Light line applications

Many bass anglers, having grown up with a baitcast outfit and uncomfortable using spinning outfits, find that micro baitcast outfits are the answer to their light line woes. The smaller spools of the micro baitcast reels are designed for 6- and 8-pound-test monofilament line. The reels' ability to handle light line makes them ideal for fishing finesse worms and lightweight lures which, prior to the micro baitcasters appearance on the market, were somewhat limited to spinning outfits.

Although spinning outfits cast light lures a greater distance, baitcast outfits offer anglers greater casting accuracy and lure control. According to Shuffield, it's easier to cast and fish finesse presentations with the newer micro baitcast reels because the entire system - rod, reel, line and lure - is in balance. Because of the improved casting distance and greater casting accuracy, the performance of micro baitcasters often makes them a better choice for shallow, light line applications.

Like Shuffield, Texas pro Bud Pruitt of Sam Rayburn finds there are times when he's forced to downsize to a smaller diameter line and a finesse presentation. "The smaller baitcasters are perfect for anglers who are more comfortable with baitcast reels than they are with spinning reels," explains Pruitt. "The smaller spools of the micro baitcast reels are perfect for the small-diameter lines necessary to fish finesse-type lures. Also, the small reels offer the similar casting performance and fighting power associated with a regular-sized baitcast reel."

Anglers preferring to use spinning tackle when finessing worms, Gitzits and grubs will find the micro baitcast reel still fits a special niche in their light line arsenal. Lighter versions of lures normally worked with baitcast reels, such as spinnerbaits and crankbaits, are awkward to fish on spinning outfits. Because these lures are worked with both the rod and reel, the micro baitcast reel is a superior choice.

According to Shuffield, the micro baitcaster is also a better choice when fishing light line in cold weather. "In the cold," notes Shuffield, "monofilament line becomes more rigid and that causes problems for spinning reels. Rigid line tends to explode off the open-face spool of a spinning reel. However, the micro baitcast reel allows you to fish light line presentations in these colder weather conditions with less problems."

Matching rod and reel to application

As is the case with most rod and reel combinations, matching the micro baitcast outfit to the line diameter and lure application is critical for optimum performance. When fishing baits that require a hook set, such as a slowly fished plastic worm or grub, it's important to select a rod with a stout butt section for adequate hook-setting power. Still, anglers must have a rod with a flexible tip in order to cast the lighter presentations. And so Pruitt and Shuffield recommend that anglers match their micro baitcaster with a 6- to 6-1/2-foot, medium-fast action graphite rod.

According to Pruitt, when matched with the right rod, miniature baitcast reels are tops at casting downsized versions of spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters. "Lures that often result in backlashes when fished on normal baitcast outfits," adds Pruitt, "are easily cast on a balanced micro baitcast outfit. Also, the smaller baitcast outfits allow anglers to cast weightless lures - like wacky worms, twitch baits and tube baits - to shallow bass with more accuracy and control."

Because the lighter lures are tougher to cast, it's important to adjust the reel's braking system and spool tension so that it matches the weight of the presentation. In order to get adequate casting distance, the spool has to spin relatively free. Of course, casting lures on a fast spool requires an experienced thumb.

There's no doubt that the micro baitcast reels made today are more than inexpensive toys. The reels' drag systems are more reliable and considerably tougher than those of most spinning reels on the market. For example; Pinnacle and Shimano's micro baitcast entries are one-piece, machined aluminum reels with adjustable brake systems, four ball bearings, oversized handles and a star drag for quick adjustments during the heat of battle. Downside to downsizing

As with most things, there are drawbacks associated with the smaller baitcast reels. Although casting distance improves when baitcast anglers switch to micro baitcast reels, the distance the light lures travel isn't as far as anglers can get with spinning outfits. The weight of the lighter lures simply doesn't pull enough line off the baitcast spool, and each rotation of the miniature spool results in very little line being pulled off.

Even more than regular-sized baitcasters, micro baitcasters don't cast well into the wind. The combination of light lure and fast spool often results in a terrible bird-nest. So, when faced with a head wind or when long casts are required, anglers are better served by a spinning outfit.

Because the smaller baitcast reels fish like the big boys, it's easy to forget that your lure is tethered by light line. It's critically important to match your drag setting to rod action and line test. Typically, pro anglers set the reel's drag so that it allows them to drive the hook hard before slipping. After hook penetration has started, they use the star drag to back the resistance off.

Texan pro Pruitt believes the micro baitcast reels are serious reels for serious anglers. "Just like a golfer needs his putter, wedge and driver," he concludes, "a bass angler needs a set of reels that match the different circumstances that he faces out on the water. If bass anglers can afford it, they should have at least one low gear ratio reel, a high gear ratio reel and one of the new micro baitcast reels in their arsenal."