Round Baitcaster Reels (2024)

FAQs

What are the advantages of a round baitcaster? ›

The round profile reel gives you additional advantages as more line, heavier lines, casting heavier lures and is better suited for long runs during fights with bigger fish like salmons, big trout, Muskie, or even bigger saltwater species.

For most, standard baitcasting reel applications (i.e. everything that isn't ultralight "BFS" style fishing), you'll want to fill between 80% and 95% of the capacity of the spool with line.

Gear ratios on most brands of baitcast reels range from 5.0:1 to 9.1:1. The pros use high speed models (7.1:1 to 9.1:1) for most applications because they know it is easier to slow down a retrieve with a fast reel than it is to crank faster with a low-speed model.

Typically speaking, anglers will generally throw lighter finesse lures farther on a spinning rig than a baitcaster. And anglers will generally throw larger lures like deep diving crankbaits farther with more control on a baitcaster.

Experienced anglers who prefer using heavier lines or catching larger and stronger game fish (like largemouth bass) will enjoy using them! “ Baitcasting reels are phenomenal because they increase accuracy, increase casting distance, and increase sensitivity, which comes in extra handy when throwing artificial lures. ”

Thin diameter line is great for spinning reels, but if you're using baitcasting reels, you don't want to use anything under 20 lb. braid. If the line is really thin, it'll dig into the spool if you have a big fish on or get snagged, which can cause knots and tangles.

Braided lines smaller than 30-pound test really don't work well with most baitcasters. These lines have very small diameters and will “dig in” or basically cinch down into the reel anytime you set the hook or get a backlash.

Most anglers after species like pike and musky use a baitcasting rod between 8 and 10 feet because this length offers more strength, casting distance, and it pairs well with a variety of presentations. If you're targeting smaller game fish like bass or walleye, many anglers choose an option between 6.5 and 7.5 feet.

Braid is the best line for baitcaster because it has virtually zero memory. Hold it up, and you'll notice that it's very soft and malleable (so to speak) and doesn't hold a particular shape. And if it does, you can reshape it fairly easily and quickly.

Long story short, baitcasting reels tend to be smaller and are designed for casting and retrieving, and conventional reels are larger and designed for fishing vertically from a boat, although there are a few exceptions.

What is the difference between a baitcaster and a round reel? ›

On a spinning reel, the spool stays in a fixed position and by opening a bail the line is allowed to flow out toward the first guide. On a baitcasting reel, when the angler adds forward propulsion, the weight of the lure pulls the line and the spool spins.

For example, take a reel that is labeled to be a 7.3:1 gear ratio. For each full rotation of the reel handle, the spool will turn 7.3 times. See the breakdown below for important information when considering which reel to use for different applications. These gear ratios are slower and are great for moving baits.

If a spinning reel is spooled to the appropriate level (about 1/8 inch from the lip of the spool), it will almost invariable cast farther than a baitcaster. It may not cast as accurately but it will cast farther.

Now, the thing about spinning reels that's real different with baitcasters is that the spool is stationary and the line peels off in loops. And that is a significant advantage when you're throwing lighter lines and lighter lures, you don't have to worry about backlashing, and you can throw them greater distances.