Fishing Reel

Like any other Fishing equipment, Fishing Reels are very important in almost any Fishing escapade. A Fishing Reel is a frame like a spool which turns on an axis, for winding the Fishing Line. It is attached on the bottom part of the Fishing Rod. Fishing Reels keep the excess Fishing Line on the spool, release line during Casting, and take back the line at a handle's turn. In this section we will take a look at the different Fishing Reel Types and characteristics. We will also learn how to operate Fishing Reels.

Fishing Reels - TypesFishing Reels are classified into two types: conventional and fixed-spool reels. Conventional reels have spools that revolve, and are widely-used in saltwater Fishing. On the other hand, fixed-spool reels, as the name implies, have immobile spools.
Within these two classifications are three types of Fishing Reels: Baitcasting, Spinning, and Spincasting.

Spinning Reel

The most commonly-used Fishing Reel type nowadays is the Spinning Reel. It is a fixed-spool reel wherein the housing around the stationary spool which is parallel to the rod's axis, spins around it at a turn of the handle. Obviously, the use of a Spinning Reel will produce a Casting Technique called Spinning. Since the spool is fixed, there's no way you can have backlash. Spinning Reels are available from ultralight to medium heavy sizes. Unlike Baitcasting Reels, Spinning Reels are less sensitive and can be bulky considering the larger sizes and the heavy lure and bait attached.

Baitcasting Reel

Is a conventional one so small that it fits easily to the angler's hand while mounted on the Fishing Rod. This type of Fishing Reel is used for bigger freshwater fish and small saltwater fish. Using this type of Fishing Reel will create Baitcasting. A Baitcasting Reel is good for its sensitivity to movement at the Fishing Line's end. However, Baitcasting Reels are inaccessible in ultralight line sizes and "backlash" tangles during casting are possible. Likewise, learning how to cast with Baitcasting Reel is a relatively hard job.

Spincasting Reel

Could be seen as a combination of a conventional and a stationary reel. Spincasting Reels are very angler-friendly and are advisable for children and beginners because at a push of the button, they are already operating the reel. That's why Spincasting Reels are also named as pushbutton reels. But here's the catch: among the three types of reels, Spincasting Reels are the least sensitive as far as the movement at the end of the Fishing Line is concerned. Also, you cannot totally control the lure or the fish and poor Spincasting is a possibility.

Fishing Reels - Casting with the Right Fishing Reel

A Fishing Reel is comprised of a spool placed on a sort of housing and fits on the Fishing Rod. A handle or crank is also found in the reel that lets you adjust on the length of the Fishing Line you need while Fishing. Therefore, the Fishing Reel makes it possible for you to have control on the Fishing Line as well as the bait and lure on the water. Another feature is the release device which is common to all Fishing Reels. This tool allows the Fishing Line to liberally get out of the spool when the angler needs to cast.

Casting is greatly affected by both the Fishing Rod and the Type of Fishing Reel that you use. It is important to know the proper way of operating your Fishing Reel in order to make a good cast. Here are some pointers in making a cast with the right Fishing Reel:

Spincasting

Spincasting is the easiest to learn, though it lacks potential for casting accuracy. This is ideal for first timers since a Spincasting Reel is so easy to operate that at a single push of the button, you are ready for casting. Here are the steps:

• Hold the Fishing Rod with the Fishing Reel facing up. Place the Fishing Rod trigger (a small curved extension found just underneath the Fishing Reel, on the other side of the Fishing Rod) between your index finger and third finger. Your thumb should be on the button of the Fishing Reel.
• Using your thumb, push the button and do not release it yet. In the likely event that you release it immediately, turn the reel handle to re-engage the Fishing Reel. Take note that there should be around six inches of the Fishing Line from the tip of your Fishing Rod to your Fishing Lure or Fishing Bait. Then push the button and keep it depressed.
• Take a look at your target and in a smooth movement, swing the Fishing Rod up and down. Bend your arm around 90° at the elbow. Do not rotate your shoulder so that your arm is located behind you. Raise your wrist to bring back the Fishing Rod.
• Sharply bring the Fishing Rod forward. Release the button only if the tip of the Fishing Rod is pointing above the target at an angle of around 45°. The Fishing Lure should shoot out toward your target.
• When your Fishing Lure already hits your target, turn the reel handle clockwise to engage the Fishing Reel.

This is the basic Spincasting motion. When the time comes that you are already getting used to it, you will learn that you can slow down the outflow of the Fishing Line with your fingers and the palm of your hand holding the Fishing Rod. This will allow you to shoot the Fishing Lure close to the target, and not completely missing it.

Spinning

Spinning is harder to master compared to Spincasting. But it will be worth your effort since Spinning allows you for more accurate casting. You can also change line spools on the water if you want. This enables you to switch from a lighter Fishing Line to a heavier one at that moment. With your rod and Spinning Reel, follow these easy steps:

• Hold the rod and Spinning Reel on the bottom. The Fishing Reel foot should fit between your second and third fingers. If you are not comfortable with it, put it between your index and second fingers, or between your third and fourth fingers.
• Reel in about six inches of Fishing Line between the tip of your Fishing Rod and the Fishing Lure by turning the reel handle clockwise. Reel in a little less or a little more until the line pick-up mechanism on the bail is on top of the Spinning Reel.
• Extend your index finger and hold the Fishing Line that comes out of the Fishing Reel.
• Point the tip of your Fishing Rod at your target and swing it up and then back behind you, to a point immediately past vertical. Raise your wrist to have the angle- your arm should not be positioned behind your shoulder. Swing the Fishing Rod sharply to the front. At this point, the Fishing Rod should flex so it provides power to the cast.
• When the Fishing Rod is already at an angle of around 45° above the target, release the Fishing Line by straightening your index finger.
• When your Fishing Lure hits your target, turn the reel handle to close the bail and engage the Spinning Reel.

Take note that you need to straighten your index finger and release the Fishing Line at the right moment. Releasing it too early will send your Fishing Lure upward, and if you release it too late, it will splash down on your feet.

Baitcasting

Baitcasting is by far the most challenging, but it can provide a really accurate casting. That is why expert anglers do this when situations call for it. Here are the basic steps:

· Locate the Baitcasting Reel spool's brake or the anti-backlash device located on the reel housing. Adjust it in such manner that the Fishing Lure slowly drops to the ground when the Baitcasting Reel is in the freespool mode, and when the Fishing Lure stops moving, the spool also stops turning.

· Hold the rod with the Baitcasting Reel above. There should be around six inches of Fishing Line hanging from the tip of the baitcasting rod. Firmly place your thumb on the spool and puch the button to put the Baitcasting Reel in the freespool manner.

· Turn your hand holding the rod 90°. Your knuckles should be facing up. Point the tip of your rod at your target.

· Keep your elbow at the side of your body. Bend your wrist to place the tip of the rod up and back over your shoulder to a point past vertical.

· In a snapping motion, bring the rod forward, bending your wrist. At this time, the upper portion of the rod should bend.

· While the rod springs forward, simultaneously release your thumb from the spool. Do this when the Fishing Lure flies at a relatively low and slightly curved trajectory and when it is at its highest momentum toward your target.

· When the Fishing Lure is already near the target, put a "featherlike" pressure on the spool. Then slowly increase the pressure as the Fishing Lure gets nearer and nearer your target. When the Fishing Lure finally hits your target, thumb the spool to a stop.

· Turn the reel handle clockwise to engage the Baitcasting Reel.

In Baitcasting, it is important to learn the right amount of pressure to put on the spool and when to apply it. Right timing is very crucial for a successful cast. In this case, practice makes it perfect.

Fishing Reel Buying Guide - How to Buy Fishing Reels

Nowadays, there are so many kinds of Fishing Reels commercially available. Just imagine the amount of time you will likely to spend just finding the right Fishing Reel. But you can narrow down your choices by determining beforehand the main features and components. This way, you will be able to compare and contrast each kind. You must also consider your level of skill, the water where you will be fishing, and what species you are after.

Here are some guidelines in buying the appropriate Fishing Reel:

• Choose the type of Fishing Reel. Discussed in previous sections are the three basic types of Fishing Reels- Spinning Reel, Spincasting Reel, and Baitcasting Reel. If you have already decided on the type of Fishing Reel, make it a point that you are comfortable with it.
• Check the gear ratio. This refers to the number of revolutions made by the spool at each complete turn of the reel handle. Fishing Reels with high gear ratios work best when you need to quickly retrieve the Fishing Lure back to you. On the other hand, Fishing Reels with lower gear ratios are suitable for bottom fishing and trolling because of their greater cranking ability.
• In the case of Spinning Reels, turn the reel handle and check if it runs smoothly. If you notice a wobble, there is a problem in balance and stability. Better Spinning Reels have counter-balanced handles which are easy to use and operates smoothly.
• For Baitcasting Reels and some large Spinning Reels, take note of the level wind mechanism. This feature automatically assures you that when you retrieve the Fishing Line, it is distributed uniformly on the spool. Some level mechanisms are longer-lasting than others.

There are many factors to consider in buying for the right Fishing Reel. Buy the one that meets your specific requirements and will not let you fail when fishing.

Fishing Reels come in different features, characterisatics, and types. Sensibly enough, each Fishing Reel Type has its own application. Likewise, there are points to consider when buying one. Knowing these information will help you a lot in choosing the Fishing Reel that is suitable to your Fishing needs.