If you’re looking for a quality baitcast reel, you’ve come to the right place. Bass Pro Shops has a great selection of casting reels to choose from, as the pros can tell you. This is where they shop!

Not all baitcasters are the same, though. They vary greatly in price and performance, from brand to brand and style to style. Before you plunk your hard-earned money down for one of these reels, you’ll need to consider a few important factors.

Brand

Bass Pro Shops carries all the best-known baitcasting reel brands, with extensive selections from Shimano, Daiwa, Lew’s, Abu Garcia, and many more. Look into a professional angler’s boat, and most likely, these are the names you’ll see.

But if you follow today’s major tournament telecasts, you’ll notice that a number of top pros have made the switch to using Johnny Morris baitcast gear. This is our own brand, developed with input from the experts and designed to deliver the best performance-to-price ratio in the industry. These reels are proven winners and, we believe, the best value you’ll find!

Species

Bass and baitcast reels go together like cake and ice cream. By design, these reels simply have the strength to handle the heavier lines and lures used in bass fishing. And by the same token, baitcasters are also the reel type of choice for anglers targeting muskie, striper, catfish, and other challenging freshwater species; these reels are used extensively in saltwater as well.

Features

Do you really need all those bells and whistles? Answer that question, and you’ll be much closer to narrowing down your choices. For instance, some baitcast reel frames and sideplates are made of metal such as aluminum or magnesium, for maximum strength or to reduce the overall weight; some feature graphite construction. Some are small and compact for easy “palming,” which is important for finesse tactics, while others may have full-sized round bodies – all the better for winching in large game fish.

Similar considerations apply to various baitcaster components: the spool, gears, casting brake, bearings, drag system, handle type, etc. Our descriptions often touch on the reasons behind the differences in features, so be sure to look at several similar models before making your final choice!

What is a baitcast reel?

A baitcast reel is a device for storing, dispensing, and retrieving fishing line while in the act of fishing. Mounted atop a fishing rod and spooled with line, the reel provides the means to cast a lure or bait (hence the name) to a given spot, retrieve the lure in such a way that a fish may attack it, and bring a fighting fish to hand.

What are baitcast reels used for?

Baitcast reels are recommended when the fishing situation calls for the use of heavier line and/or extremely fast lure retrieval. Baitcasters, such as those made by Shimano, Johnny Morris, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia, are universally preferred for bass fishing and when targeting larger predators.

How do baitcast reels work?

Baitcast reels have a thumb bar that disengages the spool when pressed, allowing the spool to spin freely during the act of casting. Some baitcasters are equipped with brake systems that apply light pressure to the spool as it spins, to help with accuracy and prevent overruns. Once the cast is complete, the handle is turned to reengage the spool and begin the retrieve.

How do I choose a baitcast reel?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a baitcast reel for fishing. Things to look at include the size and type that’s best for you; baitcasters also vary in their line capacity, gear ratios, braking systems, and bearing count.

How much are baitcast reels?

Seldom will you find a baitcast reel priced under $50 these days. However, if you shop wisely you can still find a dependable baitcaster, such as our MegaCast Baitcast Reel, at that price. Depending on your needs, you can spend well over $500 for a top-of-the-line reel, such as a Shimano Antares or Daiwa Steez.

What is the best baitcast reel?

The best baitcast reel for your situation is the one that balances nicely on the rod you’ve paired it with and performs the way you expect it to. Different anglers have different expectations, so take the time to compare. You might prefer a high-performance/high value reel such as the Johnny Morris Signature Series for bass fishing, while your friend might opt for a Lew’s Custom Inshore SLP reel for saltwater use. The bottom line: there are many great reels to choose from.