I cut my teeth on a spincast reel. The spincast reel is closed face, resulting in trouble free casting. They are so trouble free, in fact, that I've often wondered why anyone would use anything else.

Then I got my first baitcasting reel.

I did not do this not knowing the consequences. I knew they were difficult to master, but I had a hunch they were worth learning. After all, how many pros do you see using closed face reels?

The great thing about a baitcasting reel is the ability to cast a country mile. Additionally, when you get that heavy weight fish on the line, this reel gives you plenty of confidence to 'play' the fish. No need to muscle it in, just set the drag so that the fish can pull some line out when it runs, and you will have the time of your life...

I knew that the quality of the rod was an important factor in 'feeling' the fish and the terrain, but I never imagined that a reel could be just as sensitive and just as important in feeling what's going on in the invisible underworld of the prey.

Even more so, when you get the fish on, you can feel its every play. I guess one reason why I notice this, and why I like the baitcasting reel so much, is because I like to cup my hand over the reel and even dangle my finger on the outgoing line a bit to feel what's going on.

There is more than one type of baitcasting reel; round and flat. The one I am going to discuss is flat. I'm sure you can apply any of these tips to the round one. I'm not prejudice against round, but like I said, I like to cup the reel so that I can feel every detail.

The problem with baitcasting reels is backlash, or, bird's nest. This is a nightmare when you are first learning to use a baitcasting reel. I repeat, it's a nightmare. It can easily resemble Phyllis Diller's hair-do.

This is because of what makes the reel so great; virtually nothing stopping the line from coming off of the reel. The down side is, when it comes off, it comes off like nobody's business.

The secret, or rather one of the many secrets, is thumb control. You control the output of the line with your thumb. Don't worry, if you are determined to use this fine piece of equipment, you will eventually get a feel for it. That is, providing you don't throw it in the garbage first.

In fact, if you are used to using another reel, don't go fishing without it until you have the baitcaster mastered. Take it even when you do have it mastered because even the pros backlash, and if it happens when the shad are jumping and the bass are swirling, well, again, your new baitcasting reel will probably end up in the garbage. Or the lake. Broken. Into pieces. Very small pieces. And on fire. And still in a bird's nest. An eternal bird's nest. Just remember, I warned you. Which brings up another thought, don't mortgage the house to buy your first baitcasting reel.

One more thing, you may not want to use a baitcasting reel when casting into heavy wind. It will backlash for even the most experienced angler. There are brakes and other features to help alleviate this, but I would recommend a spinning reel in these conditions (or closed face).

Baitcasting reels are good for most, if not all, types of fishing. I use mine with crankbaits, spinners, plastics, top waters, or whatever. I use it for bass and I love it for catfish because it is so strong.

I say, it is the ultimate reel and worth learning how to use. For more information and tips on how to use this wonderful reel, see Baitcasting Reels - Worth Learning, Pt. 2