James RickardChoosing a fishing reel
August 7th 2007 00:57
Like a lot of things in fishing, the multitude of choice can be bewildering. And, since they all look, more or less, alike, what’s the difference? If you read the last post we talked about baitcaster and spinning rods. Well, now you need to know what you have because the guy behind the counter at the store is going to ask the very same thing!
If you already have a rod, part of the process is done for you and you don’t have to decide what kind of reel to get. However, if you’re doing things the other way around and getting the reel before the rod, here are some suggestions.
From the top: A spinning reel, a couple of bait casting reels, and a spincast reel is at the bottom.
The big question is, “Which is better? That’s a tough call! From my own experience, in talking with others, and from what I’ve read, the only possible answer would be that the best reel would depend on the intended application. You can use a lighter line on a spinning reel but, if you’re constantly pulling “big ones” out of the muck and weeds, a baitcaster with heavy line is the way to go.
To make an intelligent choice, it would help to know the complexities of the reels. The spool of a baitcasting reel spins freely when it is cast, controlled by magnetic dampers and, usually, judicious use of the angler’s thumb. Used improperly, this arrangement results in a tangled mess knows as a birds’ nest, back lash, or professional over run.
With a spinning reel, the line winds off of a stationary spool and you’re probably saying, “Ah, no back lash.” WRONG!!!!!! If the line is spooled sloppily, too much line is used, or cheap line with memory is used, you’ll probably tangle the same as you would with a baitcaster!
A baitcasting reel is often thought of the more rugged of the two. If the metal ring, or bail, on a spinning reel gets damaged, problems are sure to follow. However, the popularity of the spinning reel cannot be denied because of their convenience and perceived advantages.
Another confusing term you have to deal with when buying a reel is gear ratios. Simply put, the higher the gear ratio, the faster the retrieve, meaning that the spool of a 7.1-1 reel turns 7.1 times per turn of the crank, which will really move the line! On the other hand, you may have a reel that’s only 3.2-1 and that’s a lot slower because the spool only turns 3.2 times per crank of the handle.
A reel you MAY run across is a hybird know as a spincasting reel. These are not considered professional and can be purchased for under $10. One bad thing about a spincaster is that you're limited in the amount of line you can use because a cover goes over the front of the reel and you have limited clearance. The heavier the line, usually, the less line you can use.
Part of being a good angler is being able to make the lure go exactly where you want. A good reel will allow you to do this. Coupled with a decent rod, a good reel will give you greater control of you lures and even allow you to read the bottom conditions through the retrieve!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*large image from morguefile.com
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