Rods & Reels

  Typical Reels for Bass Fishing


  1.     Spinning (Open face)
  2.     Bait Casting (level wind)
  3.     Spin Casting (Closed Face Spinning or “Push Button”)



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1. Spinning (open face)

  • Best for casting Light baits
  • Best for skipping baits (Great for getting under overhanging bushes, trees and docks)
  • Less line tangle than bait cast just about none against the wind
  • Open water Longer casts but not as accurate as bait cast reel
  • Moderate cost

  1. Spinning (open face)

  • Relatively easy to learn how to cast
  • Best for casting light baits
  • Best for skipping baits (great for getting under overhanging bushes. trees and docks)
  • Less line tangle in reel than bait cast
  • Open water longer casts but not as accurate as bait cast reel
  • Moderate cost

 2. Bait Casting (Also called "level wind" reel)

  • Most difficult to learn how to cast (especially on windy days)
  • Can use stronger line
  • Power for heavy cover and…Access to bigger fish
  • Can use heavier (larger) lures
  • More accurate in “tight areas”
  • Best clutch (drag) system
  • Most costly


3. Spin Cast ( Also Called "Closed Face Spinning" or “Push Button”)

  • Easy to learn how to cast - Least line tangle problems
  • Susceptible to sand and dirt damage
  • Not as good as spinning for light lures
  • Not good for heavy cover and heavy lures
  • Poorest reel drag system
  • Last reel type of choice for Bass Fishing
  • Least costly



Reels-Are You Getting Your First Bass Reel?

  • If your just getting started you don’t have to spend too much
  • Start with a spinning reel 
  • Can get entry level reel for $30-$50
  • Can get entry level combo (rod & reel) for $60-$80
  • Take care of them or they won’t last long

           - Don't lay them down in sand or soil

              - Try not to expose them to heavy rain for long periods of time and oil them if you do

Reels-Cost, Quality, Capacity

  • Cost Range $20-$500 
  • Generally the more ball bearings the better the reel
  • Spinning

            –A Good Quality Shimano or Pflueger will be $90 & up

            –Look for a reel that holds 140-190 yards of 10 lb test monofilament

  • Bait casting

            – Pflueger at $150 or Abu Garcia at $100 and up

            – Look for a reel that holds about 200 yards of 12 lb test monofilament 

  • Line:  Fill spinning and bait casing reels with braided line (see  Fluorocarbon Leader Recommendation When Attaching to Braided Line  under "Other" for line weight and advantages/disadvantages) 


Spinning Reel Line Problems

Houston we have a problem !!

  • Spinning Reel & line twist:

            – Watch for line loops on spool…causes line to “Spool Off” or “bird’s nest”

            - Bird's nests happen:

                   < Most with Monofilament line

                         < A little less with fluorocarbon line

                   < Least with braided line

            – Keep slight tension on line while reeling in if you can

            – Don’t keep reeling if clutch is slipping. That increases twists and causes "Spool off"

            – Fill spool per manufacturer's recommendations             

 When it come to Line foul ups there will be good days & bad !!

Bait Casting Reel Line Problems

  • Fill reel spool per manufacturer's recommendations         
  • Watch for loops on spool while retrieving
  • Keep slight tension on line when possible
  • Adjust “reel spool control knob” (see .......for control knob adjustments)
  • Don’t “over cast” (try to Cast too far) or you will get a “Backlash”, Also called a “birds nest” or ”professional over run” 
  • “Picking out” spool to clear backlash (see... for how to remove backlash

When it come to backlashes there will be good days & bad !!

Rods

Rod Types:      Note bigger first Eye on spinning rod

  • Spinning



  • Bait Case (Trigger)


Rod Length: Power, Lure weight, Line

  • 6ft or 7ft:   If your a beginner or about 5 ft tall go with a 6ft rod.  As you gain experience go to a 7ft rod.
  • Fast tip and strong backbone (no buggy whip rods; see description of buggy whip rods under "Rod - Cost" below)
  • Medium for Spinning

              -Lure weight: 1/4 to 5/8 oz

              -Line size: 6 to 12 lbs

  • Medium heavy for Bait cast

             - Lure weight: 3/8 to 1 oz

             - Line size: 10 to 20 lbs 


Rods - Cost

  • St Croix Premier or Lamiglas (good Mid price range rods)
  • 7ft medium Spinning
  • 7ft Medium heavy Bait Cast Trigger

Each above Rod about $100 but other manufactures for $40-$80.  If you don’t’ want to spend that much make sure the rod has a fast tip (starts bend about 2ft from the rod tip) and strong "backbone" (does not bend to handle).   Avoid buggy whip rods1 (highly flexible and bend somewhat uniformly from rod tip to handle butt).