four baitcaster fishing rods lined up in the grass

Best Fishing Reels for Bass [But which type is #1?]

on . Posted in Blog, Fishing

Bass fishing has exploded in popularity, which has been a boon for the fishing gear industry.

The days of dropping a cane pole down and hoping for a bite are long over. Now, technology has never been better to help you get hooked up with a trophy bass.

So, let’s break down the best types of fishing reels when targeting bass. Each one of these reel types has its pros and cons, and we’ll cover those as well.

So without further adieu, here are the best fishing reels for bass! (You can click the links below to go straight to that type of reel:

#1 – Baitcasting reel

The best and most popular bass fishing reel in the game is the baitcaster. In the grand scheme of fishing, baitcasters are fairly new to the game. Although there are similar designs dating back to the late 1800s, the modern baitcaster that was developed from the likes of Shimano was in the 1970s.

Over time, these reels got lighter, better, and eventually became the best reel for bass fishing for a number of reasons.

baitcaster reel for bass fishing

The best reel type for bass fishing is the baitcaster, which have continued to improve in design and performance. (photo credit: Drew Pierce)


Shimano SLX 150, Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
$99.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 05:00 pm GMT


Baitcaster Pros

  • Performance: The first reason baitcasters are the best reel for bass fishing is the performance. Especially with artificial lures that have some weight to them, no reel can provide the accuracy and torque that a baitcaster does. You can zip lures in smaller spaces a lot easier than with any other setup. This is because you have full control over the spool.
  • Drag: Baitcasters are very good at being able to lock down the drag and get really high quality hook sets. Modern drag systems are designed to give you leverage over the fish. With bass fishing specifically, you want a tight drag so you can keep the fish tight through the hookset and fight. Other reels do not have the high drag capability that baitcasters do. Having this type of strength will increase the quality of your hookups.
  • Feel in the hand: Over time, baitcasting reels have gotten smaller, lighter, and easier to fit in the hand. They are specifically designed to be ergonomic and not take a toll on your hands. This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s the little things that can make a difference in a long day of fishing.



Baitcaster Cons

  • Price: Generally, baitcasters are going to be more expensive than spinning reels or push button reels. If you look at the purchase as an investment and can afford it, no problem. But, for the beginning angler, these prices can sometimes be intimidating.
  • Harder to learn: One of the most frustrating aspects of starting with a baitcaster is mastering the cast. Unlike with two of the other options, you cannot just pick up a baitcaster and shoot the lure out there. You will be in a world of trouble. Mastering the cast with a baitcaster is something that takes a long time and has a serious learning curve. If you have someone to help you through the process, you are in good shape. But, if you are going into it cold, this will be tough.
  • Struggles with lighter presentations: Baitcasters are made to throw lures with weight. However, bass anglers love to implement weightless presentations into their strategy. Weightless rigs have amazing action, and baitcasting rigs struggle to provide that action as well as the other options. So, when it comes to casting lighter lures with baitcasters, they are not always the best option.


#2 – Spinning reel

Although baitcasters have stolen the show in the modern bass fishing scene, spinning reels have been at the top for a long time. This is because of the versatility and simplicity of use that cannot be found in other fishing reel types.

For a lot of beginners, the spinning reel is entrance to the sport of fishing. Here are the pros and cons of a spinning reel!

spinning reel for bass fishing

Spinning reels are easy to use, even for the beginner, and they are affordable as well.



The Pros of Spinning Reels

  • Ease of use: First and foremost, spinning reels are super easy to use. When a first-timer wants to get into fishing, it is typically either with one of these or a push button reel. This is because there is little-to-no learning curve required. Once you know how to use a spinning reel, you are set for life, no matter the brand or model.
  • Price: Spinning reels are also very affordable. Fishing can be a pricey hobby, so having a budget option that can still perform is key.
  • Simplicity: This goes along with ease of use, but the simplicity of a spinning reel is a big attribute. When you buy a spinning reel, the technology is catered to common knowledge, for the most part. Without a ton of knobs and alternative aspects, you should be set to go fairly easily.




Lew's Fishing, Custom Pro Speed Spin Spinning Reels, 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, 12 Bearings, 22 lb Max Drag, Ambidextrous, 160/10 (TLC3000)
$137.15
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 05:00 pm GMT


The Cons of Spinning Reels

  • Not great for heavy lures: Spinning reels do best with light weights. So, as the opposite of the baitcaster, this is where you want to throw the weightless and very light rigs.
  • Does not have the best casting performance: Generally, the accuracy and casting performance is not up to the par set by baitcasters. So, if you are flipping docks or need to get lures into tight spots, this may not be the one to go with.


#3 – Push button reel:

The most basic bass fishing reel on the market is the push button.

This section will be short, as they are mainly just meant for kids and entry level anglers who have yet to work up to the other kinds.

kast king push button reel for bass

Push button fishing reels are great for the beginner due to their ease of use. Just push and cast! (photo credit: KastKing)

The Pros of Push Button Reels

  • Super easy to use: These are called push button reels as they literally just have a push button and you have to do nothing else. This is why they are so easy to use. You simply hold the button and let go as you cast.
  • Great for kids and smaller bass: Because of the ease of use, it is really good for beginners and fishing for smaller bass. Once someone gets into fishing and learns about the other reals, these will probably be left behind.


KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.
$34.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2024 08:45 am GMT

The Cons of Push Button Reels

  • Do not work that well comparatively: The performance of the push button reel compared to the others on this list is at the bottom. They do not cast super well and are super bulky in the hand.
  • Does not handle big fish well: Push button reels do not have the best drag system. So, if you hook into a large bass, you may struggle getting it in successfully.


#4 – Fly fishing Reel

The fishing reel that is the most “different” on this list of reels for bass fishing is the fly fishing reel. Fly fishing is a whole different animal that requires an entirely different skill set. So, let’s jump into the pros and cons.

fisherman holding fly rod and reel

While fly rod reels can be used to fish for and catch bass, their operation requires a steeper learning curve.

The Pros

  • Unique way to fish: Because fly fishing is so different, you can see this as an opportunity for a new challenge. This puts you in a unique spot when it comes to targeting bass.
  • Gives you different perspectives: Fly fishing can be done in just about any body of water, but flowing streams and picturesque rivers are best. Buying a fly reel can be a good way to get out there.


The Cons

  • Requires different knowledge: Because fly fishing requires a totally different technique and knowledge set and a lot of practice, it will be harder to acclimate to bass fishing with your fly reel as fast as you could with some other reels.
  • Can be expensive: Fly fishing is an expensive hobby to get into. Especially because the lures are different, you have to go all in, and the reel is a part of it.
  • Travel: If you are going to be travelling with your fly fishing gear, you’ll need to get some special gear.



Conclusion

As you can see, there are a number of types of bass fishing reels on the market. So, weigh your options and see what will work best for you and we hope you Put A Hook N1!

rifle scope on eat elk rifle

How To Choose The Right Scope For Your Rifle [On A Budget]

If you’re not an expert on rifles, picking the right rifle scope can seem overwhelming.

So, how about a little crash course on what to consider in a rifle scope so you can make a purchase you are happy with…  

Rifle Scope Considerations

man shooting rifle with scope on range

Everyone’s budget is different, but there are certain things you should consider before purchasing a rifle scope.

Below are things to consider before purchasing a rifle scope:

rifle scope diagram
Rifle scope diagram

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope with Circle-X Reticle
$73.27
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 02:10 am GMT

Objective lens

The objective lens is the lens opposite your eye. The diameter of your objective lens determines the amount of light that can enter the rifle scope. If you intend on using the scope in low-light conditions (i.e. hunting), you need a bigger objective lens.

A larger lens size means you have to increase the mounting distance above your barrel. If your rifle scope is too high, you will have difficulty getting the correct eye alignment which affects your shooting accuracy.  

Scopes with overly large objective lenses are heavier, and more expensive. If you will be using a rifle for hunting purposes go for a 50-mm maximum. 

However, if you need a general purpose scope then settling for 40mm or 42mm like this one is an ideal choice. 





Rifle Scope Glass

man holding rifle on wood pile

Rifle scope glass has a direct correlation to the image quality a rifle scope will provide.

Glass lenses are the centerpiece of any rifle scope. Pick the best glass within your budget.

The ED, or extra-low dispersion glass, is great because it minimizes any chromatic aberration giving you real-life colors and sharper images.  



Some lenses are commonly called HD, however it has no bearing on the type of glass, but rather the image quality it gives.

The coating used on the lenses directly affects the image quality by improving the light transmission and adding scratch resistance. A “coated lens” means that there is a one-coat layer on one or more lenses. 


ZEISS Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope, ZMOA-1 Illuminated Reticle, Black, (5229559993)
$1,349.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 02:45 pm GMT


“Fully coated glass” has a single layer on all the air to glass surfaces. Multi Coated glass means you have multiple layers on more than one lens.

Lastly, a “fully multi-coated glass” means the lens has multiple layers on all the air to glass surfaces.  

In short, a lens with more coating is better. So, choose a rifle scope with multiple coatings covering all the interior lenses. 




Scope Magnification 

rifle lying next to dead bull elk

A greater scope magnification will make images in the scope look larger, making them appear brighter. This can be helpful in leading to greater accuracy.

The magnification of the scope largely depends on the kind of game you are hunting and your shooting range.

Many big game hunters, like deer hunters, take aim at their quarry 200 to 300 yards away. Traditionally, a scope with 4X-12X or 3X-9X is plenty for that. 



Likewise, open-country hunters, who mostly target smaller games like varmints and predators, benefit greatly from scopes with greater magnification. Advances in scope design have led to greater zoom ranges.

Greater magnification will cause target objects to be larger, which will make them appear brighter, which can lead to greater accuracy.  



Vortex Optics Impact 1000 Yard Laser Rangefinder For Hunting
$179.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2024 01:00 pm GMT


Gas filled

Rifle scopes filled with anhydrous gas is mainly to displace water vapor or moisture and prevent the scope from fogging up. Nitrogen is the most commonly used anhydrous gas. This is mostly because it has a lesser chance of effusing through the seal or membrane.  

Argon is more resistant to any temperature changes compared to nitrogen. Regardless of what gas you fill your scope with, moving between environments having big temperature gradients will make any exterior scope fog.  



Main tube diameter

In the past, scopes had a 1-inch main tube. Nowadays, rifle shooters desire more distance envelopes and want scopes with 34 mm or 30 mm main tubes which are increasingly common.  

Having a larger diameter tube creates more room for the reticle to move. In turn, it increases the adjustment range.

Bigger tubes are sturdier and allow more light through them. However, they are more expensive and heavier. A 1-inch tube is enough for normal hunting ventures.  



Field of view

Normally measured at 100 yards in feet. The field of view is what you can see through the rifle scope from right to left at a particular distance. Increasing the magnification lowers the field of view.

Decreasing the magnification means increasing the field of view. In short, a 3X variable rifle scope can have a field of view at 100 yards of at least 30feet, but at 9X variable scope, the field of view will be close to 14 feet.

Likewise, having a larger objective lens doesn’t affect the figures. So, the field of view is determined by how the eyepiece is constructed.  



Scope reticle

target showing through rifle scope

The rifle scope reticle can vary in styles and appearance from different scope manufacturers.

Some people call the reticle the “crosshairs.” This is the aiming point of any rifle scope. The reticle can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, having lines, dots or other markings.  

Some scopes have illumination for better visibility in low light conditions. Most rifle scope manufacturers have different reticle styles.  



Turrets

scope turrets for sighting in riflescope

The windage and elevation adjustment knobs on a rifle scope are called turrets.

A turret is an adjustment knob on the scope allowing the shooter to adjust the reticle. The top knob on the riflescope is your elevation adjustment while the knob on the side is your windage adjustment that adjusts from left to right.  

Examine the turrets before buying the scope to ensure it fits your preference, as some turrets are adjusted by hand and others need a special tool to adjust.

Consequently, some turrets make a clicking noise during adjustments and some don’t.  



Minutes of angle

Many inexperienced shooters have difficulty understanding minutes of angle (MOA).

Below is a video that explains MOA.

One MOA is equivalent to 1.0472 inches at approximately 100 yards commonly rounded down to 1-inch per 100 yards.



Final Thoughts On How To Choose A Rifle Scope

rifle with scope

At the end of the day, you want your bullet to find the mark. Consideration of these rifle scope features will help you find one that fits your budget and your intended use.

The last thing you want is to settle for a rifle scope that will not have the features you need to take down your game.

So, don’t just settle for any scope. Use the considerations we’ve covered in this article to help you make your decision.  

The good news is, you can get yourself a reasonable sighting tool for under $500 and have a scope that meets your shooting needs.

Happy and safe shooting and hunting!

mountain biker in the sun on mountain top

How To Get Started Mountain Biking | Essential Gear To Ride Safely and Comfortably

on . Posted in Biking, Blog

Looking to go off-road and give mountain biking a shot?

Mountain biking is an exciting hobby and a great way to not only get and stay in shape, but also a fantastic way to have fun and enjoy some amazing trails.

Besides biking being an adventure, mountain biking it’s a killer workout and boosts your fitness levels, both mentally and physically.

mountain biker in a mountain range

Before you set out on your mountain biking adventures, be sure you have some key items for your journey...

Items you’ll need to get started mountain biking

Once you have a quality mountain bike, here are some items that will help you ride safely and more comfortably:  

  1. Biking shorts 

When it comes to biking, having items of clothing that adapt to your body movements so that little or no friction is created is key.

Biking shorts are no different.

shorts for mountain biking

Mountain biking shorts work best when they are slim, have pockets and breathable.

The design process for biking shorts takes into account whether the rider is male or female, as well as the type of weather you will be biking in (so that they can be ideal for cold conditions, if needed). This helps ensure a comfortable ride.  

Be sure you buy biking shorts with breathable materials. This is especially helpful during Summer riding. Shorts should have have plenty of pockets, a slim silhouette, and an inseam to prevent bunching when biking.  


POC, Men's Infinite All-Mountain Shorts, Uranium Black, SML
$129.95
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2024 04:30 pm GMT

The main idea with biking shorts is to give you a comfortable feel. Men have biking shorts with a special wide gusset in the crotch section. This protects the male organs from friction.  

Quality biking shorts have blended spandex material which is known for its stretch and tear resistance. This is especially useful if you crash or get entangled bushes or come in contact with trees.  



  1. Biking padded undershorts 

These are mostly made of blended nylon, spandex, and wool. The material is stretchy and incorporates the best features of the named materials. 

However, although the material is stretchy, it retains its original shape.

A rider can wear padded undershorts multiple times without washing by simply hanging them in a cool place to dry. The padded undershorts are lightweight and incorporate multi-density foam.



  1. Biking top
mountain biker overlooking mountain range

Mountain biking can be tough… you’re going to sweat! Be sure you have a top that will wick moisture away from your body.

If you mountain bike, you’re going to sweat. So, wear a shirt that can withstand perspiration during your mountain biking trails. A mountain-biking top is ideal for intense rides and easily wicks away moisture and sweat.  

Much like biking shorts, biking tops are stretchy and lightweight. You can wear them for other outdoors pursuits, as they don’t retain odors like most synthetics (where scent control is important). 




  1. Hydration pack
mountain bike in stream

You might be biking in an area with a natural cool-off like this, but you will still need fresh drinking water, so be sure you have a hydration pack with you!

Always remember how critical water is. You need it to stay hydrated. So, be sure to always carry water with you.

Choose a pack with a water bottle holder and space for stashing your snacks. This will really help you on longer biking trails.

A hip pack may even be more suitable, as it keeps the weight closer to your body’s center of gravity, giving you a more balanced and comfortable biking experience, even when hitting sharp turns or making small jumps.  


Camelbak Products M.U.L.E. Mountain Biking Hydration Backpack - Easy Refilling Hydration Backpack - Magnetic Tube Trap - 100oz., Black
$115.00
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2024 09:15 am GMT


  1. Mountain bike helmet
family mountain biking wearing bike helmets

For safest riding, a bike helmet is a must for all ages young and old when mountain biking.

Ensure your helmet has good ventilation and fit. This will ensure that your head will remain relatively cool on those hotter rides. Additionally, the bike helmet should have an internal bug mesh to keep insects at bay.

Ensure that the helmet has a formidable lining on the inside to reduce dangerous impact to your head and brain in case of a fall or crash.  


Exclusky Helmets for Adults, MTB Mountain Bike Helmets for Men and Women, Adult Lightweight Bicycle Helmets, Youth Size with Designs
$35.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 04:50 pm GMT


  1. Mountain bike gloves
mountain biking gloves

Mountain biking gloves should be flexible enough to allow for good grip and it always is helpful to be able to change music or operate your phone when needed without removing.

Get a fitting and comfortable full-finger glove. Check the knitting technology to ensure it’s comfortable and similar to that of footwear. This ensures you have a comfortable biking experience even on longer trails.  

The gloves should be comfortable and flexible enough to allow you to receive phone calls or change your music without needing to take them off.  


Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex MX ATV MTB Racing Gloves - Full Finger Touchscreen Glove for Mountain Biking and Motocross Black L
$19.50
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 02:00 pm GMT


  1. Biking sunglasses 

Pick sunglasses with reactive lenses. These lenses change with the lighting conditions. This protects your eyes while giving you a comfortable biking experience.




Wearing reflective lenses allows you to ride any trail, whether in shady areas or sunny, without necessarily taking off or putting on your sunglasses. The design should keep away bugs and wind while offering you enhanced eye protection. 


ROCKBROS Polarized Sunglasses UV Protection for Women Men Cycling Sunglasses, Blue
$24.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 07:00 pm GMT

  1. Grippy” shoes
mountain biking shoes

Shoes with soles that will grip are very helpful in maintaining pedal contact on your mountain biking adventures.

Wear shoes with sticky rubber soles. This will provide for better contact with your mountain bike’s pedals. These shoes also give you excellent stability and are relatively stiff. Be sure they have tongue and heel tabs that allow you to put the on and off with little effort.  


PEARL IZUMI Men's Quest Road Cycling Shoe, Black/Black, 46
$100.00
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/06/2024 08:16 am GMT


  1. Mountain bike pump

Whether your bike’s tires are tubeless or tubed or have puncture-proof tires, you need a mountain bike pump. If you’re far from home and get a flat, you’ll wish you had made #9 here a priority!  

A good pump will have reliable valves and a high-volume barrel that fills up your flat tire quickly, as well as a flexible hose. This is a simple piece of equipment that can be a difference maker on your ride.

Be sure to choose a pump that fits nicely on the bike without having to switch any internal bike parts.


Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit - Presta & Schrader Bicycle Pump - 120 PSI Tire Pump for Road & MTB - No Valve Changing Needed
$19.49
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 05:26 am GMT

  1. Multi-tool
mountain bike repair

Eventually, you will need to do some spot repair or maintenance on your mountain bike. Be sure you have a multi-tool handy so you can address these on the fly.

It’s inevitable. At some point, some of the parts on your mountain bike will fail. A multi-tool ensures you are prepared to make adjustments and repairs on the fly. 

Pick a pocket-size multi-tool with several different wrenches such as hexes, Torx, phillips heads, and tire levers to name a few. A multi tool with a chain breaker feature is helpful as well.  


Vibrelli Bike Multi Tool V19 - With Carry Case - Performance Bicycle Multitool
$21.98
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 11:02 am GMT


Safe Mounting Biking Tips

Now that we’ve covered some essential items for mountain biking, let’s cover some basic tips that will ensure you will have a comfortable and safe biking adventure. Observe the following for maximum ride safety.  

man with mountain bike in the mountains

Now that we’ve covered items you need to go mountain biking, be sure to be mindful of these tips when out riding…

  • Always wear the right biking gear

There is a reason for wearing biking gear like a bike helmet, sunglasses, shorts, and carrying a hydration pack. They are necessary for biking trails to keep you safe. Items like breathable biking shorts and tops, that we covered above, will help ensure you have a more comfortable ride.  

  • Look ahead when riding

Keep your eyes on the trail and other approaching obstacles so that you can avoid crashes. Looking ahead will help you pick the right trail and adjust your speed where necessary. 

  • Maintain level pedals 

Maintain level pedals when coasting to keep them from clipping rocks, stumps, and other obstacles.

  • Get low

Always get low when negotiating bends in the trail. Keep your elbows and knees bent with your hips above your saddle to give you greater shock absorption.  

  • Always anticipate climbs

Get into the right gear when approaching a climb. Sit and spin in easy gear as you climb at a steady pace. This is more efficient and ensures you don’t lose traction. It’s better than if you stand and climb in a larger gear. 

  • Take a cautious approach

Bombing down every descent is risky. You have nothing to prove. Instead, focus on improving your bike handling skills. Safety should be your primary focus.  

mountain-biker-standing-by-bike-in-mountains

Now you’re ready to get out there and explore on your own mountain biking adventure. Ride safely!



Final thoughts on how to get started mountain biking

Mountain biking offers an amazing experience to explore different terrains and trails under different weather conditions. So, arm yourself with suitable biking gear to enhance your overall experience.  

Now, get out there and get started mountain biking! Be safe!