the other hand, is easier for wrist actions and is more commonly used for smaller predator fishing like bass, trout, etc.
Consider the Gear Ratio
Choosing the right gear ratio is important and can enhance your overall baitcasting experience. Gear ratio is a feature on all fishing reels, and it stands for the ‘’speed’’ of the reel, or how fast you will retrieve your line from a cast into the spool again. Some of the most common options are 5.5:1, 6.3:1, and 8.1:1.
The first number in 5.1:1 is the number of revolutions the spool makes for each turn on the handle. The higher the number, the more line can be retrieved, so if you’re fishing with lures that need to be fished faster, go for a higher gear ratio. A low gear ratio is an excellent choice for lures that you want to present more slowly.
Familiarize Yourself with the Baitcaster’s Features and Controls
There are more features and controls on a baitcaster than just the gear ratio. Consider the braking system, frames, spools, handle, and line guides, as all of them will affect your casting abilities and line speed.
Maintenance in Saltwater
To prevent your reel from deteriorating quickly, proper care and maintenance are a must. After saltwater use, flush the reel spool, bearings and braking system and re-oil them regularly. The good news is that most saltwater baitcasting reels these days use sealed bearings, corrosion-resistant frames and anodized parts to ensure longevity.
Final Thoughts
Saltwater baitcasting reels may not be the first choice, especially for beginner anglers, but the truth is, they’re a tool that can enhance your fishing setup if used correctly. If you’re getting into the world of baitcasters, add them to your packing list for saltwater fishing success, and you’ll soon realize why some anglers prefer them over other reels.
With the magnetic stool stops, star drags and specially designed spools, today’s baitcaster reels can help you cast better with fewer backlashes. In the end, it’s all about having fun and enjoying every bit of your fishing journey.
