Reel Selection
Reels for bass fishing have come along way in the last twenty years but, there is no such thing as the perfect reel for bass fishing. Reels have become more technique specific, which makes it more difficult when shopping for a new reel.
When most of us think of a bass reel, we picture a baitcasting reel. It’s true that baitcasting reels are well suited for most bass fishing techniques and are best suited for fishing lures from ¼ once and heavier. Structurally, they’re maybe the strongest of fishing reel types and are available in various sizes and ratios.
One of the most common question I receive is “What ratio reel do you use”. My normal reply is several, depending on the technique. Ratios vary from 4.1:1 to 7.1:1. What do all those gear ratios mean? If you are using a 4.1 ratio reel, for every turn of the handle the spool revolves 4 times. The higher the ratio, the faster the line can be retrieved.
A baitcaster with a fast ratio would be well suited for keeping a buzzbait on top of the water but, it might encourage the average angler to work a jig or worm too fast.
A slower ratio would be suited when fishing a deep diving crankbait, keeping the bait in the strike zone as long as possible. Some anglers prefer to use high speed reels on every rod, but make a conscious effort to vary their retrieve speed to suit the bait being used at the moment. Many anglers are in that category. They like a high speed reel because it allows them to zip the lure back to the rod tip at the end of each cast. Saving a second or two on each cast can allow you to make many additional casts in a day of fishing. If I was going to have one ratio reel it would be a 5.2:1. It is in the middle of the scale and much easier to vary your retrieve speed.
With new techniques like “drop shotting” and “shaky worm” gaining popularity across the country, most bass fishermen are discovering that a spinning reel is also handy in their arsenal.
When selecting a spinning reel, one must decide whether to buy front drag or rear drag. Front drags are usually superior, as there is more room for large drag surfaces up front, beneath the spool. The disadvantage is it’s more difficult to adjust a front drag reel when fighting a fish. Most freshwater spinning reels are available in three sizes. The smaller size will create more line twist because of the small spool diameter. This line twist is also referred to as “memory” and will cause a birds nest effect during casting. A birdnest is nothing more than your line getting tangled on the spool and creating problems during casting. I prefer the larger of the spinning reels to help prevent this from occurring. One thing that you can do to help prevent a birds nest is after casting close the bail by hand and pull out a few inches of line. This will keep the line tight on the spool, eliminating the possibility for a tangle to form.
If you are just getting started or maybe fish 5 to 6 times a year I would recommend a spincast reel. They are simple to master and low maintenance. The upper end spincasting reels have quality bearings, more precise drag systems, and more line capacity.
I recommend going to a tackle shop with a large selection of reels and try several different styles and brands before you make an investment. Most shops have knowledgeable staff that can assist you with selecting the perfect reel for your needs. The most expensive reel you can buy is the one that you never use. Go fishing and have fun!
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