The Spin on Fishing Reels
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 rods 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. |
