When it comes
to fishing, the
right equipment is essential if you want to actually catch anything.
Freshwater fishing will use different equipment compared to salt water
fishing. It
can literally be the difference between having cramp in your hand and
fishing effortlessly. One piece of equipment that is extremely
important is the fishing reel.
When
it comes to fishing, the
right equipment is essential if you want to actually catch anything. It
can literally be the difference between having cramp in your hand and
fishing effortlessly. One piece of equipment that is extremely
important is the fishing reel.
The Different
Types of Freshwater Fishing Reels
Long
gone are the days when fishing included a long stick and a limited
length of fishing line. These days, high tech equipment is often used
including high tech rods and high tech fishing reels. There are three
main types of freshwater fishing reels.
1. Spin
casting Reels
These reels are placed on top of the rod and are ideal for beginners as
they are easy to use and inexpensive.
2.
Bait
casting Reels
Bait casting reels also sit on the top of the rod. They are otherwise
known as Casting reels. They offer fishermen more control while
fighting a fish and casting a fish inland. Their downside, however, is
that they can be difficult to use, so they are definitely not good for
beginners. They are also susceptible to Backlash which basically means
the line becomes tangled.
3. Spinning
Reels
Spinning Reels hang below the rod and are often a lot more expensive
than other types. However, they can cast further and are also more
versatile. They are easy to use and are suitable for beginners. The
great thing about these reels is that the handle can be changed to suit
either right or left handed people.
The
Various
Components That Make Up the Fishing Reel
So, you know the types of reels available, but what about the
components of the reel. There are various factors you need to take into
consideration before choosing the right one for you. The Spool varies
in size and it is the part of the reel that holds the line. Each Spool
holds a different amount of fishing line and therefore, you need to
choose carefully which size you will need.
When purchasing your Spool,
look for how much weight it can hold and how long it is.
You will see a
listing similar to 10-250 or 15-180 that basically means it holds 10
pound test and there is 250 yards of line, or it holds 15 pound test
and there is 180 yards of line. It is really simple once you know what
you are looking for.
The Bail is another thing you have to consider. There are two settings
on the Bail open and closed. It is what stops the line coming off the
Spool. Before you are set to cast your line, you open the Bail.
Once
you have cast the line, you should turn the handle as this closes the
Bail. Once the handle is turned, it makes a clicking noise that simply
means that the Bail is closed. You will not always hear the click, but
do not worry if you don’t. The Drag makes it hard for fish to pull more
line from the Spool. When a fish is fighting with the rod, the
rod
absorbs the shock and the drag.
It is always worth checking the drag
throughout the day, just to see that it is properly set.
Overall, the best type of freshwater fishing reels are the Spinning
Reels because of their versatility and their ease of use. They may be
more expensive, but they are definitely worth it and they should last a
long time!