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The baitcaster is made up of several key components. Each of these components performs a task that allows the baitcaster to cast your line quickly!
Let’s move on to look at them in closer detail, exploring what they do!
Spool
First up, we have the spool, a vital part of the reel. The spool is where the fishing line is held and stored and is typically housed inside the reel frame. Usually, the spool can open in the middle too.
One feature that sets a baitcasting reel spool apart is that it rotates when you turn the handle, which puts the spool line onto the reel, allowing you to retrieve your lure.
Here, the spool works differently from spinning reels where a bail arm wraps the line around a non-rotating spool. If you are ever unsure about the reel you have, looking at the spool and how it works is a great way to tell them apart.
When it comes to your baitcasting reel, mastering its spool rotation is essential. Failing to do so can leave you with all sorts of problems that will ruin your fishing trip! When you cast a baitcasting reel, the weight of the lure will cause your spool to rotate, unwinding the line during the cast.
But if the spool rotates too quickly, even as the lure slows down and hits the water, it can cause backlash and birds’ nests!
These leave you with a severely tangled line that can take ages to rectify. Don’t worry; we have some tips on how you can control spool rotation coming up below! The best way to avoid backlash, though, is to ensure that your spool is spooled correctly.
If you aren’t sure how to do this, there are plenty of online tutorials you can follow, or be sure to ask an experienced angler for some assistance.
Reel Foot
Next, we have the reel foot, which sits on the reel, attaching it to the rod. If you have a low-profile baitcaster, the foot will be recessed with the reel body sitting at the top of the rod and not sticking out.
This design makes the reel more ergonomic and is easier to handle during longer fishing periods.
The baitcaster reel sits on top of the rod facing you (the angler) during the cast. This is different from spinning reels and another great way to tell the reels apart.
Check the reel foot is tightly fastened to the reel socket or reel seat before you start fishing to prevent any disasters!
Star Drag
It sits next to the handle and is a star-shaped knob. You can usually find it between the handle and the reel body in a very convenient place!
You can adjust your drag pressure easily when needed, coming in handy when fighting a strong fish!
Be mindful of setting your drag system correctly, though. If it is set too loose, the fish will pull the line off your reel quite easily, which can be an issue if you try to steer them away from cover.
Alternatively, if the drag is set too tight, a strong fish could break the line! You must learn how to use and adjust the drag pressure when needed.
If you need assistance, there are plenty of tutorials online that you can watch or seek the help of more experienced anglers.
Braking System
Your braking system is an essential component to master. It works to help slow down spool rotation when casting and avoid backlash, so be sure to master your braking system when you get your baitcaster!
With your baitcaster, there are two types of brake systems: centrifugal and magnetic. Most models will come with both braking systems, but older models might only have one or the other.
Both the centrifugal and magnetic brakes will help slow down spool rotation in the initial part of your cast, helping to avoid backlash. So how do you adjust them?
For centrifugal brakes, you will have to remove the side panel of the reel, and it’s best to do this before you start fishing!
For the beginners in the room, it’s best to set the centrifugal brakes to maximum. Most baitcasters will come with six centrifugal brakes. Set all of these to maximum by sliding all six into their active position and see how that works. You can always adjust it if need be.
For those with magnetic brakes, you can usually adjust these externally. There is normally a dial on the side of the frame for you to use, and it’s usually on the opposite side to the handle, but be sure to check on your reel if you are unsure.
You can also use the user manual that came with your baitcasting line to find out more about the parts and how to adjust them.
We recommend turning the dial halfway for beginners in the room and testing how that works with your magnetic brakes. From there, you can adjust if need be to find the right speed for you.
Spool Tension Knob
Another way to adjust the speed of your spool rotation is with the tension knob. This round knob can be found on the same side as your reel handle and works to slow down the spool rotation toward the end of the cast.
You can expect to use this when the lure is about to hit the water and works to stop pulling the line off the spool.
So what does it do? The spool tensioner works to adjust the spool rotation speed. Start with your brakes first and then move on to the tensioner for best results. When it comes to your spool tension, you will need to adjust it every time you change a lure.
This is because every lure has a different weight that will perform differently depending on the tension. As soon as you change your lure, adjust the tension for the best results!
Line Guide
Your line guide helps spool the line onto the baitcaster spool evenly, and it moves back and forth from one end of the spool to the other as you turn the handle.
You will want to thread your line through the line guide before you thread it through the guides of your baitcasting rod.
Thumb Bar
The thumb bar or clutch releases the line when you cast your lure. When you press the thumb bar down, it puts the reel into the free rotation, disengaging the gears from the spool.
Now, this can get a little tricky, as you need to press the thumb bar at the precise moment when you want to release the line during the casting process.
Thankfully, it positions your thumb very close to the spool, so you can slow down the spool rotation manually when casting if needed!
Gear System
Your gear system is housed inside the reel body and works to translate the rotation of the handle to the spool.
We have some more information about your gear system and the all-important gear ratio coming up, so be sure to stick around to find out more!
Reel Handle
The reel handle on a baitcaster is different from those on a spinning reel and has two knobs instead of one. These knobs are generally made from EVA foam or hard plastic. Usually, the handle is large compared to the size of the reel body.
Baitcasters tend to be built for highly ergonomic handling and comfort of use, especially low-profile baitcasters. They also tend to be lightweight reels, making them ideal for longer fishing periods.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, the parts of a baitcaster reel and what they do!
They can seem a little tricky at first, but once you understand how the parts work, it will become easier, and you will choose the best reel for you!