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!
Spring is the most popular season at most tackle shops in the northeastern U.S., as striped bass have begun to occupy local rivers. Know-it-all fishermen understand that they will need line that is geared for heavier prey now, probably in the 20-lb or heavier range. Novices tend to have more problems, hauling in small reels and expecting us to work a miracle with monofilament line that is much too heavy. If we comply, their cast will be affected by this unsuitable diameter decision.
A quick look at the side of reel spool will easily clue the angler in on the best line length and size for their particular reel. Exceeding these limits will create casting issues – including choppy casting and ultimately – knots, clumps and other inconveniences that can ruin a great day of fishing. It’s important to note that the data on the side of the reel is based on monofilament line. By its nature, monofilament has a memory – that means that once it’s placed on the reel, it will retain its shape and conform to the reel. Of course, this also means that it begins to coil which can create issues when casting if you don’t exercise proper caution. The heavier the line, the stiffer it is and of course this means more coils. Once you open the bail and the line starts to come off the spool any pressure you put on it causes it so slow down and also causes friction. The end result could be a disaster – for instance a short, tangled cast.
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.
One of the most common problems we see is spools that are not filled completely. This lack of recommended line greatly hampers your ability to cast, since it causes an undue amount of friction on the spool’s outer lip once you release the line. Conversely, too much line also hurts your cast, so do your best to keep the spool filled to roughly 1/8 of an inch below the lip.
You don’t have to have a degree in engineering to fix your spinning reel’s problems once you learn the fundamentals of reel and line cooperation. Simply keep your spool filled adequately, learn recommended line size and length, and, if push comes to shove, use thin braided line to keep to the recommended amounts. After all, you will have a much better fishing trip if your reel is as it should be.
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 975, Penn 209, and Daiwa SLD30.
