We started fishing with a spincast rig and we mastered the spinning reel, but we will encounter situations that demand a baitcasting rig. A baitcasting reel has an open face. The spool rotates ...

Last week we talked about fishing rod tips, today we're going to talk about fishing reels. The first decision you need to make is: do you want to go with a baitcaster reel or a spinning reel? Each ...

Every angler needs a rod and reel, but knowing what to get can be daunting. Sporting goods stores have vast selections of rods and reels. There are baitcasting reels bearing a dizzying array of ...

Today’s baitcasting reels bear a passing resemblance to the first one I bought in 1983 as a tween, but in terms of performance there’s little comparison. Today’s reels are lighter, are more durable, ...

A level wind baitcasting rod and reel combination is a valuable tool for most freshwater fishing and many light tackle saltwater applications. They provide a direct connection to a lure or bait, and ...

When I first started fishing in the 1980s, baitcasting reels were mysterious and a little bit daunting. The old-timers told us tales of monstrous “bird’s nests” and “backlashes,” which they euphemized ...

Spincast reels—also known as “push button” or “closed face” reels—get a bad rap. That’s largely the result of the fact that, unlike most “serious” tackle like spinning reels or baitcasting reels, many ...

A baitcasting reel may not be the first choice for beginners, but virtually every enthusiastic angler should own at least one. They are better than spinning reels at distance casting, and many can ...