Fishing is a hobby many people enjoy, and having the correct equipment is essential. Fishing with a swimbait is a great idea to lure more fish and to succeed in your tournaments. However, many don’t know the correct size bait caster for fishing with swimbaits.
The size of the bait caster you need for a swimbait depends on your target species. For example, smaller swimbaits use a low-profile baitcasting reel with an excellent gear ratio of 6.4:1 to 7.1:1. In comparison, heavier swimbaits use a bait caster with a smaller gear ratio of 5.4:1 to 6.4:1.
Swimbaits are some of the most excellent methods to attract more fish. They look alive in the water, and when you pair them with a superb bait caster, you will have an unstoppable fishing rod on your next fishing trip.
What Size Baitcaster To Use When Fishing With Swimbaits
When you want to use a bait caster with swimbaits, the size of the caster will significantly impact your overall fishing experience. When the swimbaits and the size of the reel match, you can improve your casting distance and accuracy during your fishing season.
A low-profile baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of 6.4:1 to 7.1:1 might be the better option for smaller swimbaits you can use in finesse fishing. These reels are often smaller and lighter, making them more comfortable to operate for extended periods.
You will need a larger, more durable baitcasting reel to use more sizeable swimbaits, especially those weighing 3 ounces or more. Consider a reel with a lower gear ratio in the 5.4:1 to 6.4:1 range. A lower gear ratio produces more torque, which is useful when retrieving larger and heavier baits.
Furthermore, ensure that the baitcasting reel has enough line capacity to handle the heavier lines commonly used with larger swimbaits. A larger line capacity reel will help you to spool up with heavier braided or fluorocarbon lines, giving you the strength you need to handle large fish.
You can determine the size of the baitcasting reel by personal desire and the fishing conditions. Different reel sizes and gear ratios will help you discover the most comfortable and effective combination for your swimbait fishing style and species type.
Best Reels To Use With Swimbaits
A 300-400 inch size reel will best fit your demands regarding reels. You find some of the smaller glides and soft swimbaits in materials like plastic. A 200-size reel will suffice, but larger reels will better hold your heavier-pound test lines. However, you might need extra equipment or a better fishing reel when you fish with swimbaits. Here are some of the best reels you can use with swimbaits:
Daiwa Tatula 300
The Daiwa Tatula 300 reel is excellent for oversized baits, which will work in your favor when you use heavy swimbaits. The reel holds plenty of line, which will help you throw long casts with plenty of different crankbaits, swimbaits, and umbrella rigs.
The gear ratio is around 6.3:1, and the reel has a T-Wing system with an aluminum frame, meaning it is durable. The reel also features a 43mm aluminum deep spool and a 110mm heavy cranking power handle. However, you might find that this reel is a little expensive, and many anglers prefer to fish with a cheaper reel.
Shimano Tranx 300 & 400
The Shimano Tranx 300 and 400 is an excellent reel for any fishing style and target species. While this reel might be more expensive than any others, it will be worth the price when you see the results it gives you. Overall, the Shimano brand is renowned and durable. This reel has a gear ratio of 5.8:1. You can use it in freshwater or coastal waters.
Okuma Citrix 364 Series
The Okuma Citrix 364 Series casting reel is perfect for budget fishing with swimbaits. All the internals on this reel are made from stainless steel; thus, it has resistance against fresh and saltwater. In addition, the control system can adjust externally, making it easy to make quick changes on the fly. The Okuma reel has a gear ratio of 6.4:1 and features a multi-disc carbonite drag system.
Best Swimbaits To Use When Fishing
You can use many types of swimbaits for different fishing styles and to target other species. While some might work for most anglers, you will likely find the same swimbait insufficient for your fishing style. Here are some of the best swimbaits you can use:
The Original Bull Shad Is A Fantastic Starter Swimbait
The Original Bull Shad swimbait is one that everyone needs in their tackle box. This swimbait is excellent for anglers who casually fish or compete every season. The Bull Shad is versatile, meaning you can throw it slowly or fast. You can also twitch and pause during the cast or steady it.
This swimbait is 6 inches long and weighs about 2.3 ounces. You can use the swimbait in clear water murky waters with grass or debris without problem. In addition, you can also target a wide range of fish with swimbaits like this one.
The Soft Huddleston Deluxe – Wedge Tail
The Huddleston Deluxe Wedge Tails swimbait is said to have more double-digit fish baits than any other soft-bodied swimbait. However, many anglers say they wouldn’t choose this bait to cover water. Instead, it would be best if you used it to dissect an area with plenty of big fish.
This swimbait is about 8 inches in length and weighs 4.8 ounces. You can choose from more than 8 colors when you buy some. The Huddleston swimbait had a wedge tail that gave off a more realistic action in the water and thus lured more fish.
The Treble Hooked Rigged Megabass Mag Draft Swimbait
The Megabass Mag Draft Swimbait has a treble hook on the body, which means less work for you. This swimbait has a hook on the belly area and is held in place by a magnet system. These swimbaits have proven to be highly successful in many tournaments. You can find these swimbaits in over 15 colors and in 3 different lengths. They come in 6, 8, and 10 inches, meaning you can fish almost every species and water condition with them.
The Hollow Basstrix Paddle Tail Swimbait
The Basstrix Paddle Tail swimbait is versatile and hollow, perfect for many fish species. These baits come in lengths ranging between 5 and 7 inches, and you can choose a swimbait in 18 colors. You can use these swimbaits for many purposes, including as a trailer on a chatter bait.
Most anglers use it in intimidating cover where you would have difficulty bringing swimbaits through with larger hooks on them. The top of shallow water, mouths of creeks, and grassy areas are great places to use these swimbaits since they are smooth and narrow.
Conclusion
The size of the bait caster you have to use for fishing with a swimbait depends on the fish species and water condition you fish in. For a heavier swimbait, you will have to use a baitcaster with a ratio of 5.4:1 to 6.4:1. A smaller swimbait will work great on a baitcaster of 6.4:1 to 7.1:1.
Frank was born in Zimbabwe and developed a love for the outdoors in this wild African country. His interest in fishing began fishing for various bass species in the waters surrounding his hometown.
After moving to South Africa, his fishing interests broadened to include surf angling, and fishing for bass, perch, carp, catfish and others in the many fishing spots around the country. Trout fishing in the highland streams is a seasonal favorite. Fishing gear and trying new techniques is a particular interest for this angling enthusiast.
