The fishing reel is one of the first major decisions you
need to make when starting out. Because the type of reel you’re using will determine what type of rod you’ll need.
First, I’ll talk about fishing reels in general, then about the different types.
For our purposes, there are 3 types of reels.
Spincast (Also known as a closed face)
Spinning (Also known as a open face)
Baitcast
Even though each kind is different, all reels share some major components:
Components of the fishing reel
Spool- This part of the reel holds the line. Spools vary in size and in the amount of line hey can hold. As you look at each reel, you’ll see a listing like, 12/160 or 8/250. This tells you how much of a certain pound test line the spool can hold. In the 2 examples, the spool can hold either 160 yards of 12 lb test or 250 yards of 8 lb test line.
Bail- The bail has 2 settings, open or closed. It’s the mechanism that either prevents or allows line coming off the spool. An open bail allows line to come off the spool
A closed bail- prevents the spool from letting line out. Before casting your line, you open the bail. After the cast is completed, the bail is closed when the handle is turned. Sometimes you’ll hear the bail click after you’ve turned the handle. This click is the bail closing and is normal.
Handle- The handle is what’s used to retrieve (more commonly called crank) the line back onto the spool.
Drag-The drag system makes it harder for a fish to pull more line off the spool. When fighting a fish, the rod does its job by absorbing the shock from the line. The drag engages and makes it more difficult for the fish to take additional line, thus tiring out. This is one reason why you hear stories of fisherman catching bigger fish using light line.
Be sure to check your drag periodically throughout the day to make sure it’s set properly. What’s considered properly set? With the bail closed, try to pull line from the reel. Try to estimate how hard the fish will pull and pull with the same force. Did the line come off the reel to easy? Then tighten your drag. The line was overly difficult to pull? Then loosen the drag. Hey, it’s not rocket science! Adjusting the drag is done in various ways depending on manufacturer and model. Listed below are some of the more common ways drag systems are seen on reels.
A number system 1-10,* (commonly found on spincast and spinning reels)
An arrow pointing to the words less or more * (commonly found on spincast and spinning reels)
Located inside the handle (called a star drag). * (commonly found on spincast and baitcast reels)
You’ll want to look at the instructions for you’re reel to determine how to operate the drag.
Drag is something you’ll need to understand and know how to use. Take some time and learn how to adjust the drag for your reel. Adjusting it will either make the fish fight harder or it will make it easier on him to pull line from the spool. I suggest playing with this setting so you’ll get comfortable making the proper adjustment. Keep in mind it’s something that may need to be changed several times a day depending on how the fish are fighting. You may be wondering, “If setting the drag tires out the fish, why not just tighten it down all the way to begin with�? There are a couple of reasons why you don’t want to do this:
- It will increase the tension on the line causing it to possibly break
- Adding too much pressure could cause the lure to be ripped from the fish’s mouth during the fight.
Either way the fish is getting away from you.
On the flip side, if its set too loose:
The fish will run taking your line around stumps, rocks etc. until it breaks.
The fish could simply shakes his head, and because of the slack on the line, the lure comes free.
The line must stay tight at all times.
You’ll learn to use the drag over time. Unfortunately, the lessons can be heartbreaking knowing that one got away because it wasn’t properly set.
Ball Bearings- Without getting into too much detail, the number of ball bearings determine the smoothness of the reel. Simply put the more ball bearings the better.
Types of Reels
All these reels have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a general breakdown of each.
Spincast Reel (Also known as a Closed Face reel)
These are great for beginners because they’re easy to operate and simple to learn. It’s a matter of pushing the button (the bail) and casting. As a general rule, it’s good for 6-12 lb test line. Some manufacturers offer the ability to change it from left to right handed with a screwdriver. These reels require a casting rod because the reel sits on the top of the rod. Not only are they easy to use but when it comes to getting to the spool, it’s a simple matter of twisting off the cover. These are simple inexpensive general purpose reels. This type of reel is easier to cast in the beginning, but is more difficult to remove line twists and tangles.
Spinning Reel (Also known as a Open Face reel)
Spinning reels are easy to operate and are good for beginners. Some manufactures allow the handle may be changed to accommodate either a left or right handed person. In addition, they may include an additional spool when the reel is purchased. This feature is nice because you can have the additional spool filled with another type of line, making it more versatile than either the baitcast or spincast reels.
This reel is the easiest to remove tangles, because the spool is exposed. If there is a tangle, it’s a simple matter of flipping open the bail and pulling line off. There is a bit more to learn when casting this reel compared to the spincast set up. It will take a beginner less than an hour or so to become familiar casting with it.
Baitcast
Let me begin by stating that I do not suggest baitcasters for your first reel. Maybe your third or forth once you’re proficient with the other two reel types. With that said, let’s get started!
The baitcast reel is different than the other two, in the way the spool operates. With the spincast and spinning models, the spool is fixed. Meaning, when the line is retrieved, the bail mechanism revolves around the spool putting the line back on.
Baitcast spools are not fixed, they spin. This is most notable during the cast. When you cast, the lure pulls the line, causing the spool to spin. When the lure hits the water, it stops pulling line. The problem is, the spool is going so fast it can’t stop, and the line keeps coming out if the spool isn’t stopped. If the spool isn’t stopped in time, you’ll have a twisted mess on your hands. These messes are called backlashes or birds nest (since that’s what they look like). It takes lots of practice and patience to get the knack of using one consistently.
This reel requires a casting rod because the reel attaches on top of the rod. Regardless of which type of reel you choose. Find a reel that your comfortable with and practice practice practice. Over time you’ll gain a certain amount of confidence that will help you to become a better fisherman.
A note about line tangles
There are two things that can cause a tangle:
The line is twisted (nothing a swivel tied to the end of your line can’t fix)
The line is not tight against the spool
Here are the steps to tighten the line onto the spool:
- Go to a large field such as a school or neighborhood common area
- Tie the end of your line to something stationary such as a light pole or small tree etc.
- Open the bail and walk away. The line will come off the spool as you walk. Be sure to walk off all the line.
- Once all the line is off the spool, start cranking the line back on while keeping tension on the line.
- Make sure the rod has a small bend as you crank in the line.
I hope I’ve been able to provide you with a good overall introduction to the different types of fishing reels. Along with information about choosing the right one for you.
© 2007, Scott Gaines. All rights reserved.