Ball Bearing and Baitcasters

[jwo1124]

I was watching a rerun of Bill Dance Outdoors yesterday and he spoke a little on a topic that informed me, and can probably be some good information for beginner or less experienced anglers. The topic was when to choose a casting tackle and when to opt for spinning tackle. Bill then listed several advantages the casting tackle offers; including more mechanical power therefor more power and advantage when fighting a fish, can hold heavier line, gives better control or the lure, and less fatigue on the arm and wrist when held correctly. Even Bill Dance said you still need spinning tackle, because at time you will need it, and it will be the better choice over casting gear; when smaller lures and smaller line is needed: possibly in clear water, or after a cold front when bass are sluggish and/or bright sunny days when bass' vision is enhanced by the penetrating sunlight.

Anyway, to my question, Bill then spoke about the number one concern regarding baitcasters: backlashes  >

He said that most of the causes of backlashes are inappropriate amount of line, poor casting technique, and inexpensive reels. He said that a sure fire way to help rid backlashes is to get a baitcaster with AT LEAST 3 Ball Bearings. He said it will make a world of difference when casting, meaning casting will be easier and smoother. Bill then said, if your allowance lets you, opt for a casting reel with 5 BB and you will see even more difference.

So, what # of BB do you reccommend, and does it really make a big difference? Has anyone gone from a cheap baitcaster to better quality one and seen the increase in quality while casting?

I purchased a cheap $35 Shakespeare 1 BB Conventional(rounded not low-profile)casting reel combo'd with a 7' MH lighting rod from Wal Mart to practice with, but I was told to get a better reel to practice with. I am thinking about the Bass pro shops Pro Qualifier reel, it has 6 Ball Bearings, and is low profile, and it's only $80. I think I might combo it with a BPS crankin stick, since I need one, and I'll see how much easier it is to cast with a higher quality reel than a wal mart special.

[Sam]

Excellent question.

Maybe the Reel Mechanic will put in his two cents and give us the insight on ball bearings.

I have always gone with the high end reels that have 3 or more ball bearings and have not had problems with backlashes once I was taught how to balance the bait and baitcaster.

I still get backlashes when I cast incorrectly or into a wind without being ready for the resistance. However, I wonder if the lack of backlashes is more of a result of the ball bearings than the balance and casting efforts.

Come on Reel Mechanic, please let us know.

[jwo1124]

Scrath that BPS reel off the list, I am now thinking about getting an ABU Ambassadeur C3 or C4. I actually had one of these reels when I was 12 am purchased am ABU combo from wal-mart. Not knowing how dificult baitcasters were at the time I bought this with birthday money or something. I forget what happened to it. I think after not being able to use it correctly I got rid of it. I just read about 30 reviews on Bass Pro's site, and it got almost all 5 star reviews. It only has 3 BB's though. Bought like Bill dance said, 3 is a good number of Ball Bearings, definately an upgrade from 1.

[Catt]

Professional overruns are part of the game  >

I tell customers the biggest cause of backlashes is improperly set-up reels and an uneducated thumb. I hold 7 titles in bait casting competition all were won while using a Shimano Calcutta CT100A which has only 3 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing.

Keep in mind your reel does not cast your lure, your rod does  

[jwo1124]

Speaking about baitcasters, does anyone do any saltwater fishing with baitcasters? We get a good summer run of bluefish and stripers from may-october and I do alittle saltwater fishing for them, mostly from shore(rocks, piers, any place accessible where I can stand somewhat comfortably and cast) and I was thinking about a casting set up, I've seen guys on TV using baitcasters to catch stripers, msotly from boats though. I know the main stay for saltwater shorefishing, or surf fishing is spinning tackle, but heavy spinning reels and heavy rods can tire you out if your constantly casting out 2 os. plugs for hours on end.

[links_man2]

Might want to take a look at the Garcia Black Max at Walmart and other online tackle suppliers.  It has 5 Ball Bearings (4+roller) and is $49.96 at Walmart.  Good name and would probably be able to get parts for it in contrast to many of the BPS branded reels.

[.RM.]

Ok there are only 3 BB's that affect the casting ability (free spooling) of the reel. These BB's are located 1 at the Cast Control, 1 located in the brake section of the palming plate, and then if the reel is a SF (Super Free) or a ST (Super Tune), there is a BB locate just behind the engagement T on the spool shaft, or located in the set plate (frame) of the reel, just under the pinion gear.

Baitcasting reels with bearing counts above 3, have them located in the crank assemblies (handles, crank shaft end, etc., which give the reel a little smooother feel when cranking.

[Cory20]

Am I correct in thinking that the quality of the BB's is more important than the quanity?

[.RM.]

Am I correct in thinking that the quality of the BB's is more important than the quanity?

Not only the quality of the BB's, but the maintenance of the BB's.

I a word YES!

[MickD]

Thanks Reelmech for your comments on the number of ball bearings that affect casting.  I never could understand what all those bearings were doing, and even where they all were.  May explain why my old Shimano Calcutta with 2 BB is one of the best casting reels I've ever had.

In answer to one comment, yes I've used baitcasting for salt water fish, both the old Calcutta and a newer Quantum Cabo, and for certain kinds of fishing they are far superior to spinning.  I think they are easier on the body for casting long periods, but where they really shine is bait fishing.  When you want to let out line instantly, just hitting the thumb bar is much quicker, easier, and more reliable than trying to open a bail when the fish is taking line.  When trolling sardines for barracuda the cuda often cuts the sardine in half, you miss the fish, but it comes back for the other piece if you can let line quickly enough.  And when you want to stop the fish, engaging the spool is easier and quicker than closing the bail.  For casting light stuff to bonefish, spinning is the best way, in my opinion.

For either baitcasting or spinning, the quality of the drag is a major issue.  Just about any drag will work for bass-not so for salt.

[NBR]

I am right in agreement with Reelmechanic. Any bearings more that 3 make the reel smoother but doesn't do a thing for casting. I also don't think the number of bearings do diddly for eliminating backlash. Get rid of backlash with reel set up and educating your thumb through practice.