James RickardYer mighty fast pardner!
June 29th 2007 01:27
This is one of the nerdy things you MAY need to know. It can come handy if you go to buy fishing equipment!
We're going to be talking about reels but you can get all that stuff about brands, spinning vs. casting, and the like out of your head. We're going to get REAL (or REEL) basic and talk about some of those numbers that are driving you crazy. You know--what's a 3.2 reel as opposed to a 7-1?
To make a long story short, those numbers tell you how many times the spool (where the line actually is) turns when you crank the handle. The spool of that 7-1 reel turns 7 times while the spool of a 3.2-1 reel turns a little over three times. (I hope that makes sense! If it doesn't, gimme a shout!)
A fairly logical question would be something like, "Why all the crap? Why don't they just SAY how much line it takes up?" That seems like a fair question but it would involve too many variables. On top of that, for proper computation, you'd have to know the diameter of your line! Considering this, the alternative would be for companies to leave us hanging, only getting by when they provide a formula to use with their reel. And then, there are always people (like me) who are LOUSY at math. So, you can see why reel manufacturers decided long ago to cut their losses and go with the gear ratios.
Do you really need to know this???? I would have to answer "Yes!" Aside from making it easier to shop for a reel, I have a practical, real life application from my own fishing. As I stated in another post, I like to let my line drift with the current. It's not uncommon for me to have to reel up over 100 feet of line. If I tried this with my trusty Zebco which is 3.2-1, I'd be there all day! Instead, I only do this with my Daiwa reel which is 7-1. I have another reel which is 5.2-1 and I used to let the line out on that one. It wasn't bad until I got spoiled by my Daiwa!To further illustrate this, it takes over two cranks of the 3.2-1 reel to take up the same amount of line gathered in by a 7-1.
REMEMBER THIS IF NOTHING ELSE--that's why they call 3.2-1 a SLOW reel and the 7-1 FAST.
That may be why it takes so darned long to reel in your line!
Your reel may look something like this...
...or like this one
A fairly logical question would be something like, "Why all the crap? Why don't they just SAY how much line it takes up?" That seems like a fair question but it would involve too many variables. On top of that, for proper computation, you'd have to know the diameter of your line! Considering this, the alternative would be for companies to leave us hanging, only getting by when they provide a formula to use with their reel. And then, there are always people (like me) who are LOUSY at math. So, you can see why reel manufacturers decided long ago to cut their losses and go with the gear ratios.
Do you really need to know this???? I would have to answer "Yes!" Aside from making it easier to shop for a reel, I have a practical, real life application from my own fishing. As I stated in another post, I like to let my line drift with the current. It's not uncommon for me to have to reel up over 100 feet of line. If I tried this with my trusty Zebco which is 3.2-1, I'd be there all day! Instead, I only do this with my Daiwa reel which is 7-1. I have another reel which is 5.2-1 and I used to let the line out on that one. It wasn't bad until I got spoiled by my Daiwa!To further illustrate this, it takes over two cranks of the 3.2-1 reel to take up the same amount of line gathered in by a 7-1.
REMEMBER THIS IF NOTHING ELSE--that's why they call 3.2-1 a SLOW reel and the 7-1 FAST.
That may be why it takes so darned long to reel in your line!
[Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
What's the advantages to either reel?
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
If you're looking for accuracy in casting, a baitcaster (top photo) is definitely the way to go. A lot of people also like the star adjustment for the drag. The big bugaboo with this reel is that it's easy to get a backlash or birdsnest from casting. One older trick is to control the spool with your thumb. Although magnetic dampening helps stop this, it's still easy to get things wrong and get that spool going like crazy and then it keeps spinning when your bait hits the water, resulting in a tangled mess!
It's easier to adjust the drag on a spinning reel but, it can be hard to do when the chips are down because it's often located at the front of the reel. One big plus for the spinning reel is that they are so easy to get and priced so anyone can afford one. Some people say it's harder to tangle this one--I'll debate that. I wouldn't say it's harder or easier--just different.
Having used both and having both, I think the biggest thing is to get one or the other and then get really, really good using it.
Jim
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I tie my fishing line to my big toe. Which reel would you recommend for me?
I really want to improve my fishing, I never seem to catch anything, from the sea or anywhere else, but, then again, that could be an advantage in real life.
Would you be able to give me some wheel advice, I never could pronounce my 'r's.
katyzzz
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...