Baitcasting reels are very popular. They are a great choice for fishermen who use heavy gear or fish for large fish. Often, inexperienced owners experience difficulties with their proper use, since this requires a certain period of training. But a little practice will allow you to quickly reach a professional level and begin to reap the benefits for which the device was acquired.
What is a bobbin reel?
Models of this type are distinguished by the presence of a rotating spool mounted inside a rigid frame. The button on the case releases the spool and allows it to rotate during casting, after which you can wind the line with the side handle. The best spinning reels for a bobbin reel are those with rings mounted on top and a handle made in the shape of a trigger.
The following are the most important functional features and specifications, but before that there is an overview of the best models in different categories. A variety of reel modifications are available to modern fishing enthusiasts, and each one in some cases is more suitable than others.
Best Baitcasting Reel: Shimano 200IHG Curado
This is a high-performance model, specially designed for the most comfortable fishing. It features a low-profile design and a number of high-tech solutions. Curado has everything you need for a high-end reel: a lightweight, super-rigid, all-metal steel housing, a large pinion gear and 6 double-sealed bearings.
The spool holds more than 90 meters of fluorocarbon monofilament or braided fishing line, and a gear ratio of 7.2: 1 means you can wind 75 cm in one turn. This makes the best-rated multiplier reel an ideal choice for those who like to use high-speed lures like wobblers and spinner bates.
The Shimano 200IHG Curado is strong enough to catch large fish, withstanding resistance up to 6.8 kg. However, unlike other powerful multiplier reels that can quickly tire your wrists, this model weighs 210 g, which allows you to use it for many hours.
Shimano also introduced the most advanced braking system, reducing the likelihood of tangles in the line. This is partially achieved through the use of a centrifugal brake with an external adjustment knob, which simplifies coil control and provides more stable braking force.
Curado is also equipped with X-ship technology, which is based on gear supported from both ends, and not from one, like many other models. This provides more torque, increases power, and also increases the reliability of the coil. The S3D spool deserves special mention, as it is one of the most balanced on the market and greatly facilitates long casts.
Best value for money: KastKing RXA 40-90
Kast King is renowned for offering high-quality reels at affordable prices. An example of this is the RXA model. This is a beautiful, high-performance coil with a traditional round design, the price of which is only part of the cost of analogues. RXA is suitable for use in fresh and salt water. Both side plates and reel are made of reinforced anodized aluminum, precision gears are made of brass, and the worm gear and axle are made of stainless steel.
The carbon fiber- based braking system provides 9 kg of maximum resistance, which allows you to catch the largest perch in the pond, and the line consumption indicator allows you to monitor how much it is in the water. High-strength non-slip handles guarantee a quick and decisive reaction with a sufficient degree of control necessary to catch unsuccessful fish. Finally, Kast King RXA is equipped with seven high-quality stainless steel ball bearings for superior ride comfort.
Best Choice for Sea Water: Shimano Calcutta B
Baitcasting reels are usually very durable, but models that are not intended for use in salt water will not last long if you take them with you to the beach or sea fishing on a boat. Shimano Calcutta is different from them. Made of cold-rolled aluminum housing with anti-corrosion bearings, the model will withstand the effects of salt water for many years. It not only has high strength - it is universal. Its gear ratio is 4.7: 1, which provides a winding speed of 71 cm per revolution. This is a great bait reel for trolling, bottom fishing and using live bait near the surface of the water.
Holds 280 m of 9-kg monofilament or 600 m of 22-kg braided fishing line, guaranteeing readiness for any long or deep swim of fish. Despite its robust construction, the reel is surprisingly small and weighs 516 g, making it the perfect complement for many different rods. In combination with convenient handles, it is easy to control and use, no matter how long the fisherman is on the water.
The best reel is cheaper than 6 thousand rubles: Lew's Speed Spool SSG1SH
Although it’s true that some of the best bobbin reels are also some of the most expensive, it doesn’t mean that you need to spend a lot to get a great model. For example, Lew's Speed Spool SSG1SH is of very high quality and costs less than 6 thousand rubles. It is more expensive than Chinese multiplier reels, but in contrast to them it is light and has most of the necessary things, including an all-metal construction and high-quality ball bearings.
Speed Spool is made of a monolithic aluminum frame and graphite side plates, providing durability not inferior to many expensive models. A design with 10 bearings ensures smooth operation and makes it easy to steer the bait further than before. The Speed Spool boasts an extremely fast 7.5: 1 gear ratio, which makes it an ideal baiting reel for trolling. It holds up to 137 m of monofilament with a 5.4 kg test, unlike a large number of bulky competitors, the low-profile Speed Spool weighs only 198 g, which simplifies its use for many hours. For convenience, the side plates of the coil are easily removable, providing access to internal components. The coil is available in right and left versions.
Factors to choose: what to think about?
Since anglers have different preferences regarding species, methods, and geography, a bobbin reel that is best for one may not be suitable for the other. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the choice is made taking into account personal preferences. To do this, consider the following characteristics of the coils.
Design
In their reviews of multiplier reels, most anglers highly value all-metal models, with aluminum being the most desirable material. Some manufacturers combined aluminum frames with graphite side plates to achieve an excellent combination of strength and weight.
Metal gears (particularly brass or stainless steel) are also appreciated for their durability and good performance. But regardless of the material used in a particular reel, the final product must have a solid assembly that is free from gaps that the fishing line could cling to.
Round or low profile?
Historically, multiplier fishing reels had a round shape, but as they became more popular with freshwater fishers, manufacturers began to produce low-profile models, slightly lighter and more flexible than traditional ones. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered before choosing a multiplier reel.
Round models usually have an all-metal construction, which makes them a little heavier than low-profile ones, but also more resistant to corrosion and therefore more suitable for salt water. In addition, they can usually hold a longer or thicker fishing line. This makes them the best choice for those who use heavy bait or catch large fish - salmon, pike or catfish. Fans of trolling also prefer round reels, as they are usually equipped with a fishing line unwinder.
Low profile coils are based on the same design, except that they are smaller and the side plates are elongated for greater ergonomics. This design provides almost the same power and torque as the traditional one. Low-profile reels hold less fishing line than round ones of the same size, but much more than the average inertialess. They are easier to throw and can be taken in the palm of your hand, which, according to some anglers, provides better control of the bait. As a rule, they are not suitable for large fish species, but are an excellent option for catching perch. In addition, these are good winter multiplier reels.
Bearings
Bearings provide rotation of the spool, and their number is directly proportional to the quality of the coil. Some manufacturers install up to 10 pieces in their models. However, in addition to quantity, the quality of the bearings is of great importance. And their most important component is corrosion resistance. The presence of the keywords “shielded”, “sealed” or “with two seals” indicates a higher level of protection, especially if you plan to fish in sea water. Some manufacturers even use anti-corrosion bearings.
Logger
Although you can find reels without this device, for most anglers, its presence is necessary, since it provides uniform winding of fishing line. In modern coils, the spreaders are made of titanium or ceramic. The latter option is more accessible and guarantees many years of trouble-free operation even when using the most abrasive braided fishing line. However, ceramics are more fragile and can break when dropped. Therefore, most premium manufacturers use titanium.
The brakes
The braking system is one of the most important aspects of any multiplier reel, as it reduces the tangling of the fishing line that occurs when it unwinds faster than the bait moves, or when the spool continues to spin after the bait enters the water. The braking system helps to slow down the rotation during the throw.
Multiplier coils are usually supplied with one of two main braking systems: centrifugal or magnetic. Both of them work by resisting the spool, but they do it differently. Centrifugal systems press the pins against the housing, creating friction. To adjust the resistance, it is usually necessary to remove the side plate and extend some pins on each side of the coil. The magnetic brake acts through magnets, which means there is no contact between the surfaces. It can be adjusted by turning the knob on the coil body without opening it.
Centrifugal brakes usually provide the most control during the first seconds of casting, while magnetic ones take time. Some manufacturers are experimenting with the combination of centrifugal and magnetic brakes, and also add an accurate tuning scale, but these features are more expensive.
Friction clutch
The resistance exerted by the coil determines the amount of pressure required to pull the fishing line out of it. A poorly functioning friction clutch allows the fish to go farther with insufficient resistance than there are fishing lines. Conversely, it can block the line too much, making it easy to pull it. At the same time, reliable hooking is hindered.
As a rule, 1-2 friction clutches are available. In the first case, a star-shaped disk is used, and in the second, a small round handle. The choice depends on personal preferences, but the impeller is easier to set up when fighting fish, especially with gloves or with wet hands.
A pen
Although many ignore the importance of pens, they always deserve attention when buying. Most multiplier reels use a design of two large handles mounted on opposite ends of a long transverse bracket. This solution saves space, facilitates attachment to the rod and ensures quick operation.
The size of the blades and the materials used in their production also affect productivity. Simply put, large handles made of soft, non-slip materials provide a more reliable and comfortable grip. Location is also important to consider, as many anglers prefer to use their left or right hand. Unlike inertialess coils, multiplier coils do not provide the ability to install on the right and left sides.
Rotary Disconnector
Allows you to instantly block the coil even after it is released. This is a particularly useful feature for jig fishing, as you don’t have to twist the handle when hooking. Rotary disconnectors are optional, but they provide more flexibility without causing additional problems besides a slight increase in price.
Antireverse
This function prevents the handle from rotating in the opposite direction when the fish ate the bait and floats away with the fishing line. Despite the fact that many multiplier coils are designed for salt water, they are still equipped with such mechanisms. Most low-profile models use a one-way bearing instead, which eliminates the need for anti-reverse. However, you should make sure that one or another implementation is available.