Largemouth Bass checklist · Reel

Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel for Tennessee Largemouth Bass Fishing

An inexpensive baitcaster that casts cleanly once the brakes are set.

Check price on Amazon →The full largemouth bass checklist

Why it is on the list

Why the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel is on the largemouth bass checklist

An inexpensive baitcaster that casts cleanly once the brakes are set.

ReelAbu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reelAn inexpensive baitcaster that casts cleanly once the brakes are set.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list

These are affiliate links. Buying through them pays this site a small commission at no extra cost to you, and it is how the site stays free.

How it is used here

Using a reel like this on Tennessee water

The reel’s job is drag and line capacity. A smooth drag is what keeps a 4 lb line from breaking on a stocked trout or a big smallmouth on the Holston, and enough capacity is what gets a striper back from the current below Pickwick. Match the reel size to the rod: 1000 and 2000 sizes for ultralight and light rods, 2500 and 3000 for medium, 4000 and up for the heavy catfish and striper outfits.

Spinning reels are the default on this site because they handle light line, wind and cold hands. A baitcaster earns its place on the bass kits where accuracy around docks and timber matters. Either way, set the drag before the first cast, not after the first fish.

Where to use it

Tennessee water for the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel

Where to use itBarren ForkPublic access, limits and what else swims in Barren Fork.See the spots →Where to use itBoone LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Boone Lake.See the spots →Where to use itCalf Killer RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in Calf Killer River.See the spots →Where to use itCenter Hill LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Center Hill Lake.See the spots →Where to use itCheatham LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Cheatham Lake.See the spots →Where to use itCherokee LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Cherokee Lake.See the spots →

The Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel is on the largemouth bass checklist because it works on Tennessee water.

Goes with

What the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel pairs with on the largemouth bass list

The rest of the largemouth bass checklist, each with its own page.

RodUgly Stik GX2 7 ft medium-heavy casting rodStiff enough to set a hook in grass, tough enough to live in a truck bed.Why it is on the list →LineSeaguar Red Label fluorocarbon, 15 lbSinks, holds up on rock and riprap, and nearly disappears in clear water.Why it is on the list →Soft plasticZoom Trick WormThe Tennessee standard on a Texas rig or weightless along docks and grass edges.Why it is on the list →Soft plasticStrike King Rage Tail CrawFlip it into cover or trail it on a jig when the bite is on crawfish.Why it is on the list →CrankbaitStrike King KVD 1.5 square billBang it off stumps and rock in 2 to 6 feet of water in spring and fall.Why it is on the list →SpinnerbaitBooyah Pond Magic spinnerbaitA small, cheap spinnerbait for stained water and windy banks.Why it is on the list →

All 11 items

Same job, other fishing

Other reels on the Tennessee checklists

ReelPflueger President 30 spinning reelSmooth drag at a fair price. Fill it with braid and a leader.Why it is on the list →ReelPflueger Trion 25 spinning reelSmall, smooth, and cheap enough to own two.Why it is on the list →ReelAbu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 C3Line capacity for a big blue in current, with a clicker for bait fishing.Why it is on the list →ReelPenn Battle III 5000 spinning reelSealed drag, big spool, no excuses.Why it is on the list →ReelShimano Sedona 2500 spinning reelDependable and smooth for the price.Why it is on the list →ReelPflueger President 20 spinning reelSmall, smooth drag for light line.Why it is on the list →

Common questions

Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel questions

What is the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel for?

An inexpensive baitcaster that casts cleanly once the brakes are set. It is the reel on the largemouth bass checklist on this site, and it earns its place because it works on Tennessee water, not because it is new.

Which fish is the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel good for in Tennessee?

The largemouth bass checklist covers largemouth bass. The reel’s job is drag and line capacity.

Where would I use the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel?

On the Tennessee water that holds largemouth bass: Barren Fork, Boone Lake, Calf Killer River, Center Hill Lake among others. Each water page on this site lists the public access points and what swims there.

What goes with the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel?

The rest of the largemouth bass checklist, starting with Ugly Stik GX2 7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, Seaguar Red Label fluorocarbon, 15 lb, Zoom Trick Worm. The checklist page has all 11 items.

Is there a different reel for other fishing?

Yes: Pflueger President 30 spinning reel on the smallmouth bass list; Pflueger Trion 25 spinning reel on the crappie list; Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 C3 on the catfish list.

How much does the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel cost?

The Amazon link on this page shows today’s price. The checklist items are standard tackle rather than premium gear, and the bait shops on the county pages carry most of them.

Can I buy the Abu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reel in Tennessee instead?

Yes. Every county page on this site lists the bait shops, marinas and big box stores that carry tackle, with phone numbers and directions.

Is this an affiliate link?

Yes. The link goes to Amazon with this site’s tag and pays a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on the list was chosen for commission.

Do I need a licence to use it?

Anyone 13 or older needs a Tennessee fishing licence, plus the trout privilege for trout. The licence page on this site has prices and limits.

Keep going

More Tennessee water, and who fishes it

Every guide and charter on this site is listed by the water they run, so you can call the captain direct. Licences, limits and the state record list are one click away too.

Guides by water Licence and limits