Bass Pro Shops® Johnny Morris® CarbonLite™ Baitcast Reels
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- Weighs just 5.9 ounces
- One-piece machined aircraft-grade frame
- Duralumin gears and shaft
- V-grooved, ported, machined Duralumin spool
- 9 stainless steel, double shielded ball bearings and a powerlock anti reverse bearing
- Dual Braking System™
- Titanium nitride-coated line guide
- Carbon fiber Recurve handle
- Drag system with six alternating carbon fiber and stainless washers
"Absolutely the lightest baitcaster we’ve ever built, and it’s still strong enough to beat the biggest bass! You just won’t find this level of technology at this price anywhere else!"
Johnny Morris
Bass Pro Shops® Founder
5-Time Bassmaster Classic® Qualifier
“Take my word for it—this reel may weigh next to nothing, but it has loads of power to spare!”
Roland Martin
9-Time Bassmaster® Angler of the Year
25-Time Bassmaster Classic® Qualifier
Rated 4.2 out of 5 by 131
reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5 by hotchops777 No complaints here
After looking at the revo stx reel for months this carbonlite stool my attention. Lighter than the revo but very similar in feel. I've read the reviews and I cant say that I've experienced any of these problems yet. bought this reel and matched it with the 7" E21 wild black and been using it for the past 3 weeks @ 2-3 times a week. I do hear a louder spool noise but I don't think its hindering the cast at all. Ultra light retrieval and very sensitive. I left the settings the same from out of the box. I do a lot of finesse fishing with wacky style rig and this reel does great and with a 7" med fast action rod I have had no problems pitching under docks and structure.
Im very pleased and impressed with this reels performace color and for a heck of a lot cheaper im glad I bought this over the revo stx.
June 6, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Handfist Bass Pro Johnny Morris CarbonLite Baitcast Reel
I bought this reel as part of a combo for $199 along with the CarbonLite Baitcasting Rod, 6'6" Med Fast Action.This is my third baitcasting reel. after converting from a Spinning Reel all these years. I'm 70 now. This combo makes casting a baitcaster so easy compare to my other two reels, Quantum and Diawa. I used Trilene 12 lb test, cranked the brake dial to medium, asjusted the tension knob & drag. I casted all day without one birds nest. I love this reel and combo. Handfist!
June 5, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by Seaboss A Little Noisy
There are a lot of adjustments available on this reel and once you make them to match your casting style it works pretty well. I was surprised by the loudness of the spool spinning on long casts though. Psychologically, it makes you think the casts aren't going as far as they should. I have reels that I can cast farther and are much quieter, but they are also a lot more expensive. For me, this is an OK reel, but I wouldn't buy another one.
June 2, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bassman70582 Johnny Morse Reel
I find that it performs as good as my name brand reels
May 29, 2013
29 Questions | 124 Answers
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6 answers
can somebody explain the dual braking system, i purchased this reel, love it but i cant seem to fine tune it...
(read all my Q&A)
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Dual braking refers to two types of braking systems used on bait casters to help control the speed or rotation of the spool. Reels with dual systems have a centrifugal and magnetic braking system. One controls or slows the amount of spin at the start of a cast and the other at the end to help control line over run and backlashing.
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that my friend is the 64,000 dollarquestion.....and the answer is....
You cannot adjust it...!!!
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The outside dial controls the speed of the spool at the end of the cast (when the bait is close to hitting the water, higher the setting, the more drag)The inside dial controls the beginning of the cast when you launch your bait. Same thing, higher setting more drag. Just experiment so you use the lowest settings without back lashing. Lower settings equals longer casting distance.
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It seems the DBS system is the same as one on a Browning Midas model baitcast reel, with one adjustment for the magnetic and one for the centrifugal brake. Unfortunately, I could not adjust mine to keep from backlashing without severely reducing my casting distance either. I took mine back since line would get stuck between the spool and sideplate, damaging the line.
Top 25 Contributor
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I just bought the Browning Midas reel whit the dual braking system! Set the centrifugal brakes to two, then set the magnets to five. Then work your way from there!I have been using casting reels for three seasons, and only now , am I able to cast without birds nests. BUT I still get some, it will happen, there's no avoiding it, it happens, just a lot less as you get used to it! Even the pros have em!
But the dual braking system is wonderful, I can cast in the wind a lot easier, my distance is greatly improved, it's just an awesome system!
But I must say that educating your thumb is of great importance, that is your real brake, it's a must! No mater how good a braking system on a reel is, you still have to learn how to thumb the spool! It seem hard at first, but if I can do it, anyone can!
Hope this helps?
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I usually keep the centrifugal brakes on the 1 setting, which is the the center dial, and if i am using some thing light or casting into wind, i will bump it up to 2. These centrifugal brakes help throughout the cast while the magnetic brakes work the most at the end of the cast. You usually want the tension knob bout in the middle if you can and set the magnetic brake s to where you dont have any backlash.Details:
I see in the description it says carbon-fiber construction but it does not say what parts are carbon fiber. Another website i was on says the sideplates are graphite. Thanks for info.Answers
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The side plates and crank handle are carbon-fiber, as well as part of the drag system. The frame is aluminum.
Top 1000 Contributor
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To be honest I haven't really taken a look but if I had to guess, I would think they would be graphite. All I know is this reel is super light and worth the money!A:
Gear and palming covers are carbon fiber.Details:
I have little experience with baitcasters. I have a general understanding but dont know everything. Would this be a good reel for me to learn on?Answers
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No. There are 3 adjustments for braking, most reels have 2, and they tend to be confusing to users. There is a very high rate of return on this reel due to excessive birds nesting, which I believe is do to the unnecessarily complicated braking systems.That said, I am relatively new to baitcasters. I have used them for a couple of years, but I fish ALL the time, so 2 years for me might well be 10 years for many others.
I have 2 of these reels. I waited to buy one as the first run, IMO, had obvious gear alignment issues.Several shipments later, my BPS had reels which had this issue corrected.
I can set these up so that they are fine, but it does take a little more tinkering at times than say the gold carbon lite, which I wish BPS had used as the starting point for this new reel.
I'd recommend the new metal framed Enigma. If you set the brakes 3 on and 3 off, and the store employees will gladly help you do this, it is nearly impossible to birds nest. I think some stores have the older graphite reels left, so be sure you get the aluminum frame model as the graphite reels will give more and tend to lack strength.
For a few more dollars though, you can get a Revo-S, which is a REALLY nice reel for the money, and that would be what I would recommend for those who believe they can live through some serious birds nests. If birds nests really worry you though, the Enigma is a very nice reel, it's just not a Revo-S.
If money is no object, get a Shimano Chronarch. They made the new Curado a dumbed down version of the Curado "E" series, so the Chronarch is the new go to for life Shimano baitcaster. You may need other reels for other purposes, but the Chronarch is one of the best all round reels you can buy. At $80 or so more than a Revo-S, some may well argue that they are not really worth the extra money, and I think that is something each purchaser has to decide for themselves.
I own or have owned 3 Daiwas, and two of the three were great, the one was trash, it was a BPS exclusive which is no longer sold. I have Carbon Lites, the new JM Carbon Lites, a Revo-S, and one of my boys has a Chronarch, and I got my wife one of the older Enigmas, so other than the newer metal frame Enigma, I have used all the reels I have spoken of here quite a lot.
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yesA:
Yes, very easy to set the magnets.A:
Its not bad but I dont think the internal components are as good as other BPS reels. It would be a good one to learn on but just concerned about durability.A:
i would recomend a abu revo.A:
NO Get the gold carbonlite its a great reelImages for this Answer
(click to see full-size image)
Top 1000 Contributor
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Any baitcaster is good to learn on. The most difficult part of any baitcaster is learning how to adjust it. And under differing conditions those adjustments need to be changed as conditions change.Answers
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My own experience with this reel having noise; I just took it apart, cleaned and re-lubed it with 'Reel Butter' reel lube and the issue went away. It's amazing how much better a quality lube will make a baitcast reel work. Worth a try.A:
I haven't heard it on mine. Only when theirs to much line on it.I switched to Fin braid and works great.A:
Mine did that too. I think when i turned off the centrifugal brakes it stopped but i just tokk it back for another reason so i dont remember. But just play around with the tension and it might stop.A:
I personally have heard no noises in the reels I have purchased. Maybe a small amount of oil.A:
The explaination the BPShop gave me was the carbon material the reel has in it transmits the slightest sound and amplifies it. My own got louder and louder the more fish I caught. I couldn't stand it so I sent it back to the store. I always thought that the gears were dry.
Top 1000 Contributor
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I agree, not as smooth as my other reels, but doesnt seem to affect performanceDetails:
New to bait-casters and was wondering if I can tie the fluorocarbon threw the wiffle spool; instead of mono backing it. Thx.Answers
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Tie it thru the spool with an improved clinch knot.A:
I wouldn't recommend it. The tag end that you stick in the hole of the spool will hit on the spool shaft and create drag and will cause the spool to get out of balance. Buddy of mine done this once and ended up taking the line back off because of casting problems. He now just ties and over hand knot. Which is sufficient.A:
Yes - I do this on all of my BPS reels, I stopped backing braid with mono by tying directly through the holes.A:
You can definitely tie your Fluoro directly to the spool, but in most cases you will be wasting some expensive line which you will probably never really use. I would recommend starting off with about 25 percent mono backing, then tie your fluoro to that backing. After using that reel for a while and find you can "spool" all the line off with a single cast, then take some of the mono "backing" off the next time you put fresh line on that reel.
Top 50 Contributor
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You can tie the flourocarbon direct to the spool, however I suggest making a loop in the end of the line and taking the spool out to tie it on. I would also suggest using a 1/2 spool mono backer so you don't use as much flourocarbon line. One thing to watch out for is that flouro is stiffer than mono so make sure you adjust your reel so you have a little more spool tension and braking
Top 500 Contributor
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You can but I would still mono back it because fluoro is costly and you can cut down cost by mono backing.Details:
What would be a good all around ratio for all types of baits and lures of all sizes (obviously not too small) and and different types of casting and flipping and for all types of reeling/presentation and all types of fish?Thanks
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i like the 6.4:1. It is a nice combination of both speeds.A:
I suggest 6:1. If you use crank baits a lot 7:1 will be burning one and you won't know it. You have to reel painfully slow with a 7:1 in order not to burn it.A:
a 6.3:1 ratio is good for most purposes, and what I would recommend until you need "special" purpose reels with a higher ratio for Ribbits, Swim jigs, etc.A:
6.4:1 would be my recommendation. You can slow yourself down or speed up as needed. This reel can do it all.A:
26 to 31 inches /rev. look for inches per revolution instead of ratio.A:
Everyone will have an opinion and you give up something whenever you try to have one reel do it all, but I would stay with a 6:1 ratio for all around, although my favorite speed is a 7:1
Top 25 Contributor
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A good all around,general use gear ratio is going to be around 6.4 to 1! This ratio will help you cast just about everything!Details:
Im just wondering if this reel would still be a good choice with the fact that it doesnt have instant anti reverse...Will it be just as good as one with instant anti reverse?Answers
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Huh? I had two JM carbonlites, both had instant anti-reverse.A:
it has instant anti-reverse. there is no slop in the action of this reel. im not sure what they call it but its tight.A:
The reel has infinite anti reverse. It does not travel backwards at all when you stop reeling. I now own three and love them!A:
when putting a lot of pressure on the handle, it does move back SLIGHTLY (MY JM Gold doesn't move at all)...the amount is really insignificant - whether IAR or not, there is very little backward movement - nothing to really say that it is different.
Top 25 Contributor
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This reel does have a anti reverse on it! I don't think you can buy a casting reel without anti reverse, in a low profile that is! The only reels that I know of that you can turn the anti reverse on or off, is the spinning reel!
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This reel does have instant anti-reverse feature.Details:
looking at buying this reel but am wondering if it will cast very good if i get the 6.4.1. Will it be a good reel for casting everything from little jigs and stuff to big spoons and rigs? will it cast far and smooth with all sizes of baits and reel ing smooth too?thanks
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This reel is fantastic. I have the 6.4:1, I have used small crankbaits to large crankbaits they cast a mile. When you get the reel properly set I have had no back lashes occurr.A:
I boat one high sipped and one one 6.4 to 1 bait caster and the spinning reel 750. If you had to get one good reel for all types of fishing, I would get the 6.4 to 1 ratio. Just have to reel faster on those buzz baits, but better for everything else.A:
I fish everything from an 8" worm w a 1/4 oz weight to a 1/2 oz jig, and can throw them a mile. Great reel for all applications. Reeling is effortless and super-smooth.A:
The settings are very versatile and I have casted 1/8 lures in wind with no problem...if you are going under that, I need to learn from you....as for larger, yes, it will handle larger lures with no trouble.
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This depends on your casting ability with these reels. The 6.4:1 gear ratio is simply talking about how fast the spool moves (and ultimately, how fast your bait will move). As for the gear ratio, what it is tellingyou is that for every one complete revolution of the reel handle, the spool will turn 6.4 times. Lower gear ratios give more winching power, however, do not allow lures to move as quickly through the water. Higher gear ratios are the opposite.As for casting, the dual breaking system that is featured on this reel is actually excellent in helping you to fine tune the spool for casting. Longer rods in the medium range will allow you to cast lighter lures, however, as has been previously stated, baitcasters generally are thought of as using heavier baits. With a lot of practice, you would be able to throw as light as an 1/8th ounce (this is coming from personal experience), however, crappie and bream jigs will be far too light even for this reel's capacities.
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This reel is best suited for short casts less than 20 yards or less. Great flipping reel. Use tubes, jigs etc. Not for 1/8 oz. light lures. 3/16 oz. and up is fine.Details:
when you reel backwards with this reel is there any looseness and play or does it stop dead?Answers
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Very little if any backward movement.A:
Mine stop deadA:
there is no slop in the action of this reel. its TIGHT.A:
Mine goes back a "hair" - maybe a MM or less...nothing more. Forget specs, in my book using it, it stops dead...what little movement there might be is not noticable.
Top 25 Contributor
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You can't reel backwards on this reel! You can't turn the anti reverse off like a spinning reel! the anti reverse is always on!
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The instant anti-reverse works great absolutely no play at all.Details:
Im wondering if this reel in 6.4.1 will be able to cast small baits and lures and jiggs for liitle rainbow trout and perch but also cast bigger baits and lures for pike and other bigger fish?Answers
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Gear ratio will have little effect on casting. This is a middle of the road ratio which works for all around fishing. Line and lure weight, as well as fishing rod weight (i.e. stiffness, flexability) will have the greatest impact on castability.A:
Bait casters in general are suited more for heavier line and lures, i.e. 12 lb. test or heavier. Light lures would be very difficult to cast using these lines. Spinning reels are designed and better suite to casting lighter lines and lures. For freshwater, 2, 4, 6, up to 10 or 12lb test would be my limit.The "6.4.1" is a ratio that refers to the amount or length of line that is reeled in with each full turn of the handle or spool. 6.4 inches per each rotation of the handle.
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That's really more dependent on the line test and rod length and rating.A:
use it for small baits 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz
Top 25 Contributor
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If you are a very experienced at using casting reels, maybe! I'm new at casting reels, been at it for three seasons now, and I am nowhere near being able to cast small baits like that! Casting reels are primarily used with 3/8 oz. lures and up, but with practice any thing is possible!A:
Yes it is a good reel for casting, especially if you get it in a combo with the micro guide carbonlite. But this reel is very noisy when you turn the handle with even slight resistance from your lure. A better reel for your purpose is a pro qualifier or for even cheaper, a bps nitro tounament z. It is better at casting, and it is smoother than the carbonlite. The only thing that is better about the carbonlite is the light weight. I got the nitro and the johnny morris and tested them with same rod and lure, and i am going to take back the carbonlite this weekend because i can just get a better nitro for less than half the price.
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29 Questions | 124 Answers
