Fishing is doubtlessly a great hobby that takes you close to the nature, relaxes you and makes you forget all your everyday worries. If you’ve decided to develop this hobby, spinning reels can be a great starting point. Let’s learn about this versatile fishing tackle.
While starting fishing, you have to choose your fishing reel style, and at that point, spinning reels can be a perfect option for amateur anglers young and old alike. Spinning reels are easy to use. They are an open-face reel that can match a lightweight setup and for light, live baits, which are ideal for a beginner. Here we’ll see the components of spinning reels and learn about how to choose the best spinning reels.
Components of Spinning Reels
Drag
Drag system is the one that adds or removes tension from your fishing line. This is a knob on top of the spool (and sometimes, even in the back). It enables you to adjust the frictionless plates, which reduces or increases your tension. This adjustability can help the angler while fighting fish.
Thus if you catch a fish but have a lighter drag, the fish will get more control, whereas if you have a tighter drag, the fish will get less control, but it will also increase the tension on your line.
Spool
The spool is just below the drag knob. It houses the fishing line and is specific to your particular reel. When you reel, the spool doesn’t spin but the line is around it and this prevents the line from tangling. This helps you in smooth casting and releasing.
While adding line to the spinning reel, you should check the line capacity of the spool and should mark or note it somewhere on the component’s face.
Bail
The bail plays two important roles. Firstly, it acts as the casting trigger. You should open or activate bail for the line to spool off correctly, to cast your bait. You should close the bail to retrieve or reel in. You should turn the handle to close as if you’re reeling. The automatic closing system must activate. The bail can even be closed manually by flipping it to its original position. This method is preferred by some anglers because it gives them more control on how much line is releasing from the spool.
Secondly, the bail keeps your fishing line in-line as it detaches and spins over your spool. Without the bail, your fishing line can lose direction, which can further cause knots and restrict performance. The bail thus performs the function of keeping everything in order for smooth casts and retrievals.
Handle
Although baitcasting reels are left- or right-hand specific, you can change spinning reels to suit your needs. You can change your right-hand retrieve to a left-hand retrieve and vice versa by unscrewing the knob on the opposite side of your handle.
Anti-reverse Switch
Lastly, your spinning reel contains an anti-reverse switch. It is usually located at the bottom of your reel and can help while fighting fish. It enables you to backreel i.e. reel in reverse, instead of depending on your drag system for line tension.
This is perfect for lighter fish; however, if you have to deal with anything bigger than a bass, it’s recommended to rely on the drag.
How to Choose the Best Spinning Reel?
Smoothness
While buying a spinning reel, you should find as many small bearings as possible. For beginners, 6 bearings can be sufficient. If you’re in doubt, you can buy 7+ if you want to have smoother casting. Never buy 1-2 bearings as you then will have problem casting.
Anti-reverse and Drag Gears
Learn where the settings of the drag are positioned. Typically they are located near the spool. If you catch a big fish and if you find the drag positions in front of the spool, you can easily win the fight.
Never settle on cheap drag systems that are poor as the drag system must be very sensitive. Catching a salmon is impossible when your drag is not adjustable.
You should also look for an anti-reversal system so as to prevent your line from going in reverse if you pull it.
Ratio of Gear and Spool Diameter
The ratio of gear is defined as the total number of spins your spool does in a complete rotation. The diameter is the spool’s width. In case of a larger diameter, the line accumulated will be longer. Typically the reel can handle 40 inches of a line on every turn.
Frames
The frames of the reel should be chosen carefully. Metal frames are more durable than plastic ones, especially of aluminum. You can even consider carbon fiber as the material for the frame.
Check the cranking arm carefully and make sure it won’t bend no matter how much pressure they are applied with. Make sure the crank handle doesn’t bend with your hand. Also check the stem connecting the reel to the rod. If it can be flexed, it’s great.
It takes time to choose the best spinning reel. Don’t hesitate to ask professional anglers for an advice. Also try several reels and place them on your rod to find which one works the best. The best ones must neither feel too fast nor too slow. All the best!
