Fishing Reel Buying Tips
It’s tough to find the right fishing reel these days. That statement alone is kind of amazing considering how simple this was once upon a day. But not these days. We are in the technological world and it has filtered down to the great sport of fishing. Not that it is a bad thing. But it can be confusing.
Let’s take a look at some of the key points to keep in mind when considering a new or used fishing reel. (and this is by no means a comprehensive list. Just a point or two)
1. Pick the right type of reel. There are lots of variations of reels and they all have their value in certain circumstances.
a. Spinning Reel - The most popular and commonly-used reel. They are good for general use and general interest fishers.
b. Baitcasting Reel - Very small and easily fits in an angler’s hand when attached to a rod. Good for bigger freshwater fish.
c. Spincasting Reel - A combination of conventional and stationary reel. Great for beginners, but the least sensitive of reels.
2. Get the gear ratio right. Reels with high ratios are great if you need to quickly get your lure back. But if you are trolling at the bottom, a lower ratio with more torque is best.
a. For spinning reels, do a turn check and look for smoothness in the motion.
b. For baitcasting and some spinning reels, make sure to check on the “level wind” system that uniformly spools the line cleanly. These mechanisms vary widely in their quality.
Of course, we are just touching on a couple points here, but you can see the value of the right reel for your fishing experience.