I have had close to fifty questions through the ask a question page with questions about baitcasting reels referring back to comments I have made in different articles I have posted here, like the article on choosing a catfish reel.
I was scanning through all of these questions the other day trying to figure out how to address them all and decided that rather than going through them all one by one I would just go into some further detail about fishing reels for catfshing and address them all through an article, or a series of articles, and maybe a video (we’ll see).
What I am going to do is run through the different parts of a baitcasting reel and talk specifically about some of the key components and what they do. Once I get that knocked out, I am going to circle back around and cover some more details on how to use these different functions for catfishing the “proper” way, and then the “Chad Ferguson” way, which if you have not figured out by now, often varies greatly from the way you have “always been told”.
As I mentioned in the choosing a catfish reel article, I like round baitcasters, Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C3 reels to be exact but the basic functions are going to apply to most baitcasting reels regardless of what brand you use. There may be a few features missing from other models, and the parts may look slightly different but at the end of the day, the basic nuts and bolts will apply to all of them.
I am going to run through these parts explaining what they are, provide a brief description of what each one does and then when I come back with some additional articles I will go into further detail on the “proper setup” and use and then my setup and use.
Drag (often referred to as star drag)
The drag adjustment is this “star” shaped piece located between the handle and the end of the fishing reel, and perhaps one of the more if not the most important piece of equipment on the baitcast fishing reel. When the drag is turned clockwise, it tightens and when it is turned counter clockwise it loosens. This increases or decreases tension on the drag washers inside the reel which controls the reels ability to “slip” when something is pulling on your fishing line. (more on setting drag)
Spool Tensioner
This little round knob is typically located on the same side of the reel as the handle and drag and is usually round. When the spool tensioner is turned clockwise the tension increases and when it is turned counter clockwise the tension decreases. The spool tensioner controls the amount of pressure that is placed on the spool (the round part of the baitcast fishing reel that the line wraps around) and controls how much and how fast the spool is allowed to spin. Proper setting of the spool tensioner helps to prevent backlashes when casting. (more on adjusting spool tensioner)
Line Guide (Levelwind)
The fishing line runs through this part from the spool out to the fishing rod. The line guide moves back and forth as the handle is turned and spools the fishing line back onto the spool evenly and uniformly. As you cast the line guide moves back and forth as well.
Pawl (often also referred to as worm drive)
This is a long gear that runs from left to right across the reel. If you look at the bottom or back of where the line guide is located there is typically an exposed area where you can see the pawl inside a long metal tube and you can see the grooves in the pawl. This rotates and is what causes the line guide to move back and forth across the reel to spool the line on and off of the fishing reel uniformly.
Bait Clicker (often also referred to as a line alarm)
This is the switch located on the side of the reel. When the switch is pushed down it is typically in the off position and when it is pushed up it is typically in the on position. When the bait clicker is engaged it forces a small piece of metal (or sometimes plastic in more inexpensive reels) down that comes in contact with a gear. The friction of the bait clicker coming in contact with the other part causes a “clicking” noise when the spool moves in a forward or backward direction. (more on bait clickers)
These are the basic parts of a baitcast reel. Like I stated before, I will be moving on to additional topics about baitcast fishing reels for catfish covering a number of different topics like proper settings for some of these parts, some basic maintenance and other “how to” information pertaining to baitcast fishing reels. To view some information on choosing a baitcast fishing reel for catfish ready choosing a catfish fishing reel and also check out my article on suggested catfish tackle. If you are considering buying a new catfish rod and reel you should read choosing a catfish rod as well.
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great basic info for everyone. Beginners and experanced
Chad: THis is a fine piece of work and only goes to show that you are responsive to the needs of catfishermen. I am so glad that you used the photos, so I can show them to the people in my house who fish and never take care of the equipment because it is too complicated. We can now have a plan to do preventative maintenance on our reels, so we will not be afraid that a weekend of fishing with guests is ruined by failed equipment. Thank you for the excellent work.
Bob
Awesome article, Chad! So as you know, I tinker a bit with a few Abu’s from time to time. Lately, all I’ve heard is nothing but negative feedback regarding the BCX series reels. I can’t help but feel badly for fellow fisherman that go spend 60 plus dollars on these reels, only to have them break down withing a few months. I was able to take one apart and find out the root cause of the failure. Before I get into that, let me state that with the exception of this root cause, nothing on that reel should die out within a few months of normal wear and tear. The spool brake is a little flimsy, but because of its seating, it should hold up fine for a long time.
The issue with the BCX series resides in the line guide. These line guides are made of plastic. The pawl cover that holds the pawl in against the grooves of the worm gear is made of metal. The threads on the line guide become worn out fairly quickly, and this makes the pawl loose. That loose pawl will either skip or catch across that worm gear, so it creates problems with casting and retrieving. If you have a BCX reel, I wouldn’t throw it away just yet. There are two possible solutions (in theory) here: 1. Have spare line guides handy and replace them when you start to have problems. 2. Upgrade to a metal line guide.
With that said, here are the holes in my theory: I’m not sure where you can order the line guides. I haven’t been able to find a site that sells BCX parts. As far as a metal line guide goes, I don’t think one exists. Unfortunately, this is one part that can’t be retrofitted with a part from a standard Abu. The frames are designed differently, and the size of the thread is also different on the line guide. I have sent an email to Abu, both informing them of this issue and requesting some of their own solutions (I’ve tried calling their reel techs before and I get transferred to a voicemail….I’ve never had a call returned from these guys). If I hear back, I will post what they write.
I hope this offers some comfort out there to those that have previously had some heartache with the BCX series and I also hope that we can resolve the issue so that ya’ll aren’t just out 60 bucks.
Chad, if this is not the place to post this info, feel free to move or delete it. I will also be posting a simple diagram and some tips for lubing up the Abu’s.
Feel free to email me with any questions.
Steven
Sound advice. I may get with you on some details for an article!
Chad;
I am getting ready to gear up per your suggestions, for Catfishing equipment. I’m leaning toward the Abu Garcia C3′s, the 6500 in particular, because of the Bait Clicker feature. From my experience in fishing the waters of the SF Bay area for Sturgeon and Strippers, I found the Bait Clicker an important feature, for me. I have several medium and heavy Spinning reels from my surf fishing days, but the Abu Garcia will be the first Baitcaster reel that I have purchased.
I am excited about my upcoming Catfishing adventure with a fellow retiree. As soon as I break in this reel, hopefully with some nice Catfish, I’ll send you a report on how well I/it performed. We have some fairly large irrigation canals close by, so I plan to be doing a lot of practicing with the new reel before actually fishing for the real item.
Thanks for the great info you have been providing, and for the excellent web site. As always, I learn something each time I open your email.
Thanks.
Stan
Be careful fishing for strippers, they have tendency to cost a lot more than catching stripers
WHOOPS, my bad. Guess I got kinda heavy on the “P”. Sorry about that.
Stan
No worries. An extra “p” adds a whole new meaning to it though!
LOL!!!
fishing for strippers….lol.
Great article Chad. I don’t have the round baitcaster, but Ive been aiming to try one out soon. With the lakes getting ready to turnover the sooner I get one the better so I can see how much better the round one preforms over the others.
Gotta be careful throwing an extra “p” into that one. The misses gives me the “look” when that word comes up.
i am looking at starting a bait caster repair and maintenance business so could someone please find me a diagram that shows all the parts of a baitcaster including all the nuts and bolts when u r taking all the parts off
Look on the manufacturers websites and you will find schematics for all of their reels.