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We have something of a love-hate relationship with baitcasting reels here at Men Who Stare At Floats. It’s not that they aren’t brilliant reels. They are. The casting accuracy, precision, controlled braking systems and retrieval speed are all a notable step-up from spinning reels.
But as a word of warning, baitcaster do take a little time and practice to get used to and they are designed for intermediate to advanced anglers. When the reel is seated on top and casting power and retrieval speed are prioritised, it increases the chances of tangles and wind knots when casting. You are reliant on fine-tuning a reel to specifications that suit the type of fishing you’re doing.
So if you’re an intermediate or advanced angler looking to improve your ability to catch some powerful fish in potentially challenging conditions, then picking one of the best baitcasters is an excellent next step. For beginners, we’d recommend sticking with a more traditional spinning reel.
The 6 Best Sea Fishing Spinning Reels in 2023 Editor’s choice
What’s on this page?
What makes a good baitcasting reel?
A good baitcasting reel has several key features that set it apart, including;
- High gear ratio: Baitcasting reels have very high gear ratios – on occasions higher than 10:1, which provides a very fast retrieve designed for serious predators.
- Smooth and accurate casting performance: Coupled with this is a retrieval system of high-quality components (including a high number of stainless steel ball bearings), designed for an ultra-smooth retrieve and accurate casting
- Advanced braking system: The top tier of baitcasting reels have a computer-assisted braking system that controls the speed of your line and applies advanced braking mechanics to prevent wind knots and backlashes
- Smooth drag system: A baitcasting reel should have a smooth and reliable drag system to handle hard-fighting fish. Look for reels with drag systems that provide consistent pressure and allow for minor adjustments to accommodate different fishing conditions
- Durability: Quality baitcasters are made from high-quality alloys that are corrosion-resistant and designed to last in all manner of conditions
- Tangle and knot-free assistance: Baitcasting reels are renowned for tangles and wind knots. The very best baitcasters have advanced braking and wind systems that are designed to mitigate knots and tangles.
How To Choose The Right Fishing Reel in 2023
What is the best baitcasting reel?
The best all-around baitcasting reel is Abu Garcia’s Revo Rocket LP. An exceptional fast reel with a gear ratio of 10.1:1 and 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings, it is truly the sharpest, smoothest baitcaster on the market.
With an advanced Infini™ brake system and equipped with Abu Garcia’s renowned D2 Gear Design™, it is designed to mitigate wind knots and line tangles commonly associated with incredibly fast, impeccably smooth baitcasters. When combined with the Carbon Matrix™ drag system, you can deliver smooth, powerful and reliable drag pressure capable of handling some serious predators.
At a glance
The 7 best baitcasting reels
Abu Garcia Revo Rocket LPBest all-around baitcasting reel
Sportsman's Guide
Fishing, Tackle & Bait
eBay
Tackle Direct
- Gear ratio: up to 10.1:1
- 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings
- Infini™ brake system for precise casting control and minimal backlash
- D2 Gear Design™ for durability, smoothness, and gear precision
Abu Garcia’s Revo Rocket LP is an exceptional fast reel designed to handle takes from the fastest, most powerful predators. With a gear ratio of 10.1:1, it is truly the sharpest baitcaster on the market. Typically the issue with reels this quick is the number of tangles associated with them.
However, the Revo Rocket Baitcaster has an advanced Infini™ brake system, which combines centrifugal and magnetic brakes for precise casting control and minimal backlash. It is designed to minimise tangles and lets you fine-tune the brakes to match your lure weight and fishing conditions, maximising your casting distance and accuracy.
Equipped with Abu Garcia’s renowned D2 Gear Design™, this reel is durable, smooth, and precise. Essential when using a reel with such a fast gear ratio. The X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame provides a lightweight yet rigid foundation, ensuring optimal performance and resistance to corrosive elements. Perfect for saltwater fishing. The Carbon Matrix™ drag system delivers consistent and reliable drag pressure, allowing you to handle hard-fighting fish with a level of almost unparalleled confidence.
Abu Garcia Max Pro BaitcasterBest entry-level baitcaster
Decathlon UK
- Gear ratio: 6.4:1 – 7.1:1
- Max Drag: 15-22lb
- 7+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system
- Power Disk™ drag system and a synchronised level wind system
Abu Garcia’s Max Pro Baitcaster is a superb value baitcaster made by a brand famous for its quality, excellent value products. The Max Pro Baitcaster is one of, if not the best value baitcasting reels on the market. With 7+1 stainless steel ball bearings, the Power Disk™ drag system and the MagTrax™ brake system you’d be forgiven for thinking this reel was much closer to the top of the range. Its consistent and powerful drag pressure is great for fighting hard-fighting fish and – thanks to the lightweight graphite frame and side plates – strikes an excellent balance between strength and weight.
Arguably the best feature of the reel is the Synchronised Level Wind System, which is designed to prevent even line lay and minimise tangles. A more than useful feature for baitcasting reels. Whilst it’s not a baitcaster suitable for the most powerful fish, its max drag of 22lb for the higher weight models is capable of handling powerful predators like salmon or pike. It’s not the fastest, strongest, most accurate or any of the above. But it’s a great entry-level option.
Savage Gear SG8 Baitcasting ReelBest value baitcaster
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- Gear ratio 6.6:1 – 8.6:1
- Weight: 180g
- Adjustable centrifugal braking system
- 8+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system
Savage Gear’s SG8 Baitcasting Reel is a powerful, stylish baitcasting reel made for accurate casts and fast-twitch predators. The lighter versions of the reel are very adept at handling lighter lures and soft baits, whilst the larger versions are perfect for casting heavier metals and pike baits. The one-piece aluminium frame is durable and corrosion-resistant, with a smooth retrieve and enough torque to handle serious predators.
One of the SG8 Baitcasting Reel’s best features is an adjustable centrifugal braking system, allowing you to fine-tune the casting control to match specific fishing conditions. Whether you’re casting heavier metal lures in tough saltwater conditions or lighter paddle tails, the advanced braking system and corrosion-resistant components make for an accurate, durable and versatile baitcaster. The very same braking system also minimises
Penn Fathom Baitcasting ReelBest baitcaster for big fish
- Gear ratio: 5.3:1 to 8.1:1
- 6+1 stainless steel bearing system
- Carbon fibre drag washers and HT-100 drag system
The Penn Fathom Baitcasting Reel is a powerful, rugged baitcasting reel made with high-quality components made to last in both salt and freshwater conditions. The gear ratio runs up to 8.3:1, which makes for a seriously fast retrieve and – when combined with a magnetic braking system, HT-100 drag system and 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings – creates an incredibly smooth action.
When you’re trying to handle a powerful fish, you need a reel that can handle head shakes, minimise backlash and provide accurate casting. And although the Fathom Baitcaster is made with a full metal body and side plates designed for durability, the reel’s compact and relatively lightweight design belies its ability to handle such serious fish.
Shimano SLX Baitcasting ReelBest knot and tangle-free baitcaster
Karl's Fishing & Outdoors
- Gear ratio: 6.3:1-8.2:1
- 4+1 stainless steel ball bearings
- SVS Infinity brake system and adjustable external brakes
- S3D Spool
Shimano’s SLX DC Baitcasting Reel is a beautifully precise, controlled baitcaster that is equipped with Shimano’s innovative Digital Control (DC) braking system. Baitcasters are typically fraught with wind knots and tangles (particularly for the uninitiated), but the SLX DC is designed to mitigate backlashes whilst improving casting accuracy. The unique breaking system utilises microcomputer technology to monitor line speed and apply the optimal amount of braking force to ensure flawless, knot-free casting. It’s one of the best long-casting baitcasters on the market and the SVS Infinity Brake System offers an additional layer of casting control.
The robust HAGANE body is strong and smooth. The rigid construction is designed to enhance power transmission and the 6.3:1 gear ratio makes this reel best suited to targeting some seriously powerful predators. Like a supercar, the reel’s torque is something to behold at this price. The ergonomic design and rubberised grip make long days out and challenging fights a little easier to manage.
Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting ReelBest baitcaster for smooth and accurate casting performance
- Gear ratio: 6.3:1-9.0:1
- 9+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system
- Carbon Matrix™ drag system
- Infini™ brake system
Abu Garcia’s Revo SX Baitcasting Reel is a powerful, smooth, high-quality baitcaster from Abu Garcia’s fine Revo range. One of the standout features of this reel is its advanced Infini™ brake system. This innovative technology combines centrifugal and magnetic brakes, providing precise and consistent control over casting distance and accuracy. With a simple adjustment, you can fine-tune the braking system to match your preferred lure weight and fishing environment, minimising backlash and maximising casting performance. Its lightweight X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame and 9+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system make for an unbelievably lightweight and smooth baitcaster, with a gear system that backs up the strategically placed ball bearings.
Whether you need a slower retrieve for finesse presentations or a blazing fast retrieve for high-speed techniques, the Revo SX has you covered. It’s a superbly well-designed and manufactured baitcasting reel that is built to last. Just take good care of it. Although its corrosion-resistant, you still need to take good care of it.
Shimano Curado DCMost durable baitcaster
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1 or 7.4:1
- HAGANE body
- Digital Control (DC) braking system
- SVS Infinity Brake System and Cross Carbon Drag
Shimano Curado DC is a smooth, powerful baitcasting reel with a sturdy HAGANE body and technologically advanced systems designed to improve your fishing experience. Equipped with Shimano’s innovative Digital Control (DC) braking system, Shimano’s Curado is an exceptional baitcaster that minimises tangles and backlashes, whilst optimising casting distance and accuracy. Like any true baitcaster, its precision and control are top of the range. With in-built microcomputer technology that monitors line speed and applies the optimal amount of braking force by measuring your line spool speed. This combination of SilentTune, X-Ship and MicroModule Gearing technology makes for a stupendously smooth cast and retrieve.
The Curado series has a real mix of baitcasters. From seriously powerful models like the DC 150 designed for serious fish, down to the Curado MGL there’s a mode for every price and fishing technique. The lighter-weight models like the MGL are fantastic for fishing in slightly tighter situations where line capacity and serious power are not at the top of your list. The Curado range of baitcasters are tournament tested and common amongst the pros. So if you’re in the market for a baitcaster that is smooth, powerful, capable of handling lighter weights and serious predators and guaranteed success, the Curado is a fantastic option.
FAQs
What is the point of a baitcaster?
Baitcasting reels are designed for more seasoned anglers who are looking to target more powerful fish in situations that require more accurate, longer-distance casting. The main purpose of a baitcasting reel is to provide anglers with precise casting control and the ability to handle heavier lines and lures.
They offer a higher level of control over the line release, allowing for more accurate lure placement and better control of the bait’s movement. The best baitcasters also have computer-aided braking control that eliminates tangles and line twists associated with longer casts.
How do you use a baitcaster reel?
Baitcasting reels are set directly on top of the rod (as opposed to on the side like spinning reels) and are associated with line twists, tangles and more experienced anglers. As such they require additional skill and should be used like so:
- Set the brake system to prevent backlashes and tangles depending on the conditions
- Place your thumb lightly on the spool to control the line during the cast to act as a brake
- Hold the rod using your dominant hand
- Cast in a controlled, perpendicular motion, making sure you engage the thumb release button
- Release your thumb from the spool to allow the line to release smoothly when you cast
- Control the cast by applying more or less pressure to the spool with your thumb mid-cast
- Practice and refine your casting technique, brake settings, spool tension and pressure
Is it hard to fish with a baitcaster?
Using a baitcaster can be more challenging to fish with compared to more traditional reels like spinning reels, especially for beginners. Baitcasters require more skill and practice to achieve accurate and backlash-free casts thanks to the increased torque and power associated with the reels.
Baitcasters have a higher backlash and line tangle potential as the faster retrieve rate requires a more experienced hand to prevent the spool from continuing to spin after the lure has stopped. Typically baitcasting reels have more fine-tuning settings and a more replicable casting technique that make them harder to fish with.
Should a beginner get a baitcaster?
No, a beginner should not get a baitcaster. Baitcasters are typically designed for more experienced anglers thanks to the increased chance of line twists, backlashes and casting issues. Beginners should start with a spinning reel as spinning reels are much simpler to use and whilst they may be less powerful, they don’t twist or tangle as much.
Do you need a special rod for a baitcaster?
While you don’t need a special rod for a baitcaster, using a rod designed for baitcasting reels will improve your hookup rate and minimise line tangles and twists. This is because baitcasting rods are designed with a specific extra-fast action, heavy power and improved casting control. All of which support the casting mechanism associated with baitcasters.
They also come complete with smaller, fewer line guides to reduce friction and improve casting distance and accuracy and are made to handle heavier lines and lures.
Can you use a baitcaster for all types of fishing?
No, you cannot use a baitcaster for all types of fishing as whilst baitcasters are designed for techniques like large predator fishing, heavy lure fishing, vertical jigging and fishing in areas thick with vegetation, they are not suitable for everything. If you are doing some finesse fishing or targeting smaller species with light tackle, baitcasters may not be sensitive enough to handle the job.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
