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There's nothing like standing on the bank of a stream or river,
the sun sparkling on the water and feeling the thrill of a big
catch. You play the fish until it tires, carefully bringing it
in using your reel. Your choice of reel is important when you're
an active fisherman.
A fishing reel is a piece of fishing equipment that is devised
for sports and hobby fishermen to cast and retrieve fishing
line. It is a spool and axle that mounts on a fishing rod. There
are also reels that have been specifically designed to mount on
boats. There are three basic types of fishing reels: bait
casting, fly casting and spin casting.
Bait Casting Reels
Bait casting reels are extremely complicated. The line is pulled
off the rod by the weight of the lures being used. It is thrust
forward by the motion of casting. These reels usually provide a
device that lays the line evenly across the rotating cylinder
that acts as the core of the reel. If the cast is not smooth, it
will cause problems when the line is reeled in. The line can
become tangled, which is frustrating to the user. Great lengths
of time can be spent untangling the line when using bait casting
reels. These reels are not for beginners or children.
Fly Fishing Reels
There are two specific things you need to be aware of when
choosing a fly fishing reel. One is to ensure that it has a drag
that is extremely responsive. The second thing is to buy a fly
fishing reel that can stand the tension and strain put on it
should you have a significantly large catch. Fly casting reels
are more expensive than other types of fishing reels. When
purchasing a fly fishing reel, look it over with an eagle eye
and ascertain that there are no plastic parts. It isn't unusual
for plastic to fail when you have a large fish on your line. All
metal reels are much more reliable and are worth the extra price
that you will pay.
Spinning Reels
There are two types of spinning reels - closed faced and open
faced.
The closed faced reel is inexpensive and easy to use. It is the
best type of reel for those who are learning to fish. Closed
faced reels are almost trouble free, yet are capable of bringing
in your catch, whatever it may be. Closed faced spinning reels
have a push button release when casting and have an opening in
the top for the line to come out when cast. This type of reel is
mounted on your fishing rod. Spinning reels are used by
fishermen who are hobbyist, casual sportsmen, beginners and
children. If you buy a prepackaged rod and reel, this is usually
the type of reel that's included.
Open faced spinning reels are more difficult to use and comes in
a variety of sizes. Ultra light models are great for catching
pan fish. Larger models will be needed for game fishing or ocean
fishing. Line capacity on an open faced reel is greater and is
serviceable when fishing for salmon and trout. They have a
smooth drag, which makes them an excellent choice for the longer
run game fish.
A closed faced fishing reel is perfect for beginners and
children, as mentioned above. As your fishing skills are honed,
you may wish to upgrade to an open faced reel and then move on
to more advanced reels. Keep in mind that you don't want to
choose a reel with plastic parts that can fail if you catch a
good sized fish. A good rule of thumb is the lighter the line,
the smaller the reel. Be sure the reel you purchase is
compatible with the type of fishing line you plan to use. If
you're choosing only one reel, a medium speed is best. If you
plan on buying at least two reels, choose both a high and low
speed. There is a difference in reels for right and left-handed
people. Be sure you purchase a reel that is compatible with your
dexterity. Left handed reels turn counter clock wise while a
right handed reel turns clock wise.
If you have trouble choosing a reel, ask a family member or
friend who is an avid angler to lend you a hand, or ask the
staff at your local fishing store. Anyone who has experience in
fishing will be more than glad to help in any way they can.
Shop for Reels
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