Bait Caster Vs. Conventional Reels

Bait casters will typically have a thumb activated release at the back of the reel that puts the reel in ‘free spool.’ The conventional reel types have a lever.

The two types of reels have levers that you pull back to put it into free spool. This same lever is used to engage the reel, or put it into free spool.

The two types of drag settings for these reels are:

  • Star drag: Star shaped wheel or side that is turned to increase or decrease drag.
  • Lever drag: Lever is pulled back and forth to increase or decrease the drag setting on the spool.