The novice fisherman might not understand the difference between a conventional and a bait-casting reel and wonder why they appear to be similar but seem to have two different uses. While some can be used for vertical fishing (from a boat) or for casting (from the shore) there are some significant differences that are important to your success fishing.

Before we discuss differences let’s talk about similarities. The axis on the spool on both types of reels is perpendicular to the rod and they spin when you cast or let out your line. They are aligned in this manner to allow smooth casting. If you’ve looked at spinning reels, you’ll find they are parallel to the rod – holding the line in place until cast.

Bait casting and conventional reels each have a crank handle on the side of their reel, and these can be customized for right or left-hand use. Both also have a level-wind feature, which is a moving guide that runs up the front of the reel. As the line is released or reeled in, the guide traverses the spool, ensuring that the line is wound evenly instead of allowing it to gather on one side or the other of your spool.

We now design onshore bait casting reels to keep their peak casting performance, indicating a smooth release of the line and protection against backlash. Many reel manufacturers utilize centrifugal brakes or magnets to help steer clear of backlash. Backlash takes place when the bait or lure smacks the water’s surface, slowing down to a quick stop. The wildly spinning spool no longer has the line’s pull to direct it down the guides, so it winds itself back over the spool. Many fishermen know this as a bird’s nest, and it is very common among anglers new to bait casters. Bait casting reels designed for saltwater typically used include models like AVET’s SX, the Calcutta (Shimano), C3 by Abu Garcia, and the Saltiga Surf (by Daiwa).

Conventional reels are more suitable for dragging fish toward your boat efficiently. The in-line alignment of this reel makes sure that all of the stress of reeling in big fish is on the fish instead of the parts of your equipment. Since they require less effort, these reels are often more comfortable, and they are designed to work well with trolls, live lining, three-ways, and jigs, like the Charter Special (Shimano), Sealine (Daiwa), and, the friend of every fisherman, the 114 and/or 113 by Penn.

There are surely a wide variety of reels on the market, so of the most popular reels include: Penn International 975 and Daiwa SLD30.