Bass fishing encompasses many things, from lures and rods to bait and tackle and everything in between. We can’t just focus on the basics when we want to fish big and catch big. To call ourselves bass anglers, we need to know a bit more and a great place to start is with our best reels and line selections.
Which is the Best Reel and Line for Your Excursion? We will help you figure that out.
Choosing our Reels and Lines
Bass fishing can be very diverse depending on the environment or species you are after. This will help determine what size line or reel you need.
We can’t tackle the mighty Florida Largemouth bass with a two-thousand series reel and six-pound test and expect to land a ten-pound bass. Nor can you fish for smaller-sized bass with a four-thousand series reel and thirty-pound line. In short, choosing the correct size reel to match your rod is key when angling for our Black Bass.
Reels
Let’s discuss the two specific reel types: the typical spinning reel and the loftier, less common baitcasting reel. What are the differences, and why does it matter?
In general, the spinning reel is more commonly used for a few reasons; one, it’s usually cheaper, it’s easier to use, and it’s more diverse in different situations.
If you are a novice fisherman and want to fish for bass, pick yourself up a 2500 series spinning reel to match the appropriate rod. This will ensure you a diverse reel that will be somewhat appropriate in all bass environments and fish sizes.
These reels are primarily for low vegetation areas that don’t require a super heavy line. However, casting shorter distances in more open waters, 2500 to a 3000 series spinning reel is perfect. A decent size line will help you hook up with your target fish and get it into the boat with little to no issues.
If you are casting long distances or using heavy lures and lines, you will need to be using a nice baitcasting reel. This helps around the heavy vegetation as well.
The reels are meant for heavier jobs like pulling a largemouth out of a Lilypad forest or out from under a submerged log. They can handle the repeated abuse of casting heavy swimbait long distances downstream. They are strong enough to take on the pulling of heavy crankbait through the ever-present vegetation.
To ensure you choose the best reel, the first place you should look will be on your rod. It will tell you everything you need to know from your lure size, power of the rod, its action style, suggested line weight, and your lure size.
Now, these are the guidelines set by the company that will ensure your rod is working at its best.
What does this have to do with reel selection? This information will tell you if you have the correct reel option for this pole to ensure you are angling with the proper setup. In short, you don’t want a very – fast action rod paired with a four-thousand series reel because this pair doesn’t make sense.
Check out our Top Ten Reels page for more information on reel selection.
Line Types
There are three main types of lines used for bass fishing; while all of them will do the job, they all have their place while angling for bass.
Monofilament
This type of line is an individual nylon fiber line that is simple and easy to use. This line is excellent for novice fishermen and won’t cost too much either. This line is easy to cast and won’t cause you many problems while releasing.
This line floats well, and many anglers choose this option for lures such as topwater. Keep in mind that this line does have some stretch to it. The diameter of the line will directly reflect the poundage of the line, so the heavier the weight, the faster your reel is going to fill up.
Braided
This line is better for the more experienced fisherman who is more in tune with their gear. It has no stretch to it which can make it more difficult. This line is very effective in heavily vegetative areas as it is visible to the fish. Its coarse feel can be helpful when cutting through grass and lily pads. It is also very castable and thin.
This line works well on a baitcasting reel as well. Always know your setup going into your outing.
Fluorocarbon
At the top of the list is a fluorocarbon line. It has a little stretch to it but is still very strong.
This line reflects light at the same rate as the water, making it almost impossible for fish to see. It is not recommended for topwater lures as this line does sink after being cast.
You have a lot of decisions to make when bass fishing. Finding the best line and reel is very important. Always remember your setting before you embark on your trip. There are plenty of options to choose from and if you have any questions let us know.