what's the difference between a baitcaster & a levelwind reel?

[say_der]

Is there a difference between a baitcaster & a levelwind reel?

[pulsar_nx]

the difference is that on a levelwind baitcaster the line guide is always engaged. even while casting.

[Ufatz]

Huh?

[Lost]

I think he's talking about that thing that moves back and forth to spread the line across the spool.

[Ufatz]

Most all contemporary bait casting reels have level wind mechanisms. The better ones disengage when a cast is made. There are "baitcasting" or revolving reels that do NOT have level wind mechanisms, primarily salt water reels in larger sizes. In those reels such a device would just get in the way or be destroyed by a large fast moving fish i.e. a large Marlin would totally fry a reel encumbered by a level wind device. For all practival purposes most ALL revolving spool casting reels on the market today are "baitcasters" and most come with "level winds.

[Crossin' Eyes]

You're right Ufatz. I'll take that one step further. As you said, most Bait Caster reels have a level wind mechanism that is engaged when retrieving the line only. When you push the button to cast, it doesn't go back and forth. That allows for farther casts.
Trolling reels also have a level wind mechanisms that when you push in the button to let out line, the level wind goes back and forth as line is going out too. This is so guys that don't have line counters on their reels or rods can "count the passes" that the level wind makes to know approximately how much line they have out.

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Good Fishin!
Crossin