Getting The Most Out Of Your Spinning Reel

You will always have customers asking questions and making requests about their spinning reels (and ones they want) if you make a living at a tackle shop. Most anglers want to learn how to spool their reel with line that offers heavier test. They also want to have better casting abilities and discover what line is best for which purpose. However, you don’t have to be employed in a tackle shop to answer these questions and more.

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.

Most anglers don’t have the luxury of having a reel for every type of fishing they do. The best case scenario is that they would have reels that are suitable for heavier fish, though many elect not to. If this is the case, the best option is to use a braided line. Although braided line is not as abrasion-resistant, it does still have some benefits. First it is much thinner (based on weight), it has virtually no memory and it’s got a slippery coating that makes it ideal for long casting. You can overcome the issue of abrasion by simply adding a three or four foot leader created from fluorocarbon or monofilament.

One of the biggest mistakes that create problems is reel that is not filled properly. Remember, the recommended line amounts are on your reel for a reason – this is the optimal amount of line for optimal fishing. Under-filling a reel or over-filling hampers casting. The rule of thumb for optimal casting is to fill your reel to about one eighth of an inch below the rim – this will help ensure the best possible casting results.

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 International 975, Penn 209, and Daiwa Sealine SLD30.