As with most fishing gear available on the market, baitcasting reels come in a dizzying array of options, quality, and components. There are several simple characteristics, however, that can be easily learned by the novice, and which will aid tremendously in correctly choosing a good baitcasting reel. The most important characteristics to pay attention to are body material and construction, bearing material and construction, and the turn ratio of the crank.
There is a general impression that baitcasting reels are for more advanced fisherman, but that is not necessarily the case anymore. Many of the reels available on the market today are of such high quality that even a novice fisherman can easily master the techniques and uses of a baitcasting reel. For more information, visit Fishing Reels Guide (see resource box below).
The body of a baitcasting reel is normally made of one of two types of material: aluminum or graphite. Graphite reels are lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, which makes these reels particularly useful in a saltwater fishing environment due to the high salinity of the water. Graphite is, however not quite as strong or durable as...