For any angler, baitcasting reels are a vital part of their arsenal. With the proper reel, a fisherman can catch almost anything that swims in saltwater or freshwater.
Today, there are two popular forms of reels. This includes the low-profile and round baitcaster reels. However, the most common one that people use is the low-profile baitcasting reels.
When it comes to baitcasting, a low-profile baitcaster is a comfortable tool. People were already using it before the round baitcaster was invented. It’s lightweight and portable. That is why a lot of fishermen prefer this type of baitcasting reel.
If you purchase a low-profile baitcasting reel, then you’re going to love the additional comfort that you might not get from a round baitcaster. It will provide you with a comfortable and smooth fishing experience.
What is a Low Profile Baitcast Reel?
For those who don’t know, there are a couple of forms of fishing reels. There are centerpin reels, fly reels, star drag reels, lever drag reels, low-profile baitcast reels, and much more.
The list goes on when it comes to fishing reels. However, the reel that you see the most whenever you watch any fishing shows on TV is low profile baitcast reels.
Low-profile baitcasting reels have two sides. The first one is an ergonomic gomexus handle that comfortably fits on any hand. The second one is a palm side to contour with your hand when retrieving or casting a line.
A low-profile baitcasting reel works well for fishes such as steelhead, salmon, muskie, and pike. They’re an excellent option for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Here are two high-quality quality reels that can help make your fishing experience more comfortable.
Compared to other stock handles, this single baitcasting reel is longer. This makes it ideal for capturing big fish. It also offers a comfortable grip with its ergonomic round knob. With this, you get more power with less pain!
2. Double baitcasting reel
The Gomexus double baitcasting reel is one of its kind. The knob is ergonomically shaped to provide users more grip when reeling in big fish. The flat knobs also prevent slip that you might experience with rounder knobs.
In addition to that, installing this reel is quite easy. It will take you less than 2 minutes to get rid of the old handle and install the new one.
How to Cast with a Baitcasting Low Profile Reel?
Using a low-profile baitcasting reel can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. Thus, it’s important that you know how to properly cast it first before you choose to buy one.
Step 1: Reel the Line In
First, reel in the line until your lure or bait is around 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) from the tip of your fishing rod.
However, if you’ve got a bobber or sinker added to the line, it needs to be 6-12 inches from the tip of your rod instead.
Step 2: Properly Grip The Reel
Hold the fishing rod behind the reel and make sure your thumb is laying over the spool. Keep in mind that manufacturers designed baitcasting rods almost similar to spincasting rods.
This means that you will utilize the hand that you use to cast for the hand that you’ll use to retrieve. Thus, you will have to switch hands whenever you cast if you want to hold the fishing rod behind the reel whenever you retrieve it.
Step 3: Point The Reel Handles Up by Turning The Rod
Similar to a spincasting gear, doing this will allow you to utilize your wrist whenever you cast. However, the handle for Daiwa baitcasting reel should point down if you cast using your other hand.
Step 4: Press the Release Button of the Reel Spool
Since the ‘70s, Shimano Baitcasting reels have a mechanism to release the reel spool from the handles. The purpose of this is to prevent the spool from turning when you cast. This enables longer casts.
Nowadays, almost every model features a release bar that you can find behind the spool. You can use your thumb to press this release bar whenever you lay it on the reel spool.
Step 5: Twist Your Casting Arm
If you want the curve of your arm to start approaching the correct angle, you’ve got to bend your casting arm at the elbow.
Whenever you do this, try to elevate the fishing rod until the tip goes a bit past vertical. This would provide you with the proper positioning to send out the line.
Step 6: Swing the Rod Forward
When sweeping the rod forward, you should stop moving when it reaches eye level. This is around the 10 o’clock position or around 30 degrees above horizontal.
When doing this, remove your thumb from the reel spool. Allow the weight of your lure or bait to pull off the line as you propel it toward your target.
Step 7: Use Your Thumb to Press Down the Reel Spool
Whenever your bait reaches the target, use your thumb to press down the reel spool. This will stop the line from pulling.
This method is almost the same as pressing down the button on a spincasting reel to break the line. However, if you don’t press down the reel spool as soon as possible, it will result in the spool keeping on turning after the bait hits the water.
This will lead to a “birds’ nest” or overrun. If this happens, you’ll have to straighten out the line using your gomexus power knob before you can get the lure back.
Benefits of Low-Profile Baitcast Reels
Of course, there are a couple of reasons why some fishermen prefer low-profile Daiwa Baitcasting reels over other forms of reels. Here are some of them:
- Low-profile baitcasting reels are a great choice for fishing in close quarters. The reason for this is that you don’t need a great casting distance. However, you should be able to cast very often.
Luckily, this is possible with a low-profile baitcasting reel since it’s comfortable. Thus, frequent casting isn’t a problem.
- They’re also excellent for trolling with smaller lures since they will not get tangled up behind the bigger vessel.
- They are also easy to store in your house or on your boat.
- They’re an excellent option for lighter fishing.
- They’re easy to use using a single hand if you are busy fishing on the other side of the boat.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to go on a fishing trip in the future, you might be wondering what’s the best baitcasting reel to use. Well, with the benefits mentioned above, it’s quite clear that a low-profile baitcasting reel is your best bet. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to buy now.
If you don’t know how to use it, simply follow the steps above and you’re good to go. With a little bit of practice, you can master casting using a low-profile baitcasting reel.
