Reel Good Fishing

A good fishing reel can mean the difference between an average experience and an outstanding one. Having reliable, easy to operate equipment allows you to focus on what you have come to do, fish and relax. You get what you pay for in a fishing reel. Here are some basics to scratch the surface.

If you are a kid, there is no shame in sporting a fishing reel combo with your favorite cartoon character on it. You will likely only get in a sword battle with it after Dad gets tired of telling you “bait in the water” or “don’t hook your brother”.

As you grow in to the sport, you will likely start with the “closed face” or “spin cast” reels. By simply pressing the button and then releasing as the cast follows through, you can cast a country mile. With these, the worst thing that can happen is the line just doesn’t come out. They are trouble-free reels. Many old-timers swear by them today. Ahem, Tom.

Slightly more complex, and a dream for left-handers, is the “open face” or “spinning reel”. These require a little more skill to operate as you have to open the bail while keeping the line on your finger to cast. The spooling of the line is more free and for added convenience the spools may be replaced if needed. Also, the line is not guided by one little metal stub as in the closed face. Drag performance is also much more consistent.

The bait caster is for those who have mastered the art of fishing. There are a couple of kinds to choose. The kind you can cast and the kind you can’t. The casting variety look smooth and boast the number of ball bearings inside. These share traits of the spinning reels as they spool freely, have excellent drag characteristics and have replaceable spools. The catch is backlash if you are not careful and experienced. The kind you don’t really cast are for trolling or letting the line out to the bottom. I suppose you could cast them, but generally you don’t.

This is a starting point but is by no means all there is to know. Find more in our forum or add your two cents. A good reel must be matched with a good rod. The weight of line and the species of fish and fishing conditions must be considered. Remember, you get what you pay for. Without a rod and reel, your a noodler.