Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Right Fit: Choosing the Proper Fishing Reel

There is no shortage of choices when it comes to fishing reels. Walk into any fishing specialty store and it is easy to get overwhelmed by the seemingly endless models of reels. For beginners, picking out the right one can be a humdinger. How does one distinguish between the different designs and features?

To make the process easier, the purpose of the reel has to be identified. For example, there are reels specifically designed for bait casting as well as equipment made for freshwater use. Bait-casting reels are most commonly used by those going for large fish such as bass. The reason for this is that they the lines are quite heavy and can be cranked easily. The fishing pole necessarily then, also has to be quite strong. For fish that will put up a fight, these features can be quite valuable.

Spinning reels are usually used with light lines and small lures or baits. This type of reels generally has a diameter line of about two to 10 pounds. Spinning reels are standard equipment for those who prefer lighter game such as trout. They are also beginning to gain in popularity among bass anglers who are discovering the advantages of spinning equipment and the necessary fishing pole.

For those who are planning on going saltwater fishing, the line diameter is the most significant feature of the fishing reel. Saltwater fish are typically bigger so the line diameter has to increase proportionately as well. Bait-casting reels that are used in saltwater go by the term conventional reels. However, the name should not fool anyone: developments have been made to their design to make them more effective at catching fish. Conventional reels are usually used for trolling and fishing at the bottom of the sea because the bait or lures need not have to be thrown very far.

One of the most significant considerations when choosing the right reel for the needs and preferences is that the same model can come in different sizes. Spinning reels go from 1000 to 6000 in size. As the number increases, so does the size. Small reels have an equally sized spool so the line used has to be small in diameter. Fortunately, manufacturers usually print out recommendations on the label to decrease confusion. For freshwater and saltwater bait-casting reels, the most common sizes come in three digits such as 100 or 200.

Choosing the proper equipment is vital when it comes to fishing. Not only will you need to have the equipment that you feel comfortable using, but you also need to balance your choice with how effective it will perform.
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VMT Singuillo is a freelance writer. Some of his articles involve medieval shields, camping tents, sleeping bag, compound bow, rifle scope, spotting scope, and more.