casting reels

Question
what is the importance if any in the number of ball bearings in a casting reel? I"ve been fishing for many years now. using a spinning reel and a spincast reel and i want to try a casting reel what should I look for. I hate to say this but price is a factor
                                thanks

Answer
Up to a point the more the better. Beyond 5 or 6 you are just going to have too high a price. The more bearing the smoother the reel feels. Works a bit better but 3 is plenty in a Good Mid Range reel most will come with at least 3 or 4.
Personally I like the Abu Garcia Line of Casting Reels. They have several with good anti backlash settings that make learning how to use them a LOT easier. I also like the Abu Garcia line because you can get them with a Bait Runner Feature that will allow you to fish Live Bait at a set level without locking the reel down. The fish grabs the bait and runs and you simply set the reel by picking it up and making a turn to lock the reel. I use it to drift live bait for stripers and hybrids, and use the same reel to cast spinner baits.
The reel I recommend is the Abu Garcia D5 or D6 Series.. you can see what they look like and buy one here:
http://www.1fghp.com/store.hmtl
I use this reel myself. The price is moderate. If you want something less expensive Abu Garcia also makes some less expensive reels but you will not get the Anti Backlash features with it.
Jim Dicken
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Fishing Guides Home Page
http://www.1fghp.com