When heavy work is involved, you want a reel that can handle the load and stand up to years of cranking in big lures and big fish. That type of demand calls for a casting reel, and this buyer's guide is intended to help you decide which reel is the perfect one for your level of experience and angling ambition.

Baitcasting, or simply "casting" reels are ideal for many different presentations, and they're a pleasure to use if you've selected the right model for the species you're targeting. Consider buying a baitcasting reel if you're throwing heavy lures such as large crankbaits or big jigs, or if you're going after large species of fish that require a lot of cranking power and significant line capacity. Fishermen going after freshwater species such as big northerns or muskie and just about any of the larger saltwater species prefer baitcasting type reels.