All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Selecting Reels

Reels may be the single most important piece of equipment a bass angler can own. Quality is important and there is no question that the more you spend, the better the reel. Precision engineering, casting brakes and quality bearing systems are what set quality reels apart form cheap reels.

3 Most Important Factors About Fishing Reels

Reels are designed for casting a variety of specific lure sizes and weights.
Line diameter determines how much line will fit on a given reel spool.
Light-weight reels are less tiring over a long day of fishing.

Quality reels are a good investment for bass fishing.

There are many quality reels available. In our opinion, Shimano (which is in no way compensating us for this endorsement) has been a leader in reel technology. Many other reel manufacturers have followed their lead to produce high-quality reels. The quality difference is very apparent when you get to make casts with reels of different price and quality ranges.

Bait Casting Reels

The real test for any bait casting reel is how well it will cast into the wind without causing a backlash. The bearing systems in a reel defines the freedom by which it spins. The quality of casting break systems determine casting limitations, while avoiding backlashes. The combination of these two features is what defines the quality of the reel. Better quality usually translates to higher cost, but if you plan to do any serious bass fishing it is a wise investment to purchase the highest quality reel your budget will allow.

Retrieve speed is also important when selecting a bait casting reel. The gear ratio of the spool rotation per handle turn, combined with the spool diameter, determines how fast you can move a lure through the water. Faster speeds are important for retrieving crankbaits and buzzbaits. Gear ratio of reels for fishing worms and jigs where your intention is to work the bait slowly, is not as critical. However, retrieve speed can be very important when fighting and landing bass in or near cover.

Spinning Reels

The biggest advantage of a spinning reel is the ability to cast long distances. For casting (aside from spool diameter) all spinning reels are the same because during the cast there are no moving parts. The biggest disadvantage with spinning reels is line curl, and it is the same on the most expensive reel as it is on the cheapest of spinning reels. Basic construction quality and braking systems define the difference between low and high-quality spinning reels. For the beginning bass angler, a moderately priced spinning reel will do most everything you require.

Because line twist is a major problem with all spinning reels, braid is a good option as it is soft and does not maintain any curl.