Fishing Reels - A Primer

There's nothing like the thrill of a big catch when you're standing on the bank of a stream or river, with the sun sparkling on the water. You play the fish until it tires, carefully reeling it in. This is when your choice of reel is critical to your fishing success.

What exactly is a fishing reel? It is a piece of fishing equipment that allows anglers to cast and retrieve fishing line. It is basically a spool and axle that mounts on a fishing rod, although some reels are designed to mount on boats. There are three basic types of fishing reels: bait casting, fly-casting and spin casting.

The Bait Casting Reel

Complex is the word that comes to mind when considering bait-casting reels. The line is pulled off the rod by the weight of the lures being used. It is thrust forward by the fisherman's action of casting. These reels usually provide a device that lays the line evenly across the rotating cylinder, which acts as the core of the reel. If your cast is not smooth, it can cause problems when the line is reeled in. The line can become tangled, which is frustrating to the user. Great lengths of time can be wasted untangling the line when using bait-casting reels. These reels are not recommended for beginners or children.

The Fly Fishing Reel

Two items are important to keep in mind when choosing a fly fishing reel. One is to ensure that it has a drag that is extremely responsive. The second is to be sure it can stand the tension and strain put on it when you have a significantly large catch. Fly casting reels are more expensive than other types of fishing reels. When purchasing a fly fishing reel, look it over with an eagle eye and ascertain that there are no plastic parts. It isn't unusual for plastic to fail when you have a large fish on your line. All-metal reels are much more reliable and are worth the extra price you will pay.

The Spinning Reel

Spinning reels come in two types: closed faced and open-faced.

The closed faced reel is inexpensive and easy to use. It is the best type of reel for those who are learning to fish. Closed faced reels are almost trouble-free, yet are capable of bringing in your catch, whatever it may be. Closed faced spinning reels have a push button release for casting, and have an opening in the top where the line comes out when you cast. This type of reel is mounted on your fishing rod. Spinning reels are used by people who are fishing hobbyists, casual sportsmen, beginners and children. If you buy a prepackaged rod and reel, this is usually the type of reel that's included.

The open faced reel is more difficult to use, and comes in a variety of sizes. Ultra-light models are great for catching pan fish. Larger models will be needed for game fishing or ocean fishing. The open-faced reel has a greater line capacity, and is useful when fishing for salmon and trout. These reels have a smooth drag, which makes them an excellent choice for the longer run game fish.

Left- Or Right-Handed Reels

If you're a beginning fisherman, you should probably choose a closed face reel. As your fishing skills are honed, you may wish to upgrade to an open-faced reel, and eventually move on to more advanced reels. Always keep in mind that you don't want to choose a reel with plastic parts that can fail if you catch a good-sized fish. A good rule of thumb when choosing a reel is: the lighter the line, the smaller the reel. Be sure the reel you purchase is compatible with the type of fishing line you plan to use. If you're choosing only one reel, a medium speed is best. If you plan to buy at least two reels, choose both a high and low speed. There is a difference between reels for right- and left-handed people. Be sure you purchase a reel that is compatible with your dexterity. Left-handed reels turn counter clockwise, while right-handed reels turn clockwise.