Outdoors Central

In many ways, bait casting and conventional reels are a lot alike, but what differences exist determine how anglers make use of them in saltwater and fresh. Although they are both worlds apart from spinners, bait casting and conventional reels are nearly alike with each other. Is it possible for a greenhorn fisherman to tell the difference? Although some reels could be used for either use, non-spinners are actually meant fishing from a boat (vertically) or the shore (cast).

The first step is to notice how they are alike. Both have a spool whose axis is perpendicular to the particular rod where it is mounted. These spools spin when you let out the line or cast. The way they are aligned is designed to allow the line to let out smoothly, since the spool is the tool releasing the line. However, the spinning reel’s axis is parallel to the rod, and the spool keeps the line still while the fisherman casts, because the line releases in loops before reaching the first guide.

Each also offers a crank handle, which is found on the reel’s side, and lefties or right-handed anglers can use them. A level-wind feature is present on each as well, offering a guide that moves forward and back across the spool. As you release or reel the line, it winds the line evenly, rather than allowing it to pile on one side or the other unevenly.

Now, bait casters are built to maintain their best performance, meaning smooth release of the line and a safety against every fisherman’s nightmare—backlash. Most manufacturers use magnets or even centrifugal brakes to help avoid this backlash. Backlash is a common problem, happening when the lure/bait hits the water, stopping suddenly. However, the spool is still spinning, and it quickly winds itself back over its spool. Most fishermen hate this “bird’s nest” effect, but novices see it often. These reels (meant for saltwater) usually include such models as Saltiga’s Surf, Abu Garcia’s C3, the SX by AVET, and Shimano’s Calcutta, among others.

Conventional reels are more suitable for dragging fish toward your boat efficiently. The in-line alignment of this reel makes sure that all of the stress of reeling in big fish is on the fish instead of the parts of your equipment. Since they require less effort, these reels are often more comfortable, and they are designed to work well with trolls, live lining, three-ways, and jigs, like the Charter Special (Shimano), Sealine (Daiwa), and, the friend of every fisherman, the 114 and/or 113 by Penn.

There are surely a wide variety of reels on the market, so of the other popular Penn Reels include: Penn 975 Reel and Penn 209.

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 spring in the northeastern part of the United States, new schools of bass can be found in the local rivers. This is the time that fisherman will be looking for heavier line to accommodate this type of fishing.  Most are convinced that they need 20-lb line or even heavier.  This is especially true of the novice angler – they are often ill equipped with a reel that isn’t sufficient for this type of line, but remain determined to try it.  Unfortunately, this will almost always end badly as reels are geared towards specific line weights.

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.

Anglers would have a reel for everything in an ideal universe. Because this isn’t a perfect world, I usually tell them to have a reel set for the heavy fish, at the least. If they can’t afford this, or simply do not want to fool with it, I then recommend using braided line. Braided line offers a significantly smaller diameter than traditional mono, often nearly double the pound-for-pound test. This gives fisherman heavy line on a smaller-diameter spool without giving up a good cast. This thin diameter, combined with no memory retention and slippery coating, makes braided much smarter for improving cast distance. Nevertheless, the drawback is that it is not resistant to abrasion. To improve this, make sure to use a 3 or 4-ft fluorocarbon or mono leader, too.

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.

Common sense is the secret to spinning reel issues.  Understanding how your reel works, understanding the best line to use on it and a common sense approach to keeping it filled will result in better overall results.  Better overall results with your reel mean that you will enjoy a day of fishing rather than fighting all day with your reel and your line. Make sure that your reel is in proper working order, that you are using the recommended line size and that your reel is properly filled will all combine to make a great day of fishing.

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 Penn reels include Penn 975 Reel and the Penn 209.