round or flat baitcasting reel?

[The Meat Fisher]

I'm in the market for a baitcasting reel but cannot decide whether to go with a flat or round reel, what are the pros and cons of each type of reel? Before my previous rod and reel broke I was using a quantum-bill dance select series spinning rod of medium-heavy size; I used this rod for just about every type of fishing including saltwater to bream fishing. My point is what kind of baitcaster will work for everything i used my previous rod and reel for? Or should I just ditch the idea all together and buy a superior spinning rod?

[cassidyta]

For most of my fishing, I prefer the low profile reels. They feel more comfortable to me and most importantly they weigh less than the round bodied reels with the same line capacity. The only exception to this for me is with my swimbait reel. I use a Shimano Calcutta that is round and damn heavy. I don't know why, but I have more confidence in this reel when I am throwing 3 oz. lures.


As far as what type will work for everything, I would say that a low profile will work fine. You will only run into an issue when you try to throw light weight baits.

[Bubba_Bruiser]

I'm with Cass on this TMF. I primarly use the low profiles for all my fishing except for heavy T & C rigging. The round just seems to put the bait out a little further for me. But I have small hands and they tend to start cramping with the round reels. It's pretty much all in feel though brother. I am like Cass though, the Calcutta feels like it weighs a ton next to my Curados.

[BassinID]

The only advantages of round bodied reels that I know of are that they uaually have a stronger drag, a stronger frame and more line capacity. That being said I only use round reels for salmon and steelhead. Low pro reels are now very strong, have great line capacity for their size, and are much more comfortable for their size. They also cast small baits much further. I would suggest a low pro reel unless you are mostly casting swimbaits or chasing salmon, steelhead, or pike/musky.

[MrPhotographer06]

i'd go with the low profile reel.

i love my uncles 5500C, from the ghetto ages, but it takes some getting used to with the button on the rim of the round part.i've always had a thing for it, but it is kind of bulky. I'll eventually get one, but i'm like you, i want one for everything. I'd go low profile if i were you.

[bamabassman]

try the revos or any garcia reel. they are my favorite, lol.

[The Meat Fisher]

I should note I cast a lot of really lightweight lures and baits.

[cassidyta]

Since you mentioned the part of really light weight (blue gill baits). I would say stick with a spinning reel. I have thrown my lightest lures on my revo and while it can cast, you will run into some backlash issues.
Plus you will lose distance when you do. I usually carry 5-6 rigs with me at a time and keep one spinning reel in the bunch just for the very light baits.

[bamabassman]

ditto to cass on dis one pal. i bought 2 spinning reels JUST for light weight lures.only to lose them to the wifey,hahahaha. saving up for 2 more. maybe she'll let me keep these? sssssssshhhhhhhhhh, don't tell her ok? lmao.

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by cassidyta

Since you mentioned the part of really light weight (blue gill baits). I would say stick with a spinning reel. I have thrown my lightest lures on my revo and while it can cast, you will run into some backlash issues.
Plus you will lose distance when you do. I usually carry 5-6 rigs with me at a time and keep one spinning reel in the bunch just for the very light baits.

x2. Since you mentioned tossing light weights, spinning be the better ticket. Light weights combined with stronger winds you will probably face in the salt are not a good mix for most casting reels. Pixy and Chronarch Mg are out of the equation too.

[Bassboss]

hmm. Ya bro, these guys are right. Since you throw light weight stuff a lot than I would go with a spinning reel, they can cast a weightless trick worm or a shaky head FAR further than any bait caster could, round or low pro. I guess I might help you save up some for the prez.






Might

[BigBassin144]

The Pflueger President is a great real with an even better price tag. I've heard all good things about it.

BB

[cassidyta]

Originally Posted by Bubba_Bruiser

But I have small hands and they tend to start crapping with the round reels.

I don't care what size your hands are, if they start crapping, go see a doc ASAP!

[Bubba_Bruiser]

Noted and edited. Thanks Cass.

[Bassboss]

Originally Posted by cassidyta

I don't care what size your hands are, if they start crapping, go see a doc ASAP!

lol! Bubba... I thought that was MY job!! hahaha

[The Meat Fisher]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

The Pflueger President is a great real with an even better price tag. I've heard all good things about it.

That's the exact same reel I've had my eye on.

[BassinID]

The higher end baitcasters like the curado e or the skeet reese revo will throw a light lure really well, but for a decent price tag, try to throw weightless and lightly weighted plastics, including shaky heads and drop-shot on a spinning reel. I usually throw those three on spinning gear and everything else on a baitcaster.

[BigBassin144]

BID, personally I wouldn't pay over 200 bucks for another Skeet Reese Revo. I'd much sooner buy an STX. I have to say, correctly tuned, my Daiwa viento will throw weightless plastics (and not just senko's) fairly well.

I'll throw very small cranks (under 1/4 oz normally) on a spinning reel as well as shakey head, dropshot, tubes, grubs, most weightless plastics, and small spinnerbaits.

BB