Line Capacity And Distance

[NavyVet]

I have read the some guys are opting for casting reels with a larger line capasity and possibly wider spools particularly for throwing crankbaits.These reels along with longer rods are used in combination to optimize casting distances when throwing crankbaits . Any thoughts or experiences as to the advantage using a large or larger line capasity casting reel to achieve this?  Any thoughts of reel models that would fit the bill for this?

[ABW]

I have read the some guys are opting for casting reels with a larger line capasity and possibly wider spools particularly for throwing crankbaits.These reels along with longer rods are used in combination to optimize casting distances when throwing crankbaits . Any thoughts or experiences as to the advantage using a large or larger line capasity casting reel to achieve this?  Any thoughts of reel models that would fit the bill for this?

You answered your own question. Larger line capacity = more line = more distance to throw

Lew's BB1 Pro comes to mind, theres plenty more

[Raul]

Get a longer rod, thinner diameter line and set your spool tension light, on the other hand, how far you plan to cast or how much distance you want to achieve ? a 50 yard cast with a crank is really going to be very hard to acomplish. A crank is not like a casting plug which can be cast a lot more.

[aavery2]

In my experience wider spools do have the potential for increasing casting distance. Line on a spool is at its largest diameter as the spool fills, this means that wider spools hold more line at its largest diameter. When you cast each rotation of the spool lets out its maximum amount of line when the spool is full, when the spool becomes less full it may take two rotation of the spool to release the same amount of line as when the spool was full. So you can see where a wider spool and its ability to hold more line at the maximum diameter will help increase casting distance.

There are other factors that come into play like spool weight and the way it is weighted. The Plueger President WLP is an inexpensive reel that has the wider spool if you are curious about trying one.

[WRB]

The older legacy reels like Garcia Abu Ambassadeur 5000 makes a good baseline for this discussion.

The 5000 is a round reel with a wide large diameter spool for a fresh water bass reel. What limits the 5000 was the level wind design added friction to line coming off the spool. The reel was made in a narrow version called 4500 series, same diameter spool, narrower frame and spool. The 4500 series cast further than the 5000. The 2500 series came out as a smaller scaled down 4500 with smaller frame and smaller diameter spool. The 2500 was a good casting reel, however not a good long distance reel due to the smaller spool.

Garcia didn't offer a low profile design casting reel until the Lew's patent expired.

Enter Shimano, they made some of the first low profile Lew's BB1 reels followed by others and bass fishing became focused on smaller lighter casting reels that continues to this day. Shimano also introduced a new design round reel about the same size as the 5000, 4500 and 2500 series reels called the Calcutta 400, 300 and 200 series with improved drags, level wind, bearings and stronger frame. Shimano Calcutta is a long distance casting reel with larger diameter spool. The Shimano low profile equal is the Curado 300 series with larger diameter spool.

Every reel can be tuned to reduce friction and improved casting distance, however with everything being equal the light weight larger diameter spools out cast for distance compared to smaller diameter and narrow width spools.

Tom

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

For distance casting a heavier spool has inertia on its side. In modern reels it's all really splitting hairs. As stated any quality reel can be setup to cast more than far enough. The real keys lie in the rod. A 7'6" or 8' moderate action that loads properly with the weight being casted is your best bet. The baits weight and profile play a roll as well and a light and supple line casts better. Last but not least, casting ability varies. A fluid stroke, release timing and thumb control all need to work together.