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CHECK IT OUT
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REELS
Reels, the powerhouse of the fishing system are also
the heart of the system and must be kept in top working condition. Reels are
line storage areas as well as having the function of controlling the line.
Reels also hold the drag system. The drag system is that part of the reel that
controls just how much pressure is put on a fighting fish. It is adjustable
allowing for different degrees of pressure to be put on the fish as conditions
require. Too much drag and you break the line, too little drag and you lose
control of the fish. The best drags are very smooth and no jerking can be felt
as the fish strips line off the reel during a run. The drag on you reel should
be preset before you hook up with a fish. Most fishermen set their drags by
pulling the line off the reel while loosening the drag. The line should be able
to be pulled off the reel without it breaking or snapping the rod. Drags are
set in direct relation to the action of the rod and the size of the line that is
being used. There are four basic types of reels used in fishing. They are
spinning, spin casting, fly and bait casting or conventional. All reels have
pros and cons for the type of fishing that you are doing.
Spinning reels
are often called open faced reels because the spool and line is fully exposed at
the front of the reel. They are sometimes referred to as stationary spool reels
because the spool does not revolve while casting or retrieving. The balloons
off the spool during a cast and during a retrieve the line is picked up by the
bail and wound around the spool. The spinning reel imparts very little friction
during a cast and is therefore noted for its efficiency in casting. Spinning
reels are popular because they are easy to cast and can handle lite lines.
Spinning reels are mounted under the rod and are available in many different
sizes and models capable of handling the lightest line, 2 pound test, to heavier
lines, up to forty pound test or better. Spinning reels have interchangeable
handle allowing both right and left handed people to use the same reel. The
biggest disadvantage to the spinning reel is that because of its design it is
susceptible to severe line twist. This is because the line is wound around the
reel putting one twist in the line with every revolution of the bait. Governed
by gear ratios this can mean up to five or more twists in the line for every
turn of the handle.
Spin casting reels are widely used reels and are
often called closed faced reels because the stationary spool of the reel is
covered by a hood or nose cone. The closed faced reel is generally mounted on
top of a bait casting or spin casting rod. It is cast by pressing a button on
the reels as it is cast. This action releases the line. The reel is very easy
to operate and "backlashes" or tangles seldom occur. Spin casting reel are
generally found on kids combinations and are commonly "spooled" with medium
weight lines. As with other reel, the spin cast reel comes in different styles
and sizes and quality. The most popular brand of spin casting reel and the one
most of us started out with is the Zebco.
Bait casting reels are commonly
called revolving spool reels and level wind reels. The bait casting is mounted
on the top of the rod and is available in many different brands, models and
price ranges. Spool tension is controlled during the cast by thumb pressure
that is applied to the spool. Applying the right amount of pressure is somewhat difficult to learn and is the main
reason why the bait casting reel has lost its popularity over the years. The
bait casting combination is still popular among bass fishermen as it allows for
heavier plugs and line to be used efficiently. The bait casting combination is
very accurate once the angler learns how to use it. The biggest advantage of
the bait casting system is that the revolving spool virtually eliminates line
twist.
Fly reels serve one basic function and that is to store line.
Most quality fly reels can be positioned so that either a right handed or left
handed angler can operate it. Single action reels are the most popular and
require one turn of the spool to make one revolution of the spool to retrieve
line. It is also the least expensive reel. Today, there are fly reels that are
designed for salt water use and are equipped with a drag system. These reels
are expensive but well worth the added expense.
Selection and care for
fishing reels can be somewhat confusing. The most obvious consideration is that
a spinning reel be matched with a spinning rod, a bait casting reel matched with
a bait casting rod and so on. A reel designed for the proper line weight is
also very important. You do not want a surf casting reel designed to hold 300
yds, of 20 lb. test line for trout fishing with 2 lb. test line. It is all part
of the balance of the fishing system. Gear ratios -play an important part in
reel selection. The gear ratio tells how many turns of the reel handle will
relate to how many turns of the bail will take place. Lures that require a fast
retrieve will do best with a high gear ratio such as a 5:1 ratio.
Like
rods, reels come in different sizes to help maintain the proper balance of the
fishing system. Reels are offered in ultra-lite, lite, medium and heavy action.
The proper reel size will be determined by the size of the rod and line you
want to use.
The care you give your reel will determine how long it will
serve you. With proper care, the reel will last and serve you well for many
years often times being passed down from father to son. Line should be examined
frequently and changed at least once a year. Reels should be disassembled and
cleaned at least yearly. If the combination is heavily fished or used in salt
water, more frequent service is needed. Cleaning a reel is relatively easy and
can usually be done by the fishermen. Reels should be regularly oiled with a
lite oil and frequently examined. Pay special attention to the handle and bail.
FISHING LINES
Fishing lines are probably the most confusion part of the fishing system
and the only link between you and the fish. Each line has its own
characteristics and should be matched to its intended use. Basically today's
lines fall into the following categories: monofilament, Dacron or braided and
the new super braids like spiderline. In each category there are numerous sub
divisions only adding to the confusion.
Monofilament line is made up
of a single strand of nylon. Nylon is melted and then passed through an
extruder to the proper line diameter required. It is one of the most popular
lines in use today and serves a multitude of conditions. Mono line is flexible
and can be used in a variety of reels. Today's manufacturers have developed
mono lines that are much softer and easier to cast than previous lines. These
popular lines now come in a wide range of colors and line strengths from 2 lb
test to 200 lb test. The high visibility line is well suited for trolling while
the low visibility lines are well suited for fishing in very clear water. While
monofilament lines vary in terms of strength, diameter, knot strength, impact
resistance, stretch, abrasion resistance, and rigidity, the best lines will test
out at just over their stated strength when wet in order to keep line diameters
small and other characteristics in tact. A small diameter helps increase
casting distance. Depth penetration, minimum visibility, and provides maximum
line storage on the reel. Monofilament lines not only vary in their chemical
properties but also in their physical ones. Economy lines are not as strong or
as uniform as premium lines and can, ultimately can be the most expensive line
you will ever use when taking into consideration broken line, lost lures and
lost fish. Monofilament lines come in various spool sizes ranging from 50 yd
spools to bulk spools containing thousands of yards.
Braided lines are a
soft, flexible line that lays well on the reel and has less stretch than
monofilament. Braided lines are made of nylon or Dacron. Braided lines used in
fresh water are generally softer than Dacron and are made of nylon. In fresh
water, braided lines are used with bait casting equipment. Braided lines used
in salt water are generally made of Dacron, which is somewhat stiffer and has
less stretch, works well for trolling and big game fishing but is difficult on
knots and generally needs to be spliced. Some fishermen like jigging with
braided line because of its lower stretch properties.
Fly lines are
completely different from monofilament and braided lines. Fly lines are
determined by weight not strength. In order to have a correctly balanced fly
fishing system, the weight of the line must be balanced with the weight of the
rod. Most quality fly rods are marked with the proper weight line to be used
with the rod. Manufacturers use the numbers 1 to 14 to classify their lines
with the number 1 being the lightest line. The number generally precedes
letters to describe the line's properties. Example: (DT) Double Taper, (L)
level. (WF) weight Forward Another number system is found after the number - (F)
for floating, (S) for sinking, and (F/S) for floating with a sinking tip. An
example of the complete classification system is DT8F which means a double taper
line in weight 8 and Floating. Modern fly lines are made from braided line that
has been covered with a plastic coating. The plastic coating gives the line its
characteristics such as level, tapered or weight forward. Level lines are the
least expensive and tapered lines are important for delicate presentations.
Weight forward lines are best used to achieve distance and for salt water
presentations. Some lines like the long belly rocket taper were developed to
achieve distance with a delicate presentation. Most fly lines are available in
floating and sinking lines. Sinking lines are classified as slow sinking,
medium sinking and fast sinking. An ultra fast sinking line is also available.
The varieties of line allow the fisherman to fish different levels of the water
column and take into consideration different water conditions. Some companies
offer floating lines with sinking tips that allow the tip to sink from three to
thirty feet. Fly lines are thick and heavy therefore requiring a leader to
prevent the line from being seen by the fish. Fly lines are usually sold in
spools ranging from 90 to 115 feet. In order to gain some extra length, anglers
use a backing of braided line in 20 or 30 pound test. Backing is generally a
braided Dacron line. Like those used in spinning, fly leaders are made of
monofilament and metal. Fly leaders are generally the length of the rod with a
common taper of 10 pound down to 2 pound test.
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