What makes a finesse reel?

[stk44]

I've heard many people describe the Revo MGX as a finesse LP reel but not an all-purpose reel. What exactly makes the MGX a finesse-only reel or any reel a finesse reel? 

I like my MGX on my Dobyns 705 because I can use it for medium to heavy jigs, Carolina rigs, t-rigs, while also throwing hollow body frogs long-distance. 

[kickerfish1]

A true finesse casting reel will start with a true BFS spool. To compliment the spool one will usual find a small compact frame, a reel that is light in weight, and has bearings that help with spool startup such as the Hedgehog air BFS bearings. The appropriate rod and and line diameter should accompany the reel as well.

[Master Bait'r]

What makes a finesse reel?

 

A bail that flips over the top of the spool  

 

[stk44]

You got me lol. I meant to put "what makes a LP finesse reel"

[rippin-lips]

Most reels that are built with finesse in mind have a light and shallow spool. Since what you are casting might only weigh 1/8oz you don't need much line. They usually only hold a fair amount of 4-8lb test.  The lack of line helps keep the overall weight of the spool down. A light spool paired with good bearings allows for easy startup when throwing light baits. The rod plays a very large role in it all. Perhaps a bit more than the reel does. 

[John G]

A BFS Spool is the starting point for a finesse reel. 

[stk44]

Would there be any downsides to using a reel like this for heavier baits? By this I mean would it be damaging or add extra stress on the bearings, gears, etc? 

[new2BC4bass]

29 minutes ago, stk44 said:

Would there be any downsides to using a reel like this for heavier baits? By this I mean would it be damaging or add extra stress on the bearings, gears, etc? 

It would seem not for the MGX.  http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabumgxshs.html

 

[rippin-lips]

Only downside is you can't hold a lot of line. That's pretty much it. 

[cottny27]

Anything below a 1/4th oz I just pick up my spinning reel. Serious question: when did baitcasters become popular with finesse fisherman?  Seems like more hassle than it's worth.  Can you get a cast out there more than 10yds? Are their reels that can cast down to a 1/16th oz?  My finesse setup has 10# test to throw weightless flukes and other plastics. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It's an enthusiast/ tackle junkie thing. As an overall percentage of the fishing public BFS is small, but the ones serious about it tend to be willing to open their wallets. 

[stk44]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

It would seem not for the MGX.  http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabumgxshs.html

 

Thanks for the article. That's pretty sweet they used it in the Amazon.

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, cottny27 said:

Anything below a 1/4th oz I just pick up my spinning reel. Serious question: when did baitcasters become popular with finesse fisherman?  Seems like more hassle than it's worth.  Can you get a cast out there more than 10yds? Are their reels that can cast down to a 1/16th oz?  My finesse setup has 10# test to throw weightless flukes and other plastics. 

It is like DVT said, "It's an enthusiast/ tackle junkie thing."  I know I can do it much easier with a spinning outfit....It is what I grew up with...BUT I really like using a baitcast reel best.

To answer your question...ABSOLUTELY.  I'm nowhere near the caster most of these guys are, but I can cast a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap at least 3 times that disatance on several of my rods with several different reels.  A PXL Type R is a recent addition.  A 1/8 oz. spinnerbait will give the same distance with this reel.  Next year I will be practicing with even less in an attempt to get lower so I can approach what many guys are already capable of.

I can't answer that positively because I personally can't..........yet.  However, the gentleman I bought my TD-Z 105H / Fenwick HMG 7' ML from said he could with that combo.  I've read of less from a few.

If you don't want to go below 1/8 oz. then you needn't break the bank on a reel.  My older gold colored Carbonlites are 2 reels that handle 3/16 oz. just fine.  I feel they probably could do 1/8 oz. in the right hands...which aren't mine right now.  Mine are in excellent condition and were $60.  Find a used Prolite and 1/16 oz. should be doable.  Some day I would like to try 3/16 oz. or less with my 1600C round reel.  It handles a small fluke on a 3/0 hook with ease....and will do it in a pretty strong wind.  Less than $35.  A TD-Z 105H in decent shape should run around the $150/$155 mark.  Or you could spend much more on a true finesse reel.

[cottny27]

I'm with you. I don't even bring spinning gear with me when I fish anymore.  A fluke on a weightless hook is not a problem. 1/8th I don't think I could do.  

[Tim S.]

I have a T3 MX with a DIY Air spool in it. On a Majorcraft Volkey 682L BFS rod and 15/4 Spiderwire Invisibraid spooled on, I can cast a # 5 shallow Shad Rap a solid 25-30 yds. I get down to the last few layers of line left on the spool on a good cast and it's a blast when a 4 lb. freight train whacks that crank. Just for grins and giggles, I tied on a 1/16 oz. crappie jig and was able to cast a fishable distance with pretty good accuracy. But at that weight, I prefer a spinning set-up for a little more distance.

 

[papajoe222]

I've been using a Daiwa Sol for years for all kinds of finesse presentations, from weightless worms to crappie cranks.  Prior to that I used an old Pro Caster.  The rod used has so much more to do with it than the reel.

[Molay1292]

21 minutes ago, papajoe222 said:

I've been using a Daiwa Sol for years for all kinds of finesse presentations, from weightless worms to crappie cranks.  Prior to that I used an old Pro Caster.  The rod used has so much more to do with it than the reel.

So what rod are you using?

[Jaheff]

I've been using the Phenix recon2 7'1'' ML 1/8-1/2, and have been happy with it at the price point and not ordering from Japan. Another cheaper model i've been eyeballing is Abu Volatile 6'9'' ML rated 1/16-3/8, it's just kinda ugly. 

[IAY]

15 hours ago, cottny27 said:

Anything below a 1/4th oz I just pick up my spinning reel. Serious question: when did baitcasters become popular with finesse fisherman?  Seems like more hassle than it's worth.  Can you get a cast out there more than 10yds? Are their reels that can cast down to a 1/16th oz?  My finesse setup has 10# test to throw weightless flukes and other plastics. 

Bait finesse is a cover technique. You can use heavier fluorocarbon like 10 to 12 pound lines without management issues, and still go down to 3.5-1.8 gram lures. You can also put tighter drag with baitcaster to yank out the fish from cover, and disengage the spool to fight them when they are on the run, giving you more flexibility than spinning reels. I can cast 20-25 meters consistently  for 3.5 gram lure and 15-20 meters with 1.7 gram lure with my upgraded spool. If you want to use ultra light lures, spool is FAR more important than the rod, its simply not going to turn unless it is really light.