Baitcasters are fun to use because of their high versatility. Be it freshwater or inshore saltwater fishing, catching hefty species, or using light lures, there is so much that a baitcaster offers. Let’s talk specifically about the best baitcaster for light lures. Since a majority of the baitcaster users are bass anglers, they prefer tossing lighter lures.
However, without establishing an efficient ultra light baitcaster setup, you cannot achieve desired results. That said, as you step into the market to purchase the best baitcaster for light lures, don’t forget to consider the key factors. For example, get the right reel and fishing line that will suit your requirements for light lures.
Based on the important factors to consider and personal experience, I have found six amazing products. The three top recommendations include the Shimano Metanium Low Profile Reel, Daiwa Tatula Elite, and LEW’S Fishing Tournament Pro. The key to getting maximum performance from these reels is to establish the best baitcaster combo for light lures.
5 Best Baitcaster For Light Lures
1. Shimano Metanium Low Profile Reels – Best Shimano Baitcaster For Light Lures
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 7.1:1, 8.1:1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 0.4 lbs.
This amazing Shimano reel is one of the smallest baitcasting reel flooded with advanced features including a digital I-DC5 system for the braking system. I found it extremely useful as it counts nearly 1000x times per second the most accurate spool’s braking strength. I used this reel with numerous lightweight lures weighing between 5 to 30 grams.
To set up an excellent combo, I coupled this reel with my 7’2” Megabass Levante casting rod with medium action. I was stunned to see how well the combo performed with no tangling and an amazing cast even in crosswind conditions.
Using this reel with light lures in Spiritwood Lake in North Dakota, I caught a couple of Zander, Northern Pike, and Black bass. Its expensive price tag is the only thing that can resist a user to purchase it. For a cheaper alternative to this reel, check out the Piscifun Phantom Baitcasting Reel.
Pros
- Smooth retrieve with MicroModule Gear technology
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Reduced spool vibration with S3D SPOOL
Cons
- Quite pricey
Verdict
It won’t be fair if we didn’t call the Shimano Metanium one of the best baitcaster for light lures that works in various water conditions.
2. Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcasting Reels – Best Light Tackle Baitcaster For Bass
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 6.3:1, 7.1:1, 8.1:1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 0.41 lbs.
The three different gear ratios indicate the versatility of the Daiwa Tatula Elite baitcaster. I chose the 6.3:1 variant and set it up with my 7’1” St. Croix Rods Legend Tournament Bass rod. For the line, I used 12 lbs. Daiwa J-braid line which caused some backlashes, especially during windy conditions.
I replaced it with a 20 lbs. fluoro line and the results were a lot better. It enabled me to cast my 1/2 oz. spinnerbait like a charm. Since my aim was to catch bass, I was lucky enough to reel in several largemouth bass and striped bass.
The only disheartening factor of this reel would be its expensive price tag. If you are not on a budget and want a reel with exceptionally engineered features then this one could be it. However, a high-performing low-priced alternative could be the Piscifun Phantom Baitcasting Reel.
Pros
- Smooth casting with T-Wing system
- Advanced Magforce braking system
- Superb casting distance
Cons
- Pricey
Verdict
When it comes to the best baitcaster for light tackle, Daiwa Tatula Elite comes among the excellent performers. It is loaded with top-notch features and offers tremendous results.
3. Shimano Curado DC – Best Baitcaster For Light Lures In Freshwater
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 8.5:1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 0.49 lbs.
This product is called the best baitcast reel for light lures in fresh water for all the right reasons. It utilizes superb features such as MicroModule Gear System for a buttery smooth retrieve. I paired it up with the 7’3” St. Croix Victory Rod with medium-heavy action along with a 14 lbs. mono line.
Overall, it was a well-balanced combo with phenomenal casting. This reel is designed to work with baits ranging from 0.3 to 1 oz. and I tested a couple of them within this range. Since this baitcaster handles light lures well in windy conditions, I tried spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and swimbaits.
There were no backlashes during windy conditions using these lures and I reeled in bass, trout, carp, and chinook salmon. As a new angler, you would find it hard to learn fishing on this reel due to its operational complexity. A beginner-friendly choice could be the LEW’S Fishing Tournament Pro.
Pros
- Smoothest drag
- Efficient Intelligent Digital Control braking system
- Works well in windy conditions without birds nest issues
Cons
- Complicated to learn for newbies
Verdict
Shimano never disappoints and rightly so, this model offers everything that one would expect from a high-end light lure baitcaster reel.
4. LEW’S Fishing Tournament Pro – Best Priced Baitcaster For Light Lures
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 6.8:1
- Max Drag: 20 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: Left Hand
- Weight: 0.4 lbs.
Featuring a one-piece aluminum frame design, the reel not only looks premium but works that way too. I got this reel as a gift from my friend and being a picky user, I was highly satisfied with this one. For a solid combo, I picked my 6’ Ugly Stik GX2 to pair with this reel. For the line, I chose 12 lbs. monofilament.
Along with the super smooth and silent retrieve, I also enjoyed the longer casting distance without any issue. One of my favorite light lures with this pair was the weightless Senko. The 20 lbs. max drag allowed me to reel in medium-sized bass, perch, and panfish.
While using it in saltwater, I observed that the mechanical parts started to jam. That’s when I decided to lube the reel thoroughly. However, I’d try to not use it in saltwater again to keep it from damage.
Pros
- The braking system prevents backlashes
- Great value for money
- Durable
Cons
- Might not work well in saltwater
Verdict
When looking for the best baitcaster for light weight lures, nothing beats a product that does the job right and doesn’t cost a fortune just like this model from Lew’s.
5. Piscifun Phantom Baitcasting Reel – Best Budget Baitcaster
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
- Max Drag: 17 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Weight: 0.35 lbs.
A baitcaster that comes with incredible power and a low price? Sounds like a dream. To test out whether it lives up to Piscifun’s name or not, I chose the right-handed reel. As I held it for the first time, it was extremely light in weight and still felt premium.
For the combo, I used the 7’ Lew’s Laser fast action rod with medium-heavy power. Additionally, I used the 12 lbs. Yo-Zuri Hybrid fluorocarbon line. I loved how impressively the reel cast my 1/2 oz. lure just like a higher-end baitcaster.
It allowed me to catch Bass, small Sturgeon, Northern Pike, Catfish, and Speckled trout. This reel is quite easy to operate except for the fact that you can’t adjust the centrifugal brake without removing the cover.
Pros
- Featherweight
- Comfortable EVA handles
- Dual braking system avoids backlashes
Cons
- Adjusting the centrifugal brake is a bit tricky
Verdict
If you are looking for the best light lure baitcaster that comes under your budget, look no further than the amazing Piscifun Phantom reel.
More Baitcasting Guides
Buying Guide – Best Baitcaster For Light Lures
Choosing the best baitcaster for light lures has different points of consideration as compared to a regular baitcaster. Here are what you must look for.
1. Reel
Of course, every angler wants to get the best baitcaster for light lures. But, knowing which one is right for you is foremost. If you plan on using light lures with a reel, look for one that has a smaller spool size. Such baitcasters don’t require a lot of force to cast the lure and hence result in effortless yet amazing casting.
2. Rod
A lot of anglers, especially novices, overlook the right rod and end up with an unfit combo. For an excellent performance, you don’t only need the right reel but the best baitcaster setup for light lures. Typically, rods with medium to heavy power and fast action do the job perfectly with lighter lures.
This is because the flexible end tip of a rod helps with the proper spool rotation, resulting in minimum to no backlash and better casting. If you opt for a stiff rod, the spool speed is likely to be affected which can cause poor casting and spool overrun.
3. Fishing Line
A good performance with lighter lures also depends on the type of fishing line you are using. Usually, lighter lines are best recommended for lighter lures. Since mono and fluoro lines are less susceptible to knots as compared to a braided line, these will work amazingly with your baitcaster. A 6 lbs. mono or fluoro fishing line could be ideal for light lures.
FAQs
1. What is the best baitcaster for light lures?
You can find a variety of options in the market but the best baitcaster for light lures as per my experience is the Shimano Metanium Low Profile Reel. It boasts highly advanced features such as MicroModule Gear, S3D Spool, X-Spin, and more.
2. Can you cast light lures with a baitcaster?
Yes, casting light lures with a baitcaster is possible. The lure must not be more than 1 oz. in weight.
3. How to set up baitcaster for light lures?
The foremost thing is to set up an ultralight baitcaster combo that offers great performance with light lures. Generally, there should be nearly 8 to 10 inches distance between the rod tip and the lure for best results.
Conclusion
Regardless of the type of fishing you prefer, getting the best baitcaster for light lures comes with multiple key considerations. You can’t simply pick any reel and call it your best product until you rig it up with a compatible baitcasting rod and the right fishing line.
We hope that this guide helped you in finding the best baitcaster for light lures. If you are still confused, check out my top recommendation i.e., Shimano Metanium Low Profile Reel. This lightweight reel pairs with several rods and work tremendously. It utilizes several advanced features to provide the kind of performance every angler expects.
