Getting The Most Out Of Your Spinning Reel
Anyone who makes a living in a tackle shop has had customers asking questions about spinning reels. Anglers come in and want to learn the best way to use a heavier line on those reels. They also will ask what lines will help them cast and which lines are suitable for various types of fishing. The good news is that even if you don’t work in a tackle shop, you can answer these questions for your angler buddies!
In the northeast, striped bass start invading local rivers in the early spring making it one of the busiest seasons for tackle shops. Fishermen are trying to determine which line is most suited for the best bass fishing. Bass can require line in the 20-lb range and in some cases, even heavier line. The novice fisherman is more likely to have problems with this than the seasoned angler. Too often, the novice will have an undersized reel and expect it will work effectively with this heavier line. This can create poor casting results.
Most fishermen would do well to review the side of their spools. Each reel has a recommended line length and line size. Too often, fishermen exceed these limits only to discover that their casting is not what it should be. Like it or not however, spools are designed to hold certain diameter lines and only certain amounts. Exceeding these limits will definitely create casting problems. It’s important that all fishermen be aware of the limitations of their reels. Monofilament lines remember the shape they take on when added onto a reel. Exceeding limits means that the angler is running the risk of creating a batch of knots when casting and recalling line. The heavier the line, the more it ‘remembers’ the original shape. Opening the bail helps the line cast, but as you slow it down, it causes high friction levels. If an angler doesn’t use some caution, they will spend the rest of their fishing day dealing with a tangled mess that can’t be cast no matter what they do.
In a perfect world, there would be a reel for each purpose. For many anglers, braided line is the answer – its smaller diameter and lack of memory combined with far more strength than monofilament helps ensure a good cast. Because braided line doesn’t ‘remember’ the shape it was originally in, it is perfect for those who are trying to cast long distances. It also has a slippery coating that helps keep the casting smooth. One drawback of braided line is the fact that it is far less abrasion resistant, but this can be resolved by simply using a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader in conjunction with braided line.
You must fill your reel appropriately to get the best possible results. An under-filled or over-filled reel can create all types of problems and this can ruin a great day of fishing. The best option is to always keep your reel filled to approximately 1/8 of an inch below the lip of the reel. This will ensure the perfect cast first time, every time.
Learning the fundamentals of reels and lines doesn’t require you to work in a tackle shop. Ensuring that you are using the right weight and length line is easy – just read the side of your reel. Make sure that your reel is filled to the proper line and you’ll have far less casting issues as well. When in doubt, elect for braided line that can help you bridge the gap between an under-filled and over-filled reel.
When you are deciding on which type of reel is right for you, doing the proper research is the best thing you could do. There are many manufacturers out on the market today, some of the most popular reels include Penn International 975, Penn 209, and Daiwa SLD30.
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