Barb Catch Fishing

Whether you are a bank fisherman or boat fisherman, you need to be able to cast very far. Baitcasters can be a bit tricky to cast far. 

Spinning reels let the fishing line fly off of the reel completely free and unrestricted. 

But baitcasters have to unravel and unspool the line as you cast it. So having the right baitcaster that can do this properly is paramount. 

What is the Best Baitcaster for Casting Distance?

These 4 reels all cast extremely far. Each reel sits in a different price range so I am certain that one of these is for you. 

My personal favorite is the Abu Garcia baitcaster, but that could be because I am a bit bias towards Abu Garcia products.

1. Shimano Metanium 100XG

Price: $330

Metanium DC offers anglers the lightweight and versatile performance of Metanium, now with Shimano’s flagship DC braking technology. 

With the ability to fine tune the DC braking system to best match line type and conditions, paramount casting distances can be achieved.

With an 8.5 : 1 gear ratio, can be retrieved very quickly which compliments its long casting distance.

I-DC5 Braking allows anglers to select their line type on the inside of the reel, as well as an external dial to select brake force.

  • CI4+ frame and sideplate
  • MGL spool
  • Rated for use with braid, mono, and fluorocarbon fishing lines
  • Cold forged aluminum drag star
  • Cast control dial
  • Recessed reel foot
  • Micro module gearing
  • SilentTune
  • SVS Infinity brake system
  • X-Ship

2. Shimano SLX DC

Price: $199.99

Built on the same compact, rigid and versatile platform as the popular SLX baitcasting reel, the addition of Shimano’s unique DC Braking technology has won the SLX DC the title of “Best Freshwater Reel” at the ICAST 2019. 

SLX DC shows no compromise when it comes to delivering excellent casting performance which is achieveable by any angler.

  • I-DC4 Braking – Intelligent Digital Control braking features an easy to use 4 setting external dial that can be easily adjusted on the water to provide optimal braking as conditions and lures change. This braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance.
  • Hagane Body – A reel body with high rigidity, which virtually eliminates body flexing due to it?s stiffness and impact resistance. The result? An angler?s actions are more efficiently transformed into cranking power. It?s efficiency through strength.
  • Super Free Spool – SFS was designed to eliminate friction on the spool shaft during the cast. The pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing, which keeps the gear in perfect alignment with the spool shaft to eliminate friction for longer casts and smoother operation.
  • Shimano Stable Spool Design (S3D) – S3D Technology utilizes a balanced and uniform thin wall aluminum spool to significantly reduce spool vibration and increase smoothness when casting and retrieving.

 

3. Abu Garcia Revo SX

Price: $149.99

Redesigned from the ground up, the 5th generation of Revo low profile reels have been designed to provide best-in-class precision, power, and performance. 

The Revo SX features our X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame and asymetrical body design to provide the ultimate balance in weight, strength, and ergonomics. 

With our D2 Gear design and up to 25lbs of Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag, the Revo SX has the torque and power you need in a workhorse reel. 

The EXD Concept design allows anglers to maximize their casting performance while our IVCB-6 braking system gives anglers ultimate control with nearly limitless braking options.

  • 9 stainless steel ball bearings +1 roller bearing
  • X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame
  • EXD concept design
  • Asymmetrical body design
  • C6 Carbon sideplates
  • IVCB-6 braking system
  • Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System
  • 90mm bowed aluminum handle with oversized knobs
  • Duragear Gen II gear system

4. Lew's Speed Spool

Price: $89.99

The original Lew’s Speed Spool set the bar for performance in the affordable class of reels. However, the new and improved Speed Spool LFS just destroyed that bar with a sledge hammer. Featuring a new frame design to fit your hand with ease, high-strength solid brass Speed Gears and a P2 Super Pinion gear for smoother operation and extended gear life, the Speed Spool LFS just received a heavy-duty upgrade at the same great price.
  • 10 Bearing System with stainless steel double shielded ball bearings
  • Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing
  • One-piece aluminum frame
  • Graphite sideplates
  • Anodized aluminum U-shape 34mm spool
  • Externally adjustable Magnetic Control System

How Far is a Good Cast with a Baitcaster?

A “good cast” will depend on the lure and line you are using, but if you can cast 30-40 yards that you are in the clear.

How to Cast Farther with a Baitcaster

To cast farther, you need to tune you baitcasting reel properly.

Tuning a baitcaster reel is an important skill for anglers, as it helps improve casting accuracy and reduce backlash (bird’s nests). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tune a baitcaster reel:

  1. Understand the Components: Before you start tuning, it’s essential to understand the key components of a baitcaster reel:

    • Spool Tension Knob: Controls the tension on the spool.

    • Brakes: Most baitcastering reels have either centrifugal or magnetic brakes, which help control the spool’s rotation during the cast.

    • Drag Adjustment: Sets the resistance for the reel’s handle rotation.

  2. Set Up Your Fishing Gear:

    • Attach your reel to a compatible fishing rod.

    • Thread your fishing line through the guides and onto the reel’s spool.

    • Ensure you have the appropriate lure or bait attached to your line.

  3. Adjust the Spool Tension:

    • Start by releasing the spool tension knob until the lure starts to drop slowly when the rod is held horizontally.

    • Gradually tighten the spool tension knob until the bait just barely stops falling when you release the spool’s thumb bar (the release button or lever).

  4. Set the Brake System:

    • Depending on your baitcaster reel, you’ll have centrifugal or magnetic brakes (or a combination of both).

    • Centrifugal Brakes: Open the side plate and locate the centrifugal brake adjustment dial. Engage the brakes by turning the dial to a higher setting if you’re new to baitcasters or if you’re casting in windy conditions. Reduce the brakes as you become more skilled.

    • Magnetic Brakes: Open the side plate and locate the magnetic brake adjustment dial. Increase the magnetic braking force for beginners and reduce it as you gain proficiency.

  5. Fine-Tune the Brakes:

    • Go to an open area where you can practice casting.

    • Make a few test casts and observe how the line behaves during the cast.

    • If you experience backlash (a bird’s nest) during your cast, increase the spool tension and/or brake settings. If the lure doesn’t cast far enough, decrease these settings.

  6. Practice and Adjust as Needed:

    • Cast repeatedly to get a feel for your baitcaster.

    • Make small adjustments to the spool tension and brake settings until you achieve your desired casting distance and control.

  7. Fine-Tune for Different Lures:

    • Note that different lures and bait weights may require adjustments to the spool tension and brake settings. Heavier lures typically require less braking force, while lighter lures may need more.

Reeling this In

Being able to make long casts greatly increases fishing success. 

Sometimes, baitcasting reels can make it tricky, but these 4 reels above are the best baitcasters for casting distance. 

Try out whichever reel is within your budget and catches your eye.