The Difference Between Conventional and Baitcasting Reels

December 15th, 2009 Posted in Travel and Leisure

Conventional reels are very similar to bait casting models in a variety of ways, but the differences between the two are what fishermen use to pick between them when fishing freshwater or saltwater. The two are very different from spinning reels, but are nearly the same when compared against each other. Some novices wonder if it is even possible to tell the difference between them. While some can be used primarily for either application, most non-spinning reels were meant in an either/or capacity: either vertical or cast.

Before we discuss differences let’s talk about similarities. The axis on the spool on both types of reels is perpendicular to the rod and they spin when you cast or let out your line. They are aligned in this manner to allow smooth casting. If you’ve looked at spinning reels, you’ll find they are parallel to the rod – holding the line in place until cast.

The crank handles on both convention and bait-casting reels are crank style – this allows for easy use whether you are a left-handed or right-handed fisherman. The level-wind feature (handy on all rods) runs up the front of the spool. The helps insure a smooth rewind of your wind and helps prevent knots and saves you the grief of hand-guiding the line.

Onshore bait-casting reels are designed to maximum performance. A smooth release and protection against backlash are two major performance enhancing features. Bait-casting reels designed for saltwater include models like AVET’s SX, the Calcutta (Shimano), C3 by Abu Garcia, and the Saltiga Surf (by Daiwa). Backlash can cause a serious disruption in your fishing trip – it’s caused from your bait (or lure) hitting the water and coming to a sudden stop. What happens from here is a nightmare – your spool is spinning out of control, with no pull directing it. This causes it to wind back over the spool and create a mess that is often easier to cut out than work out. Ask any new angler using a bait-caster if they’ve ever had this experience, as it’s one they don’t soon forget!

Conventional reels are more suitable for dragging fish toward your boat efficiently. The in-line alignment of this reel makes sure that all of the stress of reeling in big fish is on the fish instead of the parts of your equipment. Since they require less effort, these reels are often more comfortable, and they are designed to work well with trolls, live lining, three-ways, and jigs, like the Charter Special (Shimano), Sealine (Daiwa), and, the friend of every fisherman, the 114 and/or 113 by Penn.

There are surely a wide variety of reels on the market, so of the most popular reels include: Penn International 975 and Daiwa Sealine SLD30.