While many anglers look for the key factors of a baitcasting reel such as gear ratio, drag, braking system, etc., the first timers tend to overlook the baitcaster reel sizes. Imagine carefully considering all the important factors except for the reel size and getting an undesired performance. Frustrating enough, right?
Well, choosing the sizes is not a tricky task unless you don’t know the purpose of different size baitcast reels. In simple words, baitcaster reel sizes account for some common specifications in a particular reel. For example, weight, max drag, line capacity, and retrieve rate.
Remember, the factors are not fixed and vary from reel to reel and manufacturer to manufacturer. As an experienced fisher, I have tried multiple best baitcasting reel sizes. Based on personal experience and research, below are discussed the various reel sizes and their best use.
What Size Should The Reel Be On A Baitcaster Rod? – Baitcaster Size Explained
As mentioned earlier, baitcast reel sizes are not consistent in different reels since every other manufacturer adds a different range of specifications. The best baitcaster reel sizes depend on your desired fishing techniques and requirements.
Look for the specifications offered by the particular size and reel according to your requirements. Choose the one that comes with everything you need for the most amazing fishing experience.
Baitcasting Reel Size Chart:
After detailed research, I have compiled the baitcasting reel size chart. You can have a better idea of the average standard factors that come with different sizes.
| Baitcaster Reel Sizes | Weight(lbs.) | Max Drag(lbs.) | 12 lbs. Line Capacity(yds.) | Retrieve Rate(Inches Per Turn) | Best Application |
| 50 | 0.31 to 0.4 | 7 to 10 | 60 to 75 | 23 to 29 | Ultralight bass and trout fishing |
| 70 | 0.34 to 0.43 | 7 to 15 | 80 to 100 | 23 to 32 | Finesse bass fishing |
| 100 | 0.37 to 0.46 | 12 to 20 | 110 to 130 | 26 to 34 | Bass fishing |
| 200 | 0.46 to 0.59 | 16 to 25 | 150 to 220 | 26 to 36 | Heavy bass fishing |
| 300 | 0.5 to 0.68 | 22 to 33 | 230 to 270 | 26 to 36 | Inshore saltwater fishing e.g., black drum, snook, redfish, etc. |
| 400 | 0.62 to 0.75 | 28 to 37 | 290 to 340 | 26 to 38 | Inshore saltwater fishing e.g., black drum, snook, redfish, etc. |
Remember, all the figures mentioned in the chart above are based on the estimation of the standard. While you will see variations in these specifications from brand to brand, there won’t be a huge difference. For instance, the Shimano Curado 300 baitcaster comes with 12/230 lbs./yds. line capacity. Whereas, the Daiwa Tatula TWS 300 features 12/260 lbs./yds. line capacity.
However, as a general rule, baitcaster size and line capacity go hand in hand for the overall performance. That said, the smallest baitcaster sizes are used for lighter fishing purposes and the largest size is best suited for heavy applications.
Here is a breakdown of the common baitcaster reel sizes along with the noteworthy details.
Smallest Baitcaster Sizes (50 And 70)
These two are the smallest sizes available in baitcaster reels and very few brands roll out such reels. Speaking of the 50 size baitcaster, it is commonly used for light fishing applications such as catching small bass or lake trout in ponds or streams.
Example: Shimano Aldebaran Mgl Reel
On the other hand, the 70 size reels are also used for light applications however, slightly heavier than the 50 size baitcasters. Because of a better line capacity, 70 size reels have the capability to cast at longer distances with better accuracy.
Applications
Bass anglers especially newer ones highly prefer 70 size baitcaster because of fewer complications. Moreover, these reels work perfectly with lighter lures and catch small-sized bass without any inconvenience.
Currently, the top choice for size 50 baitcaster in the market is the Shimano Aldebaran MGL. Additionally, the perfect 70 size reel is the Daiwa Steez CT SV. For light and finesse bass fishing, casters generally opt for spinning reels however, if you plan on sticking to the baitcasters, choose the size 70 for a remarkable experience.
100 Size Baitcaster
When it comes to the best baitcasting reel size for all-around performance, most anglers pick the 100 size reels. Since a majority of the baitcaster users are bass fishers, they love the wide applications of a 100 sized reel. Whether you are pitching or flipping jigs, these reels would do the job superbly.
Applications
These baitcasters enable casters to perform most of the bass fishing techniques with a variety of lures. For example, you can catch small to medium-sized bass using swimbaits, spinner baits, Carolina rigs, and Texas rigs.
You can also spool in a heavier line whether braided or mono and the baitcaster would still work amazingly. Almost every top brand rolls out 100 size reels which you can choose as per your preference. However, the top choice according to my experience includes the KastKing Speed Demon.
So, if you plan to reel in a couple of smallmouth and largemouth bass using a lightweight reel, those with 100 size are ideal. This will offer you a decent line capacity to manage the common casting distance that every bass fishers want.
Are you worrying about running out of line while bass fishing? Well, you shouldn’t be. Small to medium-sized basses aren’t that hard to fight since they don’t pull lots of line hence, you can easily catch them.
150 Size Baitcaster
This marks a perfect size between a 100 and 200 size reel. Unfortunately, very few manufacturers have launched such models. For anglers that prefer slightly more power than a 100 size baitcaster and not as much as a 200 sized reel, this one is an ideal choice.
Applications
If you wish to cast moderately heavier lures using stronger lines, these reels are magnificent. Bass anglers usually fish heavier lines closer to the cover and 150 size baitcasters perform tremendously in such situations. The top recommendations for 150 size baitcasting reels could the models be from Shimano and Daiwa Tatula.
200 Size Baitcaster
As you move higher with the sizes, you will get many more professional application opportunities. The baitcasting reel size 200 can manage 150 to 220 yds. of the 12 lbs. mono line. Whereas, some fishers prefer a stronger braided line with 200 size baitcaster. Luckily, these reels are compatible with up to 85 lbs. braided line.
Applications
The good thing about these baitcasters apart from larger line capacity is better casting distance. These reels would work perfectly for anglers who opt for fishing lures like topwater frogs. You can get impeccable casting distances with marvelous accuracy.
The longer casting distance of these reels does not generally come in handy for bass fishing as much as they do for catching other larger-sized species. So, for a bumped-up casting range that can easily fight off any potential barrier between you and your target, choose a 200 size baitcaster.
According to my experience, the best baitcaster currently of this size is none other than the KastKing Royale Legend II.
300 Size Baitcaster
Offering much larger line capacity, power, and great performance, the baitcast reel size 300 is highly efficient for heavier fishing techniques. Professional fishers love playing with challenging species and hence opt for larger-size reels.
Applications
The 300 size reels are engineered to perform with superiority for inshore and deep water fishing. These reels offer incredible torque and power which helps you fight against hefty fish without adding too much effort.
Because of the greater line capacity and overall power, you can easily cast heavy jigging lures, large swimbaits, and even trolling deep diving baits. These impressive reels are highly suitable for mighty muskies, redfish, striped bass, snook, and more.
Most of the 300 size baitcasters are designed to work in fresh as well as saltwater without any inconvenience. Some top choices include KastKing Kapstan Elite and Piscifun Alijoz Baitcasting Reel.
400 Size Baitcaster
When the baitcaster reel sizes reach up to 400, these are known as the biggest ones. Typically, manufacturers use premium-grade materials to craft these models. Therefore, such reels are designed exclusively for saltwater fishing. To prevent rusting and deterioration of mechanical components, the 400 size baitcasters consist of corrosion-resistant and shielded ball bearings.
Applications
The most appropriate application of these reels is saltwater inshore fishing as these can handle strong currents of water. You will get an impeccable line capacity with this reel which results in enormous casting distances.
Whether you want to cast bigger swimbaits at Dorado or catch a bluefish while surf fishing, hunt gigantic species near a reef, or spillways, the 400 size reels would work in all situations. Experienced casters love using these reels and catching big game fish without any trouble.
If you are wondering about the best 400 size baitcasters, I would suggest the PENN Fathom and PENN Squall reels. Being one of the most potent low-profile baitcasters, these result in an exceptional performance.
Low-profile Vs Round Baitcaster Sizes
Since baitcasters come in two profiles i.e., low and round, it is essential to determine whether the reel sizes here have a different meaning or not. But before that, let’s understand the purpose of both.
Low-profile baitcasters are designed for light fishing techniques and offer great casting accuracy. These are extremely comfortable because of their lightweight and can fit the palms of every user.
Contrarily, the round profile reels are significantly chunkier than the low-profile baitcasters and hence, not as comfortable as them. On the positive side, these reels have larger line holding capacity and more power. That said, anglers usually prefer round profiles for heavier fishing.
Speaking of the baitcaster reel sizes, the low-profile models range from 50 to 400 sizes. Whereas, the round-profile models are available in sizes ranging from 1000 to over 12,000. Since the numbers get extremely high for round profile baitcasters, some brands label a 1000 size reel as 10.
Regardless of the type of baitcaster you use, the higher you go with the size, the more powerful it becomes. So, make sure to be extremely careful while not only choosing the right baitcaster reel sizes but types as well.
Related Guides
FAQs
What size baitcaster reel for bass is good?
The best baitcaster reel sizes for bass can be from 70 to 200. Where 70 size reel is the smallest one that offers small casting distances. It is perfect for catching small bass in nearby lakes or ponds.
Similarly, as you go up with the sizes i.e., 100, 150, and 200, the applications become much heavier. The bigger the size, the better will be the line capacity, max drag, and casting distances. Furthermore, bigger baitcaster reel sizes make it easier to reel in larger bass without any issues.
Which one is better among the 100 vs 200 size baitcaster?
Both baitcaster reel sizes are ideal in their way. A 100 size reel is primarily used for lighter fishing techniques including small to medium-sized bass fishing. On the other hand, 200 size reel is perfect for slightly bigger fishes. That said, it all comes down to your desired fishing technique and personal preference.
What size line for baitcasting reel should be used?
Baitcasting reels can work with a variety of lines however, the standard size is 20 lbs. test line. However, you should choose the size of a line according to the size of your reel. Bigger-sized reels work best with heavier lines to provide greater power.
Conclusion
Understanding the baitcaster reel sizes is quite interesting. It is as simple as bigger the size, heavier fishing applications can be done. But, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind before you pick any size.
Take your time in carefully understanding how different baitcaster reel sizes work. Make sure to check what a particular reel is designed for and if it will fulfill your different types of fishing needs. Some anglers perform light and heavy fishing so, look for a reel that can manage both. The best choice could be a 150 to 200 size baitcaster.
However, if you are a sole deepwater or large species fisher, invest in the reel that has ample power. Generally, 300 to 400 size baitcasters will help you pull out hefty fish without causing any inconvenience.
