Conventional vs. Bait Casting Reel-What’s the Difference

Conventional reels are very similar to bait casting models in a variety of ways, but the differences between the two are what fishermen use to pick between them when fishing freshwater or saltwater. The two are very different from spinning reels, but are nearly the same when compared against each other. Some novices wonder if it is even possible to tell the difference between them. While some can be used primarily for either application, most non-spinning reels were meant in an either/or capacity: either vertical or cast.

You should start by learning how they’re the same. Each has a spool axis that is perpendicular to the rod that it is mounted to. A spool is designed to spin when you cast or release the line. This is so the line is released smoothly, because the spool is what releases the line. On a spinning reel, the axis runs parallel to its rod, and holds the line still during your cast. The line is released in loop fashion before it even hits that first guide.

The crank handles on both convention and bait-casting reels are crank style – this allows for easy use whether you are a left-handed or right-handed fisherman.  The level-wind feature (handy on all rods) runs up the front of the spool.  The helps insure a smooth rewind of your wind and helps prevent knots and saves you the grief of hand-guiding the line.

Onshore bait-casting reels are designed to maximum performance.  A smooth release and protection against backlash are two major performance enhancing features.  Bait-casting reels designed for saltwater include models like AVET’s SX, the Calcutta (Shimano), C3 by Abu Garcia, and the Saltiga Surf (by Daiwa). Backlash can cause a serious disruption in your fishing trip – it’s caused from your bait (or lure) hitting the water and coming to a sudden stop.  What happens from here is a nightmare – your spool is spinning out of control, with no pull directing it.  This causes it to wind back over the spool and create a mess that is often easier to cut out than work out.  Ask any new angler using a bait-caster if they’ve ever had this experience, as it’s one they don’t soon forget!

The Charter Special (Shimano), Sealine (Daiwa), and, the friend of every fisherman, the 114 and/or 113 by Penn are conventional reels. These are often better suited to dragging fish in. these reels boast in-line alignment which helps ensure that while you’re reeling in the catch of the day, you’re not placing undue stress on your valuable fishing gear.  Most fishermen feel that these reels are less work and far more comfortable. They also have the added benefit of being ideal for trolling, three-ways and also for jigs.

There are surely a wide variety of reels on the market, so of the other popular Penn Reels include: Penn 975 and Penn 209.