Unwind with the right reel
There are many reels for different purposes. It is important that the correct reel is purchased for the type of fishing being carried out. It is also extremely important to match the reel to the rod by matching the weight of both.
Spinning Reels
The spinning reel is the most commonly used fishing reel. Spinning reels are also called Spinners, Threadlines and Eggbeaters because of their design. They are the most popular style of reel because they come in a wide variety of sizes to catch a wide range of fish, as well as being easy to use. These reels are ideal for casting bait and soft plastics.
Side Cast Reels
Side cast reels are commonly called 'Alveys' as this is the most popular brand. Side Cast refers to the way the side of the reel is turned towards the sea during the casting operation. These reels are popular because they have very few moving parts and are therefore low maintenance. This is great for beach fishing because they can be dropped in the sand, washed in the saltwater and then fished with.
Baitfeeders
A baitfeeder reel is a variation of the spinning reel. There are many names for this style of reel including; baitrunner, freespoolerand liveliner. They have a two drag system. The baitfeeder drag is used to allow the fish to take the bait without feeling tension from the reel. The normal front drag is used when the fish is hooked. Baitfeeders are used when fishing for bream, snapper and species that tend to suck baits into the mouth then swim off.
Baitcasting Reels
Low Profile Baitcaster
Low profile baitcasters are designed for accurate casting. They are light and comfortable for casting lures for long periods of time and can be cast one handed. They do not hold a lot of line and are therefore normally used for light to medium freshwater and estuary fishing. Low profile baitcasters are perfect for species such as bass in freshwater and flathead in salt water. Many anglers use this style of reel for Barra as they are more comfortable to use for all-day casting.
Barrel Baitcaster
These baitcasters are generally larger and more robust than a low profile baitcaster. They hold more line and are often used for casting larger lures. Larger sized barrel baitcasters are popular for fishing medium to large lures and bait for barramundi.
Overhead Reels
Star Drag
Star drag overhead reels have a star mechanism on the side near the handle. By turning this star the angler can either put more or less drag pressure on the line to tire a fish during the fight. They hold large amounts of line which makes them popular for deep sea fishing for larger fish.
Lever Drag
Lever drag overhead reels have a lever, instead of a star, to control drag pressure. A lever drag makes it easier to adjust the drag while fighting a fish. There is a setting called the strike drag that can be preset at a certain pressure. This means that whenever the lever is moved to strike, the angler knows exactly how much pressure is being applied, for example, 8kg. This reel is popular among anglers trolling and live baiting.
Game Reels
Game reels, as the name suggests, are for chasing game fish including marlin, yuna and kingfish. They are the largest, most robust and powerful of the overhead reels. The reels are capable of holding large amounts of heavy line. They feature lever drags and the ability to handle much heavier drag settings. These reels are not designed for casting.
Reel Maintenance
Fishing reel maintenance is extremely important. Here are a few tips to prolong the life of a reel:
- Never leave the reel on a rod after use
. - Lightly rinse reels with fresh water.
- Use warm soapy water and a cloth to wipe the reel clean.
- Spray reel with a moisture repellent such as 'Tackle Guard'.
- Back the drags off to prevent constant compression of the drag.
- Do not leave in direct sunlight.
- Reels should be completely serviced once a year.
- After cleaning, store the reel in a neoprene cover for extra protection.
