Can somone please explain the differance in the shape of bait casting reels to me? I have never used a bait caster and have been wondering about this. What makes them differant other than physical shape. Here is couple of links showing two comparisons about what i mean.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_97963_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

and

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44657_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

BN

The first you have shown is a low-profile reel and is easier to palm when fishing and usually lighter in weight.

The second is a round reel and they generally hold more line and are usually heavier in weight.

I should also add most low-profiles are a little more "sophisticated" than round reels due to external magnetic spool settings.  Both have their places.

Jimzee pretty much summed things up perfectly. The only thing I would add is that low profile reels typically (not always) are available in faster retrieve ratios than round reels.

basically the first reel should be used for mid sized lures and mid sized fish like bass and walleye. The second reel should hold bigger line and should be used for the really big fish like catfish or muskie. So if your after bass, get the first one.

Thanks for the tips. Now to pick one out a newbie can learn with lol

BN