Fishing Reel Information
The humble fishing reel is often thought of as just the bit on the end of your fishing rod that winds the line in. We anglers should not underestimate their complexity and importance. The spinning reel is the choice of most fisher men and women; however a better choice could be made depending on the type of fishing we take part in. However, even when knowing your fishing type, making the right choice is not an easy one when scanning the shelves of your fishing tackle shop. Getting to grips with the workings of a fishing reel will assist you in making the right choice and you will realize that by choosing a reel that has less mechanical parts you will be reducing the chances of potential failure when out fishing.
Reel Body:
The reel body is the first part of the reel that is apparent. They can be fabricated from plastic, aluminum, steel or graphite. Graphite, for example, is a good degree lighter than aluminum but not as robust. The type of fishing your intend to take part in will largely dictate your choice. If you are, for example, targeting big heavy fish then aluminum is a better choice; on the other hand if you are after smaller fish then a graphite reel will lighten your load. Another plus side of graphite is that it has a resistance to corrosion particularly from salt water. Have a good feel, to make sure your intended purchase feels solid and the action smooth with no reverse play or parts that rattle when the reel is shaken.
Size Is Important:
Reel size is also a real consideration. Should you choose to be using a heavy line, for example, you will require a larger reel and the reverse is also true. Generally a ten pound line is sufficient for most occasions; however, if you intend to go after large saltwater species then you will need a large reel with some stronger line.
Gearing Up:
The gears within a fishing reel are very important. When you rotate the reel handle this in turn rotates gears within the fishing reel mechanism. The ratio of handle turns to spool turns is important. If say your reel had a 4:1 ratio this would mean that for every turn of the crank handle the spool will go through 4 revolutions. If you want more torque to bring in larger fish you may want to choose a ratio of 3:1. This does, however, have a negative side, this is that the action is not as fast as 4:1. The higher ratios are great for reeling in smaller, lighter fish, faster.
What a Drag:
A fishing reel has an inbuilt drag system. This comes into action as a fish pulls on the line it allows the controlled release of line as the fish plays and fights. The drag system assists in the absorption of the fish's efforts thus reducing the chance of a snapped line or a dropped reel.
Don't Lose Your Bearings:
Ball bearings are also very important mechanical parts of the reel that ensure smooth action and operation aiding the whole fishing experience.
Finally:
If your fishing reel is of poor quality then so will your fishing be. Spend proportionately on your fishing reel as, in the long run, you will experience better fishing. However, that is not to say go crazy and buy something that is not only too expensive but could be too big for the type of fishing that you choose to take part in.
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