Discover whether a baitcast or spinning reel is better for your bass fishing style. Learn the pros and cons of each, tips for beginners, and expert advice on reel selection.

A baitcasting reel, on the other hand, sits atop your rod and flush with the reel seat. A spinning reel’s spool stays in a fixed position and allows line to flow out by opening a bail. On a ...

Last week we talked about fishing rod tips, today we're going to talk about fishing reels. The first decision you need to make is: do you want to go with a baitcaster reel or a spinning reel? Each ...

Today, even mid-priced reels are better than the state-of-the-art models from when I started and the best baitcasting reels—from Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Lew’s, and Shimano—are works of art.

A level wind baitcasting rod and reel combination is a valuable tool for most freshwater fishing and many light tackle saltwater applications. They provide a direct connection to a lure or bait, and ...

Baitcasting reels have either centrifugal braking (a friction-based system) or magnetic braking. The angler sets both. The former is cheaper; the latter is smoother and may be more precise.

For comparison, baitcast reels usually start around 6:1, and some models are even reaching as fast as 10:1 now. Just to clarify, this isn’t really a power issue but more of a speed issue.