Spinning reels vs Baitcasting reels
Let's try to make a little sense out of the situation. The first question is: Should you get a spinning reel or baitcasting reel? But, as we'll see, that's certainly not the last question
Spinning Reels
Stare at the spinning reels in the display case and you're confronted with more numerals than in an overseas telephone number: 5, 6, 8, 10, even 15 ball bearings, and gear ratios like 3:1,4.5:1, 6:1. As the number of ball bearings goes up, so do the prices.
Fortunately not every ball bearing is created equal. Some are more important than others. The rotor which turns as line is wound onto your spool is the single most important place for bearings. Also, both ends of the drive gear shaft should have bearings because it takes a lot of abuse. Another worthwhile place for bearings is the line roller.
Gear ratio affects your retrieve speed. If you always fish a quick retrieve, a fast 6:1 ratio would be great. Most anglers will do best with a medium retrieve of about 4:1 or 4.5:1.
Drag is one of the most important things to consider. Make sure your reel has a smooth drag that adjusts well. Rear drag systems are the easiest to adjust, but front drags usually perform better.
Now knowing a little about spinning reels, let's list a few pros and cons and compare them to baitcasting reels.
Pros:
- Easier to cast than a baitcasting reel.
- Easier to do a side-armed cast under overhanging branches.
- Handles lighter lines and lures better than a baitcasting reel.
- Easier to find left-handed models.
Cons:
- The bail breaks easily.
- Takes two hands to cast.
- Short casts are difficult to control.
Tip:
- An easy way to get rid of line twist when you're out fishing in a boat is to reel in, take off your lure , then start feeding line off the aft of the boat as it moves along. The twists will work themselves out of the line.
Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting reels are more difficult to master, and proper setup is crucial. The right setup will help reduce backlash.
With the reel on your rod and a lure the same weight as you use on your line, fully tighten the spool tension rod. Next hold the rod parallel to the ground and push the spool release. The lure should not move. If the lure dropped toward the ground, the spool tension rod was not tight enough. Gradually loosen the spool tension rod until the lure drops slowly to the ground. This is the correct setting.
Next adjust the baitcasting reel's braking system. In more expensive reels, leave 3-4 brakes engaged. On reels where the braking system is adjusted by turning a knob, start out with the brakes at about 3/4 engaged.
Every angler will occasionally suffer from the dreaded "birds nest" in his baitcasting reel, but these adjustments should help minimize the problem.
Let's finish up with a few baitcasting reel pros and cons and a couple of tips.
Pros:
- Stronger. Can handle bigger fish and longer battles.
- More durable yet lighter weight.
- Better drag system.
- Gives more control over lure.
Cons:
- More difficult to master.
- Backlash.
- Cannot handle very light line and lures.
- More expensive.
- Hard to find left-handed models.
Tips:
- To remove a backlash, pull line out of the reel into the rod's guides. When you get to a place that won't pull out, press down on the "knotted area" hard with your thumb, engage the reel, and reel in. Now the line should pull out. If it didn't, try the trick again. It may take a few times, but often you can clear up a backlash this way.
- Have a spare reel immediately available so you don't suffer too much down time. If there is one absolutely true rule that applies to all fishing all the time it is this: You can't catch fish if your line isn't in the water. Don't fiddle around too long trying to untangle that bird's nest.
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