How To Use These 3 Types Of Fishing Reels: An Essential Guide For Beginners
Fishing is a surefire way to relax and spend time outdoors with family or friends. If you’re interested in trying out fishing or angling for the first time, there are several considerations to keep in mind when investing in a suitable fishing reel. Although it can be challenging for newbies, learning about the basics of reels used in fishing will be a good starting point. Doing so will help you find the right one for your needs.
When looking for the ideal fishing reel, you need to consider the style of fishing you want to try, the price tag, ease of maneuverability, and the life span. Some essential types include the spincast, spinning, and baitcasting reels.
If you can start with the basic fishing reel and steadily move on to the advanced reel, it can be a rewarding experience. Mastering the different fishing reels will allow you to enjoy different fishing environments and catch many fish species.
If you want to experience first-hand flipping and pitching while fishing for bass, using an appropriate reel is essential, ideally a reliable baitcasting reel. When it comes to the ideal choice of flipping and pitching reels, you can choose from various reliable brands on the market to catch bass.
Basic Types Of Fishing Reels
As a newbie in fishing, you need to understand the different types of basic fishing reels. Starting with the simplest option will ensure a good start with fishing. Here are the different kinds of fishing reels and the essentials you should be familiar with.
- Spincast Reel
One of the simplest fishing reels on the market is the spincast reel. It’s the ideal choice for newbies with a strict budget and comes with a straightforward design.
A spincast reel is built with a nose cone, usually made of metal that houses the crucial elements of the reel’s structure. In most models, you can find a button on the rear part that you can switch to release the spool or secure the line in a locked position.
One of the main features of a spincast reel is the mechanism that adjusts the drag. It generally allows you to gauge the resistance level a fish experiences as it starts to pull on your line. In most spincast reels, the drag is typically on the side or close to the reel’s handle.
- How To Cast A Spincast Reel
The best feature of the spincast reel is straightforward casting which is an advantage for beginners. In most models, holding the button controlling the spool is all it takes, and proceeding to swing and letting go. After you let go of the button, you’ll see the line propel to the direction where you’re pointing the rod’s upper point. Once the line reaches the desired area, hold the button again.
- Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Spincast Reel
The spincast is the ideal starting reel for beginners. The main advantages of the spincast reel are straightforward operation and less likelihood for tangles or knots to happen. Additionally, spincast reels are available at an affordable price range.
Aside from the advantages, you should likewise be aware of the drawbacks. Although spincast reels are affordable and easy to use, they’re susceptible to damage with constant use. The reason is the closed design that tends to hold water along with particles and debris within the reel.
Another disadvantage is that most spincast reels on the market are not made with durability in mind. Sadly, a reel isn’t likely to last more than two fishing seasons. Lastly, if maximizing your fishing experience is one of your goals, this reel won’t make it possible due to its short range when casting and mediocre precision, unlike other reels.
- Spinning Reel
The spinning type is the preferred choice among fishing enthusiasts. Generally, it requires a slightly higher level of maneuverability than the spincast reel but is more durable. Luckily, if you’ve become adept at using a spincast reel, moving on to a spinning reel is easy to learn.
The spinning type has an open design with a drag adjustment mechanism on the top part. It’s also equipped with a reel bail responsible for locking and preventing the fishing line from unwinding. Remember that the bail also helps guide the line as it returns through the spool, ensuring that there are no knots with the line.
Another unique feature of a spinning reel is that most models attach to the underside or base of the rod. Generally, it allows anglers to maintain a natural position while holding the rod, helping maintain good balance during casting.
- How To Cast A Spinning Reel
Even if it’s your first-time casting with one, you’ll find it a relatively simple process. You only need to release the metal bail and hold the line using your index finger over the rod as a way to stop it from unwinding. Proceed to swing the rod overhead or sideways, whichever method you prefer. While doing so, you must let go of your index finger in the middle of the swing. Direct the rod’s tip to the spot you want the bait to go.
A common mistake of newbies when using a spinning model is letting go of the metal bail after casting. Take note that most models automatically secure the reel bail once you begin to throw your line. If you’re not careful when manipulating the bail, the line might not align with the spool after your initial spin, resulting in inconvenient twisting and tangling of your line. Always switch the reel bail to its starting mode every time you throw a line.
- Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Spinning Reel
Once you can master a spinning reel, it’s the ideal choice if you want to catch various fish species and try out different habitats. It also works well with smaller lures and baits. Furthermore, another key advantage is the superior casting distance it allows.
Although most consider the spinning reel an all-around choice, it has drawbacks. You’ll notice that you’re likely to end up with nasty tangles or twists if you’re careless when operating the metal bail. Another disadvantage is you’re limited to light gear since using a heavy line or lures can affect the overall performance of a spinning reel.
- Baitcasting Reel
Once you improve your angling skills, it might be time to move on to a baitcasting reel. Generally, it’s considered an advanced type, often the top choice of professional anglers due to its power and superior accuracy.
If you look closely at a baitcasting reel, you’ll notice that it has a more complicated design with many components. Therefore, mastering one will require regular practice and patience. However, consider it a worthwhile experience to improve your fishing skills.
A baitcasting reel rests right on the upper part of the handle and boasts a partially open housing that ensures a durable build. The mechanism that controls the drag is adjacent to the reel’s handle. There are two extra components, namely the braking system and knob that controls the reel, that offer customization and better performance.
Generally, the two additional components allow you to adjust the line’s speed as it rolls out. Both bring other benefits, such as allowing you to propel the fishing line to the distance you want and preventing the reel from rotating rapidly, which could lead to a tangled mess.
- How To Cast A Baitcasting Reel
Casting a baitcasting reel requires practice for proper execution. The reel works best with a heavier line and lures. Although a baitcaster offers better control, it also requires a seasoned thumb to operate the reel effectively. It would be best to press the spool using your thumb to prevent the line from unwinding out of control.
The reason for this is that baitcasting reels lack a metal bail. It’s best to do this right in the middle of throwing the line for better precision. Once you can direct the bait to the desired spot, you must ensure the line is secure by pressing a clip.
- Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Baitcasting Reel
Among the basic fishing reels, a baitcasting reel stands out in terms of power and precision. It’s capable of handling heavy lines and ensures superior pulling power, making it the ideal choice for larger fish species. While using it, you can feel the line as it rolls out, allowing you to stop if you want to. It’s also customizable, allowing you to catch bottom-dwelling fish or utilize a drop shot rig to reel in bass.
Although it’s considered the superior option, a baitcasting reel has its share of drawbacks. If it’s your first time using one, remember that you must change the setting on the braking system and spool tension if using lures of varying weights. Having to switch the settings constantly can inconvenience some anglers.
Furthermore, the high price tag of the baitcaster, usually ranging from USD$100 up to USD$500, presents a considerable disadvantage.
If you want to take your fishing skills to a new level after mastering the basic fishing reels, consider trying out fly fishing, a more active form of fishing.
Final Thoughts
When you first venture into fishing or angling, it’s crucial to know everything about fishing reels. Finding the right one for the type of fishing you want to engage in is important. Starting with the basics is recommended as it will keep you from being overwhelmed. It will also help you improve your fishing skills gradually but steadily.
Remember that it requires time to master the different types of fishing reels. Practicing using various reels until they become second nature to you will make your fishing experience ultimately more rewarding.
