The Best Reels for Bass Fishing
Determining the best reel for your next bass fishing trip isn’t an easy task. There’s no reel that will fit all fishers and situations. It all depend on your skill level, the kind of bass you are trying to catch, the water they are in, and your preferences. There are four types of bass-fishing reels, each with variations tailored to specific situations. To choose the best reel for you and your unique demands will take some research, like talking with a professional, and some good old-fashioned trial and error.
Spin Casting Reel
These are the best for beginning fishers and are probably the most familiar to novices. They are simple to operate. All you have to do is push a button to unlock the line when you cast it. The reel is covered, and you don’t have to worry about tangles. Some of the best spin casting reels include the Abumatic from Abu Garcia, which is known for being particularly easy to use and strong enough to handle the biggest catches. You can find other quality spin casting reels by Daiwa Reels.
Spinning Reels
This reel is similar to the spin casting reel, but the line is open faced, or uncovered. It is probably the most popular choice for fishers, so there are many brands and styles to choose from. When shopping for a spinning reel, be sure to test it out to determine that it feels right for you. It shouldn’t feel too heavy or too big. Remember, the best or most expensive reel will be useless if it doesn’t fit your needs. If it feels uncomfortable in the store, it will feel worse once you are on the water. Some companies that make quality spinning reels include Shimano, Browning, Okuma, and Pflueger.
Baitcasting Reels
While the spin casting and spinning reels are popular, the baitcasting reels are what the pros use. It is difficult to learn how to use this reel and, with so many internal parts, it is also difficult to maintain. It also has a more severe backlash than the easier to use reels. Despite these drawbacks, the baitcasting reel is stronger and more accurate than any of the others and it is common to see them being used by professionals on television fishing shows. Like the spinning reels, you should test these reels in the store to find which ones feel right for you. You want to avoid the cheapest baitcasting reels if you plan on using it more than once. The cheapest reels are only good if you plan on using it for a single weekend trip. If you want one to last several years, you will want to invest in a quality reel, like the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur.
Fly Reels
Fly reels are attractive, because you can retrieve more line with each crank. Bass fishers don’t need expensive, high-end fly reels. However, they should invest in reels that are strong enough to handle the drag of either largemouth or smallmouth bass. You also need a good enough quality reel to let out enough line without tangling. So while you don’t need a top-of-the-line fly reel, you should aim for high quality.
