The Best Bass Fishing Reels

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Ever wonder what the best bass fishing reel to use is?

Bass Fishing Reels are very complex but choosing the right reel for YOU may be the most important decision that you make before hitting the water. All of the equipment that you need to catch and land big fish is important but the Bass Fishing Reel may be the most important piece of the puzzle. I believe that a fisherman should spend the greatest amount of money on their fishing reel. It is true that many big bass have been caught using cheap discount store reels but I would bet that a great many more have been lost because of these same reels. I would and always have recommended that a person spend as much money as they are comfortable with and get the right reel.


The first thing to consider when picking a bass fishing reel is to figure out what you will be doing with it. If you will be using small baits then a small reel that can be spooled with lighter line may be what you need. If you are planning to throw a big lure with heavy line, then you will need a bigger reel.


Simple, right?

SPINCASTING REELS

An easy to use great reel for kids or beginners...

Many fishermen learn to fish with a spincast reel. These are easy to use push button reels that work great for kids and beginner fishermen. Some of the best are made by Daiwa Reels, they are time tested are very user friendly. Check out the complete Daiwa Reel Line Up here!

I also like one particular Abu Garcia Reel . The Abumatic reels are affordable and strong. These fishing reels are very easy to use but still tough enough to handle the biggest bass. They are the perfect choice for the beginner. Just remember that you should pick the reel based on the hand that will be using it. If the reel is uncomfortable and clumsy it may turn the beginner off to fishing and that would completely defeat the purpose of sharing this great sport! I started both my family out with the spincast reels and they have now mastered them and moved onto spinning reels.

GREAT DEALS ON REELS

Find an excellent deal on your next reel...

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SPINNING REELS

The Old Standard in Bass Fishing...

The next step after you have mastered the spincasting reel is to move up to the spinning reel or open face reel as many people know them. When it comes to spinning reels I like the Shimano reels, Pflueger reels and Okuma reels. There are many to pick from and these three companies cover all the bases. They have affordable bass fishing reels all the way up to the top of the line bass fishing reels and they are available in any size to match the user. The Browning reel company also offers some great choices for an affordable but tough reel. To find out more about the Browning Fishing Reels, Click Here!

Once again, it is important to pick a reel that matches the user. If it doesn't feel right, find one that does!

Some of things that I look for when picking a spinning reel are the feel, the gear ratio (which I will explain below) and how many bearings are built into the reel. The more bearings in a reel, the smoother and stronger it will be.

The first thing that I do is take the reel I am looking at to buy and spin it with the handle. I just give it a couple spins and let it go around. Does the reel spin freely? Does the reel seem to make weird noises? Make sure you have the reel you are going to buy and not the display model, the displays are well used and normally not a good representation of a new one fresh from the box.

After a reel passes the first test I hold it to see how the weight and balance feels in my hand. Is it too heavy? Is it too big?

Once a reel passes these tests, it is time to take a look at the line size and capacity. Always make sure that the reel is the right size for the line you intend to use. If you spool too heavy of line on a reel it will not hold enough and it will become hard to use. It is amazing how much better a reel with the correct line spooled on it will cast. Not only will it cast further but it will also be more accurate.

SOME VERY NICE SPINNING REELS

Try one of these high quality reels...

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BAITCASTING REELS

The Best Bass Fishing Reels...

While the spincast and spinning reels have their place in your arsenal, it is the baitcaster that leads the pack in Bass Fishing Reels. Have you ever noticed the pros on your favorite fishing show? Sure, they may use a spinning reel every now and again but 9 times out of 10 they are using a baitcasting outfit. And for good reason!

Once you learn to use a baitcaster you are opening the door to the many different techniques that are used in targeting the big ones. Flipping and pitching can be done using spinning equipment but it is far more accurate with a baitcaster.

I use the same criteria when picking a baitcaster as I do with any other bass fishing reel. Look, feel and capacity are all major factors. I am a big fan of the Quantum Reels. They offer a huge variety with many different gear ratios.

The gear ratio plays a big part in the effectiveness of a baitcaster. If it takes a large amount of work to throw your favorite crankbait all day or if your jig swims way too quickly and zips right by that trophy, you need to adjust your gear ratio.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST BASS FISHING REELS

Try the best and you will be hooked...

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GEAR RATIOS

Bass fishing reel gear ratios explained...

I have mentioned "Gear Ratio" several times. The reason is that it makes a big difference in your bass fishing reels. You need to match your ratio with your application.

The gear ratio is simply the measure of a reels retrieval speed or the number of times the spool spins for one complete turn of the handle.

So if the ratio of your favorite spinning reel is 5.2:1, that means that the spool spins 5.2 times for each complete turn of the handle. The higher the ratio, the more line that is picked up with each crank of the handle.

Don't be afraid to shop around. Play with as many bass fishing reels as you need to and make sure you find the right reel for you. Do not let any sales person talk you into something that won't work for you.

It may seem great to have the newest and most expensive reel so you can brag about it to your fishing buddies. Just remember, a reel should fit you and your application. A good fit is a good tool!

THE BEST BASS FISHING INFO

More great bass fishing info...

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A SMALL SAMPLE OF THE GREAT BILL DANCE

What a guy...

Bill Dance A True American Hero
by joonyc | video info

963 ratings | 517,405 views
curated content from YouTube

LEARN FROM ONE OF THE MASTERS

Bill Dance is one of the orginal BassMasters...

Watch and learn as Bill Dance takes you through step by step of how to catch more and bigger bass!!

Bass Fishing Training - Learn to Bass Fish

WHAT TYPE OF REEL DO YOU USE?

Let me know what type of reel you use...

  • bassrumors Jan 26, 2012 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    I have to say Shimano has been my favorite but members of BassRumors Bass Fishing Forum have really got me looking at the Abu.
  • Makavile Feb 16, 2011 @ 8:26 am | delete
    thanks to you now i have a collection to choose from .. great informative lens and some great bass fishing tips.
  • Jewelsofawe Nov 22, 2009 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    I don't fish, but if I ever do go I will keep this lens in mind.
  • BevsPaper Nov 22, 2009 @ 11:09 am | delete
    Looks like some very good recommendations for the best bass fishing reels.
  • mysticmama Nov 1, 2009 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    I'm a spinning reel gal!
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