What Reels Do Pro Bass Fishermen Use?

In today’s world, many people are taking full interest in venturing out to the angling industry because this activity can be fun and relaxing. However, everyone who considers plunging into this industry should learn how to operate a spinning rod and reel that are free from causing endless headaches while backlashing.

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What reels do pro bass fishermen use? There are five kinds of reels: spinning, baitcasting, Alvey, fly, and overhead reels. When choosing, you have to understand your need, check if the situation has gotten better when selecting it, and look out for some advantages in using it.

In this article, you will learn about the things to consider when choosing reels for pro bass fishers. The difference between Spinning and Baitcast gears and their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed too.

Different Kinds Of Reel

Each reel has its uses, depending on which rod type they are most suited to. When you select an excellent reel, then ensure that you’ve understood its full concept.

Spinning Reels

The spinning reel is also known as the egg beaters and so far, the most versatile among all reels. A spinning reel uses a bail guide system, where the anglers used to fall the line freely off the spool purposely.

What also made it easier to use is how the spool doesn’t spin, so you can just pinch the line and let it fly, while being attached tightly on the spool.

Spinning reels are also more adjustable and flexible than other types of reels, as they allow the fish to bite the bait first before the angler could strike.

You must be meticulous at the features of the spinning reel, before purchasing it. You have to look at the materials the spinning reel is made from, the gear features, and the number of bearings it has for smoother fishing, even under pressure.

It would also be better when the spinning you’ve considered the spinning reel’s sizes because it will affect your fishing.

Baitcasting Reels

This type of reel is more specifically designed. However, this could be used seasonally, even if it offers a versatile function. It is well-known for tangles because of its amazing and incredible accuracy and control level.

New anglers would always prefer low-profile baitcasting reels because they’re easier to control. It would also be ideal for sports fishing, and it can carry big fishes, such as bass and bream.

When you are tensioning the knob, you have to adjust the spool with the braking systems that will either loosen or tighten the spool’s rotation.

When you’re using a different set of lines, then it would make a precise cast, as long as the spool is well-adjusted. You should also learn the braking system of baitcasting to allow you to manage your casting and prevent backlash accurately.

Overhead Reels

Overhead Reels are designed specifically for overhead rods, where the only intention is to troll below the kayak. You may easily identify an overhead reel because it usually sits on top of the rod.

Most of the anglers use this reel to feel something relaxing, as they have awesome spool control and line contact when you drop the baits underwater. The baitcasting reel is just a modernized version of a bait cast, yet both can be used as a balance for casting.

Fly Reels

Specially designed for fly rods, this reel has more traditional features than any other reels.

Yet since the development of technology, many fly reels have experienced improvement, such as using a disc-type drag system that could enhance drag adjustment and improve the consistency of drag friction.

It is also specially designed to balance the rod’s weight when casting.

Alvey Reels

This type of reel originated in Australia and has a more straightforward design than many types of reels. It is very popular in Australia, especially for land-based Anglers.

Its features include a powerful hinge that could act out like a spinning reel that makes it perfect for catching big fishes. Even in harsh weather conditions, Alvey reel is found very effective because of its small parts, which is sturdy enough to hold fishes.

How To Choose A Reel

All reels are effective depending on the angler’s capability of handling the reel. However, you must also take note of some of the reel’s features, not only it can help you catch fishes, but also can make you save more money.

Longevity

Nothing can beat a durable reel that can’t easily be daunted by any fishes. The reel’s longevity would depend on its usage on any type of water, where you’ll be testing the reel.

To add its durability, you’ll have to gently raise the reel with fresh water while giving a few drops of oil on the spool and handle. You’ll also have to avoid opening the reel casing because only professional technicians know how to handle it. 

Size

You have to determine which class you needed for a reel. As for the lightweight reels, you might need a 6 to 7 feet rod concentrating on small fishes.

The medium-weight reels have the same weight, but it focuses more on getting medium-weight snapper and barramundi. Eventually, large reels can be used in rock fishing, which can carry almost 30 kg of monofilament line.

Gear Ratio

When buying a reel, you’ll have to consider the gear ratio, especially for the baitcasting reel. There are two sets of numbers written in the reel, which would help you balance the reel to the rod. For instance, 8:3 is the gear ratio.

The first number means the number of revolutions that a spool can make while the next number can determine the rod sizes. Many believed that the higher the number indicated in the gear ratio would mean a more effective retrieval rate.

Choosing The Right Reels

Since technology has been rising, numerous improvisations and innovations have been made to produce better fishing equipment. Selecting the right reel would allow every angler to remain on top of their game, especially in the sportfishing industry.

Highly-Customizable

The first noticeable thing on any reel is the rod handle, which usually has a stronger build in a semi-closed design. Then, its mechanism on how the reel can drag that can be seen next to the reel handle.

The features and design of a reel caster are vital because it will prevent the spool from getting faster. Adjustment in the reel mechanism is also considered, so you can easily control it.

Save More Money

If you’re going to select a good reel, choose a durable one because it will save you more money. It would be useless if you’ll buy a defective yet cheaper reel because, in the long run, you will be paying more than you deserved.

For instance, the baitcasting reel is relatively expensive compared to spinning reels, which offers the most value for the money. However, baitcasting is known for being well-built and durable, that it can last for so many years before you have it replaced.

Efficiency In Freshwater And Saltwater

One of the most important things that you will have to consider is the reel’s efficiency in freshwater and saltwater. Some reels can be durable and live longer than expected, but you’ll have to consider which one will work the most both in freshwater.

If it works only in freshwater, then unfortunate things might happen, such as corrosion and losing the ability to produce power.

Easy To Handle

Not only reels can be affordable, but they have to be easier to manage, especially for newbies. A good reel should be great for wading and inshore angling and working well with smaller baits and lures.

What made it interesting to buy a great, well-built reel is the power it projects when casting. A great reel, such as the spin casting and baitcasting reels, is relatively ideal for battling powerful fishes while generating more power during casting.

Considering The Target Fish

While selecting a fishing reel, you also have to think about what kind of fish you consider targeting. Just like golf, using fishing rods and reels need proficiency to master it. When you know the combination of its uses, then your fishing lifestyle might grow successful.

Smaller Fishes

If you are concentrating on acquiring smaller fishes, then you might need 500 to 1000-size reels. Don’t choose a bigger reel, because it might not match your line size. For a 500-size reel, you can consider buying 2 to 4 pounds of monofilament or fluorocarbon.

When you go fishing using this reel, you can easily navigate through branches and bushes better. The rod size might also take around 5 to 7 feet, which is good enough for short distance casting.

As for the 1000-size reels, it’s best used for catching bass and walleyes. One of the best budgeted 1000-size reels is either Daiwa Ballistic or the Abu Garcia President. Note that Abu Garcia is a 2000-sized reel, but catching small fishes can be applicable.

Medium-Sized Fishes

When you want to get middle-sized fishes, you will have to choose 2500 to 2000-size reels, which can match the lure size and the line you’re using. Durable reels are usually made of aluminum because it’s more rigid and stronger than any reels.

One of your concerns should be the weight because it can produce power and torque.

As for the 4000 to 6000-size reel, it would be a lot heavier compared to the 2000-size reel. This kind of reel is most recommended because the bait runners disengage the spool so that it can go uninterrupted.

What’s also great in using this reel is its ability to carry bigger fishes because the spool can be easily re-engaged when you adjust the drag amount.

Bigger Fishes

Since you want a bigger fish, you should look for a bigger line that weighs 20 to 30 pounds. The appropriate size for the reel would approximately be 8000 to 10000, which is specially designed for bigger fishes in saltwater.

There will be instances that you might accidentally catch a bigger fish when you least expect it.

Ensure that the rods you selected are longer, so it will allow you to cast effectively so that you can get larger fishes. On the other hand, choose something that has a longer lifespan or can withstand unwanted abuse.

Another reel you’ll need to consider is the 14000 to 30000-size reel, which is the best option that you can buy when you are only targeting seriously big fishes.

Why Are Sizes Always Important?

The sizes can determine what kind of fishes you’re going to get. As discussed above, there have to be specific reels that could enhance your fishing skills.

For instance, when a big fish takes a bite at the bait, yet your reel is smaller, it will not stand long enough because the weight of the fish doesn’t match the reel. That’s where you’ll have to consider the gear ratio and the reel sizes.

Conclusion

If you want to be more successful in fishing, you’ll have to consider some factors too. Taking things into consideration would always give you the assurance for comfort and success.

If you want to purchase a good reel for your fishing, you could go to a local tackle shop, so you’ll also have any idea how to set them up. The internet will also help you with some basic tips on how to fish using these reels.

It would also help if you checked into some online forums, where anglers and professional technicians are exchanging ideas on how to get the reel and rods to match together.

One of the most important things you will have to ask yourself about is if you need to catch a fish. At times, you should also determine the features and advantages that a fishing reel should posses.